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Title: Genetic Analysis of Yield and Yield Contributing Traits in Bread Wheat
Abstract :

Ten wheat genotypes were crossed in diallel manner excluding reciprocals. The crosses along with parents were analysed for combining ability and significant variation was found amongst genotypes for various yield and yield contributing traits. ANOVA revealed that mean square for general combining ability was significant for all the traits studied except for spike length. Mean square for SCA was also non significant for spike length while for all other characters it was significant. Out of total 45 crosses 5, 8, 4, 7, 8, 3, 3, 11, 11, 13, 8 and 11 crosses showed significant SCA effects in desirable direction for days to 75% heading, days to maturity, flag leaf area, number of productive tillers per plant, plant height, spike length, number of spikelets/spike, number of grains/ spike, 1000 grain weight, biological yield/plant, grain yield/plant and harvest index, respectively. Two cross combinations viz., HD 2967 × NIAW 1594 and KFA/2*KACHU × WH 1187 were identified as good crosses due to them having higher per se performance and significant SCA effects for three yield and yield contributing traits so these crosses presents an opportunity for commercial exploitation either in form of hybrid varieties or as base material for selection of potential homozygous lines from transgressive segregants for improvement of yield levels of bread wheat.

Title: Stability Index Based on Weighted Average of Absolute Scores of AMMI and Yield of Wheat Genotypes Evaluated Under Restricted Irrigated Conditions for Peninsular Zone
Abstract :

Highly significant effects of environment (E), G×E interaction and genotypes (G) were observed by AMMI analysis during 2018-19 and 2019-20 study years for wheat genotypes evaluated at major locations of Peninsular zone of the country. WAASB measure observed suitability of HI 1605, HI 8805 & HI 8802 genotypes. Superiority index while weighting 0.65 and 0.35 for yield & stability found MACS 6695, HI 1605 & NIAW 3170 as of stable performance with high yield. PRVG and MHPRVG measures observed suitability of NIAW 3170, MACS 6695 & MACS 6696 wheat genotypes. Moreover, the average yield of genotypes ranked NIAW 3170, MACS 6695 & MACS 6696 as of order of choice. SI expressed only negative values of correlations most of other stability measures except of MHPRVG, PRVG, yield. WAASB measure exhibited direct relationships with other measures analogous of negative values with MASV, SI, MHPRVG, PRVG, yield. Analytic measures MHPRVG & PRVG had only positive values with SI, and yield remaining stability measures maintained negative values. MP1358, NIDW1149 & NIAW3170 would be suitable genotypes as per WAASB measure during second year of study. Superiority index found MP1358, NIAW3170 & MACS4087 as of stable performance with high yield. PRVG and MHPRVG measures observed suitability of MP1358, HI1605 & MACS4087 wheat genotypes. More over the average yield of genotypes ranked MP1358, MACS4087 & HI1605 as of order of choice. SI expressed mostly negative values other measures except of weak direct relation with MASV1, MASV along with strong with yield, MHPRVG & PRVG measures. WAASB measure exhibited direct relationships with other measures and indirect with only MASV1& SI.

Highlights

  • Stability measure WAASB based on all significant interaction principal components observed suitability of wheat genotypes associated with lower values of measure.
  • Superiority index provided variable weighting mechanism between stability and yield of genotypes under multi environment trials. Assigning 0.65 and 0.35 weights to yield & stability respectively selected wheat genotypes of stable performance with high yield.
  • Recent analytic measures of stability PRVG and MHPRVG measures expressed strong association with superiority index.
Title: In silico analysis of the germin like protein multigene family members of tomato with predicted oxalate oxidase activity
Abstract :

Germins and germin like proteins (GLPs) have been reported as plant glycoproteins belonging to the superfamily. They have been documented to possess enzymatic activities leading to the generation of H2O2, a reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hence, members of the GLP family have been proposed to play major role in plant disease resistance through ROS-mediated signaling. Interestingly, the functional characterization of GLP(s) in terms of their suitability as a key player in plant disease resistance has remained under-explored in case of tomato (Solanumlycopersicum L.). In the present study, 15 tomato GLPs, predicted to have oxalate oxidase activity, have been investigated in silico. Deduced multiple amino acid sequence alignment-based clustering of these proteins was carried out to classify them into 3 sub-families. All the proteins were found to contain the conserved amino acid stretches, representing the BoxA, B and C, and an inter-motif region of variable length. It was observed through homology modeling and structural alignment that the active sites of all except 3 of these proteins have Mn2+ bound at the active site involving the three conserved histidine and one conserved glutamate residue(s). The active site architecture was analyzed with a comparative view in order to examine the metal binding capacity of tomato GLPs. Thus the present work makes a platform for further genetic, molecular biological and functional genomics studies in the field of tomato GLPs, the possible key players for conferring biotic and/or abiotic stress tolerance, in future.

Title: Adaptability Measures for Wheat Genotypes Evaluated under Northern Hills Zone of Country for Irrigated Timely Sown Conditions
Abstract :

Wheat genotypes were evaluated under multi environment trials for Northern Hills Zone of India to study the adaptability performance. Genotypes HS612, HS507 and HPW430 were of high yield and better adaptability by analytic measures of adaptability based on BLUP values during 2015-16. Two interaction principal components, accounted for 89.9 % of total GxE interaction sum of squares in biplot analysis. HPW428, HS613, VL2020, VL2024 had specific adaptations to Almora and Malan while HS616, HPW423, HPW430, VL2021, HPW426 expressed for Shimla and Khudwani locations. Wheat genotypes HS612, HS507 and HPW430 were cited by analytic measures as per BLUE values. HPW429, HS613, VL2020, VL2024 had specific adaptations to Almora and Malan while HS616, HS618, HPW425, HPW426, HPW430, VL2023, VL2021, HPW426 observed for Shimla and Khudwani. Second year (2017-18) had seen high yield and better adaptability of HS631, HS632, VL2030, VL2025 genotypes as per BLUP values. Biplot analysis expressed specific adaptations of HPW429, HS613, VL2020, VL2024 to Almora and Malan locations. BLUE values based measures showed high yield and better adaptability of HS631, HS632, VL2030, VL2025 genotypes. Biplot analysis while utilizing 79.5 % of total GxE interaction sum of squares exhibited specific adaptations of HPW446, VL907, HS632, VL2025, VL2030 to Almora and Shimla. Stratification of wheat genotypes as per BLUP values was more efficient than that by BLUE. Biplot analysis exhibited more of GxE interactions sum of squares by first two significant principal components based on BLUP as compared to BLUE values.

Title: Qualities of lemongrass (Cymbopogan citratus) essential oil at different drying conditions
Abstract :

Cymbopogon citratus is widely used in nutraceutical industries due to its strong lemony odor for its high content of the aldehyde citral and small quantities of geraniol, geranyl acetate and monoterpene olefins. Present studies were conducted to estimate the essential oil at different drying condition viz., sun-drying, shade-drying and oven-drying and analyzed for physicochemical properties (acid value, saponification value and iodine value). The maximum essential oil (3.05%) recovered in oven drying method while, the minimum saponification value (142.59 mgKOH/g) was recorded in sun drying method, however, the minimum acid value (4.14 mgKOH/g) and iodine value (114.31gI 2/100g) were recorded in shade drying method. The essential oils were analyzed by GC/MS instruments and identified eleven different components. Among the components identified, geranial (citral-a), neral (citral-b), caryophellene and limonene were found major components in the lemongrass essential oils.

Title: Non-linear optimization model for border irrigation system for wheat crop (Triticum aestivum)
Abstract :

Nonlinear optimization design models were developed for field conditions to design and manage border irrigation system using Lewis-Kostiakov infiltration equation. The design criterion used in the models was the depth of irrigation and basic infiltration rate of the soil. The objective function of the nonlinear model was constructed on the basis of a relationship between net returns and water application efficiency. The design variables of the models were the inflow rate, length of run, cutoff time, number of borders per set and number of sets. The nonlinear model gives a better representation of the design parameters and is more flexible because it permits easy changes in the objective function.

Title: Soil risk assessment of heavy metal contamination near Oil Refinery area, Northeastern India
Abstract :

The present paper aims to maps Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb concentration and assess the hazard in the soils of surrounding agricultural fields affected by oil refinery drainage of Digboi refinery of Tinsukia district, Assam using statistics, geostatistics and GIS techniques. The amounts of Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb were determined from 97 samples collected within the contaminated area. Among the heavy metals studied, the mean concentration of Pb was high. The greatest and the smallest standard deviation were observed in the Ni (44.1) and pH (0.47), respectively. Analysis of the isotropic variogram indicated that the Cr and Cd semivariograms were well described with the circular model, with the distance of spatial dependence being 1240 and 1022 m, respectively, while the Pb and Ni were well describe with Gaussain model, with the distance of spatial dependence being 1930 and 2321 m, respectively. The ordinary kriging maps of Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb showed that high concentrations of heavy metals were located in the low lying area. Indicator kriged probability maps of soil Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb were prepared based on the concentrations to exceed the respective Food and Agriculture Organization maximum permissible limit (MPL) value of 100, 3, 30 and 50 mg kg−1, respectively. It was seen that whole studied area had a higher than 0.99% probability to exceed the MPL value of Pb. About 10% area of the study site was having higher concentration than MPL value of Cd and Ni concentrated at the centre and north-west corner of the study area, respectively.

Title: Response of baramasi lemon to various post-harvest treatments
Abstract :

Baramasi lemon is an attractive fruit for its unique flavor and acidity. Harvesting period of winter crop of Baramasi lemon coincides with the cooler part of the year and there is low consumption of lemon fruits during winters, which leads to the glut in the market. Baramasi lemons are sensitive to chilling injury and it is difficult to store in the commercial cold stores. So, there is a need to enhance the shelf-life of Baramasi lemon fruits at ambient conditions. Keeping this in view, an experiment was conducted during 2014 to study the effect of chemicals and modified atmosphere packaging on the storage life and quality of Baramasi lemon fruits. Mature green Baramasi lemon fruits of uniform size and colour were harvested and treated with gibberellic acid (25, 50 &75 ppm), boric acid (1, 2 and 3%) and sodium benzoate (2, 3 and 4%) and packed in low density polyethylene (LDPE) bags. Fruit were analyzed for various physico-chemical characteristics after 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of storage. Results revealed that minimum spoilage and total soluble solids (TSS) and maximum physiological weight loss reduction, palatability rating, acidity were recorded in gibberellic acid @ 75 ppm + LDPE packaging during the entire storage period. It can be concluded that gibberellic acid @ 75 ppm along with LDPE packaging was found to be most effective in extending the post-harvest life of Baramasi lemon fruits at ambient conditions for 60 days.

Title: Molecular modeling and docking approach to predict the potential interacting partners of AtMAPK3P with the members of bZIP transcription factor family in Arabidopsis
Abstract :

Protein-protein interaction plays key role in predicting the protein function of target protein thus the identification of PPIs is of primary importance. The  in vitro  and  in vivo  methods have their own limitations, thus  in silico  methods which include structure-based approaches were developed. In this research work, we endeavor to identify the downstream interaction partners of (AtMAPK3P) in Arabidopsis thaliana using the docking approach. The results of our study revealed that out of 73 bZIP members of Arabidopsis thaliana 47 members are showing interaction with AtMAPK3P. Elucidation of protein interaction networks also contributes greatly to the analysis of signal transduction pathways. Recent developments along with the results obtained essentially enhance our knowledge of the MAPK interacting protein network and provide a valuable research resource for developing a nearly important link between pathogen-activated MAPK signaling pathways and downstream transcriptional programming.

Title: Verticillium lecani (Zimm.): A potential entomopathogenic fungus
Abstract :

Development of insect resistance and risk to the environment due to indiscriminate use of conventional chemical pesticides for insect pest management favored the introduction of one of the new alternatives as biological control. Entomopathogenic fungi are one of the most versatile biological control agents for sustainable management. The most considerable fungal species are Metarhizium spp., Beauveria spp., Nomuraea rileyi, Verticillium lecanii and Hirsutella spp. Out of these fungi, V, lecanii are opportunistic and widely distributed ascomycete fungi that has the ability to cause mycosis in a number of insects of orders Homoptera, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. V. lecanii are easy to mass produce, store and are effective over a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels. It also provides a rapid kill at optimum doses and the fungus has been recently commercialized as a microbial agent for pest management. It has the additional features to produce extracelullar enzymes, such as chitinases which helps in promoting host colonization. It also shows compatibility with commonly used agrochemicals such as insecticides or fungicides and other biocontrol agents. Because of these numerous advantages, it can be considered as a potential biocontrol agent’s in integrated pest management.

Title: Enhancement of Growth and Yield Parameters of Wheat Variety AAI-W6 by an Organic Farm Isolate of Plant Growth Promoting Erwinia Species (KP226572)
Abstract :

Plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) play an important role in agricultural production and soil fertility. Wheat is a highly consumed cereal food crop of the world population and sustainable wheat productivity achieved by the application of bacterium in combination with NPK is promising. In the present study bacterial isolate (PR6) from soil of organic farm was included. The isolate (PR6) was screened for its morphological, biochemical and plant growth promoting characteristics, sequenced by 16S rDNA method and submitted to NCBI for the confirmation of strain identification. Further, the inoculation effect of the bacterial isolate in combination with NPK on growth and yield parameters of wheat var. AAI-W6 were analysed. The isolate (PR6) was identified as Erwinia sp. with NCBI Accession No. KP226572. The organism possessed multiple plant growth promoting (MPGP) traits such as production of ammonia, siderophore, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), ACC Deaminase (ACCD) and showed phosphate solubilization activity. The organism was found tolerant to 10% salt, wide range of pH 5- 9, higher levels of trace elements and heavy metals and possessed resistant to multiple antibiotics. Inoculation of wheat variety AAI-W6 with the Erwinia species showed significant increase in seed germination and enhancement in elongation of root and shoot compared to untreated control. The combined application of PGPB (Erwinia sp.) along with NPK treatments showed similar significant results in all growth and yield parameters of wheat. This study is the first report on the beneficial effects of organic farm isolated Erwinia-NPK treatment combinations on sustainable wheat productivity.

Title: Effect of Bulky Manures and Fermented Liquid Organics on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Economics of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris  L) Under Rainfed Condition
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted to study the “Effect of bulky organic manures and fermented liquid organics on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economics of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) under rainfed condition” at Organic Farming Research Centre, Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station (ZAHRS), Navile, Shivamogga, during Kharif 2018-19. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten treatments comprising of different bulky organic manures (FYM and Vermicompost) and fermented liquid organic manures (Beejamrutha, Jeevamruta, Panchagavya and Cow urine) were replicated thrice. Experimental results revealed that, significantly higher growth, yield attributes, economics and nutrient uptake with good shelf-life and protein content of the French bean were found in the treatment which received Beejamrutha (seed treatment) + Jeevamrutha  (soil application @ 500 L ha-1) + 100% RDN through vermicompost + Foliar spray of Panchagavya @ 3% (T6) and were on par with application of Beejamrutha (seed treatment) + Jeevamrutha (soil application @ 500 L ha-1) + 50% RDN through FYM + 50% RDN through vermicompost + Foliar spray of Panchagavya @ 3% (T7) and Beejamrutha (seed treatment) + Jeevamrutha (soil application @ 500 L ha-1) + 100% RDN through FYM + Foliar spray of Panchagavya @ 3% (T5). Simillar trend of higher benefit cost ratio was also recorded in the same set of treatment combination. This study indicated that combined application of bulky and fermented liquid organic manures in seed treatments, soil application and foliar spray performed better in organic French bean production at best benefit ratio cost.

Title: Nutrient Management in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) in India
Abstract :

In India finger millet is mostly cultivated in resource poor soils of tropics and sub-tropics. Synchronizing nutrient supply with crop demand is essential to maximize yield and fertilizer use efficiency. It has been found that incorporation of N fertilizer during seeding stage increased yield as compared to broadcasting of fertilizer. The continuous application of inorganic N fertilizer reduced the soil organic carbon level. The foliar application of 2% urea produced higher grain and straw yield. Application of fertilizer P @ 125% recommended dose of phosphorus (RDP) with recommended N, K and FYM in different fertility soils recorded higher grain and straw yield. Nutrient management for targeting production and sustainability, integrated nutrient management (INM) will be the most suitable option. Application of 100% NPK along with FYM @ 10 t ha-1 recorded significantly higher grain and straw yield and enriched the soil organic carbon. Application of farmyard manure (FYM) alone or in a combination with chemical fertilizers contributed to higher amounts of carbon inputs and build up a higher soil organic carbon pool in rain fed groundnut–finger millet rotation in alfisol of semi-arid region. Cropping system approach either sequential or intercropping with legume was found beneficial. Treating seeds with Azospirillum brasilense (N fixing bacterium) and Aspergillus awamori (P Solubilizing fungus) @ 25 g kg-1 seed of finger millet found to be beneficial. Soil test crop response (STCR) need to be considered for supplying nutrients more precisely with a target yield output. In the present paper, the available literature on different options of nutrients application to finger millet for sustainable productivity is reviewed.

Title: Mental Health of Farmers – Need of the Hour
Abstract :

Farmers are presently facing tough times. Farming is hard physical labour from morning to evening. Managing a farm can lead to monetary stress, anxiety, depression, financial ruin, marital strife, and addiction. The mental health message should reach not only to the farmers but also to the bankers, extension workers, counsellors and veterinarians. Farmers face a number of challenges when it comes to their mental health. Farming can create stress that can seriously impact the farmer’s well being. Some of the behavioural signs due to stress in farming are loss of interest in social activities, poor concentration, confusion, forgetfulness, indecision, impatience in relationships, irritability, and withdrawal from society. Some of the physical symptoms are poor or disturbed sleep, weight loss or gain, changes in appetite, stomach upset, headache, and chest pain. In farms and rural areas issues of mental health are often ignored. The present is not an easy time to be in agriculture. Low commodity prices and mounting input costs are resulting in poor returns from farming. This has led to mental stress amongst farmers, which when unaddressed can lead to serious consequences in the farming community. Farmers and their families facing high levels of stress get into depression and even nourish suicidal thoughts. In rural areas, there is a paucity of mental health professionals who are culturally competent to serve farmers. In times of great stress, farmers need someone to talk to and get advice from. It can make all the difference in sorting out during troubled situations. Extension workers and advisors should understand the mental well being of farmers. Social activities must be encouraged and avenues for entertainment must be created in rural areas for farmers to get away from farm stress.

Title: Identification of prediction model on population build up of Singhiella pallida Singh on Piper betle L. for timely intervention
Abstract :

Whitefly Singhiella pallida Singh is an important pest of betelvine, Piper betle L. infesting the crop throughout the year. The temperature played a crucial role in the population build up of the pest. The moderate temperature falling between 16°C to 20°C was found very much conducive for pest population development. However, relative humidity had a little role in population build up of the pest as compared to temperature. In contrary, rainfall was found detrimental to it. Prajneshu growth model was found to be most suitable non-linear growth model for prediction of the pest population build up. The 48th standard week was identified as the optimum time for intervention through insecticidal application as a prophylactic measures to check the peak pest population; supposed to be attained at the 52nd standard week as evidenced from pattern of population growth.

Title: In vitro multiplication of madhunashini (Gymnema sylvestre Retz.)
Abstract :

Study was conducted for the in vitro multiplication of madhunashini by using immature seeds as explants. Immature seeds were cultured directly on to media containing different concentrations and combinations of auxin and cytokinin. Germination of seeds into plantlets was observed in the media containing cytokinins, however, the seeds cultured on media containing auxins at the expense of plantlet formation produced callus. Cent per cent of the explants responded when inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing Benzylaminopurine (BAP - 1.0 mg l-1), Kinetin (Kn - 0.5 mg l-1, 1.0 mg l-1 and 2.0 mg l-1) and BAP + Kn (1.0+1.0 mg l-1). Height of plantlet (19.74 mm) was significantly higher in MS media supplemented with BAP 0.5 mg l-1. Maximum number of leaves (3.12) were produced on MS media supplemented with Kn 2.0 mg l-1. Nodal explants obtained from in vitro seedlings when cultured on the media containing cytokinins induced proliferation of shoots. Number of shoots (5.50) produced and length of shoot (18.53 mm) was found to be maximum at lower concentrations of BAP 1.0 mg l-1 and Kn 0.5 mg l-1. Leaves from in vitro seedlings when used as explants and cultured on media with cytokinins did not show any response.

Title: Progeny analysis of transgenic rice variety transformed with Glyoxalase I gene
Abstract :

Salinity is one of the major yields limiting factor that limit the worldwide productivity and distribution of cereal crops and the development of genetically engineered plants with enhanced tolerance to salt presents an important tool to increase the productivity. We introduced glyI (glyoxalase I) gene from Brassica Juncea into rice variety PR116 through particle bombardment for salt tolerance. Integration and expression analysis in T0 and T1 generations were confirmed through Polymerase chain reaction and in vitro screening for salt tolerance. In this study we confirmed the integration and expression of gene (glyI) in next two generation (T2, T3) through Polymerase Chain Reaction and methylglyoxal experiment. Expression of glyoxalase I gene was induced by different concentrations of methylglyoxal treatment and most of the transgenic lines were highly tolerant to methylglyoxal and showed high chlorophyll content after 72 h of treatment.

Title: Testing of catchment module of integrated reservoir-based canal irrigation model for kangsabati irrigation project
Abstract :

Bhadra, (2007) developed Integrated reservoir based canal irrigation model (IRCIM). It consist of catchment, reservoir, crop water demand modules. In this study, IRCIM was applied on Kangsabati irrigation project, West Bengal, India for period of 1998 to 2003. Runoff was predicted using two techniques namely, Distributed SCS Curve Number (CN) with Muskingum routing and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Backpropogation techniques available in catchment module. Distributed SCS CN method requires subbasin information, land cover characteristics, overland and channel information and daily rainfall on subbasin, whereas ANN method requires daily rainfall and runoff values. Catchment module was calibrated and validated using performance criteria modelling efficiency (ME) and coefficient of residual mass (CRM). ANN technique of runoff prediction involves extensive training of the network, where the unpredictable correlation of rainfall and runoff is also been taken into consideration which is not possible for conceptual model such as SCS CN method. Thus, results showed that for Kangsabati reservoir catchment, runoff values, predicted using ANN result in better match with observed runoff values compared to semi-distributed conceptual SCS CN method.

Title: Germination profile of babul (Acacia Nilotica) under different salinity conditions
Abstract :

Babul (Acacia nilotica) is an important multipurpose, leguminous tree species, grown widely under agroforestry systems in India, Middle-East Asia, and Africa. It is an important source of fodder, fuel, timber, gum and medicines. The salinity tolerance ability of Babul in 15 provenances (Sagar, Jabalpur, Raipur, Nagpur, Akola, Khandwa, Ujjain, Shajapur, Bhopal, Guna, Jhansi, Bharatpur, Jaipur, Rewari, Karnal) were investigated using petri dishes and poly bags. The solutions of different compound like sodium chloride, sodium bi-cardonate, calcium chioride, magnesium sulphate and calcium sulphate was prepared with five level of salinity concentration, which have electrical conductivity of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 dSm-1, respectively. Among the five doses of salinity, the highest does EC 15 dSm-1 was found most deleterious to the seed germination of Babul in all the provenances. Out of 15, ten provenances had more than 50% reduction in germination at EC 9.0 dSm-1. Akola, Khandawa, Guna and Jaipur provenances were least affected by the increased level of salinity under both the test i.e., petri dishes and poly bags and hence these provenances may be called as most tolerant to salinity.

Title: Integrated Farming Systems for Sustainable Agriculture in Raigad District of Maharashtra
Abstract :

An integrated farming system comprises the crop production, livestock, horticulture crops and fisheries etc. The status of these combinations depends on the prevailing modal of these systems in a particular area. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the existing major integrated farming systems with internal cost adjustment, return, income and employment in the farming systems. The present study was conducted in Raigad district of Maharashtra during year 2015-16. A total sample of 120 households was selected. Out of seven farming systems six systems were found livestock based systems, viz; FS-I: Crops + Vegetable, FS-II: Crops + Dairy, FS-III: Crops + Poultry, FS-IV: Crops + Vegetable + Dairy, FS-V: Crops + Poultry + Dairy, FS-VI: Crops + Vegetable + Goat and FSVII: Crops + Vegetable + Orchard + Dairy. The total cost of farming system was minimum in FS-I and highest in FS-V. On per farm basis employment generated was minimum in FS-I (267.76 man days) and maximum in FS-V (758.82 man days).

Title: Agrobiodiversity, Composition and Functional Characteristics of Homegardens in Bhimtal Block of Nainital District, Uttarakhand, India
Abstract :

Present investigation was carried out to access the agrobiodiversity, composition and functional characteristics of homegardens in bhimtal block of Nainital district, Uttarakhand during 2011-12. The study was carried out in three villages diversified in respect to elevation and agroecological situations viz., Amritpur (520 mts) at low hill, Jeolikote (1219 mts) at mid hill and Ghorakhal (2000 mts) at high hill in Bhimtal block of district Nainital. In these villages a total of 22 respondents of different economic status in each village with a total of 66 respondents were selected and interrogated for the information related to the study. It was found that 80.30 per cent household practicing homegardening and the tree species, fruit tree species (Malus domestica, Citrus sinensis, Psidium guajava), sacred groves species (Ficus roxburghii, Tamarindus indica, Aegle marmelos), timber, fuel wood and fodder tree species (Grevia optiva, Toona ciliata, Mangifera indica, Citrus aurentifolia) were contributed as 33.33, 38.09, 11.90 and 40.74 per cent respectively.

Title: Diversity, Distribution and Varietal Preference of Fruit Fly, Bactrocera spp. in Mango Ecosystem
Abstract :

Mango is the second major fruit crop cultivated in India, it is known as “King of fruits” owing to delicious quality of fruit with richness in vitamins and minerals and has a socio economic significance in international market. It is attacked by many insects and mite pests; the yield and quality aspects of the mango are highly inflicted by fruit flies and make it unmarketable and inconsumable. The varied agro climatic conditions prevailed in tropical and subtropical regions makes them to spread all over the country. The documented information in a particular area on the population dynamics of fruit flies is essential to take preventive measures and to implement suitable management strategies. Keeping this in mind, the experiment on its species diversity, distribution pattern with its varietal preference of fruit flies in mango ecosystem was undertaken by using methyl eugenol based parapheromone traps during 2017-18 at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tiruchirappalli. The major diversity of species registered in mango ecosystem is viz., Bactrocera caryeae (Kapoor), B.dorsalis (Hendel) and B.correcta (Bezzi). The activity of fruit fly is maximum in the month of August and September with the mean catch ranges from 27.00 to 57.00 flies/trap/week. The poor activity of fruit flies in mango orchards was registered in the month of November to February with the least trapped population of < 3.0 flies/trap/week. Considering the varietal preference, the prevalence of B.correcta both in rumani and PKM 1 varieties is comparatively less when compared with the B.dorsalis and B.caryeae. The correlation analysis results revealed that, the fruit fly incidence is positively correlated with maximum, minimum temperature and negatively correlated with morning, evening relative humidity (RH) and rainfall.

Title: Development and optimization of pyrolysis unit for producing charcoal
Abstract :

The Developed system is designed to produce the charcoal from biomass samples like Jatropha seed husk, Melia Dubia and Prosopis juliflora. The technology adopted is hybrid by combining both direct and indirect method of heating the biomass based on pyrolysis. The temperature is in the range of 300 °C to 500 °C. In results of the proximate analysis showed the fixed carbon content is increased in this pyrolysis unit charcoal whereas biomass sample and existing pyrolysis unit charcoal showed lower fixed carbon content. The charcoal yield efficiency is 34.84% whereas in conventional method of charcoal making the charcoal yield efficiency is about 20%. The mass and energy closure were found to be 72.72% and 80.30%.

Title: Molecular Characterization among Susceptible and Resistant Ridge Gourd Cultivars to Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita through ISSR Markers
Abstract :

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita is the main nematode pest with host range more than 3000 plant species causes vast damage worldwide. The knowledge of genetic diversity in a crop species is essential for its improvement. Microsatellite sequences are especially suited to distinguish closely related genotypes in crop like ridge gourd. Several susceptible and resistant ridge gourd cultivars to root-knot nematode were identified on the basis of artificial screening and the present investigation was under taken for purity discrimination and characterize of these cultivars at molecular level taking ISSR markers. Standardized reported procedure was followed in order to conduct the experiment. The phylogenetic tree constructed by UPGMA method generated two main clusters i.e., cluster-I and cluster - II. The cluster I was further sub-divided into sub-cluster IA and IB. The cluster I consisted of three varieties (Aneeta, Aarti and BSS-1009), while cluster II consisted of two varieties (Harsha and Priya). Sub-cluster IA consisted of one variety (Aneeta), while Sub-cluster IB consisted of two varieties (Aarti and BSS-1009). Polymorphic per cent ranges from 13.16 per cent (between BSS-1009 and Aneeta ) to 43.18 per cent (between Aarti and Harsha). This study showed that ISSR markers produced specific DNA fragments for the identification of ridge gourd varieties. The knowledge acquired through this investigation may play a pivotal role in the application of molecular markers in ridge gourd improvement programmes.

Title: Kinetics of mitrogen mineralization in sewage amended soil
Abstract :

A laboratory experiment was carried out at, Jaunpur (25°18’ N, 83°03’ S) to study the kinetics of N mineralization in sewage amended soils. Four different agricultural fields viz., A, B, C and D which has been receiving sewage for irrigation since last five or more years were selected for study. The three replicate of each treatment were incubated at room temperature (25°C) for 7 weeks. The soils were brought to field capacity by addition of distilled water. The subsamples (10g) were withdrawn from each sample after every week interval and extracted immediately with 100 ml of 2 M KC1 solution and N was determined. The fitness of the model for mineralization study was tested by least square method and the mineralization rate constant (K) and half-life (t1/2) were calculated from fitted model. It was observed that, the highest mineralized N (121.20 mg/kg) was observed in soil receiving sewage continuously while lowest in N mineralized 112.80 mg/kg was observed in soil receiving less amount of sewage. Estimated mineralization rate content ‘K’ in four soils was 0.44, 0.38, 0.10 and 0.43 and correlation coefficient were 0.99, 0.98, 0.99 and 0.99, respectively. The study revealed that, nitrogen mineralization was increased with increasing period of incubation with rapid increase during 2-4 weeks of incubation. First order model of kinetics was best suited for nitrogen mineralization in sewage amended soil under study.

Title: Response of Different Plant Growth Regulators on Fruit Yield of Brinjal
Abstract :

The experiment was conducted at Instructional cum Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Biswanath College of Agriculture (AAU) Biswanath Chariali, Sonitpur district of Assam during 2014-15 in order to study the response of plant growth regulators on physiogical and fruit yield of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) cv. JC -1. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with ten treatments replicated three times. The details of treatment comprised of GA3 (25, 50 and 100 ppm), IAA (25, 50 and 100 ppm), NAA (25, 50 and 100 ppm) and control (distilled water). During the period of investigation the growth regulators showed significant response on physiological and yield attributing characters of brinjal. The result revealed that the maximum leaf area index (2.82) was recorded under GA3 at100 ppm (T3) while GA3 at 50 ppm (T2) recorded the highest (802.40 g) total dry weight per plant at harvest. However, the highest leaf chlorophyll content index (44.50) was recorded under treatment with NAA at 50 ppm (T8). Foliar application GA3 at 50 ppm (T2) exhibited significantly higher total number of flower per plant (38.49), number of fruit per plant (18.56) and fruit yield (1.58 kg plant-1 and 377.00 q ha-1). It may be concluded from the experiments that GA3 proved to be the best in improving the physiological and yield attributing parameters in brinjal.

Title: Use of proximal hypocotyl segment for high-through put  transgenic development of tomato
Abstract :

Achieving high-throughput and efficientregenerationare the top priorities of any Agrobacterium mediated plant transformation experiments to develop large numbers of in vitrotransformants. The type of explant plays a critical role in shoot regeneration efficiency. In the present investigation, an attempt was made tostudy the effect of various segments of hypocotyl and abaxial/adaxial orientation of cotyledon explants on regeneration efficiency in tomato.A plant transformation vector,pGRNAi-harboringdsRNAexpressing constructstargeted totwo genes of Helicoverpaarmigera,serine proteaseand chymotrypsinindependently wereused totransformtomato.Of the three segments of hypocotylsobtained from 12 day old seedlings, the proximal (closest to shoot apex) segment hadyielded highest regeneration (28.65%)compared to the middle (11.86%)and the distal segments (11.20%).In cotyledon explants,those incubated with their abaxial surface in contact with media exhibited highest regeneration (20.83%) compared to adaxially placed cotyledon explants. However, of the two-explant types, hypocotyls had higher regeneration compared to cotyledons. The molecular characterization of putative transformants through PCR and Southern blot analysis revealed the presence of the transgene. Thus, these results will aid in obtaining high-throughput regeneration in transformation of tomato in particular and other crops in general.

Title: Incidence and Severity of Early Blight of Tomato in Peshawar, Mardan and Malakand Divisions and Variability Amongst the Isolates of Alternaria solani Jones and Mart
Abstract :
An extensive survey for incidence and severity of early blight of tomato was conducted in Peshawar, Mardan and Malakand Divisions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province after flower formation and fruit setting during 2012. The survey points were 3-5 km apart from one another. At each location fields were assessed in “X” shaped pattern. A high incidence of the disease (40%) was recorded at Jahangira District Nowshera, whereas the lowest disease incidence 4.9% was recorded at Taru Jaba in Peshawar Division. In Mardan Division high incidence of the disease was recorded at Galadher 38.6% in District Mardan whereas the lowest at Jalbai 3.3% in Distrct Swabi. A similar disease incidence was found at  Osaki and Nasafa locations in District Dir (L). Conversely, high incidence of the disease was recorded in Ghalegai (20%) in District Swat Malakand Division. In terms of the disease severity Jahangira (8.66%) in District Nowshera was the most severely infested area closely followed by Basher Mian Kaly (7.98%) and Shabqadar (7.66%). In general, isolates collected from Peshawar and Mardan Divisions were more virulent than those collected from Malakand Division by exhibiting rapid growth on PDA medium as well as producing high number of spore’s ml-1. Isolates collected from Shabqadar measured 33 mm in diameter with 28000 spore ml-1 and proved virulent by producing high disease severity (27.6%). Conversely, isolates collected from Talash (Malakand Division) showed minimum growth (22 mm) with least number of spores ml-1 and disease severity of 16.44% only. Regression analysis showed a simple linear relationship between growth parameters and virulence and as expected virulence increased with increase in colony diameter and spore concentration of the pathogen. Results are indicative of segregation in population structure of the pathogen and may correlate with the different environmental conditions prevalent in the central part of the province
Title: Biolistic transformation of cry 1Ac gene in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Abstract :

Among different explants, cotyledon showed highest regeneration and number of buds per explant on all media combinations. However, highest regeneration potential was observed on MS fortified with 3.0 mgl-1 BAP (80.36%), but number of buds per explant were highest (21.76) on MS media supplemented with 2.5 mgl-1 BAP+ 1.0 mgl-1 Kin. Plant regeneration of cotyledons was completely checked with a selection pressure of 15ppm to 25ppm hygromycin for untranformed explants. But the selection efficacy of transformed tissue was 19.56% with 20ppm and 66.66% with 15 ppm hygromycin. GUS gene was expressed in 76.92% bombarded explants with 2 to 7 GUS spots per explant confirming the presence of transformed tissue. GUS gene was also visualized in 66.66% regenerated shoots from bombarded tissue. PCR analysis of putative transgenic eggplant plants with the specific primers confirmed the presence of Cry1Ac gene with 1.2 KB product size (falling between 1KB and 2KB bands of 10KB DNA ladder) in two of the four plants.

Title: Seroprevalence of brucellosis in buffaloes in North India
Abstract :

Brucellosis is an infectious disease characterized by abortion and infertility in several mammalian species including buffaloes, and is one of the most important zoonosis worldwide. The objective of present study was to establish the seroprevalence of brucellosis in buffaloes in North India and to know the exact causal species of Brucella organism. A total of 160 serum samples were analyzed. The seroprevalence of Brucellosis was 4.38% and 7.50% by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Standard Tube Agglutination Test (STAT), respectively. Seroprevalence was zero by both RBPT and STAT in organized dairy farm while in unorganized sector, 5.04 and 8.63% by RBPT and STAT, respectively. Age-wise seroprevalence was higher in 4.5 to 6 years old buffaloes than younger. Area-wise seroprevalence was higher in Satwari block of study area. On screening of 20 milk samples from serological positive and doubtful buffaloes by milk ring test, five samples were positive (25%). On isolation of from samples, only one sample yielded Brucella abortus. The results showed that younger buffaloes were less infected than adults. Prevalence of Brucellosis was higher in Satwari block of Jammu province compared to other study area. The presence of Brucellosis in bovine may pose a significant economic loss to the farmer and a public health hazard to the general population.

Title: Biochemical Characterization and Molecular Fingerprinting of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria
Abstract :

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a heterogeneous group of bacteria that can be found in the rhizosphere, which can improve the extent or quality of plant growth directly or indirectly. However, screening strategies for selecting the best rhizobacteria strain for rhizosphere competence with other microbial species in the plant rhizosphere will require more comprehensive knowledge. In the present investigation nine different strains were tested for their PGPR properties by using RFLP analysis on 16S rRNA gene or amplified rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA). 16 S rDNA amplification was done and restriction profiling was done using two endonucleases i.e. msp1 and taq1. Depending upon banding pattern of all the nine strains dendrogram was created using NTsys software. A clear-cut difference was seen in genetic diversity among the strains. Pseudomonas was found to be the most effective strain among all. Depending upon the outcome we can conclude that ARDRA can be an effective tool for analyzing the genetic diversity among different bacteria and PGPR starin e.g. Pseudomonas, Bacillus can be used as a potent biofertilizer.

Title: Molecular detection and genetic characterisation of fumonisin producing fusarium isolates from rice cultivars
Abstract :

Fusarium species mainly produce fumonisins group of mycotoxins which are classified as Group 2B human carcinogen by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). In poor storage conditions, Fusarium species producing fumonisins can infect rice or paddy (Oryza sativa L.) which is the highest produced and consumed staple food in India. A rapid molecular method using primer Fum5F and Fum6R detected 85% fumonisin producers among 28 Fusarium isolates from Indian rice cultivars. Genetic variability of the isolates was studied by PCR based RAPD assay using 13 random primers. A total of 169 polymorphic bands were obtained by 13 markers with an average polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.665 and overall polymorphism of 88%. Primer 3B showed a polymorphism of 96% with PIC value of 0.66 and it amplified 26 scorable fragments hence may be useful for the analysis of genetic variation among Fusarium isolates. Four strains (F47, F90, F92 and F96) in which fum gene wasn’t amplified by Fum5F and Fum6R and supposed to be non producer of fumonisin have been consistently placed in one separate group by RAPD primers. Genetic variation of toxic Fusarium in rice from India is less studied. RAPD proved to be a suitable tool for depicting Polymorphism among the isolates. The high genetic variability among the Fusarium isolates used in the current study is a matter of concern considering the importance of Rice in India.

Title: Polymerase chain reaction based detection of banana bunchy top virus using coat protein based primers
Abstract :

Banana Bunchy Top virus (BBTV) is a virus seriously affecting banana cultivation. Primers were designed for the amplification of coat protein gene for the diagnosis of BBTV in the commonly grown banana cultivars of Kerala, India, viz., Red Banana (AAA), Palayankodan (AAB), Dwarf Cavendish (AAA), Motta Poovan (AAB) and Ney Poovan (AB). PCR detection using these primers at an early stage can aid in disease free planting material production.

Title: Phosphate solubilizing efficiency of Mycopesticides
Abstract :

In the present investigation, plant growth promoting activities of mycopesticides (beneficial mycopesticides or biological control fungi) viz. Trichoderma, Paecilomyces, Beauveria and Metarhizium were assessed. Their efficacy for the growth enhancement of Groundnut was investigated through laboratory as well as by pot studies. Results of In vitro studies have shown their higher potential of P-solubilization these fungi. In the experiment, two native cultures and five fungal isolates (procured from MTCC) were used. P solubilization ability of the test mycopesticides have shown good solubilization zones by the PlA isolate on PKVK agar. Not only this, TvA and ThM has also shown good P solubilizing zone on PKVK medium - supplemented with rose bengal dye. In liquid culture medium, ThM showed the highest P solubilizing ability (309.33 µμg/ ml). HPLC analysis was carried out to determine the presence of organic acids in the culture supernatant of promising cultures. TvM showed presence of pyruvic acid, formic acid, orotic acid, citric acid and butyric acid. Efficacy of mycopesticides in pots study as PGP has revealed seed treatment as the best one, but recommended fertilizer was found significantly superior than all mycopesticides treatments. Amongst mycopesticides, Trichoderma spp. proved to be the best followed by Paecilomyces. Beauveria in most cases remained at par with Paecilomyces but was inferior to Trichoderma. Metarhizium was better than control but was inferior to other fungal treatments. Efforts clearly indicated that mycopesticides can significantly enhance groundnut growth and production as a plant growth promoting fungi (PGPF) proving their dual ability.

Title: Influence of ethylene inhibitor on shoot organogenesis and regeneration in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid)
Abstract :
Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone (phytohormone) that play an important role on in vitro shoot morphogenesis in many plant species. The aim of the present investigation was to critically analyse the role of an ethylene inhibitor i.e. silver nitrate (AgNO3) on shoot organogenesis in sugarcanecvs.CoJ 83 and CoH 119. Different concentrations of silver nitrate were tested in the medium: 1 mgl-1, 3 mgl-1, 5 mgl-1 and 10 mgl-1. Genotypic dependence was observed between cvs. CoJ 83 and CoH 119 with different concentrations of AgNO3 tested in the medium. Among the varying concentrations (1–10 mgl-1) of silver nitrate tested, percentage of leaf roll segments responding were improved giving highest number of shoots per explant on MS medium + Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA; 5 mgl-1) + Kinetin (Kin; 0.5 mgl-1) + AgNO3 (3 mgl-1) in cv. CoJ 83 and on MS medium + NAA (5.5 mgl-1) + Kin (0.5 mgl-1) + AgNO3 (5 mg-1). The number of shoots formed per explant increased to two-fold and the shoot length was also increased as compared to control. Data recorded on the number of roots and root length also showed a significant increase over the control in both the varieties.
Title: Biology of the papaya mealybug, paracoccus marginatus williams and granara de willink (Hemiptera: pseudococcidae)
Abstract :

The mealybug Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink completed 11generation in a year, 8 during March to October and 3 during November to February. The female and male nymphs completed development in 12.02 ± 4.44 to 17.92± 3.49 and 17.2 ± 3.00 to 21.25± 3.12 days respectively at during March to October, 21.59 ± 3.32 to 22.60 ± 4.49 and 22.81± 3.41 to 30.77 ± 2.38 days respectively during winter. The male and female ratio ranged from 1:1.20 to 1:3.41. Maximum oviposition period, minimum fecundity and maximum incubation period are 9 to 18, 108-154 and 9 days respectively in winter. Their mode of reproduction is entirely sexually. Life cycle is completed in 41 (maximum) and 27 (minimum) days during December- January and May respectively.

Title: Detection of genetic diversity in Lathyrus sativus L. using RAPD marker system
Abstract :

Lathyrus sativus L. (Grasspea) is a protein rich pulse crop. Enough information about genetic diversity of Lathyrus germplasm is needed to improve this crop. Molecular characterization is one of the tools to identify the hidden genetic diversity. The present study was undertaken to reveal the genetic diversity in a set of 20 grasspea genotypes using RAPD (Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA) marker system. For the 15 primers, various efficiency parameters that include Polymorphism Information Content (PIC), Marker Index (MI), Resolving Power (RP) and Diversity Index (DI) were studied. Finally Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and dendrogram was perfomed to find out the genetic diversity among the germplasm. The screened RAPD markers will facilitate further studies in population genetics and utilization of this crop.

Title: Morphometric Analysis and Prioritization of Sub Watersheds of Umar Nala Watershed, Madhya Pradesh Using Geospatial Technique
Abstract :

Morphometric analysis and thereby prioritization of watersheds have gained significant importance in land and water resources management. In this study an attempt has been made to prioritize sub-watersheds based on morphometric analysis using geospatial techniques in Umar Nala watershed of Narsinghpur district, of Madhya Pradesh. Morphometric parameters, considered for the present study are stream frequency (Sf), drainage density (Dd), texture ratio (T), elongation ratio (Re), circulatory ratio (Rc), form factor (Rf), bifurcation ratio (Rb) and relief ratio (Rh). These parameters were estimated for each sub-watershed then ranks were assigned for prioritization of sub-watersheds on the basis of value/relationship to arrive at a computed value for final ranking of the sub-watersheds. On the basis of morphometric parameters determined in GIS environment and then applying standard formulae prioritization among seventeen sub watersheds of Umar Nala, sub watershed no 10 is on top priority among seventeen sub watersheds for further soil and water conservations measures to be taken in the watershed.

Title: Effect of Drip Fertigation on the Productivity of Hybrid Rice
Abstract :
A field experiment was conducted at Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute (TRRI), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Aduthurai to standardize lateral spacing, plant row spacing, fertilizer levels and source of fertilizers on the productivity of hybrid rice under drip irrigation. The experiment was conducted in strip plot design with replicated thrice. Main plot treatments were two lateral spacing (80 and 100 cm) with two plant row spacing (uniform row spacing and modified row spacing). In 80 cm lateral spacing, uniform row spacing of 20 × 10 cm and modified row spacing of 7.5 × 20 × 25 × 20 × 7.5 cm were adopted. In case of 100 cm lateral spacing, uniform row spacing of 20 × 10 cm and modified row spacing of 7.5 × 15×15×25×15×15×7.5cm were adopted. In sub plots, combination of two fertilizer levels (75 and 100% RDF) and two sources of fertilizers (common fertilizers – urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash and water soluble fertilizers – urea, mono ammonium phosphate and sulphate of potash) were used for fertigation. Short duration hybrid CORH 3 was used.
Results revealed that lateral spacing at 80 cm with modified row spacing (7.5 × 20 × 25 × 20 × 7.5 cm) produced significantly taller plants (76.1 cm), more number of leaves per hill (74.9/hill) and tillers population (625 per m2), higher root growth parameters at maximum tillering stage viz., root length (18.5 cm), root volume (13.1cc) and root dry weight (6.2g), higher yield attributes like productive tillers (453/m2), number of filled grains per panicle(124.9) and higher grain yield of 5055 kg/ha than lateral spacing of 100 cm with modified row spacing. Fertigation with different levels and sources of fertilizers revealed that application of 100 % recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) as water soluble fertilizer produced significantly higher growth, yield parameters and grain yield of 4230 kg/ha over 75% RDF. However, it was comparable with 100 % RDF as conventional fertilizers.
Title: Pesticides Use Pattern and Handling Practices among Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Growing Farmers of Parsa District of Nepal
Abstract :

Pesticide is one of the major inputs for commercial vegetable farming in Nepal. The study examined pesticides use pattern and farmers’ knowledge, perception, awareness about pesticides and the handling practices. The study is based on survey data consisting of 150 samples collected randomly from Parsa district of Nepal. The results show that 54.7% of the cucumber farmers used pesticides as control measure of insect and fungus in Parsa district. Out of which insecticides was found to be applied more i.e.68% followed by the fungicides i.e. 22.33% of total application volume sprayed. Regarding toxicity level farmers were found to use Moderately Hazardous Pesticides (II). The research identified that farmers do 2 times spray as mandatory frequency of application however, nearly half of farmers were found to spray pesticide four to five times. Regarding their knowledge 53% of farmers found to read label on pesticide bottle/packages. More than half (57%) of the farmers has found to receive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training but only 7% practiced alternative pest control measures. Regarding the disposal only 6% found to bury the empty bottles, packages after use and others throw the containers anywhere. The results show that, in Nepal, pesticide was mostly applied for the vegetable farming. If area under vegetable farming increases by 1% the probability of the pesticide application by household is increased by the 22%.

Title: Risk analysis of profenofos on tomato in poly house and open fields and risk mitigation methods for removal of profenofos residues from tomato for food safety.
Abstract :

Profenofos is a broad spectrum foliar insecticide and acaricide with contact and systemic action, widely used on tomato in India for the management of sap sucking insects and mites. Profenofos is not registered for use in India on tomato, and hence Maximum Residue Limits are not available as per Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. However, use of profenofos in poly house and open fields is very common, and hence profenofos residues are found in market samples. A research project was taken to study dissipation pattern of profenophos 50% EC in both open fields and poly houses, when applied twice @ 500 g a.i. ha-1, first spray at fruit initiation followed by second spray at 10 days interval as per the farmers practice. Profenofos residues were quantified through regular sampling till the residues are below determination level (BDL) of 0.05 mg kg-1 following the validated QuEChERS method. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of profenofos was performed on GC-FPD and GC-MSMS (TQD). Initial deposits of 3.25 mg kg-1 were detected in tomato samples collected from poly house, which dissipated to BDL by 15th day with half-life of 2.43 days. In open fields, deposits of 1.51 mg kg-1 dissipated to BDL by 7th day with half-life of 1.55 days, indicates that dissipation is slow in poly house compared to open fields due to various factors, and in both situations initial deposits are lower than the MRL (10 mg kg-1) of Codex Alimentarius Commission hence a pre-harvest interval of 1 day is recommended. MRL of 7 mg kg-1 in poly house tomato and 3 mg kg-1 in open field tomato is recommended based on the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) calculator and chronic hazard exposure assessment taking into consideration of average body weight, national per capita tomato consumption and acceptable daily intake (ADI) of profenofos. Among various decontamination methods tested, veggy wash found to be very effective in removing profenofos residues to an extent of 75.84% which can be recommended as risk mitigation method for food safety, followed by 4% acetic acid solution (71.22%) and tap water wash was least effective (37.60%) in removing profenofos residues from tomato.

Title: Applications of Environment Biotechnology in Aquaculture-Review
Abstract :

This paper explains all the chances of environmental biotechnology techniques useful in aquaculture and reviews its various areas together. Biotechnology has played a vital role in boosting production in the aquaculture sector. Considering the number of issues which deteriorate the ecological conditions in an aquaculture system, the field of environmental biotechnology has shown new possibilities to enhance the terms. Since the environment turns to be a vital segment in the survival of aquatic flora and fauna its day by day deterioration via pollution and toxic substances are need to be checked. The distinct role of environmental biotechnology within the sector of aquaculture emphasized finding the opportunities to contribute with new solutions and directions in remediating the contaminated environments, minimizing future waste release and creating pollution prevention alternatives.

Title: In vitro evaluation of plant growth regulators on tissue culture bioassay produced by Pseudomonas species
Abstract :

Fluorescent Pseudomonas sp. is emerging as largest and potentially most promising group of PGPR (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) that are involved in plant growth enhancement. Plant growth regulators viz., auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins help in plant growth and development. In present study, fluorescent Pseudomonas strains isolated from rhizospheric soil from temperate fruit zone of Himachal Pradesh were investigated for plant growth regulator production i.e. auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins in nutrient broth. All the strains tested produced plant growth regulators in concentrations auxins (1.83-21μg/ml), gibberellins (116.1-485.8μg/ml) and cytokinins (45.4-295.4μg/ml). Two strains (An-1-kul and An-13-kul) were selected on the basis of over all PGPR activities for production of growth regulators. Molecular characterization of best selected Pseudomonas strains were done by 16S-rRNA technique. Plant growth regulators produced by best isolates were further studied to observe their effect on growth of callus formation, shoot formation of broccoli and root elongation of cabbage

Title: Neolamarkia cadamba – A Potential Tree Species for Domestication through Agroforestry System
Abstract :

Agroforestry is the management and integration of trees, crops and/or livestock on the same plot of land and can be an integral component of productive agriculture for higher economic returns. With the ever increasing population during past decades, the land resources for cultivation are shrinking. This situation calls for the adoption of ‘Agroforestry systems’ which is not only an efficient land management but also has promising role in maintaining environmental balance. In India, farmers’ are lacking in information on choosing the combination or compatibility of agricultural crops and tree species for different agroforestry systems under various agro-ecological zones. The benefits of successful agroforestry systems have an economic, environmental and social dimension. It is important to bring out a technology package on successful and viable agroforestry systems suitable for different agro-ecological zones for socioeconomic upliftment of rural farming community. The fast growing, multipurpose and indigenous trees, which could combine very well with annual crops and provide maximum economic returns in the short period of time is preferred under agroforestry systems. Neolamarkia cadamba is one such tree having fast growth in nature and highly suitable for agroforestry systems for higher economic returns. N. cadamba is a species having various end uses for pulp, ply and most preferred for pencil making. Though many phyto-chemicals and pharmacological compounds have been identified from this tree species, the species has not been domesticated so far under agroforestry systems. A detailed review on the status of this species including nursery techniques, agroforestry system establishment, etc. is presented in this paper.

Title: An in vitro and ex vivo Study on Antioxidant Activity of Coriander Seeds
Abstract :

The antioxidant activity of extracts of different polarity from seeds of Local variety of Coriandrum sativum was assessed via both in vitro and ex vivo models. Results indicate that hexane extract of coriander exhibited no appreciable effects at either of the concentrations in all the three in vitro free radical scavenging models i.e. hydroxyl radical, superoxide radical and nitric oxide radical. Instead, it showed pro-oxidant activity at higher concentrations. Whereas methanol: hexane extracts of coriander were found to be ineffective in quenching hydroxyl radical but revealed only moderate activity in quenching superoxide radical (EC50=711.81 μg/ml) and nitric oxide radical (EC50=569.02 μg/ml). Only methanolic extract of Local variety offered strong antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner for the same three free radicals with EC50 of 18.33 µg/ml, 553.50 µg/ml and 179.53 µg/ml respectively. Even in vitro linoleic acid peroxidation model proved methanolic extract of coriander (80% inhibition till 48 h) to be far better than standard antioxidant ascorbic acid (70% inhibition till 12 h). EC50 and SC50 for ex vivo linoleic acid peroxidation of rat liver homogenate and erythrocytes were recorded as 383.10 µg/ml and 166.78 µg/ml respectively. The methanolic extract of Local variety was further evaluated for its protective effect on osmotic fragility and antioxidant enzymes of erythrocytes at various time intervals (24-96 h). The decrease in% hemolysis and protection of activities of antioxidant enzymes even for 96 h of incubation in test groups supplemented with coriander proved indubitably, the effectiveness of methanolic coriander extract in alleviating protective mechanisms.

Title: Effect of Fertilizer Levels, FYM and Bioinoculants on Soil Properties in Inceptisol of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi seasons of 2009-10 and 2010-11 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (U.P.) to study the effect of fertilizer levels, FYM and bioinoculants and their interaction effect on soil properties. The treatments consisted four levels of recommended dose of fertilizer (0, 50, 75 and 100% NPK), two levels of farmyard manure (0, 10 t ha-1) and four inoculation [no inoculation, PGPR (Azotobactor chroococum W5 + Azospirillum brasilence Cd+ Pseudomonas fluorescens BHU PSB06 + Bacillus megaterium BHU PSB14), VAM (vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza) and PGPR+VAM]. The experiment was replicated thrice in a split plot design. The results revealed that the application of different treatments did not affect the pH, EC and bulk density decreased, water holding capacity, organic carbon and CEC significantly improved after harvest of wheat. The dehydrogenase, phosphatase enzyme activity and soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and available N, P and K and microbial population of soil after the harvest of wheat were improved significantly due to the integration of inorganic fertilizers with FYM and bioinoculants. Positive impact of biological and organic manure application have been recorded with an additional advantage of the reduction of chemical fertilizer use.

Title: Assessment of Groundwater Potential Zones of Tons Basin Using Spatial Data
Abstract :

The Tons basin is the subbasin of the river Ganga having its geographical extent of 80°18’ to 83°20’ east longitude and 23°58’ to 25°17’ north latitudes of the country. The major river in this sub-basin. Tons is the longest tributary of Yamuna river. Total basin area in Madhya Pradesh is 11974 km². Total land put to use for agriculture purpose in Tons basin is 8460 km². State of Madhya Pradesh has varied hydrogeological characteristics due to which ground water potential differs from place to place. An attempt has been made to delineate the groundwater potential zone of the Tons basin using spatial data. For delineation of groundwater potential zones, thematic maps of different governing themes of groundwater potential zone such as geology, drainage, drainage density, Land use/Land cover, slope, soil texture have been created to their relative importance. A multicriteria decision analysis technique i.e., Analytical Hierarchy process (AHP) technique have been used for the probable weightage of different governing themes. Weighted index overlay analysis tool in ArcGIS 10.3 have been used for the creation for groundwater potential zone. The resultant map demonstrates possible groundwater potential zone of the Tons basin under three categories such as Good groundwater potential, moderate groundwater potential and poor groundwater potential. From the study it was concluded that, delineation of groundwater potential zones helpful for the information of groundwater prospective zone, extraction and development of groundwater and better planning and management.

Title: Urban Rooftop Area Assessment for Estimation of Rooftop Rainwater-Harvesting Potential
Abstract :

Rooftop water conservation is a promising technique for sustainable water resource management especially in urban areas. The tedious available roof top area estimation can be made easy with advances in geospatial technologies. The present study taken up to develop the roofing layer to estimate potential rooftop area from high resolution satellite imagery (1 m) i.e., Google earth Pro in GIS environment. The roof surfaces are considered as the micro catchments and GIS is employed to calculate the area of various types of roofs and their potential for planning of water harvest. The results are validated for errors in digitization by ground-truthing against 112 household systems through manual measurement. It is also attempted to identify the type of the roof to know the quality of the harvested water. The annual rainfall was analyzed to quantify the potential of the rainwater harvesting. The results of this study will demonstrate the Application capability of Google Earth Pro and GIS in estimating rainwater harvesting potential to tackle the prevailing water shortage. The estimated total roofing area is 818565.53 sq. m. The results of the study revealed the huge potential of 71.154 cubic meter with 1 mm of uniform distribution of rainwater over the roof tops.

Title: GGE Biplot Based Stability Analysis of Durum Wheat Genotypes Using Statistical Package GGEBiplotGUI
Abstract :

The investigation was aimed to identify stable genotypes of durum wheat which can perform consistently under multiple environments. The experiment was conducted in Research Area of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during rabi 2015-16. In the present investigation seven released varieties of durum wheat were evaluated on four environments (timely vs late sown, irrigated vs drought) in randomized block design with three replications. Grain yield data was collected from randomly selected five plants of each genotype and used to carry out GGE biplot analysis using the R software and GGEBiplotGUI package. Analysis of variance revealed significant genetic variability among the genotypes. Significant variability was also observed due to both environment and GEI. The four environments were grouped into three major groups. Both irrigated environments were grouped together and were more alike for genotypic comparisons. Genotype WHD 948 was the most stable genotype in all the environments.

Title: Inheritance of resistance in indica rice cultivar HUR 4-3 against bacterial leaf blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae)
Abstract :

The mode of inheritance of resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae strain BXO1 and BX043 wild type of bacterial leaf blight disease of rice was studied in six generations of crosses of cultivars HUR 4-3 into PB-1460. The resistance cultivars PB-1460 showed 4.54% disease severity, while susceptible cultivar HUR 4-3 showed 53.01% disease severity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) of resistance cultivar was 65.61 which are significantly less than the susceptible cultivar 649.90. The F1 plants were observed to be resistant with an average disease severity 08.87% and AUDPC 110.26. The F2 populations were classified in to four distinct classes on their genotypic ratio of 9:3:3:1 and phenotypically these populations were grouped in two distinct classes resistant and susceptible with their ratio of 13:3, respectively. However, B1 and B2 populations were classified in to two distinct classes as resistant (Resistant/ moderately resistant) and susceptible (moderately susceptible/ susceptible) in the ratio of genotypic 1:1:1:1 and 1:1 and phenotypically 1:1 and 1:0, respectively. The disease resistance occurs in the population is mainly due to cumulative effects of dominant and recessive two resistant genes i.e., Xa21 and xa13. Chi-square analysis of the population was confirm the inheritance of resistance with their value are 1.24 and 0.66 indicating that the observed data are in line with expected ratio and follow Mendelian pattern of inheritance of resistance to bacterial leaf blight in B1 and B2 generations and modification in the Mendelian ratio of inheritance in the F2 populations, it showed inhibitory gene action i.e., 13:3 that means dominant gene have cumulative effect of recessive gene.

Title: Characteristics of spray dried dahi powder with maltodextrin as an adjunct
Abstract :

This study investigated the effect of adding as a complementary drying aid of maltodextrin (MD) on spray drying of dahi powder. Dahi powders were prepared by curd adding with maltodextrin (MD) drying aid at 5%, 7.5%, 10, and 12.5% level before spray drying by maintaining with outlet air temperature and blower speed being 70oC and 2200 rpm, respectively. The survival rate of lactobacilli during spray drying of dahi powder were investigated such as 0.62% shows maximum at 7.5% maltodextrin (MD) drying aid. Tests were conducted to evaluate the powder properties relevant to physical, chemical and reconstituted properties of the spry dried dahi powder. Results showed addition of 7.5% maltodextrin (MD) aid could significantly increases the product yield for the spry drying process of dahi powder and the consumer acceptable also. At the same time values of lightness, wet ability, water solubility index, viscosity, bulk density, dispersibility and total solids increases with increasing the maltodextrin (MD) aid. Moisture content, acidity and hygroscopicity decreases with increasing maltodextrin (MD) aid in spry dried dahi powder but the values of pH and acidity remain constant during spry drying process by increasing maltodextrin (MD) aid. The flavour of reconstituted dahi samples improves as the maltodextrin content increases may be due to more acetaldehyde retention in the samples. Addition of maltodextrin (MD) aid also improves the sensory properties and overall acceptability of reconstituted spry dried dahi powder.

Title: Effect of Irrigation Regimes and Staggered Transplanting on Growth and Yield of Summer Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in South Odisha
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Farm, Bagusala, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha during summer season, 2018-19. The soil of experimental field was sandy clay loam in texture, slightly acidic in reaction (pH 6.4) low in available nitrogen (208 kg/ha) and high in both phosphorus (139 kg/ha) and potassium (390 kg/ha). The field experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications and 12 treatments combination. The treatments were comprised of three water regimes assigned in main plot (Continuous ponding, continuous soil saturation and saturation after hair crack) and four transplanting dates in sub plots (Transplanting on 23rd and 31st January, 6th and 13th February). The experimental results revealed that irrigation treatments failed to exhibit significant effect on growth parameters like plant height, tillers/clump, LAI, dry matter production and CGR until the peak crop growing period up to 60 DAT excepting plant height at 60 DAT. Crop growth parameters except LAI were significantly influenced by irrigation regimes at harvest. Irrigation regimes had the remarkably effect of grain yield and WUE but it had no significant effect on straw yield. Irrigation with continuous ponding produced the highest grain yield (4.57 t/ha) which was at par with continuous soil saturation (4.30 t/ha). The WUE was significantly increased with saturation after hair (49.62 kg/ha/cm). Dates of transplanting significantly reflected all the crop growth parameters throughout the crop growing period. Transplanting on 23rd January significantly recorded the highest grain yield (4.72 t/ha) and maximum straw yield was obtained in 31st January (7.99 t/ha) being at par with 23rd January (7.63 t/ha). Significantly the highest WUE was obtained in transplanting date of 23rd January (47.09 kg/ha/cm).

Title: Development of Circular Flumes for Low Discharges Using Critical Flow Concept
Abstract :

In the water scarce situation, measurement of flow in open channel reduce the pressure on water resources and promotes the better utilization of water. The present study aimed at developing critical flow circular flume with rectangular centre contraction. The circular flume was designed by placing rectangular block in a U- shaped channel. Six flumes were fabricated with different contractions and throat lengths (30%, 40% and 50% contractions and 15 cm and 30 cm throat lengths). Water surface profiles were collected for four discharges (6, 9, 12 and 15 Lps). Critical depths were computed and located on the water surface profiles. The study revealed that the critical flow conditions occurred at 15, 12 Lps in all six flumes. At low discharges and low contractions critical flow conditions not occurred in the throat. The head discharge equations were derived the computed discharges are compared with the actual discharges. The highest deviation observed in case of Flume -1 (-8.344%). 90 % of the errors are within the range of ± 5%.

Title: Growth, Productivity and Quality of Bt and non-Bt Cotton Hybrids (Gossypium hirsutum L.) as Influenced by Environment
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of environments (timely sown and late sown) on crop phenology development, yield and fibre development of Bt and non-Bt cotton hybrids viz., G cot hy 8 BG II (Bt), G cot hy12 (non-Bt), NCS 145 BG II (Bt), DHH 263 (non-Bt), Ankur 3028 BG II (Bt) and LHH 144 (non-Bt) commonly grown in different ecological zones of the country. Results revealed that timely sown crop produced significantly higher seed cotton yield (14.80 q/ha) than the late sown crop (8.00 q/ha) due to petite crop canopy, lesser number of sympods, bolls and lower boll weight per plant. The maximum seed cotton yield was recorded with Ankur 3028 BG II (14.72 q/ha) which was significantly superior to all other Bt as well as non-Bt cotton hybrids. Further, LHH 144 (12.94 q/ha) and G cot hy 8 BG II (12.88 q/ha) recorded significant edge over rest of the hybrids. Among the rest of the hybrids, G cot hy 12 (10.81 q/ha), DHH 263 (9.09 q/ha) and NCS 145 BG II (7.99 q/ha) followed significantly diminishing order in seed cotton yield. The higher yield in Ankur 3028 BG II, LHH 144 and G cot hy 8 BG II was mainly attributed to higher sympods, boll number and boll weight per plant. The fibre length was also significantly more in timely sown crop as compared to late sown crop. Among the hybrids, Ankur 3028 BG II registered significantly more fibre length than rest of the hybrids.

Title: Growth, Productivity, Nutrient uptake and Economics of Hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by Precision Nutrient Management
Abstract :

The field experiment was carried out at the farmer’s field in Chella Kamarpara village, Chella G.P, Chella Mouza of Illambazar Block, Birbhum, West Bengal which is situated at 23o 37.374’ latitude and 87o37.170’E longitudes with an average altitude of 58.9 m above mean sea level under sub-humid, sub-tropical belt under the prevailing climatic conditions of West Bengal during the Kharif season of 2013. The experiment consisted of the five levels of nutrient management i.e., N1: State recommendation (150:75:75), N2: Nutrient expert (NE) recommendation (120:34:51), N3: Farmers practices (80:40:40), and N4: Basal application of 50:75:75 with split N application on basis of LCC (leaf colour chart), N5:control and two level of varieties viz. V1: Sona and V2: Rajkumar, the total number of treatment combinations are ten, which were replicated thrice and was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD). To evaluate the effect of nutrient management on the growth, productivity and economics of hybrid maize cultivation. Nutrient management has played an important role in achieving sustainability of grain production. The chemical fertilizer consumption coupled with their limited production, fertilizer cost, soil health and pollution have given rise to interest in precision nutrient management tools. It was the found that the Growth, productivity, nutrient uptake and economics of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by precision nutrient management which was significantly affected by different level of nutrient management and varieties. Whereas, LCC based application of fertilizer gave better result than all other treatment but it was also statistically at par with Nutrient expert based recommendation.

Title: Nutrient Release Pattern of Different Boron Fractions in Maize Growing Sandy Loam Soils
Abstract :

An understanding of soil boron occurring in various forms and their release behaviour in soils needs to be examined extensively in major soil series. A laboratory incubation study was conducted to study the release pattern of boron fractions under maize growing sandy loam B deficit soils with different levels of B as 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg ha-1 were replicated thrice in a completely randomized design. The soils were incubated at field capacity for a month (30 days) period and destructive sampling was done at intervals viz., 0, 7, 15, 21 and 30 days after incubation. B fractions viz., specifically adsorbed, oxide bound, organically bound and residual B in soil were determined. The results revealed that with applied boron, the non-specifically adsorbed B fraction was higher next to residual form when compared to other forms of boron. Applied B converted to soluble form and attained peak values at 21 days after incubation in the treatment with application of 2 kg B ha-1 and thereafter a decrease was noted. Irrespective of location, the plant available form of B includes non- specifically adsorbed B fraction which was considerably higher (1.03 and 1.0 mg kg-1 mg kg-1) on 21st day after incubation (contributed towards 0.02 and 0.01% of total B) which coincides with the high demand for B by maize crop during vegetative phase. The data’s also revealed that the contribution of residual boron to total boron was the highest among the B fractions.

Title: Evaluation of different Substrates for Mass Multiplication of Pseudomonas fluorescens in two Incubation Temperature
Abstract :

The present investigation was carried out to different organic substrate for develop simple, cheap and effective method to suitable mass multiplication of biocontrol agent Pseudomonas fluorescens. Different organic substrates were treated by sterilizated method such as hot water, steam and chemical treatment at two incubation temperature separately. 200 g of each substrate was filled in polythene bag and 48 h KMB slant culture of P. fluorescens cell suspension of concentration of 108 cfu/ml was pipetted into the each bag. The observations were recorded on 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, and 35 th DAI. One gram of substrate from each bag was used for assessment of difference in growth of P. fluorescens and data regarding number of colony forming units (cfu) of bioagent per gram of each substrate. After 35 DAI, found that significantly higher population in FYM followed by vermi compost and gram straw at both temperature (20-25°C) and (35-40°C) irrespective of three sterilization methods taken in the study and also observed that overall growth of isolate of P. fluorescens was maximum in steam followed by hot water and least in chemical method of sterilization. As far as method of sterilization was concerned, the trend was similar as in cooler and room temperature. In all, cooler temperature (20-25°C) supported the mass multiplication over the room temperature (35-40°C).

Title: Response of land configurations, IW/CPE ratios and integrated nutrient supply systems on growth function, yield and water use efficiency of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. PDR-14)
Abstract :

Field experiments were conducted during two consecutive years of 2010-11 and 2011-12 at Agronomy Research Farm of NDUA&T, Faizabad (UP.) India to study the response of land configurations, IW/CPE ratios and integrated supply systems on growth function, yield and nutrient study of french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under indo-gangetic eastern plains zone of Uttar Pradesh. Significant increase was observed for plant height, number of branches and dry matter accumulation per plant at 60 and 90 days after sowing and at harvest under 1.0 IW/CPE moisture regime nourished with 75% RDF through chemical fertilizers + 25% N through biocompost at raised bed configuration. Higher growth attributes resulted maximum yield and yield attributes of French bean with sowing at raised beds, application of 75% RDF+25% N through biocompost and IW/CPE ratio of 1.0 as compared to rest of the treatments. Increasing moisture regimes decreased the water use efficiency and it was highest under sowing on raised beds, moisture regime at 0.6 IW/CPE ratio and 75 % RDF through chemical fertilizers + 25 % N through biocompost nutrient supply system. Higher yields of French bean was obtained with treatment combinations of sowing on raised beds, moisture regime at 1.0 IW/CPE ratio and 75 % RDF through chemical fertilizers + 25 % N through biocompost and it was most remunerative and sustainable under Indo-gangetic plains of UP.

Title: Yield Analysis of Oilseed Crops under Front Line Demonstration Programmes in Medium and High Land Farming Situations of Birbhum District
Abstract :

The present study is based on the analysis of yield obtained from the Front Line Demonstration Programmes (as Demonstration is one of the most time-tested method in Extension Education) on Oilseed Crops (viz. Sesame, Rapeseed and Mustard and Linseed) organized by the Rathindra KVK in Medium and High Land Farming Situations of Birbhum District and comparative yield analysis over the Birbhum District Average and the West Bengal State Average. The study revealed that the FLD Programme on Sesame; Rapeseed and Mustard and Linseed produced an average yield higher than the Birbhum District Average and also higher than the State Average consistently over the years (as mentioned in the Paper) with the one and only exception in the Rabi Season of 2017-18, when the State Average Yield of Rapeseed and Mustard was higher than the Average yield achieved in the Rathindra KVK FLD Progtramme. The Study also pointed out another important fact that the Birbhum District average yield of Sesame; Rapeseed and Mustard and Linseed were consistently and significantly lower than the state Average with only bright and positive exception in the case of Linseed (the Birbhum District Average Yield of Linseed was higher than that of the state average in both the years of 2016-17 and 2017-18) showing a huge un-tapped potential for production of Linseed in the District. The study further showed us that the positive yield gap achieved by the FLD Programme on Sesame, Rapeseed and Mustard and Linseed over Birbhum District Average Yield and at same time over the West Bengal State Average Yield was consistently and significantly higher in the specified time period with the only exception in the Rabi Season of 2017-18, when the State Average Yield of Rapeseed and Mustard was slightly higher (by 0.25 q / ha) over the average yield obtained from Rathindra KVK FLD Programme.

Title: Cloning, Phylogenetic Analysis and Expression of Recombinant LipL41, Loa22 and LipL21 Proteins from Leptospira interrogans
Abstract :

Leptospirosis, a worldwide anthropozoonosis infection with multisystemic involvement, is emerging in North India. These days, focus is to develop recombinant outer membrane protein-based diagnostic tests. In this study, three genes lipL41 (1088 bp), loa22 (608bp) and lipL21 (581bp) of Leptospira interrogans were cloned and sequenced. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that loa22 and lipL21gene sequences of L. interrogans serovars Grippotyphosa and Canicola respectively were conserved in nature but lipL41 gene sequence of L. interrogans serovars Grippotyphosa showed variation in nucleotide sequence which contributes to serovar evolution within species. For protein expression truncated lipL41 (1028 bp), loa22 (548bp) and lipL21 (472bp) genes were amplified, cloned and expressed in prokaryotic expression system and His-tagged ~45kDa (lipL41 gene), ~28kDa (loa22 gene) and ~17kDa (lipL21 gene) proteins were purified by nickel-nitriloacetic acid (Ni-NTA) affinity chromatography. Purified proteins were confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and western blotting. For immunological characterization, total four doses of recombinant proteins were injected subcutaneously into Swiss-albino mice at 50µg quantity along with Freund’s adjuvant and after 21 days immunogenicity of expressed proteins was tested by blotting using mice raised serum.

Title: Morphological Variation and Genetic Diversity in Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) Using Agro-morphic Traits
Abstract :

The objective of the study was to assess the morphological variation and genetic divergence among carnation accessions based on agro-morphic traits. Analysis of variance indicated significant difference among the genotypes for different agro-morphological traits. The cultivar Rebra had maximum plant height, stem length, leaf pair per stem while earlier bud appearance was found in cultivar Tabor. Maximum days took to bud appearance exhibited by cultivar Niva. The minimum days taken to bud opening were observed in Irene and maximum days took to bud opening found in cv. Baltico. The maximum flower duration was recorded in cv. Irene and the minimum flower duration exhibited by cv. Kazhrela. Cultivar Rebra produced larger flower while, cv. Jureno gave smaller flower. On the basis of D2 analysis, the 25 genotypes could be grouped into 3 clusters. Cluster II accommodated highest number of 11 genotypes, followed by, cluster I with having 10 genotypes and cluster III contained 4 genotypes only. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster III and I followed by, cluster III and II) and minimum inter-cluster distance showed between cluster II and I. As far as the cluster means are concerned, genotypes consisted in cluster II had highest mean value of plant height, stem length, flower duration and flower diameter while some genotypes showed higher mean value for the characters like earlier bud emergence in cluster II and cluster I. Therefore, a hybridization programme may be initiated involving the genotypes belonging to diverse clusters with high mean for almost all the component characters.

Title: Screening of Bhendi Accessions (Abelmoschus esculenthus [L.] Moench) against the Fruit Borer, Earias spp. (Noctuidae; Lepidoptera)
Abstract :

The study on screening of bhendi accessions against fruit borer (Earias spp.) infestation was conducted by evaluating 55 numbers of IC entries with 6 different varieties/hybrids as a local standard check to assess their performance in naturally infested field conditions in augmented block design with three replications. The identified resources of accessions further subjected to the artificial screening to cross verify their reaction against the incidence of sucking insect pests, viz., leaf hopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula) and whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Out of 55 IC accessions screened, the entries viz., IC 27821-A, IC 42531, IC 22237-C, IC 42485-B, IC 43743, IC 43746-D, IC 45728 and IC 45804 were found to be the best tolerant sources for the management of fruit borer, Earias spp. with the cross resistance to leaf hopper and whitefly. The results on the artificial screening indicated that the identified tolerant sources were registered the minimum leaf hopper index (<3.5) and whitefly population (<2.0/leaf) when compared with the susceptible checks like Arka anamika, Parbhani kranti, Punjab 8 and Punjab padmini. The tolerance nature of the identified entries by recording < 30 per cent fruit damage with the trichome density of > 80/cm2 is in tune with the tolerant checks i.e., CO 4 and Arka abhay. Hence, the present investigation conclude that, these identified 8 accessions can be utilized in further breeding programmes to develop varieties/hybrids resistant to major insect pests of bhendi with good phenological traits.

Title: Agrobacterium Mediated Transformation in Rice:A Novel Approach to Produce Agronomically Superior Transgenics
Abstract :

Rice the most important staple grain with second highest worldwide production has offered a great potential for biotechnological advances, categorized broadly in areas like transgenics, structural and functional genomics and marker-assisted breeding to provide with vital breakthroughs to achieve improvements in both quality and quantity in a sustainable manner. The ever increasing demand, increasing anthropogenic activities has posed a challenge to boost the production of rice. To cope of with this alarming situation, the advent of genetic engineering has been utilized to remove natural barriers through gene transfer/exchange. Since then, sequences from various sources like bacteria, viruses and eukaryotic systems were used to develop transgenic crop varieties. Gene transfer techniques like direct DNA transfer through particle bombardment, polyethylene glycol or electroporation and indirectly mediated by Agrobacterium are increasingly applied. Unfortunately, DNA delivered by direct methods is often integrated into the genome as rearranged or multiple copies, presumably as a result of which the expression pattern of the gene of interest is often aberrant or unstable. In contrast to this, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system offers higher transformation efficiency with discrete, unrearranged segments of DNA being inserted at fairly low copy number. Achievements, to date, through Agrobacterium-mediated transfer have surpassed all previous expectations and with the development of this successful technique for genetic improvement the future is even more promising.

Title: Energetics of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) Cultivation as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management
Abstract :

Finger millets ((Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) is one of the important small millets cultivated in India under subsistence farming in drylands. Though it is low demanding crop energy involvement is there in profitable raising of finger millet. Increase in energy use in agriculture production at a faster rate in India because of mechanization and enhancing chemical usage. To study the energy use in finger millet cultivation, a field trail was conducted at Bagusala Farm of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and ten treatments. The treatment comprises of T1: control, T2: FYM @ 4 t ha-1,T3: FYM @ 8 t ha-1, T4: 100% RDF (40:20:20 kg ha-1 of N: P2O5: K2O), T5: 50% RDF + 4 t FYM, T6, 75% RDF + 2 t FYM, T7: FYM 4 t ha-1 + Azospirillum@ 5 kg ha-1, T8: FYM 8 t ha-1 + Azospirillum@ 5 kg ha-1, T9: 50% RDF + 4 t FYM + Azospirillum@ 5 kg ha-1 and T10: 75% RDF + 2 t FYM + Azospirillum@ 5 kg ha-1. The results revealed that all the energy parameters except energy productivity were significantly influenced by different treatments. The highest maximum energy input, gross energy output, net energy and energy intensity in term of economics were recorded maximum with application of 100% RDF and maximum energy use efficiency and energy productivity was noticed with application of FYM 8 t ha-1 + Azospirillum.

Title: Morpho-physiological Basis of Waterlogging Tolerance in Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]
Abstract :

Global climate change predictions suggest new scenarios with large arid areas and extreme climatologic events. Thus, it is essential to understand how plants respond to different abiotic stresses in order to improve crop performance. A pot experiment was carried in a net house in four replicates of normal (no waterlogging) and waterlogging stress. Excess soil moisture stress was imposed at 21 days after sowing by placing the pots of each genotype in water-filled troughs for 7 and 14 days. The data revealed that the genotypes ICPB 2039 and KPBR 80-2-1 were showed significant superiority during 7 and 14 days waterlogging stress and during recovery for survival percentage. However, during 7 days waterlogging stress genotype KPBR 80-2-1 was superior for plant height and chlorophyll content, ICPH 2431 for root length, ICPL 20128 for leaf area, JBP 110-B for relative water content and JKM 7 for total dry matter production. When the waterlogging duration exceeded 14 days the genotypes showed the highest plant height and relative water content by ICPL 87051, root length and total dry matter production by JKM 7, leaf area by ICPH 2431 and chlorophyll content by C 11 under waterlogged conditions.

Title: Morphological Abnormality among Hardened Shoots of Banana cv. Rajapuri (AAB) after in vitro Multiplication with TDZ and BAP from Excised Shoot Tips
Abstract :

To compare the effect of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and thidiazuron (TDZ) on morphological abnormal plants or per-cent variant plantlets during secondary hardening period. Shoot tips of Musa spp. were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations (2.0 and 5.0 mg/L) of BAP and (0.2 and 0.3 mg/L) of TDZ and NAA 0.2 mg/L. Wherever, TDZ is present in the medium some morphological dwarf plants were observed. The maximum plant height (16.17 cm) and number of leaves (4.20) was in T2. Where, the maximum shoot diameter (4.97 mm), number of primary roots (4.53) and length of longest root (11.17 cm) was in T1. TDZ at 0.2 mg/L it increases the morphological abnormal plants like dwarf plants (20.00%). In conclusion BAP at 5.0 mg/L, TDZ at 0.2 mg/L and NAA at 0.2 mg/L and BAP at 2.0 mg/L, TDZ at 0.2 mg/L and NAA at 0.2 mg/L were assumed to be the most suitable for commercial micropropagation system with low frequency of abnormal shoot production for local banana cultivars.

Title: Seroprevalence Studies of Brucellosis at Organized and Unorganized Cattle Farms in North India
Abstract :

Brucellosis is a worldwide contagious and zoonotic bacterial infectious disease caused by Brucella. The aim of present study was therefore to establish the seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle in North India and to know the exact causal species of Brucella organism. A total of 160 serum samples were analyzed. The seroprevalence of Brucellosis was 1.88 per cent and 3.13 per cent by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Standard Tube Agglutination Test (STAT), respectively. Seroprevalence was zero by both RBPT and STAT in organized dairy farm while in unorganized sector, 2.16 and 3.65 per cent by RBPT and STAT, respectively. Age-wise seroprevalence was higher in 4.5 to 6 years old cows than younger. Area-wise seroprevalence was higher in Satwari block of study area. On screening of 10 milk samples from serological positive and doubtful cows by milk ring test, two sample were positive (20%). On isolation of from samples, only one sample yielded Brucella abortus. The results showed that younger cattle were less infected than adults. Prevalence of Brucellosis was higher in Satwari block of Jammu province compared to other study area. The presence of Brucellosis in bovine may pose a significant economic loss to the farmer and a public health hazard to the general population.

Title: Effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur Nutrition on Nitrogen assimilating Enzymes in Soybean Roots and Nodules
Abstract :
Soybean is an important legume crop with high protein content, but deficient in sulphur (S) containing amino acids viz methionine and cysteine. Soybean protein quality can be improved by nutrient fertilization. Present studies report the effect of nitrogen (N) and S nutrition on nodulation, activities of ammonia assimilating enzymes and biochemical parameters in soybean roots and nodules. Nitrogen as urea @ 31.25 kg ha-1 and sulphur as gypsum @ 20 kg ha-1 alone significantly increased nodule number, fresh and dry weight per nodule, root length and nodular hemoglobin content whereas total soluble proteins, free amino acids, glucose and sucrose content did not vary significantly in nodules and roots. Treatment of N or S significantly increased glutamate dehydrogenase activity in cytosol and bacterial fractions from 70 to 90 days after sowing whereas aspartate aminotransferase, glutamate synthase, glutamine synthetase and alanine aminotransferase activities showed non-significant variations in roots at different stages of development under the influence of N or S alone or their combination. Results suggested that N and S could improve nodulation and vegetative growth in soybean, but ammonia assimilating enzyme activities in roots/nodules did not vary significantly.
Title: Nutrient composition, uptake by weeds and rice under different crop establishment and weed management practices
Abstract :

Field study was conducted during the kharif, 2011 at Agronomy Research Farm, Central Research Station, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar to assess the nutrient concentration and uptake by weeds and crops under different crop establishment methods. Weedy check recorded highest nutrient content of weeds. Weedy check plot recorded the maximum N, P and K content of 0.83, 0.13 and 1.3% respectively. The removal of N,P and K (82.45,13.42 and 127.74 kg ha-1 ) was the highest in the same treatment and the lowest nutrient uptake by conoweeding N,P and K was 0.73 , 0.13 and 1.25% and removal of N,P and K (kg ha-1) was 17.34, 3.11 and 29.44 respectively. The nutrient content of grain and straw of rice in conoweeding was maximum recording N, P and K of grain are 1.33, 0.37 and 1.26% respectively. The corresponding values for straw were 0.44, 0.10 and 1.82% respectively. The weedy check recorded the lower values of N, P and K content as compared with weed control treatments. Nutrient uptake of rice crop showed that maximum uptake of nutrient was recorded in SRI (62.72 and 25.13 kg ha-1 of N, 17.06 and 5.26 kg ha-1 of P and 13.04 and 101.11 kg h-1a of K in grain and straw respectively) it was followed by transplanting, drum seeding and line sowing. Minimum depletion of 47.34 kg of N, 11.18 kg ha-1 of P and 67.54 kg ha-1 of K was observed in weedy check taking the total values of grain and straw. The highest benefit: cost ratio were recorded in the SRI supplemented with conoweeder.

Title: Effect of Weather Parameters on Seed Production of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis L.)
Abstract :
The study on the effect of weather parameters on cauliflower seed production was conducted at three locations viz; Nauni, Saproon and Kandaghat during rabi season of 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. The location Nauni was warmest, followed by Kandaghat and Saproon. Significant variations in seed yield and yield contributing characters of cauliflower were observed due to execution of different weather conditions. The minimum number of days to initiation of seed stalk, flower initiation, 50 per cent flowering, and seed set in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis L.) were observed at Nauni, followed by Kandaghat and Saproon. Number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod were found highest at Saproon (1055.2pods/plant; 18.4seeds/pod) which is coolest location as compared to other two. The maximum seed yield (239.6 kg/ha) was obtained from this location. Nauni and Kandaghat showed reduced seed yield compared to that obtained from Saproon. The lowest seed yield (174.0 kg/ha) was recorded at Nauni. The forenoon humidity during October to December exhibited significant and positive correlation with seed yield. During January to March minimum temperature showed significant and positive correlation with seed yield during April to June.
Title: Genetic variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance and Correlation Coefficient for Vegetative and Floral Characters of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii)
Abstract :

The study was conducted on genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and correlation coefficient for vegetative and floral characters of gerbera during April 2011 to March 2012. Nine varieties namely, Rionegro, Manizales, Galileo, Marinila, Palmira, Figaro, Teresa, Pia and Tecala were selected for their evaluation. The range of variation was high for a number of flowers per sq. m per year followed by number of ray florets and plant spread. Highest phenotypic and genotypic variances were observed for a number of flowers per sq. m per year. The estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits. Maximum phenotypic coefficient of variation and heritability was observed for vase life. Genotypic coefficient of variance showed a range of variation from 2.58 to 32.01 for diameter of neck and vase life, respectively. However, the maximum genetic advance was observed in the number of flowers per sq. m per year. The high heritability was associated with high genetic advance percentage of the mean for vase life indicating the possible role of additive gene action. The magnitude of genotypic correlation was higher than their corresponding phenotypic correlation for most of the traits, indicating a strong inherent linkage between various traits under study. At genotypic level, number of leaves per plant exhibited positive significant correlation with diameter of flower and number of flowers per sq. m per year but highly significant and positive correlation with a number of flowers per sq. m per year at phenotypic level.

Title: Growth, yield components and yield of hybrid rice as influenced by nitrogen levels and time of Homo-Brassinolide application
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted on hybrid rice during the kharif season of 2011 at the farm of Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal to study the effect of nitrogen and homo-brassionlide on growth and productivity of hybrid rice. The experiment was laid out in FRBD with five levels of nitrogen viz. N0, N60, N120, N180 and 240 kg ha-1 and three levels spraying of homo-brassionlide viz. active tillering (AT), active tillering +panicle initiation (PI) and active tillering +panicle initiation + flowering (FL). The results showed that hybrid rice responded well to fertilizer application. Application of 180 kg N improved all the growth attributes such as plant height, number of tillers m-2 and dry matter accumulation and increased the yield attributes like number of panicles m-2, panicle length, number of grains panicle-1, percentage of filled grain and test weight that ultimately led to high crop productivity. The spray of homo-brassinolide has a significant effect on plant height, number of tillers m-2 and dry matter accumulation and increased the yield attributes like number of panicles m-2, panicle length, number of grains panicle-1, percentage of filled grain and test weight that ultimately led to high crop productivity. Among the spraying, thrice spraying of homo-brassinolide i.e. at AT+PI + FL recorded significantly higher yield parameters and yield as compared to AT, MT+PI. The study advocated cultivating hybrid rice 180 kg N with for its high productivity.

Title: In vitro Plant Regeneration from Seedlings-derived Explants of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
Abstract :

Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crops in India. In vitro tissue culture of tomato could serve as an important means for its improvement through genetic transformation. To improve the regeneration capacity of tomato, the effect on plant regeneration of donor plant type, basal medium, and plant growth regulators were evaluated using explants derived from the cotyledon, hypocotyl, leaf and petioles. Cotyledon and hypocotyl excised from 10-15 days old and leaf and petiole excised from 25-30 days were optimal explants. Explants were cultured on MS (Murashige and Skoog) basal medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of BA-IAA, BA-NAA, Kn-IAA and Kn-NAA. The highest regeneration efficiency was obtained on MS basal medium containing combinations of BA-IAA and Kn-IAA. The best response in terms of the percentage of shoot regeneration (77%) was obtained from petiole explant cultured on MS basal medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l Kn + 1.0 mg/l IAA. Successful rooting was achieved by placing the shoots onto MS basal medium supplemented with 0.20 mg/l NAA. The combination of sand: soil (1:1) was the best for plant acclimatization as 90% of the plants survived and became established.

Title: Screening of Weed Competitive Cultivars of Summer Green-gram in Lateritic Soil of West Bengal
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted in two consecutive summer seasons of 2008 and 2009 at the Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal to screen out the weed competitive Green-gram cultivars. Experimental plots were infested with grassy, broadleaved and sedge weeds. Digitaria sanguinalis among grasses, Croton bonplandianum among broad leaved and Cyperus rotundus among sedges were most predominant throughout crop season. Losses in seed yield of green-gram due to weed infestation ranged from 7 to 37%. Among the cultivars, the plots of ‘WBM 34-1-1’, ‘WBM 04-5’ and ‘PDM 54’ registered lower number as well as dry weight of grasses, broadleaved, sedges and total weeds at 45 days after sowing (DAS) under both weedy and one hand weeding situations. These cultivars also recorded higher values of yield attributes and seed yields. Yield components viz. number of pods/plant, seeds/pod, test weight as well as seed yield were significantly reduced in weedy situation, compared with one hand weeding at 30 DAS in all the cultivars excepting ‘PDM 54’ and ‘WBM 04-5’, where no significant reduction due to weed competition was recorded, indicating higher weed competitive abilities of both the cultivars. The cultivars ‘WBM 34-1-1’, ‘WBM 04-5’ and ‘PDM 54’ appeared to be promising towards suppressing weeds and producing higher seed yields in lateritic soil of West Bengal.

Title: Standardization of Propagation through cuttings in Salacia fruticosa Heyne ex Lawson: A Medicinal Plant Endemic to Western Ghats
Abstract :

Salacia fruticosa Heyne ex Lawson, one of the red listed medicinal plants belonging to the family Celastraceae which is categorised as threatened by IUCN due to unsustainable and indiscriminate harvesting for commercial purposes. Traditional propagation techniques cannot cater to large scale planting stock production of this valuable species due to poor fruit set and seed germination hence the vegetative propagation has to be resorted to meet the planting stock requirement. Present investigation was carried out at Kerala Forest Research Institute to standardize the vegetative propagation protocol of S. fruticosa through stem cuttings with growth regulators in different season. Semi-hard wood and hardwood cuttings were collected in three seasons (January-April, May-August and September- December) and treated with Indole Butyric Acid and Naphthalene Acetic Acid in different concentrations. Rooting response was measured after two weeks in the mist chamber. The adventitious rhizogenesis of S. fruticosa stem cuttings was influenced by type of cutting, season of collection, type of growth regulator and its concentration. Semi hardwood leafy cuttings, treated with 3000 mg/l of IBA during January – April was the successful method for vegetative propagation (80% rooting) to produce the planting stock. Significant increase in number of new leaves, root length also recorded for the same treatment. Hence, we recommend the same treatment combination for the large scale planting production in S. Fruticosa.

Title: Economics of Value Added Products of Maize in Chhattisgarh
Abstract :

This research study was mainly done on the process of various types of value-added products prepared from maize and the cost and return of value-added products made from maize by street vendors and established vendors. To find out the constraints in marketing of value added products of maize and suggest suitable measures to overcome them. The study was conducted in Raipur city of Chhattisgarh state. In which the Raipur city different sample was collect in randomly way. Out of the more than 50 established vendors, total 10 vendors were selected. Street vendors only select the corn related food vendors and collect the sample data from 20 street food vendors was selected out of all vendors. The primary data was collected through pre-tested structured interview schedule. Simple average and percentage methods was used for analyzing the data.

Title: Over view of Septoria Diseases on Different Crops and its Management
Abstract :

Septoria is one of the major emerging pathogen of diverse plant families and has been reported from all over the world. It is the one of the major foliar disease which infects total shoot system and growing stage of plants (mostly Solanaceaceous crops). However, important fungal disease such as Septoria leaf spot caused by the fungal pathogen Septoria lycopersici is well known and not only restricted in Solanaceae. This fungal pathogen spreads rapidly and effected in any stage of development which ultimately causes quick defoliation and weakening of infecting part, rendering them unable to bear fruit tends to maturity. At the initial stage of infection symptoms appear as circular and angular lesions most commonly found on the older, lower leaves of the plant. The lesions contain pycnidia in the centre of spot in leaves to identify the pathogen of this region. This pycnidia are fruiting body of the fungus. When the lesions are more numerous often the leaves turn yellow, then brown shrivel up and eventually drooping of plant altogether, this fungal spores spread to healthy leaves by windblown, rain splashes, through irrigated water, mechanical transmission and through the activities of insects such as aphids, beetles etc. Septoria become more severe during warm, wet, humid periods and develops within four to five days from the date of transmission. In favorable time Septoria infects various cultivated and non cultivated crops but with the coming of unfavorable condition it retains in plant debris or body of secondary host round the season.

Title: Spatial and Temporal Variations of SO2, NOx, PM10 and TSPM Concentration in Ambient Air of Jalna City, India
Abstract :

The ambient air quality monitoring data of Jalna City, India for SO2, NOx, PM10 and TSPM at two sites (residential and industrial) and over a one year period are presented within this paper. The diurnal and seasonal variation in concentrations of SO2, NOx, PM10 and TSPM has been analyzed. It has been observed that all pollutants showed higher concentration during daytime as compared to night. The seasonal cycle at both the sites generally showed for SO2, PM10 and TSPM higher concentrations during the winter season. At both the sites no distinct seasonal cycle could be detected for NOx. The annual mean concentrations recorded for SO2, NOx, PM10 and TSPM were 4.93µg/m3, 26.68µg/m3, 61.85µg/m3 and 166.11µg/m3 at residential site and 6.44µg/m3, 64.64µg/m3, 126.82µg/m3 and 306.27µg/m3 at industrial site. The annual mean concentrations of all four pollutants measured at residential site were found within the permissible limits of Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) whereas annual PM10 concentration at residential and industrial site violated the prescribed standard.

Title: Bioindicator Emerged as a Potential Environmental Marker
Abstract :

In the era of modern science and new technology, mankind is adopting new and novel approaches to deal with the problems. The high population density and urbanization has changed our environment to a polluted one. Its not easy to deal with this problem with complex and costly equipment. Bioindicators are playing a major role in reducing the pollution and to check it timely without any environmental hazard. Bioindicators are the living organism which facilitate in reduction of the environmental pollution. They directly or indirectly determine the amount of pollutants and contaminants present in our ecosystem. They rapidly react to their surrounding environment and give us early warning. These can be used for indexing the health of the ecosystem as well as balancing the ecosystem without any disturbance in food chain. Biomonitoring is one of the promising and cost-effective methods as compared to other techniques. More researches are highly needed to explore the hidden characteristics and many more new species which will help us to build a better and safe environment.

Title: Study of Root and Stem Rot Pathogen (Rhizoctonia solani) in Different Culture Media, Host Range and Effect of Weather Parameters on Disease Incidence
Abstract :

Root and stem rot of cowpea caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the most important problems for farmers among the coastal regions of Odisha. Keeping this in view, the behavioural study of the pathogen was done by studying its growth pattern in different culture media and host medium. Among five different media, Potato dextrose agar (90.00 mm) was found to support the maximum radial growth followed by Sabouraud’s dextrose agar medium (87.90 mm), Potato dextrose rose Bengal agar (82.40 mm), Oat meal agar (76.60 mm) and Malt extract agar (70.98 mm). In study of meteorological parameters in relation to disease development the maximum incidence was recorded in October at a maximum temperature of 32.7oC, minimum temperature 22.9 oC accompanied by night RH 92% and day RH 64%. However, weather parameters under study did not yield any significant effect on disease development. However, the soil factors like sandy loam textured soil and acidic to neutral PH contributed towards this soil borne disease. Among host range studies, Rhizoctonia solani isolated from cowpea could infect rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), chilli (Capsicum annum), brinjal (Solanum melongena), field pea (Pisum sativum), cucumber (Cucumissataivus), bengalgram (Cicer arietinum), arhar (Cajanus cajan), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), and groundnut (Arachis hypogea) in addition to its own host.

Title: Performance Evaluation of Tubular Maize Sheller under Frontline Demonstration
Abstract :

The study was conducted to assess the performance of tubular maize sheller under Frontline Demonstration programme during 2016-2019 under Kohima district of Nagaland. Maize sheller developed by CIAE was compared to farmers practice of bare hand maize shelling using the finger tips and thumb pressing. The demonstrated result revealed that the performance level of tubular maize sheller (31.36 kg/hr) was double that of farmers practice (13.11kg/hr) in a given time which had increased the shelling capacity by 140%. Shelling efficiency under demonstration remain as high as 99.69%. The average cost of operation per quintal in tubular maize sheller was found to be ` 171.58 over farmers practice (` 423.70) which saved the operation cost of farmers by 60 %. The farmers attitude towards the demonstrated tool was also noted and it was observed that 100% were in agreement that no special training was required for handling the tool, it avoided injury to fingers during use, reduced drudgery and that the tool to be women friendly. It also revealed that majority were in agreement that it saves time and energy (98.66), avoids irritation of eyes, nose mouth during shelling (98%) followed by convenient to use and operate (97.33%). It was also suggested that 4% percent of the farmers were in agreement to the statement that the tool requires modification.

Title: Yield Attributes, Yield, Competitive Ability and Economics of Summer Maize-Legume Intercropping System
Abstract :

Maize (Zea mays L.), the queen of cereals, is planted with wide spacing and so it offers the scope of intercropping. Considering the benefits of cereal-legume association, an experiment on maize-legume intercropping system was conducted during summer season of 2018 at Bagusala Farm of M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Gajapati district, Odisha. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design and the treatments were comprised of ten cropping systems, namely, T1: sole maize, T2: sole green gram (Vigna radiata L.), T3: sole groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), T4: sole black gram (Vigna mungo L.), T5: maize + greengram (2:1), T6: maize + groundnut (2:1), T7: maize + blackgram (2:1), T8: maize + greengram (2:2), T9: maize + groundnut (2:2) and T10 maize +black gram (2:2). Paired row sowing of hybrid maize was done with a spacing of 80 cm/30 cm × 25 cm in sole maize. Pure stand of legumes i.e. green gram, groundnut and black gram were sown with 30 cm × 10 cm spacing. As per the treatments, single and double row of intercrops were taken in between two pairs of maize. The result indicated that intercropped legumes improved the yield components of maize and offered some bonus yield. The maximum maize grain yield (5669 kgha-1) was noted with sole maize, however, maize equivalent yield of 7609kg ha-1 was recorded with maize + groundnut (2:2) and it was followed by maize + black gram with 2:2 ratio (6902 kg ha-1). In expression of the competition functions, maize + groundnut (2:2) recorded the highest values of area time equivalent ratio (1.70), relative yield total (1.47) and monetary advantage (` 42002 kg ha-1). The intercropping combination of maize + groundnut (2:2) recorded the highest net return (` 47954 ha-1), with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.00, but by the treatment maize + black gram with 2:2 ratio registered greater B:C ratio (1.11) with net return of ` 45499 ha-1.

Title: Impact of Front Line Demonstrations on the Yield and Economics of Black Gram in Rabi Rice Fallows in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh
Abstract :

In the year 2016-17 Cluster front line demonstrations (CFLDs) were organised in 40 Ha, in 2017-18 in 50 Ha and in 2018-19 it was done in 50 hectares. All the critical inputs were provided to the farmers free of cost. In Andhra Pradesh, the average yield of black gram was 8.0 qt./Ha and average yield of Krishna district was 10.3 qt/Ha, a potential pulse producing district in the state and the potential yield is 15 qt/Ha. Extension activities viz., training programmes, method demonstrations, field visits and group discussion were organised to create awareness on the latest technologies and skill component involved. The average data for all three years indicate that in the demonstrated plots the average yield was 14.3 qt/ha compared to 12.8 qt/ha in the farmers practice fields. The cost of cultivation was also reduced in the demonstrated plots (` 23110.00 per hectare) compared to farmers practice pots (` 28900) indicating a reduction, resulted in improving the net income of the farmers in the demonstration plots. There is a increase in the net income in demonstrated plots to the tune of ` 11965.00 per hectare and the cost benefit ratio was also greatly improved from 2 to 3 in the demonstrated plots.

Title: Effect of Crude Oil Spillage on Chemical Properties of Soils of Moran and Duliajan Oil Fields of Assam
Abstract :

Crude oil spillage is a regular phenomenon in the oil drilling sites and due to raining and flooding the spilled oil spread to the nearby cultivated field causing soil pollution and considerable reduction in the crop yield. Therefore, present investigation aimed to study the effect of crude oil spillage on chemical properties of soils of two major oil fields in Assam, India viz. MFN oil field, Moran and Kathalguri, HYR, Duliajan oil field. Five soil samples were collected in triplicates at an interval of 50 m from three directions (E, W& S) from the spilled areas upto 200 m horizontally and one sample from each direction was collected from adjacent unpolluted areas i.e. beyond 200 m as control. Standard analytical procedures were followed to determine soil pH, EC, organic carbon, total petroleum hydrocarbon, available nutrients, and exchangeable elements. Results revealed pH of the soils remarkably dropped towards spillage point making the soil strongly acidic in nature whereas the organic carbon content increased near the point of spillage in both oil fields. The total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) was recorded maximum at spillage point in both Moran and Duliajan oil fields and was negligible beyond 200m. The available N and P2O5 were low near the spillage point and substantially increased with distance. Conversely, available K2O, exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+ significantly increased near the spilled point.

Title: Nonparametric Measures of Stability Analysis Compared as Per BLUP & BLUE of Wheat Genotypes for Central Zone of Country
Abstract :
Stability for wheat genotypes had been compared in Central Zone of the country as per the BLUP and BLUE of yield values. Measures based on ranks of BLUP for 2015-16 i.e. Sis identified G1, G5, G7, G6. Corrected yield measures CSi s pointed towards G1, G2, G5, G6. Values of NPi (s) identified G1, G2, G7. Overall similarity among non-parametric measures tested by Kendall’s coefficient of concordance. Positive correlations of Sis, CSis & NPi
(s) observed with other measures. Biplot analysis exhibited cluster of CVwith CCV, Si1, Si2, Si4, Si5, Si7 , Si3, Si6, NPi(2), NPi(3) & NPi(4). Based on BLUE’s of genotypes, Sis found G1, G7,G4, G5 while CSis identified G5, G4, G2 as opposed to G7, G1, G4 genotypes as by values NPi(s). Positiveand negative correlations exhibited by Sis, CSis & NPi(s) with the measures. Biplot analysis observed large cluster comprised of Yield with GAI, NPi(2), NPi(3), NPi(4), Si1, Si2, Si4Si3, Si5, Si6 measures. Second year of study(2017-18) as per BLUP’s seen, Sis settled for G8, G7, G2 genotypes. While NPi(s) settled for G1, G2, G8, G5. Negative correlations of yield had been observed with MR, CV, Med, NPi(2), NPi(3), NPi(4) while positive with GAI, CMR, CSi6. Measure CV expressed affinity with NPi(2), NPi(3) & NPi(4), SD, Si3, Si6, Si1, Si2, Si4, Si5,Si7 in Biplot analysis.. Measures Sis as per BLUE’s pointed towards G2, G5,G8, G7 whereas CSis settled for G6, G8, G7. . Wheat genotypes G8, G2, G7, G5 favoured by least values of NPi(s). Positive correlation Sis,CSis & NPi(s) with others. Large cluster of CCV, CSD, NPi(1), Si1, Si2, Si4, CSi1, CSi2, CSi3, CSi4, CSi5, CSi6, CSi7 and Z1measures.
Title: Extent of Adoption of Sweet Corn Cultivation in South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha
Abstract :

Sweet corn is becoming very popular in different parts of the country. The present study was conducted during 2019-20 in two blocks of Malkangiri district comprising 120 numbers of farmers from four adopted villages of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Malkangiri in South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha. In previous years (2017-18 and 2018-19) KVK, Malkangiri has conducted FLD programmes on sweet corn cultivation by providing the critical inputs with support of production technologies. Conducting front line demonstrations on farmer’s field help to identify potential of the sweet corn in specific area as well as it helps in improving the economic and social status of the farmers. The ex-post facto research design was used for the study. Majority of the respondents (83.3%) were found to possess medium to high level of adoption behavior regarding different recommended package and practices about sweet corn cultivation. It means that the respondents were more energetic, progressive and adopting the sweet corn as cash crop keeping the market demand in mind and practicing the technologies for better production and higher net return. The study revealed that socio- economic variable like education, extension contact, communication material used and holding size were the pertinent variables exhibiting influence towards adoption behaviour of the respondents. Different extension agencies like KVK, ATMA, NGO’s of the district need to provide more technical support to the farmers for increase in area and production of sweet corn.

Title: Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield and Economics in Summer Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. saccharata)
Abstract :

The field experiment was carreied out at Research Farm, Bagusala, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management during summer, 2018. The soil was sandy loam in texture, slightly acidic in reaction ( pH 6.8 ) and low in available N (158.83 kg /ha) and P2O5 (10.82 kg /ha) and medium in available K2O (147.67 kg/ha). The randomized complete block design was adopted with three replications for testing 8 treatments. They were consisted of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer ( DF) @ 120-60-60 kg of N-P2O5-K2O /ha), 100% RDF + bio fertilizer consortia (Azotobactor + Azosporillum + phosphobacter) @15 kg/ha, 50 % recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through farm yard manure (FYM) + 50 % RDF + bio fertilizer consortia (BFC) @15 kg/ha, 50 % RDN through vermi compost (VC) + 50% RDF + BFC @15 kg/ha, 75 % RDF + 25 % RDN through FYM, 75 % RDF + 25 % RDN through VC, 75 % RDF + 25 % RDN through FYM + BFC @15 kg/ha and 75 % RDF + 25 % RDN through VC + BFC @15 kg/ha. The yield attributes such as number of cobs/plant, cob length, cob girth and cob weight along with green cob and forage yield were remarkably influenced by integrated nutrient management treatments. Application of 75 % RDF + 25 % RDN (VC) + BFC @15 kg/ha recorded the highest yield attributes and green cob (12.01 t/ha) and fodder (` 16.52 t/ha) yield. It was followed by 100 % RDF + BFC @15 kg/ha producing the green cob and forage yield of 11.67 and 16.17 t/ha, respectively. The maximum net return (Rs. 164206/ ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.92) was obtained with integration of 100 % RFD (120-60-60 kg of N, P2O5 and K2O /ha) and BFC (Azotobactobacter + Azosporillum + posphobacter) @15 kg/ha.

Title: An Assessment of Critical Loads of Acid Deposition in Kanpur Region, India
Abstract :

The present load of sulphur (161.1 Eq ha-1 yr-1), nitrogen(49.9 Eq ha-1 yr-1) and ammonium (176.8 Eq ha-1 yr-1) were calculated from wet and dry deposition from Kanpur region consisting of seven sampling sites located at IIT, Vikas Nagar, Panki, Arya Nagar, Rama Devi, Gola Ghat and Phoolbagh for the year 2014-2016. The values for critical load of sulphur and nitrogen for soil with respect to Barley (Hordeum vulgare) and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus) were calculated. The methodology involved the Steady State Mass Balance (SSMB) method. The values of actual acidity calculated were also compared with the RAINS-Asia model and was found to be lower for this area.

Title: Arduino-Based Milk Quality Monitoring System
Abstract :
The current generation has seen a significant rise in milk demand, which has increased the number of milk centers in various regions. Milk is the most important source of nutrition for children, pregnant women, and adults. Milk of the highest quality is dense and free of contaminants. A few adulterants are added
to milk to sustain milk income and increase yield. Since farmers supply so much of the milk, there’s a fair chance they’ll get the information wrong if they don’t know what they’re doing. The consistency of milk can be harmed by these adulterants. Adulteration of milk has been a major social problem in recent years. Consumption of tainted milk can result in serious health problems. Milk adulteration must be detected, and milk consistency must be ensured. Various types of sensors, such as pH sensors, gas sensors, and temperature sensors, may be used to detect milk adulteration. This implementation is designed to make the process more apparent to all people who deposit milk. The Arduino controller is used in this framework. The entire milk analyzer system is regulated by this Arduino. Controllers are connected to a variety of sensors. This is an easy-to-use method.
Title: Host Range, Life Aspects and Mode of Damage of Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee) on Brinjal: A Review
Abstract :

Brinjal (Eggplant) Solanum melongena Linnaeus is the most important vegetable of hot and humid climates. A wide range of essential biochemicals and minerals belongs to brinjal. It is a fairly good source of iron, calcium, phosphorous, potassium and vitamin B group. Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee is the major infectious insect causing a great damage to plants. BSFB generally depends on brinjal but it may infest other solanaceous field crops and may be on wild hosts. The insect has been reported a number of crops such as S. tuberosum (potato), S. lycopersicum and some other Solanaceous crops. The damage by this borer starts at seedling stage and continues till the last harvest of fruits. Egg-laying occurs during night and incubation period ranges from 3-8 days depending of environmental conditions. Larval period completes in 12-22 days depending upon environmental situations and passes through five instars. Full grown larvae pupate into the soil or under plant debris and dropped dead shoots. Adult of BSFB is a whitish moth which hides during day time and activates from dusk to perform various activities like mating oviposition. Larvae bore into fruits and shoots and in younger plants, caterpillars drill into midrib of large leaves. At the time of maturity, damage of the insect on fruits causes a serious loss in yield.

Title: Influence of Weed Management Practices on Weed Control Efficiency, Yield and Economics in Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. saccharata)
Abstract :

The field experiment was conducted in sandy loam soil at Research Farm, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bagusala village, Paralakhemundi, Odisha, India during summer season of 2018. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications and eight treatments. The herbicidal treatmentrs of pre emergence (PE) application of either pendimethalin @ 0.75kg/ha, oxyfluorfen @ 50 g/ha and metribuzin @ 0.3 kg/ha at 1 day after sowing (DAS) or the same herbicides supplimented with straw mulching (SM) @ 6 t/ha at 30 DAS were compared with intercultivation twice at 20 and 40 DAS and unweeded control.Experimental results revealed that weed mangement treatments significantly influenced the yield attributes and yield of sweet corn along with improvement in weed control efficiency. Pre emergence application of either metribuzin @ 0.30 kg/ha or pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg /ha at 1 DAS in combination with SM @ 6.0 t/ha at 30 DAS remarkbly enhanced the yield attributes such as number of cobs/plant, cob length, cob girth and cob weight. The green cob (11.78 t /ha) and forage (14.55 t/ha) yield were the highest with metribuzin @ 0.30 kg/ha as PE at 1 DAS + SM @ 6 t/ha at 30 DAS. It was followed by pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg /ha as PE at 1 DAS + SM @ 6 t/ha at 30 DAS producing the green cob and forage yield of 11.21 and 14.22 t/ha, respectively. The reduction in yield was to the tune of 35.10% due to uninterrupted growth of weeds. The maximum gross return (` 250150 /ha), net return (` 181635 /ha) and B:C ratio (2.65) were obtained with PE application of metribuzin @ 0.30 k g/ha at 1 DAS + SM @ 6 t/ha at 30 DAS. It was followed by pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg /ha as PE at 1 DAS + SM @ 6 t/ha at 30 DAS registering the gross and net return of ` 238420/ ha and ` 169605 /ha, respectively.

Title: Contents IJAEB Vol 13 Issue 1 March 2020
Abstract :
Title: Studies on the Effect of Different Types of Feeding on the Commercial Characters of Mulberry Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) in West Bengal: A Review
Abstract :

The silkworm Bombyx mori is essentially monophagous and survives solely on the mulberry leaves (Morus spp.). Mulberry is a highly heterozygous and vegetatively propagated species that is prone to prolonged juvenile period. Since the quality of silk production is directly proportional to the quality of leaves used as the exclusive feed for these worms, leaf quality is of utmost importance in sericulture. The quality of leaves is reported to depend upon age of leaf on the shoot, succulency and nutrient content. The nutrient contents of mulberry leaves are known to vary according to the season, variety, age, type of harvesting. In addition, feeding with mixed varieties leaves and feeding frequencies are also known to influence the health of the silk worms. The present review paper discusses in details about the effects of different types of feeding on the commercial characteristics of mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori L) in West Bengal.

Title: Standardization of Organic Manure and Bio-inoculants for Production of Improved Planting Material of Tea
Abstract :

Tea is one of the important plantation crops of India as well as West Bengal, contributes considerably in national economy and earns foreign exchange. During 2014-15, total production of tea in India was 1233.14 m kg, out of which only 100 m kg were organic tea. Mainly due to importers demand of organic tea, there is urgent need to enhance organic production of tea crop. Indiscriminate use of inorganic agricultural inputs-fertilizers, weedicides, pesticide and fungicides and lesser use of organic matters deplete soil health, residues remain beyond MRL in processed tea, ultimately reduction in export. Tea Board provides 55% subsidy for organic tea production. For organic cultivation of tea, the planting materials should also be organically produced in nursery, which is very scanty for perennial crops in general and plantation crops in particular. With this background, the present investigation was carried out at instructional farm of the department of Plantation Crops and Processing, UBKV, Pundibari, with the objective to standardize the organic manures and bio-inoculants for production of improved planting materials of tea, The experiment was conducted from 2013 to 2015 and laid out in completely randomized block design. The planting materials of tea chosen to standardize organic manures and bio-inoculants were TS-462 and TV 26. From the study it can be inferred that, the treatment T6-vermicompost 50 g/sleeve and bio fertilizers mixture 10 g (Azotobacter + Azospirillium + PSB + Trichoderma + VAM @2.0 g each)/sleeve observed to be the best when compared to other treatments and control.

Title: Outbreak of Rice Blast on the Coastal Region of South-Eastern India
Abstract :

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe grisea is turn to be one of the most severe pathogen under change in climatic condition in coastal region of South-Eastern India. Severity of the pathogen was not overwhelming previously. An investigation was carried out in several villages of different districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha under the RAWEP programme of Centurion University of Technology and Management with compared to meteorological data support from IMD, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Different meteorological factors consider under this study were maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), relative humidity maximum (RH max), relative humidity minimum (RH min), rainfall (RF). Among the three cultivated rice varieties, Pooja and Samba mahsuri (BPT-5204) are the most susceptible blast varieties (5.71% and 4.85%) compared to Swarna (MTU 7029) with a disease incidence level of 1.23%. Outcome of this investigation also revealed that the most crucial two (Tmax and RH max) factors directly involved for the emergence of the disease compared to previous year 2015-16 and 2016-17. The peak disease infestation was observed in the month of October and November with PDI of 27.33 % and 26 %. Farmers based prolonged survey report and our observation concluded with the fact that Tricyclazole 75% WP (trade name – BAAN/ Indofils) and 40% EC formulation of Isoprothiolane (trade name – Fujione / Rallis India Limited) are the two sequential most effective fungicides compared to different market based available fungicides and showed best efficacy against neck, collar and leaf blasts. Weather parameters as well as complex adaptability of the pathogenic nature (showing resistant against different fungicides) turned this Ascomycota member to a severe one.

Title: Management of Phytophthora capsici Infection in Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) using New Generation Fungicides and Biopesticide
Abstract :

A field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different new generation fungicides and biopesticide against Phytophthora capsici in black pepper. Five commercial fungicides and a biopesticide were tested and natural infection due to P. capsici was recorded. Disease indexing was done by visual observation on leaf blight, spike infection, leaf shedding and yellowing of vines. Among the different fungicides, spraying and drenching with Fenamidone 10WDG + Mancozeb 50WDG @ 0.2% was found to be the most effective with 12.4% disease intensity. It was followed by Copper hydroxide 77 WP @ 0.2% with 17.8% disease intensity. Dimethomorph 9WP + Mancozeb 60WP and Cymoxanil 8WP + Mancozeb 64WP were also effective against Phytophthora infection and found better than the existing practice of spraying Bordeaux mixture and drenching Copper oxy chloride. Soil application of talc based formulation of PGPM mix @ 50 g/vine and foliar spray at 2% concentration also resulted in considerable reduction in the severity of Phytophthora infection in black pepper.

Title: Evaluation of Matrix Effect of Chilli, Cabbage and Bitter Gourd in Multiclass Multi-pesticide Residue Analysis Using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Abstract :

Matrix effect of twenty three (23) multi-class pesticides in three different vegetables (Bitter gourd, Chilli, Cabbage) was evaluated using modified QuEChERS [Quick (Qu), Easy (E), Cheap (Ch), Effective (E), Rugged (R) and Safe (S)] coupled with GC-MS analysis. Validation parameters (linearity, LOD, LOQ, accuracy and precision) were determined for multi-residue analysis. The Horwitz ratio was used to explain for intra-laboratory precision. The matrix effect (% ME) for each pesticide in each vegetable was assessed based on the study of slope ratio of linearity curves obtained from solvent and respective vegetable matrix. Most of the compounds had positive matrix effect and cabbage was found to be the least sensitive matrix compared to others. Recovery study was carried out fortifying pesticide mixture prepared from both pure solvent and matrix. The values of recovery percentages were satisfactory when calculated with matrix matched standard mixture (79% to 108%), with an acceptable relative standard deviation (RSD) (<20%). The results of the present study truly revealed the influence of matrix in pesticide residue estimation.

Title: Growth and Instability Analysis of Area, Production and Productivity of Paddy in Kerala, with Special Reference to “The Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2008.”
Abstract :

Rice is the staple food of Keralites. Kerala climate is well suited for wetland paddy cultivation. However, the paddy land in Kerala is decreasing over years. The Kerala conservation of paddy land and wetland Act, 2008 made a slight change in this decadal decreasing trend. In this study, Bai-Perron test identified a structural break in area, production and productivity during 2007-08 and 2009-10, which could be associated to the conservation act. The compound annual growth rate for area and production was found to be negative. The growth in area diminished before and after the break, but the diminishing rate was less after the break (-2.52%) than the period before the break date (-4.40%). So, as in the case of production. Productivity showed a positive growth rate for the overall period. Instability in production was high after the break date, whereas, instability in area remained almost same for both before and after the break dates. Exponential growth model was used for forecasting. The forecasted area and production up to 2030 showed a declining trend. The forecasted results on area showed that there will be a decline of around 36,444 ha in another 12 years. Similarly, the production will also come down to 3,70,795 t.

Title: Soil Nutrient Status of Gosani Block Under Gajapati District, Odisha
Abstract :

The present investigation was led during the year 2018-19 at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Gajapati, Odisha with intend to consider supplement status of various village of Gosani square. The examples were gathered from various homesteads and towns of Gosani square. At that point test investigated according to standard strategy for surveying pH, EC, OC, and significant supplements like accessible nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium with micronutrients like zinc, copper, manganese and iron status of soils. The pH of soils changed from 6.13 to 6.44 and EC shifted from 0.06 to 0.34 dS/m. The natural carbon content in ranch soils was shifted from 0.35 to 0.55%. The accessible nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium ran from 125 to 250 and 31 to 41 and 185 to 542 kg/ha individually. The accessible zinc, copper, manganese and iron went from 1.08 to 2.92, 0.90 to 3.06, 9.96 to 27.90 and 17.02 to 74.14 mg/kg individually. The outcomes demonstrate that result were somewhat acidic in response, non-saline and low in natural carbon. The results were low to medium in accessible nitrogen and high in accessible phosphorous and medium to high in accessible potassium. The micronutrient status like accessible zinc was low to satisfactory and accessible copper, manganese; iron were sufficient sum found in soils. The outcomes presume that decent use of supplements required for fruitful harvest creation and advancement of vegetable in various villages under Gosani Block.

Title: Studies on Induction of Somaclonal Variation in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) and Validation of Mutant Using Molecular Markers
Abstract :

Sugarcane is a perennial grass of the family Poaceae, primarily cultivated for its juice from which sugar is processed. Sugarcane yields are declining due to varietal degeneration and susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses. Smut of sugarcane is one of them, the disease can cause significant losses in cane tonnage and juice quality. As development of superior sugarcane varieties through conventional hybridization program is time consuming and has the problem of transfer of undesirable characters/traits into the newly developed hybrids/variety. In this connection, attempts were made to introduce genetic variability in sugarcane by in vitro culture techniques and mutation breeding. Induction of somaclonal variation is one of them which is described as the genetic variability present among cultured cells, plants derived from such cells or progeny of such plants. The treatment, MS medium supplemented with 3 mgl-1 2,4-D found most suitable for callus induction and multiplication. The callus on application of EMS become pinkish brown in colour, shoot regeneration from callus cells was high in MS medium supplemented with 3 mgl-1 BAP gave dark gray or brown and sticky callus. Molecular analysis of somaclonal mutants showed by primers polymorphism of DNA bands on validating with molecular markers viz. RAPD and ISSR markers gave 100 per cent polymorphism by two RAPD primers named OPA-01 and OPA-02 showed that out of 17 DNA samples of mutants considered, all were showing variations but one DNA sample was showing similarity with mother plant. The present investigation reports the study induction of somaclonal variation in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) and validation of mutant using molecular markers in variety Co261.

Title: Heterosis studies in diallel crosses of maize for yield and yield attributing traits in maize (Zea mays L.) over locations
Abstract :

A study was undertaken to estimate the heterotic, heterobeltiotic and standard heterotic effects of 11 characters of 45 maize hybrids developed by ten parents in maize during rabi, 2011-12 over three locations viz., College Farm, Rajendranagar (Hyderabad), Agricultural Research Station, Karimnagar and Agricultural Research Station, Kampasagar, Nalgonda District, T.S. The pooled analysis of variance (Diallel) revealed significant differences among locations and genotypes for all the characters studied. The crosses exhibited significant differences, indicating varying performance of cross combinations. The parent vs crosses which indicates average heterosis, for all the traits, thus considerable amount of average heterosis was reflected in hybrids. Negative standard heterosis was observed for days to 50 per cent tasseling, days to 50 per cent silking and days to maturity due to earliness in three hybrids over checks DHM-117 and 900 M Gold were BML-2782 X BML-5233-5, CM-211 X BML-5233-5 and BML-2486 X BML-2. Five crosses viz. BML-15 X BML-2910, BML-7 X BML-3044, CM-211 X BML-7, BML-6 X BML-2 and BML-2782 X BML-6 were identified as potential hybrids with more than 12% standard heterosis for grain yield over better yielding commercial hybrid check DHM-117. Testing of these hybrids in all India coordinated trials across the different states of the country may result in identification of better hybrids in the near future for commercial exploitation.

Title: Calibration and Validation of CERES-Wheat Model in North Eastern Plain Zone (NEPZ) of India
Abstract :

The crop growth model DSSAT (Decision Support Systems for Agrotechnology Transfer) used to simulate the weather parameters impacts on crop growth and yield. The experiment was conducted on Wheat crop in North Eastern Plain Zone of India. The main objective of the study was to evaluate wheat phenological stages and yield in major wheat growing zone of India. Among the parameters of the crop Yield and Days of flowering has been used for calibration and validation purpose. For the study CERES - Wheat model was used for the calibration and validation. Different data sets were used for the calibration and validation of the model. Methods of deviation statistics like Index of Agreement (d), RMSE and NRMSE are used to measure the efficiency of the model. For Yield it shows (d), RMSE and NRMSE values 0.961,199.25 and 5.17 respectively and for Days of flowering it shows (d), (RMSE) and NRMSE values are 0.970, 4.37 and 4.35 respectively. Study results shows that model is adequate to simulate the effects of climate change on wheat yield in North Eastern Plain Zone of India that are free from all pests. The model may also be used to improve and evaluate the current practices of wheat growth management to enhance wheat production.

Title: Brassinosteroids Application Responses in Fruit Crops – A Review
Abstract :

Brassinsteroids (BRs) are a class of novel plant hormones gaining importance as potential allies of agricultural development worldwide. Research findings on influences of exogenous BRs application on various aspects of growth and development like vegetative growth, flowering, fruit set, fruit growth, ripening, storage, and tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses in fruit plants’ have been reviewed and discussed. The molecular or biochemical aspects of BRs responses to modulate growth and productivity by activating or withholding enzymatic reaction of different biochemical pathways of fruit plants have been elaborated. BRs are involved in ripening and fruit quality development of climacteric and non-climacteric fruits; as per reports of many researchers, they improve fruit color, phenolics, anti-oxidant activities and post-harvest life of many fruits. Fruit cracking in litchi has been found to be significantly reduced due to BRs application. This group of plant hormones possess the capacity to negate genetoxicity and pesticidal residues in many horticultural crops; it reflects the extension of their uses in producing consumer-friendly fruits through BRs application. One of the biggest advantages of BRs application is controlling favorable plant responses under abiotic and biotic stresses; plants have been reported to manage these stresses through modifications in various gene expressions and physiological processes under the influence of the BRs. The need for in-depth studies has been speculated for optimizing the concentration of BRs application together with the standardization of critical stages for harnessing the benefit of quality orchard productivity under varied growing conditions.

Title: Organic Pineapple Production Technology in Tripura – The lone AEZ for Fruits in North East India
Abstract :

Tripura is a land of high hills, hillocks, interspersed with rivers and valleys having moderately warm and humid climate, well distributed annual rainfall of 2500 mm. The terrain soil and climate of Tripura are ideally suited for rain-fed Horticulture. Tripura, being endowed with fertile soils, abundant moisture and sub-tropical climate offer immense scope for production of a wide variety of tropical and sub-tropical fruits. The climatic conditions of the state suitable for production of a large variety of horticultural crops chief among which include ‘Queen’ and ‘Kew’; varieties of Pineapple. Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) is a monoecious, monocotyledonous, monocarpic and xerophytic herbaceous perennial plant and its perennial in nature is propitiated through suckers. ‘Queen’ and ‘Kew’ (‘Smooth Cayenne’) are the main cultivars grown in different parts of Tripura. Among the states of north east India Assam is leading in terms of area and production and Tripura is just behind the Assam both in terms of area and production. Tripura produces 178.45 thousand MT from 12.57 thousand ha area (Anonymous, 2017), which is India’s fifth leading state of in pineapple production and Tripura is also share 9.30 per cent of India’s total pineapple production. The variety ‘Queen’ being the most popular for fresh consumption and occupying the largest area. These varieties are well known in the rest of the country. These Fruit products are free of any chemical residue thus making the fruits of Tripura products of organic farming. Pineapple production for export market is a realistic for organic cultivation for small scale organic farmers. The positive effects of organic pineapple production by default in Tripura competing on the global export market for pineapple.

Title: Dry Matter Production in Eucalyptus Clones
Abstract :

Eucalypts are among the most widely cultivated forest trees in the world under a range of different climates for products that include pulp, paper fuel wood and solid wood products such as poles, furniture and construction timber. Productivity and profitability of plantations of Eucalyptus have been revolutionized with the development of genetically improved, fast growing and high yielding Clonal planting stock of Eucalypts. Eucalypts Clonal planting has been said to have advantages which includes quick provision of benefits associates with fast growth, short rotation for production of pulp wood (of around 70 MT ha-1 in 6 years) ready marketing and easy establishment and less maintenance needs. Clonal planting one among the approach for management of water and nutrients compared to the other conventional strategies. Studies relating to Clonal difference and evaluation for dry matter production will help for better water and nutrient use efficiency to overcome productivity loss due to deficit rainfall and optimum utilization of available natural resources for higher wood production. The present study was carried out to test the hypothesis that there exists a Clonal variation in dry matter production and the present study gives an insight in to Clonal variation in with reference to dry matter production of above ground and below ground biomass.

Title: Effect of Bulky Manures and Fermented Liquid Organics on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Economics of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) Under Rainfed Condition
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted to study the “Effect of bulky organic manures and fermented liquid organics on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economics of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) under rainfed condition” at Organic Farming Research Centre, Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station (ZAHRS), Navile, Shivamogga, during Kharif 2018-19. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten treatments comprising of different bulky organic manures (FYM and Vermicompost) and fermented liquid organic manures (Beejamrutha, Jeevamruta, Panchagavya and Cow urine) were replicated thrice. Experimental results revealed that, significantly higher growth, yield attributes, economics and nutrient uptake with good shelf life and protein content of the French bean were found in the treatment which received Beejamrutha (seed treatment) + Jeevamrutha (soil application @ 500 L ha-1) + 100 % RDN through vermicompost + Foliar spray of Panchagavya @ 3 % (T6) and were on par with application of Beejamrutha (seed treatment) + Jeevamrutha (soil application @ 500 L ha-1) + 50 % RDN through FYM + 50 % RDN through vermicompost + Foliar spray of Panchagavya @ 3 % (T7) and Beejamrutha (seed treatment) + Jeevamrutha (soil application @ 500 L ha-1) + 100 % RDN through FYM + Foliar spray of Panchagavya @ 3 % (T5). Simillar trend of higher benefit cost ratio was also recorded in the same set of treatment combination. This study indicated that combined application of bulky and fermented liquid organic manures in seed treatments, soil application and foliar spray performed better in organic French bean production at best benefit ratio cost.

Title: Performance Assessment of Newly Improved High Yielding Wheat Varieties in the Irrigated Farming Situations of Birbhum District, West Bengal
Abstract :

Wheat is one of the potential crops in Birbhum District from a platter of crops having utility in a crop diversification programme. As crop diversification is one of the major thrust areas of the Rathindra Krishi Vigyan Kendra, the Kendra has taken up the crop diversification programme with newly improved High Yielding (HY) wheat varieties through its Front Line Demonstration (FLD) Programmes for the last couple of years. In Birbhum the average yield of Wheat stood at 2950.20 kg. / ha in 2015-16. This figure shows that there is a lot of scope in improvement in productivity as concerned. So, the main objectives of these demonstration programmes of the Rathindra Krishi Vigyan Kendra were to show the farmers the modern methods of wheat cultivation using resource conservatory technologies thus increasing the production, productivity, net returns and B: C ratio. The results from the FLD Programmes showed us that the highest ever yield was achieved by the newly improved HYV HD – 2824 in the year of 2014-15 with an average yield of 4056.00 kgs. / ha with an yield increase of 21.92 per cent over the local check variety Sonalika (yield – 3330.00 kgs. / ha) and with a B : C Ratio of 2.32. However, the highest yield increase over the local Check Variety Sonalika, Net Income and as well as B: C Ratio were highest in the case of Variety PBW – 343 with a Yield increase of 27.50 per cent, an average Net Income of ` 32,049.00 / ha and B: C Ratio of 2.39 in the year of 2016-17. The studies conducted on the performances of the FLDs organized by the Rathindra Krishi Vigyan Kendra on newly improved Wheat Varieties safely point out that HD – 2824 and PBW – 343 are the two HYVs of Wheat which can meet up the growing demands of Wheat Varieties with improved yield and as well as increased income potential for irrigated situations of Birbhum District.

Title: Constraints Faced by Orange Growers about Production and Marketing Orange
Abstract :

The oranges created in Amravati district possessed the biggest share of oranges within the Vidarbha orange market. The orange crop plays a vital role within the economy of the region. Among the fruit crops, orange crop covers about 45,226 ha area in Vidarbha. There is still a good potential toward bringing a lot of area below orange in Vidarbha region. The present paper analyses the information behaviour of orange growers concerning the production of the oranges. The various types of constraints confronted by the orange grower related to production of orange are rootstock availability, labour availability, manures and fertilizers, irrigation, plant protection, capital, availability of loan from co-operative society, technical information, use of growth regulator, supporting and constraints confronted by the orange grower related to marketing of orange are Grading, Transportation, Sale of produce, Packaging, Storage. The study was conducted in the purposively selected Amravati district of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state. Five Panchayat Samities from Amravati district were hand-picked purposively covering ten villages from every Panchayat Samiti. Thus, a total of 50 villages and five orange growers from each selected village was selected 250 orange growers constituted the sample size for the present investigation. The main objective of the present paper is to analyze the constraints faced by orange growers in the Amravati District of Maharashtra. Study findings indicated that the orange growers were non-availability of rootstock, high cost of rootstock and fertilizers, uncertainty of electricity supply and difficulties in getting loan were major constraints faced by the farmers which are related to the production. Lack of transport facilities, non-establishment of processing units, and high cost of packing material and non-availability of storage facilities in nearby markets were the major constraints about marketing on orange.

Title: Influence of different types of Strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum Inoculation and Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates on Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency and N2 Fixation of Soybean (Glycine max L. (Merrill)) in Ethiopia
Abstract :

Soybean production in western Ethiopia particularly at Bako has remained low, partly due to soil nutrient depletion and degradation, which is considered serious threats to agricultural productivity and food security. This study was conducted to assess the effect of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains and phosphorus rates on nitrogen uptake efficiency, N2 fixation of soybean, seed yield, yield components, yield and quality to enhance soybean production and yeild. Treatments included factorial combinations of four Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains with un-inoculated, (Soybean murodk, Soybean 12 and Soybean MAR-1495) and four phosphorus levels (0, 23, 46 and 69 kg P2O5 ha-1) which were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Interaction of Phosphorus and Bradyrhizobium inoculation, revealed that application of 69 kg P2O5 ha-1 with Soybean 12 inoculation significantly resulted enhanced leaf area (64.2 cm2), and above ground biomass (8241 kg ha-1), whereas Soybean MAR-1495 strain inoculation produced highest harvest index (48.77% plant-1). Among all treatments, combined application of Soybean 12 along with 46 kg of P2O5 ha-1 gave better performance of soybean with highest seed yield. While, phosphorus rates at 46 and 69 kg P2O5 ha-1 with Soybean 12 inoculation resulted in maximum leaf area index of 0.157 plant-1. Hence, 46 kg P2O5 ha-1 phosphorus rate with Soybean 12 inoculation was found to be economical and superior in yield.

Title: Management of Nutritional and Climatic factors for Silkworm Rearing in West Bengal: A Review
Abstract :

The development and reproduction of insects are greatly influenced by a variety of nutritional and climatic factors. These factors may exert their effects on insects either directly or indirectly. Under natural conditions organisms are subjected to a combination of nutritional and climatic factors, and it is this combination that ultimately determines the distribution and abundance of a species. Frequently the effect of one facto modifies the normal response of an organism to another factor. For example climatic factor light, by inducing diapauses may make an insect unresponsive or unaffected by temperature fluctuations. Major silk producing insect Bombyx mori L is also not an exception. Bombyx mori L is a domesticated and delicate insect. Improper maintenance of nutritional and climatic factors affect the genotypic expression in the form of phenotypic output of silkworm crop such as cocoon weight, shell weight, and cocoon shell ratio. Besides it is not easy to manage silkworm rearing in West Bengal due to prevalence of high temperature and high humidity most of the time during the silkworm rearing. These climatic factors also influence the various nutritional factors. As per example humidity in the rearing room may affect the types of leaf fed to silkworm larvae in different instars. The present review paper discuss in details about the role of various nutritional and climatic factors on growth and development of silkworm and it also indicates future strategies to be taken for the management various climatic and nutritional factors for successful cocoon crop in West Bengal.

Title: Molecular Characterization of Different Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) Cultivars Growing under Mid Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh
Abstract :

Genetic similarity of fifteen strawberry cultivars was assessed using RAPD and ISSR molecular markers. The DNA of the fifteen strawberry cultivars were extracted and amplified by PCR with RAPD and ISSR primers. The DNA Fragments were separated in agarose gel for RAPD and in polyacrylamide gel for ISSR markers. The genetic similarity matrix was estimated by Jaccard coefficient. Studied cultivars were found to be coherent into two groups. RAPD markers projected more coherence with origin and genealogy of the cultivars. ISSR markers projected more similarity between ‘Chandler’ and ‘Shasta’ whereas as per RAPD marker ‘Chandler’ and ‘Sweet Charlie’ were more closely related. In molecular assessment Elyana cultivar was found to be marked cultivars as it shows long flowering duration, higher yield and bigger fruits and can be used as a potential genotype to breed cultivars among the locally adapted cultivars.

Title: Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance In Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicon Mill.)
Abstract :

In the present study an attempt has been made to germplasm evaluation in 39 diverse genotypes of tomato at Vegetable Research Farm, Rewa (Madhya Pradesh) during the Rabi session of 2011. Analysis of variance showed significant variation among the genotypes for all evaluated traits. Number of fruits plant-1 showed the highest genotypic and phenotypic variance (1282.0 and 1287.6) whereas test weight showed the lowest (0.03 and 0.08). High genotypic variance was observed for most of the characters indicating more contribution of genetic components for the total variation. Genotypic coefficients of variations (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were highest for average fruit weight (48.85 and 48.87), number of seeds fruit-1 (44.54 and 45.29) whereas the lowest were recorded for days to 50% fruit setting (1.984 and 2.81). Higher GCV and PVC were recorded for most of the characters indicating higher magnitude of variability for these characters. The highest heritability (broad senses) estimates were observed for average fruit weight (99.92) number of secondary branches (99.65%), while the lowest was for the test weight (45.29%). Highest genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for average fruit weight (100.59%) and lowest for days to 50% fruit setting (2.89). The exploration of genetic variability in the available germplasm is a prerequisite in a breeding programme for effective selection of superior genotype of tomato.

Title: Contents VOL. 13, NO. 2, JUNE 2020
Abstract :
Title: Influence of Plant Population and NPSB Blended Fertilizer Rates on Yield Parameters and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Bako, Ethiopia
Abstract :

Maize (Zea mays L.) is ranked number one in total production among food grains and is inevitable in achieving food security in Ethiopia. In spite of good agro-climatic conditions and soils, maize productivity is constrained by a number of problems; optimum plant population and nutrient management are the most critical among many others. Hence, this field experiment was carried out in split plot design distributing three levels of plant population 53,333 plants/ha, 66,666 plants/ha, and 76923 plants/ha in the main plots and five levels of NPSB fertilizer rates 0,100,150,200 and 250 kg/ha in sub-plots comparing with NP recommended rates in the research area. The two main effects, the plant population and NPSB rate did not change cob length, number of row cob-1 and harvest index. The analysis of variance showed the interaction of plant population and NPSB rates influenced number of kernels cob-1, thousand kernel weight, number of cobs per plot and above ground biomass. Highest number of cob plot-1 was recorded from the plot with 66,666 plants ha-1 and highest biological yield 28299 kg/ha was harvested from the plot with standard check. The highest grain yield was obtained from 150 kg/ha with the plant population of 66666 plants/ha (60 cm × 25 cm). From the research it was concluded that the yield of maize was significantly affected by fertilizer rates and plant population, the combination of 66,666 plant/ha and 150 kg/ha of NPSB fertilizer rate was found to be superior and economically viable for maze production in the study area and similar agro ecologies.

Title: Chemical and Non-chemical Method of Weed Management in Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) in North Eastern Zone of Tamil Nadu
Abstract :

Pulse crops are grown in different cropping systems as a sole crop, catch crop, mixed crop, intercrop and sequential crop in different cropping systems followed by farmers. The crops are facing weed infestation during its entire life cycle from seed to seed. The weed management in appropriate time will increase the yield. In the present study, the dominant weeds species like Echinochloa colona, Cyperus rotundus, Commelina benghalensis and Phyllanthus spp. were observed. Among the treatment methods, application of both pre emergence (pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i ha-1) at 3 DAS (days after sowing) + post emergence (Quizalofop-p- ethyl @ 50 g .i ha-1) at 25 DAS recorded the minimum weed density and shown weed control efficiency of 97.32 per cent at 45 DAS and 97.94 per cent at 60 DAS with seed yield of 1004.1 kg ha-1. The non chemical method like sugarcane trash mulching decreased the weed density but the complete weed control efficiency was not observed. The herbicidal treatments significantly reduced the weed biomass compared to weedy check.

Title: Influential Factors on Customer Satisfaction: Case of Branded Fast Food Outlet in Jammu City
Abstract :

The paper entitled “Influential Factors on Customer Satisfaction: Case of Branded Fast Food Outlet in Jammu City” was carried out in Jammu city of J&K (UT). The research adopted a convenience sampling technique to carry out the survey. The primary data was collected from 100 respondents by filling up the pre-tested schedule-cum-questionnaire. The major findings of the study show that the factors like hospitality, advertisement, and price of the food at the branded retail outlets influence the overall customer satisfaction.

Title: Molecular characterization of bacterial leaf blight resistant near isogenic lines of rice (Oryza sativa L.) using RAPD and SSR markers
Abstract :

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is nutritionally, one of the most important cereal crops. Rice production is mostly reduced due to different biotic stresses. Bacterial leaf blight, caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae bacteria, is one of the major biotic destructive diseases throughout the world. This disease affects the rice production because it reduces the photosynthesis by causing leaf wilting. The preferred strategy for disease management is through varietal resistance because it is not fully controlled by any chemical treatments. Gene pyramiding is the most effective strategy; in which, pyramided lines with three to four different bacterial leaf blight resistance genes have been developed in the genetic background of popular rice cultivars by using marker-assisted selection. The present study was carried out with an aim to study the molecular characterization of 30 rice genotypes for BLB resistance using RAPD and SSR markers. Overall results on the basis of clustering pattern of SSR and RAPD pooled data analysis revealed genetic similarity between some of the pyramided lines with their respective recurrent parent. Some of the SSR markers are very informative and can be useful for marker-assisted selection.

Title: Quality and Quantity Improvement of Citrus: Role of Plant Growth Regulators
Abstract :

Citrus is one of the most important fruit tree species in the world, as the fruits are a valuable source of nutrients, vitamins and other antioxidant compounds. The citrus productivity depends on various factors, among these the plant growth regulators holds a prime position. The use of plant growth regulators has become an important component in the field of citriculture because of the wide range of potential roles they play in increasing the productivity of crop per unit area. The plant growth regulating compounds actively regulate the growth and development by regulation of the endogenous processes and there exogenous applications have been exploited for modifying the growth response. Plant growth regulators have been used in citrus fruit production for influencing flowering, fruit set and fruit drop and play a major role in fruit growth and abscission. These regulators have also been used to influence fruit quality factors like peel quality and colour, fruit size, juice quality and to improve total soluble solids in different citrus species. This review may serve as a complete treatise on the possible roles of growth promoting substances on the physiological processes of citrus plant.

Title: Growth and Yield of Sweetcorn as Influenced by Zinc Fertilization
Abstract :

In order to investigate the effect of zinc nutrition on growth, yield, and quality parameters of sweetcorn, a field experiment comprising of nine treatments with three replications was carried out in Randomised Block Design during Kharif, season 2020 on sandy clay soils of Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla. The analysis of variance showed a significant effect of zinc application on growth and yield parameters. The detailed results of the study showed that among the various zinc fortification treatments, RDF + Zn EDTA @ 10 kg ha-1 (Soil) + Nano ZnO @ 250 ppm at 20 & 40 DAS (Foliar spray) registered superior plant growth characters like plant height at harvest (214.4 cm) leaf area index at harvest (2.94) and dry matter accumulation at harvest (9903 kg ha-1). The yield parameters like no. of seed rows per cob (16.84), no. of seeds per row (32.57), green cob yield (12,638 kg ha-1), and green fodder yield (19,674 kg ha-1) were maximum with RDF + Zn EDTA @ 10 kg ha-1 (Soil) + Nano ZnO @ 250 ppm at 20 & 40 DAS (Foliar spray) which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments whereas lower growth and yield was noticed with RDF alone.

Title: Kriging Approach for Estimating Deficient Micronutrients in the Soil: A Case Study
Abstract :

Soil surveying, testing and mapping are important operations for knowing availability of nutrients and micronutrients in the soil and their optimum use for agricultural operation. The main objective of present study was to estimate the content of deficient micronutrients namely Zn, B and Fe in the soil of Kashi Vidyapeeth block of Varanasi District of Uttar Pradesh, (India) at different locations by using test results of sampled soils. The Kriging interpolation method (Krige, 1951) was used for preparing the maps to show spatial distribution of deficient micronutrients. The method can be used for recommending judicious applications of micronutrients for sustainable soil management.

Title: Drying Behavior and Mathematical Modelling of Bottle Gourd
Abstract :

Bottle Gourd slabs of 10×10×3 mm, 10×10×5 mm and 10×10×7 mm were dehydrated by fluidized bed drying technique with a sample size of 100 g at air temperature of 50, 60 and 70oC at air velocity of 10m/s. The drying rate is high for the slabs of 10×10×3mm at 70oC. Moisture diffusivity of bottle gourd slabs dried under fluidized bed drying conditions was found in the range of 1.03 × 10-09 to 6.18 × 10-09 m2/s water activity varied from 0.318 to 0.393 for fluidized bed dryer. The product of fluidized bed dryer at 70oC (10×10×3mm) has best quality in terms of water activity. The experimental data was fitted to page model other than the mathematical models available in the literature. The fluidized bed dried product for 10×10×5 mm slab at 60ËšC was of best quality in terms of color.

Title: Growth and Productivity of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by Nitrogen Management Options
Abstract :

Precision nutrient management is the most advanced agronomic strategy for improving crop yields and managing soil and environmental quality. Considering the above, a field experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Research Farm, Baghasala of Centurion University of Technology and Management during the rabi season of 2020-21 to find out the impact of nitrogen management options on growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was consisted of eight treatments, viz., T1: control, T2: 150% RDN, T3: 125% RDN, T4: 100% RDN, T5: 75% RDN, T6: 50% RDN, T7: LCC (25 Kg/ha N @basal, 45 Kg/ha N at 21 DAS, 45 Kg/ha N @ LCC<5 at 45 DAS) and T8: SPAD (75 Kg N/ha @basal, 20 Kg N/ha @SPAD<45 at 21 and 45 DAS). The treatments were laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The maximum values of growth attributes, namely, plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index and crop growth rate and yield attributes, such as cob length, cob girth, grains per cob, test weight inclusive of grain yield (6.65 t/ha), straw yield (8.42 t/ha) were obtained with the application of 150% RDN. For expression of crop growth characters, yield attributes and yields application of 150% RDN proved its superiority and it was followed by 125% RDN and 100% RDN at different growth stages. The treatments with precision N management tools like Leaf Colour Chart (LCC) and SPAD meter also resulted in crop performance with close proximity to 150% RDN, 125% RDN and 100% RDN treatments

Title: Chronic toxic effect of Acenapthene on diverse microalgaes and cyanobacteria: Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck, Desmodesmus subspicatus Chodat and Scytonema sp.
Abstract :

There is an increasing need to describe the growth characteristics of algae exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) because of occurrence of PAHs in lakes is known to deleteriously affect the growth of microorganisms. This study explored the chronic effect of different doses of three ring structure polycyclic hydrocarbon Acenapthene on the growth of two microalgal species and one cyanobacterial species. C. vulgaris, D. subspicatus and Scytonema sp. cultivated in the medium with different concentration of PAH and its affect was investigated during increasing 4, 8, 12 and 16 Days of exposure. The growth of Chlorella vulgaris, Desmodesmus subspicatus and Scytonema sp. was adversely affected by Acenapthene. The results indicated that the increased concentration of Acenapthene negatively impacted on chlorophyll content, carotenoids, phycobilliproteins, carbohydrate, amino acids, proteins, nitrate reductase, succinate dehydrogenase and glutamate synthetase except phenol . However, the raise in Phenol content was observed during the incubation period. Moreover, a high significance correlation (F>0.05) existed between different metabolites, pigments and enzymes which was statistically confirmed by Two Way Analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Title: Correlation and association of characters in Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) from Kerala part of Peninsular India
Abstract :

Selection of appropriate genotypes based on characters that show good genetic strength is a very important tool in crop improvement since selection could not be carried out based on all characters. Study of interrelationship and association of characters is essential to identify the variables which show maximum relationship with others. Correlation analysis was carried out presently in the case of 12 morphometric characters in vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) so as to study the relationship between them. The present study revealed varying degrees of interrelationship between the morphometric characters studied. Character association was also studied so as to group the characters based on gene sharing and to identify the lead characters that could be used in further breeding programmes. Plant height showed the highest factor loading followed by leaf breadth, root length, leaves per tiller and fresh root weight showing their higher contribution towards the variability of the population and their usability in breeding programmes as lead characters.

Title: Quality assessment of probiotic weaning mix from fermented cereal-legume blends
Abstract :

Weaning mix was developed from underutilized crops of Uttarakhand (finger millet, barnyard millet, black soybean, amaranth grain). Malting and fermentation were adopted as ways of improving cereal protein quality and decreasing anti-nutritional property and probiotic weaning mix was produced using probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum. Box-benkhen design of response surface methodology was used to design the experiments design for three variables with three levels [blend ratio (cereals : legume:: 50:50, 60:40, 70:30), fermentation time (12 h, 24 h, 36 h), inoculums concentration (1%, 3%, 5%] and four responses (protein, tannin, water absorption capacity, water absorption index). The probiotic fermentation resulted in favourable changes in nutritionl profile of weaning mix resulting 48.2% increase in protein and 92.3% decrease in tannin content. The optimized set of independent variables (cereals (FM+BM): legume: 70:30 fermented for 25 h with 2.9% inoculum concentration) obtained after statistical analysis, was used to develop final probiotic weaning mix.

Title: Production of Exopolysaccharide (EPS) and its Application by New Fungal Isolates SGMP1 and SGMP2
Abstract :

Exopolysaccharide producing fungal cultures were screened from the soil samples collected from New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Dist. Anand, Gujarat (India). The isolates designated as SGMP1 and SGMP2 were found to be significant producers of exopolysaccharide (EPS). The present study shows optimization, characterization and certain applications of EPS produced by selected isolates. The isolates SGMP1 and SGMP2 showed a maximum production of EPS 20.5 ± 0.85 g/l and 7.5 ± 0.4 g/l respectively with supplementation of 2% glucose and starch. Yeast extract was used as a nitrogen source at a concentration of 2% (w/v). The maximum production of EPS 7.5 g/l was obtained for SGMP2.The FTIR analysis of EPS showed the presence of polysaccharides, carboxylic acids and lactone. The fungal EPS showed antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The EPS produced by the fungal isolate showed 99 % flocculating activity and could also act as an emulsifier. Furthermore, the fungal isolates SGMP1 and SGMP2 were able to remove Al+3 and Fe+3 up to the 600 mg/l concentration which suffices the role of EPS in bioremediation of heavy metals.

Title: Effect of Bensulfuron-Methyl+Pretilachlor and Other Herbicides on Mixed Weed Flora of Wet Season Transplanted Rice
Abstract :

Field experiments were conducted during the wet season of 2012 and 2013 at farmer’s field of village Binuria, Sriniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal, India with rice variety ‘Swarna’ (MTU 7029) to study the effect of bensulfuron-methyl + pretilachlor and other herbicides on growth of different weed species and productivity of transplanted rice. Twelve treatments in the experiment were assigned in a randomized block design with three replications. Results revealed that rice was infested with three categories of weeds viz. grasses, broadleaved and sedges. Cynodon dactylon and Paspalum distichum among the grasses; Fimbristylis miliacea, among the sedges and Ludwigia parviflora and Commelina nudiflora among the broadleaved weeds were predominant throughout the cropping period. Bensulfuron-methyl 0.6%+ pretilachlor 6% at 60+600 g ha-1applied at 3 DAT completely controlled the grasses, broadleaved and sedges at 30 and 60 DAT except Cynodon dactylon and Paspalum distichum. However, the density, as well as dry weight of both the species were significantly reduced. Metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron-ethyl (Almix) + azimsulfuron at 4+35 g ha-1 at 15 DAT was also quite effective in controlling broad spectrum weeds. Lower values of weed density, total weed dry weight and higher values of herbicide efficiency index and yield of rice were registered with application of bensulfuron-methyl 0.6%+ pretilachlor 6% at 60 + 600 g ha-1 at 3 DAT followed by metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron-ethyl (Almix) + azimsulfuron at 4+35 g ha-1 at 15 DAT. Weed infestation resulted in grain yield reduction of rice to the tune of 40% Application of bensulfuron-methyl 0.6%+ pretilachlor 6% at 60+600 g ha-1 at 3 DAT or metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron-ethyl (Almix) + azimsulfuron at 4 + 35 g ha-1 at 15 DAT appeared to be the most promising for managing mixed weed flora and obtaining higher yield of transplanted rice in the lateritic belt of West Bengal, India.

Title: Variability and Path Coefficient Studies for Yield and Yield Related Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Abstract :

The twenty four genotypes of rice (Oryza sativa L.) were evaluated for genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path coefficient analysis considering seventeen quantitative traits. The analysis of variance showed that genotypes differed significantly for all the seventeen traits studied and it is clear from the investigation that the traits like spikelet/panicle, sterile spikelet/panicle, grain weight/panicle exhibiting highest values of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient variation, heritability and genetic advance. Correlation and path analysis study revealed that the traits viz., days to maturity, plant height, effective tillers/plant and spikelet fertility percent demonstrated greater positive direct effect and significant positive correlation with grain yield/plant indicating the usefulness of these trait in selection for enhancing the grain yield.

Title: Geomorphometric analysis of a hilly watershed in north east India
Abstract :

Morphometric analysis of a hilly watershed was carried out using GIS. The drainage map generated from the Survey of India toposheets was used for morphometric analysis of the watershed in terms of stream order, stream length, bifurcation ratio, relief ratio, drainage density, stream frequency, drainage texture, form factor, circulatory ratio, elongation ratio, infiltration number and ruggedness number. The Um Shipra watershed is a fifth order watershed having dendritic drainage pattern with high drainage density (6.22 km.km-2). The logarithmic plot of the stream length versus stream order showed a linear relationship indicating the watershed has developed over a homogeneous rock material. The mean bifurcation ratio of 1.71 indicated absence of strong structural control on the drainage pattern and that the watershed was structurally less disturbed. The number of streams belonging to the order I, II, III, IV and V were found to be 327, 147, 78, 45 and 46 respectively. Lower values of form factor (0.19), circularity ratio (0.29) and elongation ratio (0.49) suggested that the watershed has elongated shape with lower peak flows for longer duration. The ruggedness number having relatively higher value implied that the area has rugged topography which is prone to soil erosion. Higher values of stream frequency and drainage density indicated that the watershed has high runoff potential despite having lower peak flow creating a good scope for surface water resource development. The results obtained can serve as a useful input for developing soil and water resources conservation and management plan on a watershed basis.

Title: Arsenic Contamination in Ground Water at Deoghar (Jharkhand)
Abstract :

Arsenic contamination in ground water is one of the major natural calamities of the world to the mankind. In the present study, altogether 20 water samples from 20 different tube wells of the house hold of Deoghar town were collected and analyzed on the spot with the help of arsenic test kit (color comparison method, [semi quantitative]). Final confirmation was made using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The lowest average value 0.444 ppm was recorded in the south part and the highest average value 1.2 pm was recorded in the north part of the Deoghar town.

Title: Changes in fruit colour of Dusehari mangoes during ethephon induced ripening
Abstract :

The effect of ethephon on colour changes of Dusehari mango (Mangifera indica) fruits during ripening was examined. Physiological mature fruits were given post harvest dip of ethephon solution @ 0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm for five minutes. Treated fruits were packed in CFB boxes placed at ambient conditions for ripening. Fruit peel and pulp colour was determined after 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h after ripening treatments using Hunter Lab scale. Results revealed that all ethephon treatments enhanced colour development as compared to control. The luminosity of peel increased with increase in concentration of ethephon as well as with ripening period. The greenness of peel as reflected by ‘a’ values decreased with ripening treatments and period. However ‘a’ value for pulp increased with development of redness of tissue. The fruit peel developed yellowish colour with ethephon treatments as evidenced by increase in values of ‘b’. The effect of ethephon on colour changes at higher doses (800 ppm and 1000 ppm) was non-significant after 120 h of ripening period.

Title: Gene Expression Study of Arachis Hypogaea L.
Abstract :

Arachis hypogaea L. (The peanut) is an important oilseed crop in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This species belongs to the subfamily Fabaceae and family Leguminosae. Different parts of the plant such as leaves and seeds are used for many purposes in India. Next-generation sequencing technology (NGS) such as RNA-seq has provided a powerful approach for analyzing the Transcriptome accurately and cheaply. This study is focus on gene expression study of RNA-seq of Arachis hypogaea L. (The peanut); Three SRA files of BioProject ID 243319 downloaded from NCBI database and genome of Arabidopsis thaliana was considered as reference genome for gene expression study. Data analysis carried out with many Bioinformatics tools such as TopHat2, Cufflinks, Cuffmerge, Cuffcompare and Cuffdiff. CummeRbund tool was used to manage, visualize and integrate all of the data produced by a Cuffdiff tool for gene expression analysis. These data reported in the current study will serve as a valuable genetic resource of the Arachis hypogaea L..

Title: Physical and biochemical changes in guava (Psidium Guajava L.) during various stages of fruit growth and development
Abstract :

Physiological and biochemical changes during fruit growth, development and maturity of eleven genotypes of guava fruit were studied at 30, 60, 90, 105, 120 and 127 days after fruit set (DAFS). Fruit weight, length and diameter of guava fruit increased continuously from the initial stage of fruit development till maturity and ripening in all the genotypes. The increases in fruit weight and diameter were comparatively more between 30 to 60 DAFS and 90 to 127 DAFS than 60 to 90 DAFS where the increase in fruit weight and diameter was slow in most of the genotypes. However, RCG-1, RCG-2 and RCG-3 showed the continued rapid increase in fruit weight upto 120 days and thereafter the rate of increase was quite slow. A gradual increase in total soluble solids (TSS) was observed in all the genotypes throughout development and ripening stage of the fruits. However, the amount of total titratable acidity increased steadily in the beginning upto 105 days after fruit set in most of the genotypes except RCG-1, RCG-2 and RCG-3 which showed upto 90 days only and afterwards there was a continuous reduction till ripening. The fruits showed continuous and progressive increase in TSS: acid ratio from 30 DAFS till maturity and ripening in all the genotypes except RCG-11, RCGH-1 and RCGH-7 that showed from 60 DAFS. Based on the present findings, days taken from flowering to harvest maturity (>105 days), TSS (>9.50%) and TSS: acid ratio (>15.00) were some of the parameters for judging the maturity indices of genotypes like RCG-1, RCG-2 and RCG-3. Similarly, days taken from flowering to harvest maturity (>110 days), TSS (>10.50%), TSS: acid ratio (>21.00) and fruit skin colour (whitish green) for RCGH-1 were some of the parameters for judging the maturity indices. Whereas, other genotypes were also exhibited the variation for days taken from flowering to harvest maturity (>120 days), skin colours, TSS (9.20-11.00%) and TSS: acid ratio (13.50-23.50.

Title: Comparison of Fenugreek Crop Evapotranspiration Measured by a Micro-lysimeter, Field Water Balance Method and Automatic Closed Canopy Chamber
Abstract :

The attempt was to design and develop an automatic closed canopy chamber (ACCC) having dimension of 1.2 m×1.2 m× 1.2 m for crop evapotranspiration measurement by using transparent acrylic sheet of 4 mm thickness. Between two small fans a temperature and relative humidity sensor was used to measure vapor density. The intermediate circuit was developed for making automation system in ACCC. The arduino based coding was developed as per desired logic operation. The top lead of chamber was automatically closed for 2 minutes when inside and outside temperature and relative humidity of ambient air were similar. During measurement mode of ACCC, the two fans were started automatically. After measurement mode, fans were automatically stopped and top lead was opened. The ACCC was calibrated by evaporating mass of water from water filled tray which was placed inside the automatic closed canopy chamber. The validation of the developed ACCC were made using micro-lysimeters (MLS ) having size of 0.2 m × 0.2 m × 0.2 m by growing shallow rooted crop like fenugreek. The depth of irrigation was computed based on soil moisture content before irrigation and field capacity. The field testing of ACCC was made by placing chamber in plots of fenugreek crop. The irrigation was applied by drip irrigation as per crop water consumption. The sensor sensed and recorded the instantaneous temperature and relative humidity at 1 second interval for 24 hours. Two sample t-tests were done to compare the data pair of crop evapotranspiration obtained by the MLS inside the ACCC with that of outside the ACCC to ascertain whether there is any effect of the change in micro-climate for a short period of 2 minute on the crop growth physiological processes. Also, the data pair of crop evapotranspiration measured by the MLs, ACCC using the sensor data of temperature-relative humidity were compared and statistically analyzed through t-test. Similarly, the data pair of ETC measured by the FWB (Field Water Balance Method) and ACCC using the sensor data of temperature-relative humidity were also compared and statistically analyzed through t-test. The calibration factor of the ACCC was found as 1.666. The results revealed that there was no significant difference in the crop evapotranspiration measured by the MLs inside and outside ACCC. Also in case of validation and field testing of ACCC, there were no significant difference between the ETC measured by the ACCC, MLs and FWB at 95 percent confidence level. This implies that there are no effects of the change in micro-climate for a short period of 2 minutes in the chamber, on the plant physiological processes. The ETc rate of fenugreek increases as sun rises and reaches the peak after one to two hour from mid-day and then continuously decreases with time. During validation and field testing of ACCC, the fenugreek crop coefficients varied from 0.72 to 1.04 and 0.69 to 1.02 respectively. The developed ACCC is portable as well as more comfortable and cost effective compared to the lysimeter for the measurement of the actual crop evapotranspiration and the crop coefficient

Title: Quantification and Diminution of Quercus semecarpifolia Forests Ecosystem Services in Himalayan Region- An Overview
Abstract :

The genus Quercus comprises very important tree species of the Himalayan forests. Oaks are crucial for a multitude of ecosystem services and livelihood support services reaped by the locals in the Himalayan region. Quercus semecarpifolia is the oldest and dominating species of the Himalayan region. It is considered a lifeline for people of this region due to the wider range of ecosystem and livelihood services provided by it. But this species forest is depleting very rapidly in his region due to over dependency. Major cause of overexploitation is lopping for fodder and fuelwood. The present study attempted to Quantify, recognize, and group the ecosystem services provided by Q. semecarpifolia. Further, certain factors responsible for regular shrinkage of Q. semecarpifolia forests were also addressed.

Title: Bioremediation potential of Comamonas acidovorans MTCC 3364 for the removal of sulfonated di-azo dye Reactive Black B
Abstract :

Azo dyes are a chief class of synthetic colorants, which are released by the majority of the textile industries. The effluents of dyes disrupt the ecosystem so removal of these dyes is major concerned by using cost-competitive and eco-friendly method. The present study was aimed to study the decolorization efficiency of the textile azo dyes by Comamonas acidovorans MTCC 3364 and optimize the environmental condition for maximum decolorization and degradation of Reactive Black B (RBB) dye. Optimization of various environmental parameters like pH and temperature was studied in which maximum decolorization was obtained at 37°C, pH 7.0 under static condition within 24 hours. The addition of co-substrates lactose and yeast extract increased the rate of decolorization. The bacterial strain was able to decolorize high concentration of RBB dye (1 g l-1) up to 8th cycle. Vanillin was added as a redox mediator which showed the highest rate of decolorization (1.062 mg l-1 h-1) and thiourea was added as an inhibitor, which showed highest inhibition (0.246 mg l-1 h-1). Incubation of dye with a non-growing (free) cells and dead cells resulted in removal of dye from the buffer, indicating the biosorption and adsorption mechanism. Immobilization cell studies revealed that activated immobilized cell preparations decolorized RBB dye up to 10 cycles showing remarkable operational stability. The degradation analysis of RBB was further confirmed by HPTLC and FTIR techniques.

Title: Impact of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria and Phosphorus Application on Forage Yield and Quality of Berseem in West Bengal
Abstract :

Phosphorus availability is increased through the use of phosphate solubilizing bacteria for enhancing the forage yield and improving the quality of berseem fodder. A field experiment was conducted in the fodder farm of West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Belgachia during rabi, season 2013-14. The crop was sown with inoculated (I1) and un-inoculated (I0) seeds of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum  L.) of variety warden and was given phosphorus fertilizer at the levels 40 (P1), 60 (P2), 80 (P3) and 100 (P4) kg P2O5 ha-1 in the form of SSP in RCBD with three replications in plots of net size 6 m X 2 m. PSB inoculation significantly increases green forage and dry matter yield by increasing plant height, no. of branches, leaf-stem ratio, etc. All the quality traits except ash content and dry matter percentage were significantly affected by PSB inoculation. Higher green forage yield (320.4 qt ha-1), dry matter yield (39.2 qt ha-1), crude protein yield (7.89 qt ha-1), crude protein percentage (19.28%), ethyl extract (3.32%) and nitrogen free extract (41.75%) were recorded from the plots inoculated with PSB. Application of phosphorus fertilizers significantly influenced the green forage and dry matter yield of berseem, leaf-stem ratio, etc. though plant height and no. of branches were not-significant. All the quality parameters i.e. CP, CF, EE, NFE, except ash percentage were significantly influenced by phosphorus application. Best results were obtained with 80 kg P2O5 ha-1 in all the cases. Regarding interaction effect, higher yields of better quality green forage of berseem were obtained in I1P3 i.e. inoculation with PSB with phosphorus application of 80 kg P2O5 ha-1.

Title: GPS and Sensor Based Technologies in Variable Rate Fertilizer Application
Abstract :

With an average consumption of 165.8 kg per hectare, India stands as the third-largest producer and consumer of fertilizer in the world. Farmers practice traditional methods to apply fertilizers uniformly throughout the field. This uniform and constant rate application of fertilizer is inefficient and mostly leads to over-fertilizing certain areas and at the same time, under-fertilizing others, not meeting the actual nutrient demand. Variable-rate fertilizer application (VRFA) is the process of applying various rates of crop nutrients by synchronizing existing machinery with mechatronics according to the variability within any agricultural field. One such effort are to be made to develop VRFA systems to meet the soil and plant needs. A variable rate fertilizer application (VRFA) system based on a digital map was developed in Kharagpur and achieved an appreciable target application rate at selected grid points (Chandel et al., 2016). The system was effective, accurate and showed quick response to target application rates with a negligible time lag. The coefficient of variation at all the outlets was in the range of 11.7–15.0 percent. The system was able to meet the target fertilizer application rate with a variation of up to 15 percent for a grid resolution of 8×8 m. Another VRFA system was developed for controlling the amount of fertilizer that works by measuring the NDVI of crops using an optical sensor (Zhang et al. 2014). This type of VRFA system does not use prescription maps but relies on sensors to provide real-time crop detection. The coefficient of variation was ranging from 0.35 to 2.67 percent and elapsed a response time of less than 0.875 s. The system helps in maintaining desired application rate by making real-time adjustments with on-the-go monitoring. It is revealed that the use of VRFA system helped to improve input use efficiency and decrease the negative effect on the environment. Thus, it is a promising technology through which the performance of a unit area could be tracked, mapped and analyzed. Also, the farmer will be able to know the exact production of each part of the field.

Title: An Efficient Regeneration and Genetic Transformation Protocol of Coleus forskohlii using Biolistic Gun
Abstract :

An efficient selection and plant regeneration protocol for biolistic gun transformation using leaf derived callus of Coleus forskohlii has been developed. Highest regeneration frequency 90% with 50 shoots per callus clump was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with benzylaminopurine (BAP) 2.0 mg L-1 + naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) 0.5 mg L-1 The rate of shoot multiplication was increased with each subculture. Rhizogenesis was obtained on the same media composition. The in vitro raised plants were established successfully in sand and cocopeat (1:1). Callus of C. forskohlii was bombarded using biolistic gun with pABC plasmid DNA which contains β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene and Arabidopsis thaliana white brown complex homologs (AtWBC19) as selectable marker gene. Kanamycin in the shoot induction medium was compared qualitatively and quantitatively for its efficiency as a selection agent for the selection and regeneration of transgenic plants after biolistic gun transformation. Kanamycin levels at or above 50mg L-1 completely inhibited growth of untransformed shoots. The integration of selectable marker gene GUS and AtWBC 19 into the genome of transgenic plants was confirmed using isoenzymatic GUS assay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respectively. These results pave the way for the transformation of Coleus forskohlii with desirable genes.

Title: Molecular study of Pigeonpea [Cajanuscajan (L.) Mill sp.]Genotypes for Fusariumwilt using RAPD markers
Abstract :

The molecular study of seventeen genotypes of pigeonpea using 20 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers has been reported. A total of 179 loci were scored corresponding to an average of 8.95 loci per primer with 123 bands showing polymorphism (65.42%).Very low level of polymorphism in cultivated pigeonpeagermplasm had been earlier reported which was corroborated by many pigeonpea workers indicating the normal genetic base existing in this crop (Odenyet al. 2007). The average number of polymorphic loci obtained per primer (Assay Efficiency Index) was found to be 6.15. Jaccard’s similarity coefficient ranged from 0.52 to 0.77 and the marker index value for pooled RAPD was found to be 11.65. A dendrogram constructed based on the UPGMA clustering method revealed two major clusters. Cluster-I comprised of 5 cultivars whichwas further differentiated into two sub-clusters. The cluster-II included remaining twelve cultivars. Genotypes that are susceptible to fusariumwilt of pigeonpeaviz., GT-1, GT-100, GT-101, GT-102 and BANAS were closely related and they formed one cluster. It also revealed that genotypes viz., AGT-2 and AVPP-1 were closely related and formed one cluster whereas viz., T-15-15, LRG-41, C-11, BDN-2 and ICPL-87 were closely related and formed another cluster. The dendogram showed that genotypes that are resistant to fusarium wilt of pigeonpeaviz., BSMR-853, WRGE-119, ICPL-87119, ICPL-84060 and ICP-8863 were related genotypes and they formed another cluster. The study reiterated that RAPD can be efficiently used for discriminating resistant and susceptible pigeonpea genotypes.

Title: Study of Keratinolytic Activity of Thermophilic and Alkaliphilic Actinomycetes: Saccharomonospora Viridis SJ-21
Abstract :

Keratins are insoluble proteins from feathers, wool, silk, collagens, elastin, horn, hair and nail. They are not easily degraded by common proteolytic enzymes like trypsin, pepsin and papain.The resistant property of these compounds are due to their disulphide bonds, hydrogen bonds, salt linkages and cross linkages and hydrophobic interactions. Actinomycetes are known to digest keratins by synthesizing specific class of extracellular enzymes called alkaline thermo stable proteases which degrade keratin into small peptides that can be utilized by cell. Alkaline protease producing thermophilic actinomycete strain was screened from hot water spring of Tulsishyam Gujarat and was identified as Saccharomonospora viridis SJ-21 on the basis of colony characters, biochemical activity, spore nature, growth patterns and pigmentation and 16 S r RNA sequencing.The partially purified protease of Saccharomonospora viridis SJ-21 and the isolate itself were employed to check feather degradation. The feathers were degraded successfully within 72h at 45ºC. The degraded samples were analyzed for release of various amino acids by HPLC- Fluorescence with post column Derivatization. The aminoacids released were tyrosine, phenylalanine, leucine, valine, cysteine, arginine, methionine, etc. S. viridis SJ-21 is found having a significant keratinolytic activity and may serve dual purpose for degradation of poultry waste and production of amino acid rich feed supplement. The protein rich, concentrated feather meal can also be used for organic farming as semi-slow release, nitrogen fertilizer.

Title: Groundwater Potential Zoning in Tikamgarh District of Bundelkhand Using Remote Sensing and GIS
Abstract :

This study was conducted in Tikamgarh district of Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh, India to spatially delineate the groundwater potential zones using the integrated RS-GIS and MIF techniques. To do so, eight major biophysical and environmental factors like drainage density, geomorphology, geology, lineament density, land use/land cover, rainfall, slope and soil were considered. All the factors and their features have been assigned weights according to their relative importance and their normalized weights were calculated using the multi influence factor technique. Groundwater potential zoning map has been prepared through weighted overlay model in GIS environment after integrating all the thematic layers. The entire district has been classified into five different groundwater potential zones –Very Good, Good, Moderate, Poor and Very Poor depending on the likelihood of availability of ground water. Greater portion of the study area (40.60%) fall within the poor potentiality zone. About 3.10% and 11.54% of the total area fall under the very good and good potential zone respectively. 38.60% of the total area comes under the moderately potentiality zone. Only 6.16% of the total area fall under the very low potential zone. It shows that the applied technique produces considerably reliable results for this study which may facilitate the decision makers to formulate an effective plan for the study area.

Title: Micronutrient Analysis by Ion Chromatography and AAS, Pasting Properties, and Shelf-life Study of Sugar Free Biscuit Inriched with Fenugreek Seed Powder and Natural Sweetener Stevia
Abstract :

The colour of sugar free biscuit was recorded by hunter colour flex and the L*, a*, b*, value was 46.40, 12, 20.29, respectively. Developed sugar free biscuit was rich in calcium and magnesium and their concentration were observed 294.8mg/100g and 451.5mg/100g respectively by ion chromatography. Atomic absorption spectroscopy of developed sugar free biscuits was also performed for mineral analysis and reported that it contains iron (1.93mg/100g), copper (0.065mg/100g), and zinc (0.325 mg/100g). Fortified sugar free biscuits was also analysed by rapid visco analyser for pasting properties of starch, gelatin ionization of starch. The shelf-life of sugar free biscuit was lower at 37oC than at 10oC and 25oC. The HMF (Hydroxy Methyl Furfural) concentration which indicates the mallard reaction at a higher temperature and with increasing days of storage, the HMF concentration was also increased. The HMF increased to 6.1, 6.3, 6.5 μmol/100g at 10, 25, 37oC respectively after 30 days from 5.1 mol/100g which was the HMF value initially. The TBA (Thiobarbituric acid) also increased the most at 30 days storage at 10 oC as compared to 25 oC and 37oC, TBA value was 0.254, 0.265 and 0.286 respectively. The same result was seen in moisture content 5.1, 5.25., 5. 5% at 10 oC, 25 oC, 37 oC respectively from 4% of moisture initially content. The Microbiological studies concluded that the product was safe with no yeast and mould growth and coliform was also not detected. Only total plate count after 30 days was found 3×10 CFU/ml. The product was found safe for consumption even after 30 days of storage.

Title: Temporal variation of rainfall trends in parambikulam aliyar sub basin, Tamil Nadu
Abstract :

Identification of temporal variation of rainfall trends provides useful information for sustainable planning and management of water resources in a river basin particularly during flood and drought periods. The present study was conducted to determine trends in the annual and seasonal total rainfall over Parambikulam Aliyar sub basin of Tamil Nadu using 30 years (1982-2012) monthly rainfall data at eight rain-gauge stations. The procedure is based on the nonparametric Mann-Kendall test for the trend and the nonparametric Sen’s method for the magnitude of the trend. The maximum increase in rainfall was found at Chinnakallar with an annual rainfall of 90.51 mm/year and the maximum reduction in rainfall of -8.60 mm/year was found at Topslip during South West monsoon. Significant positive trend were observed at Weaverly station during North East monsoon rainfall series and significant negative trend has been noticed in the South West monsoon of Topslip.

Title: Under saline stress plant growth promoting bacteria affect growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant activities in paddy.
Abstract :
Inoculation of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) was found to be more promising to induce growth of paddy plants under lower and moderate salinity levels. PGPB protects the plants from salinity injury by increasing biomass content, photosynthetic activity and antioxidant enzymes acid phosphatase and glutathione reductase. This study also states that PGPB helps in decrement of lipid peroxidation, plays an important role in regulation of growth for positive adaptation of plants to salt stress. However with increase in soil salinity the glutathione reductase activity decreased in non-inoculated plants. The present study shows that inoculation of paddy (Oryza sativa) with root associated bacteria could provide salt tolerant ability to paddy plants as these isolates also remain associated with root and root is the plant part affected first by salinity, so it serve as a useful tool for alleviating salinity stress.
Title: Evaluation of Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties for Moisture Stress Areas in Humbo District, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Abstract :

Maize is a priority crop to farmers because it is a staple food in many rural communities of the southern region. It is widely grown in the various parts of the southern region, from lowland to mid-highlands. On the other hand, moisture stress is one of the most critical production constraints of maize in low to intermediate agroecology. Thus, developing maize varieties tolerant to moisture is of paramount importance to sustain maize production in moisture areas. In this context, field experiments were conducted during 201617 croppings at Kindo Koyisha and Humbo to select adaptable maize varieties for moisture stress areas with reasonable grain yield. Treatments used in this study were eight maize varieties (BH546, BH547, Gibe II, MH130, Melkasa IV, MH140, Melkasa II, and Melkasa 6Q) and three local cultivars (Local red, Local mixed, and Local white) of the total of eleven maize genotypes were evaluated at two moisture-prone areas in southern Ethiopia. Treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Maize varieties exhibited different performances at two tested locations. The varieties had the relatively superior performance of Kindo Koyisha as compared to Humbo. The Humbo varieties MH140, MH130, BH546, and Melkasa IV, have yielded relatively higher grain than the rest of the areas. At the same time, the Kindo Koyisha maize varieties expressed relatively better performance concerning grain yield. It has been recorded that the varieties with superior performance with sounding grain yield were BH546, MH140, BH547, and MH130 in these locations. Based on this result, BH546, MH140, and MH130 could be used at both locations. Moreover, BH547 at Bale and Melkasa IV at Humbo also be used in respective locations for production.

Title: Characterization of mungbean genotypes against mungbean yellow mosaic virus and cercospora leaf spot diseases under north east plain zone
Abstract :

Mungbean is an important legume crop due to its short behavior, nutritious and green mannuring nature. But it is highly affected by several diseases and other factors, which reduces the yield and seed quality. Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) and Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) are the major disease of mungbean. Therefore, the present study was conducted to characterize the 34 genotypes of mungbean against MYMV and CLS disease during Kharif 2012 under two different date of sowing. The present study indicated that the none of the genotype was found immune, resistant to MYMV and CLS, whereas five genotypes namely DMS 03-17-2, IPM 2K-14-9, P 1131, DMS 02-11-4 and IPM 99-1-6 were found with moderately resistant reaction. These genotypes may be added in breeding program for improvement of mungbean.

Title: Field evaluation of fungicides against Alternaria porri (Ellis) Cif., causing purple blotch of onion (Allium cepaL.)
Abstract :

Field evaluation of several fungicides including new molecules was undertaken for the management of purple blotch disease of onion caused by Alternaria porri(Ellis) Cif. The experiments were conducted during kharif of 2012 and 2013 using susceptible variety Arka Nikethan.Cymoxanil 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP @ 2500 ppm and Mancozeb 70% WP @ 2500 ppm were effective in reducing the disease severity by 54.86 and 52.88 % over untreated control. However, Mancozeb 70% WP and Cymoxanil 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP recorded the maximum yield of 39.71 and 37.06 t/ha and obtained benefit cost ratio of 33.85 and 20.67. Thus these two fungicides can be recommended for the effective and economical management of the disease

Title: Biological removal of synthetic textile dye Reactive Red M5B by isolated white rot fungal culture AGYP-1 under optimized culture conditions
Abstract :

The contamination of soil and water by dye containing effluents is the major and most important environmental problem. The removal of 10 different synthetic textile dyes using white rot fungal isolate AGYP-1 was investigated. The screening of decolorization using solid and liquid media demonstrated an effective removal of Reactive Red M5B by the isolate. Laccase and MnP were found to be major enzymes involved in the decolorization. The dye decolorization efficiency of the isolate was further improved by optimizing various physico-chemical parameters. The isolate was capable to decolorize 100 mg l-1 dye at pH 5.0 and 30oC under shaking condition. The supplementation of maltose (20 g l-1) and gelatine (2.5 g l-1) improved the decolorization rate by 1.6 times along with 10.28 and 18.66 times higher production of laccase and MnP. A significant decolorization of 500 mg l-1 of the dye was achieved by the isolate AGYP-1. The degradation of Reactive Red M5B was confirmed by Uv-visible spectrophotometric and HPTLC analysis. This suggests the potential application of the isolate AGYP-1 for the treatment of dye containing industrial effluents.

Title: Study of HFE Gene Mutation at C282Y and H63D Locus with Special Reference to Thalassemia Patients
Abstract :
Hemochromatosis disorder of iron metabolism leads to excess iron levels in body which is extremely toxic to all cells of the body and can cause serious and irreversible
damages. Clinical complications of hemochromatosis include cirrhosis of the liver, congestive cardiac failure and cardiac arrhythmias, endocrine pancreatic disease. Hemochromatosis is classified as Primary and secondary hemochromatosis. One of the type of primary hemochromatosis is type I also refereed as hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) and is a autosomal recessive disorder of iron metabolism. Three recurrent mutations in hemochromatosis gene (HFE) : C282Y, H63D and S65C are known for hereditary hemochromatosis. C282Y is considered the most relevant mutation responsible for hemochromatosis. In secondary or acquired hemochromatosis, reasons for excess iron accumulation are repeated blood transfusions or enhanced iron absorption produced by thalassemia or both, if thalassemic patients are having mutations in HFE gene repeated blood transfusions may aggravate the condition hence, it is important to screen the thalassemic patients for HFE gene mutations.
Title: Identification of Donors and Molecular Characterization of Corynespora cassiicola Causing Fungal Leaf Spot of Mungbean and Urdbean
Abstract :

In the wake of changing climatic scenario, dimnishing natural resources and growing food demands, the availability of germplasm capable to withstand biotic and abiotic pressures is crucial to ensure sustainability in agriculture system. Among the biotic stresses, fungal leaf spot disease cause significant yield reduction in mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) and urdbean (Vigna mungo L.), which are predominently grown in India and many parts of South and Southeast Asia. The present investigation was designed to identify resistant donors against the fungal leaf spot in mungbean (200) and urdbean (100) accessions by phenotyping under natural field conditions during kharif 2019. Though none of the 200 mungbean lines were found resistant to fungal leaf spot, 8 lines displayed moderate resistance. Likewise, out of 100urd bean accessions three germplasm lines unveiled resistance and 6 moderate resistance against the disease leaving others suceptible to highly sucepetible. The DNA of pathogen causing fungal leaf spot were isolated (Jhansi isolate) from the fungal mycelium and infected plants, respectively for molecular characterization and it was amplified using published primers for ITS and β-tubulin region for sequencing. A phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequence of the Jhansi isolates along with the reference sequences from NCBI, GenBank revealed maximum identity (98.53 per cent) of isolate with Corynespora cassiicola of cowpea reported from Ghana. Further β-tubulin sequence also showed 88.55 per cent similarity with C. cassiicola isolate from China. This was further confirmed by leaf sensitivity test against crude fungal toxin cassicoin secreted by C. cassiicola.

Title: Leaching behavior of Kresoxim-Methyl and Acid Metabolite in normal and sludge amended inceptisol soil
Abstract :

Kresoxim-methyl, a strobilurin fungicide, is a broad spectrum, foliar fungicide. Leaching studies conducted with kresoxim methyl and acid metabolite separately revealed that in column soil >90% of the kresoxim methyl undergo hydrolysis and changed into acid metabolite. Acid metabolite showed more leaching potential than the parent molecule. Residues moved to the lower soil depth with increasing amount of rainfall. Increasing the organic matter content of the soil by sludge amendment (5%) reduced the leaching potential of both the compounds. With the same amount of rainfall, leaching was found to be more under discontinuous flow than continuous flow treatment.

Title: Role of Rhizobium on Growth and Development of Groundnut: A Review
Abstract :

To fulfill the demand of increased population it is very essential to enhance crop productivity with precise inputs. Non-judicious application of inorganic fertilizers and other agrochemicals is degrading soil health, creating environmental pollution and also contributing to climate change. Nowadays, people became more aware towards health risks and demand for quality foods with less chemical residues is increasing as there is a progression of demand for organic products. But it is very difficult to produce adequate quantity of organic foods for the raised population in the developing countries as per standard organic practices. That’s why judicious use of inorganic fertilizers, organic manures and biofertilizers is required to supply nutrients to crops. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), such as Rhizobium inoculation in groundnut (a major oilseed crop) can boost crop growth and enhance yield in a sustainable manner. Further, Rhizobium has multifaceted advantages in crop nutrient uptake and soil quality improvement. The article described the role of PGPR as well as Rhizobium in growth and productivity of groundnut towards production sustainability.

Title: Design and Development of Aonla Pricking Machine
Abstract :

Aonla has the hallowed position in Ayurveda. Aonla is native to India and also grows at tropical and subtropical region like India, Pakistan Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan. In India Uttar Pradesh has the highest area under cultivation and production of Aonla. Area under Aonla orchard in Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh is about 13000 hectares (Nitin Kumar et al.). Aonla is mostly used in making murabba, pickles and candy etc. Traditional method for making Aonla murabba is hygienic because for making murabba, Aonla has to be pricked first and that pricking method of Aonla is drudgery prone and most of the workers are injured by hand pricking method Also it takes too much time for pricking (Ganvir et al.). Till now Aonla is pricked by hand and power operated machine. Hand pricking of Aonla causes injury to the hands of the farm women and is a tiresome and slow process with low output capacity whereas the power operated machines are very costly and out of reach of medium and small farmers. Thus, to overcome these problems and keeping in mind the benefits of small and medium farmers a low cost, pedal operated aonla pricking machine suitable for farm women has been developed in the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, SHUATS, Allahabad. This machine is paddle operated with an output capacity of 3-3.5 q/h. No injury is caused to the farm women operating the machine. However the machinen can be operated both by farm women as well as men farmers. Hopper of machine is containing 66 no. of Aonla at a time. Floor area used by this machine is 80 × 80 cm. Pricking needles, sieve plate and fruit plate used in this machine is made of stainless steel because of corrosion. Needles used in this machine are of 2 inches. 756 no. of needles are used in this machine. Maximum depth of pricking in Aonla is 7mm and max.dia of needle is 8mm. This machine is efficient for small and medium farmers

Title: Temperature dependent electrical conductivities of ginger paste during ohmic heating
Abstract :

Ohmic heating is now regarded as highly attractive advanced technique for food processing wherein electric current is passed through the liquid particulates foods with primary purpose of heating them. The success of ohmic heating depends on the rate of heat generation in the system, the electrical conductivity of the food, method by which the food flows through the system and composition of the food. In this study, the ginger paste at different salt treatment (0-2% w/w) was heated in a laboratory scale ohmic heater by applying voltage gradients (5–13 V/cm). The temperature dependent electrical conductivity was obtained at different time interval of 0, 5 and 10 minute at different temperatures (30-60˚C). Bubbling was observed above 70˚C especially at high voltage gradients. The electrical conductivity measured in terms of point and bulk electrical conductivity. Point electrical conductivity was greater than bulk electrical conductivity. The point and bulk electrical conductivity values were in the range of 4.41 to 6.63 and 3.75 to 5.87 mS/cm respectively.

Title: Molecular Genetic Analysis of TH and COMT Gene Polymorphism in Mentally Retarded Patients
Abstract :

Mental retardation is a variable and heterogeneous manifestation of central nervous system dysfunction characterized by significant sub average intellectual functioning.In India the incidence of mental retardation is reported to be 2-3% of these 30% cases of severe mental retardation are genetically determined due to many reasons viz- chromosomal aberrations, X linked and subtelometric abnormalities and mutations in genes associated with nervous system function viz- TH ,COMT, MTHFR, PPP1R1B, MECP2. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene is located on chromosome number 11 and is coding for rate limiting enzyme in the synthesis of dopamine. Changes in TH gene expression or function influence the process or behavior modulated by dopamine, any mutation in TH gene modulate dopamine and its function. Catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT) gene is located on chromosome number 22 and plays an important role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters. Low levels of COMT expression leads to mental retardation.The present study was carried out to study polymorphism in TH and COMT and its possible association with mental retardation. The detection technique includes isolation of DNA from peripheral blood of the mentally retarded patients of Surat and Anand regions of Gujarat state. DNA was isolated by standard phenol: chloroform method. PCR-RFLP was used for detection of polymorphism. Analysis of TH and COMT gene polymorphism in mentally retarded patients revealed that most observed genotype in normal as well as in mentally retarded patients is TT and HH for TH and COMT loci respectively.

Title: Efficacy of Bacillus subtilis G-1 in suppression of stem rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii and growth promotion of groundnut
Abstract :

A total of seven biocontrol agents with known antifungal activity against other soilborne fungal pathogens were screened for their antagonistic potential against Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc, the causal agent of stem rot disease of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) by dual culture assay. Among the various biocontrol agents tested Bacillus subtilis strain G-1 was the most effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of S. rolfsii and recorded an inhibition of 28%. Groundnut seeds when treated with B. subtilis G-1 showed significant increases in root length, shoot length and seedling vigour. A talc-based powder formulation of the highly effective strain, B. subtilis G-1, was developed and its efficacy in controlling groundnut stem rot was determined under greenhouse conditions. The results indicated that seed treatment with the powder formulation of B. subtilis G-1 alone effectively reduced the incidence of stem rot and increased the pod yield; but combined application through seed and soil increased the efficacy. Seed treatment and soil application with B. subtilis G-1 reduced the stem rot incidence from 80 per cent (with non-bacterized seeds) to 5 per cent. When the treated seeds were sown in soil, the antagonist moved to the rhizosphere and multiplied well in it. These results suggest that B. subtilis G-1 is an effective bioagent against stem rot of groundnut. Further studies are required to assess its efficacy in controlling stem rot of groundnut under field conditions.

Title: Studies on the Effect of Phosphorus Levels on Yield Attributes and Yield of Groundnut in South Odisha Condition
Abstract :

Proper basal application of phosphorus has a tremendous influence on the kernel yield, pod yield and other yield contributing characteristics. In view of this, an experiment was conducted during summer season (February to June) of 2018 at Bagusala Farm (23o39’ N latitude, 87o42’ E longitude) of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha to find out the effect of various phosphorus levels on yield attributes and yield of groundnut. Seven levels of basal application of phosphorus rates, namely, 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 kg P ha-1 were tested in randomized complete block design (RCBD) design with four replications. The experiment revealed that the basal application of P2O5 at the rate of 100 kg ha-1 registered superior performance in expression of yield attributes like number of pods per plant, number of kernels per plant, kernel weight per plant and yield of groundnut. It may be concluded that to obtain higher productivity of groundnut during summer season in sandy loam soils of south Odisha, basal application of P2O5 @ 100 kg ha-1 is recommended.

Title: Influence of Storage Temperature on Chemical and Microbial Quality of Carotene Rich Pumpkin Powder
Abstract :

Attempts were made to store the carotene rich pumpkin powder at 30 + 2°C & 62+5% RH and 7 + 1°C & 80+5% RH in aluminum laminated flexible pouch for the period of 180 days. The shelf life was determined on the basis chemical and microbiological analysis of stored powder at an interval of every 15 days. As the storage period was increased from 0 to 180 days, the carotene retention was found to decrease. More carotene could be retained (82.95%) when pumpkin powder was stored at 7°C as compared to 52.28% retention at 30°C when the stored for 180 days. Standard plate count of pumpkin powder stored at 7°C was found to be only 440 cfu / g at the end of 180 days of storage. Similarly, yeast and mold count observed at the end of 180 days storage was only 7 cfu/g. Coliform was found to be absent throughout storage. Pumpkin powder was found to be more stable upto only 75 days, if stored at 30°C. However, it can be safely stored for almost 180 days, if stored at 7°C.

Title: Optimal design of flow rate in drip irrigation system to enhance the tomato cultivation
Abstract :

Tomato is the second most important vegetable crop next to potato. As far as conservation of soil and water is concerned, drip irrigation offers the most practical and effective alternative to regular surface irrigation among all the irrigation technique known today in the world. Researchers throughout the world are kin to obtain the optimal flow rate through drip irrigation for overall development of crop. In this study, attempt has been made to analysis the growth rate and yield of tomato plant at various flow rate of drip irrigation, and to determine the effect of fertigation through drip irrigation on growth and yield of tomato. In this study “Samartha F1 hybrid” variety of tomato seed was selected and cultivated over the farm size of 6×5 m2. The selected farm area was divided into two sections i.e. fertigation section and non-fertigation section. Three rows having ten plants in each row was transplanted in both sections. Growth of tomato plants in term of height and canopy was measured and compared with different flow rates. The average increment in the height of tomato plants at flow rate of 2 L/hr, 4 L/hr and 8 L/hr were estimated as 68%, 60% and 52% respectively. Yield of tomato in terms of fruits was estimated for three different flow rates of 2 L/hr, 4 L/hr and 8 L/hr. The yield of tomato is optimal when drip irrigation with 2 litres per second has been used for irrigating the farm land. Significant effect of fertigation through drip irrigation has been found on growth and yield of tomato plants.

Title: Genetic diversity and molecular analysis among cotton genotypes by EST-SSR markers.
Abstract :

Objective of this research work is to utilize EST- SSR markers for fibre quality traits to generate genetic diversity between tetraploid (Gossypium hirsutum) and diploid (Gossypium herbaceum and Gossypium arboreum) cotton species at molecular level. Twenty four (24) genotypes of cotton and thirty five (35) EST SSR primers for different fibre quality traits (fibre length, Lint percentage, Boll weight and fibre strength) were taken for this study. Almost all primers reveals amplification in both diploid and tetraploid cotton species which indicates that flanking primer sequences are conserved in both genomes of cotton. Thirty one (31) EST SSR primers generate good and enormous amplicon and produced a total of four hundred seventy eight (478) sharp, similar and variable bands in all genotypes. Average number of bands amplified by each primer was 15.419. Statistical analysis for EST SSR data was conducted using software programme NTSYS pc version 2.02e and GeneAlEx. The genetic distance (GD) among the all genotypes of cotton were also analyzed and it is ranged from 0.05 to 0.71 which indicates significant diversity between all the genotypes of both tetraploid and diploid cotton species. The average observed mean heterozygosity was 0.60 and observed mean percentage of polymorphic loci was 60%.

Title: Forecasting of Rice Production using the Meteorological Factor in Major States in India and its Role in Food Security
Abstract :

The world as well as in India, rice is playing a major role in food security. Production factors (like rainfall, minimum temperature, fertilizer consumption, an area under irrigation for a particular crop) are very crucial for crop productivity. Forecasting is always important for policy implication and planning purposes of the country. In the present investigation, the projection has been made using simple ARIMA and ARIMAX (with the inclusion of crop inputs in ARIMA models). In terms of less error in model and projection, wise ARIMAX model was found better compared to simple ARIMA. In this present study, forecasting has been attempted with the inclusion of meteorological factors using ARIMA modeling up to the year 2022. This study reveals the future trend of rice production as well as a factor affecting productivity. Among the major states, West Bengal would lead the state in India in rice production, with a productivity of 4758 kg/ha, while Punjab will be the leader in productivity in the year 2022. This prediction would be helpful for policy implication and food security of the country

Title: Seed and oil quality characteristics of some castor (Ricinus Communis L.) inbred lines
Abstract :

Castor (Ricinus communis L) is an important non-edible oilseed crop with diversified industrial usage. India is dominating in the production and productivity of castor. Thirteen inbred lines were studied for seed physical characteristics, oil quality, as well as fatty acid profile. Among the inbred studied, the maximum weight of 100 seed was 34.2 g, in JC-26, and maximum oil content was 51.3% in SKI-333. One hundred seed wt showed a positive correlation with % of kernel (r=0.472*) and seed oil content has positive correlation with kernel oil content (r=0.803**). Important oil characteristics for industrial use like specific gravity (g/cc) varied from 0.954 to 0.958 while the viscosity (cp) ranged from 604 to 626. The free Fatty acid as oleic acid was ranging between 4.33 to 6.02%. Among the fatty acid, the ricinolic acid was ranging from 83.93 to 87.02%, the minimum value was in 48-1 while the maximum value of ricinolic acid was recorded in DCS-9 inbred.

Title: Study of genetic variation among soybean [Glycine Max (L.) Merrill] accessions in CID values
Abstract :

A set of 91 diverse soybean accessions were analysed for 10 morphological traits with special reference to water use efficiency using carbon isotope discrimination (CID) technique. The coefficient of variation for CID values was found to be 3.36%. There is negative correlation between Δ13C values (CID values) and WUE. The genotypes which registered lower values of Δ13C are more water efficient than the genotypes with higher Δ13C values. The range of Δ13C values observed in this experiment are slightly lower than that reported in sugar beet (Δ13C 17.66‰ to 22.96‰), (Rajabi et al., 2009). Genotype UPSL309 has highest CID value (22.91‰) indicating low WUE and genotype DS9813 has lowest CID value (19.95 ‰) with high WUE. In present study randomly classified genotypes as high WUE (CID less than 20.5 ‰), medium WUE (CID between 20.6 to 22.4 ‰) and low WUE (CID above 22.5 ‰). There were 7 genotypes which were found to show high WUE, and 13 exhibited low WUE whereas, rests of the 71 genotypes were medium in WUE.

Title: Comparative analysis of Polyphenol Oxidase, Catalase and Lycopene production in Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.
Abstract :

Antioxidant activity of tomato has been extensively studied but only in context of Lycopene. This study relates the activity of antioxidant enzymes (Polyphenol Oxidase and Catalase) along with Lycopene in Lycopersicon esculentum Mill at different growth stages of (Seedling, Flowering and Fruiting). Polyphenol Oxidase, Catalase (both partially purified) and Lycopene were estimated spectrophotometrically and presence of Lycopene was further confirmed through Thin Layer and High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography. Polyphenol Oxidase and Catalase could be partially purified with 2.61 (22.55% yield) and 2.11 (62.3% yield) fold purification respectively via ammonium sulphate precipitation respectively. Antioxidant enzymes showed maximum production at the seedling stage (Polyphenol Oxidases: 197.12U/ml and Catalase: 0.037U/ml) where Lycopene production was least; while Lycopene production was maximum in the fruiting stage (259.49mg/kg of fresh weigh) where enzyme activities were negligible. HPTLC analysis also supported the above findings. Linear Regression analysis of Lycopene, PPO and CAT were performed in which r (correlation coefficient) value for Lycopene and PPO was -0.9279108012 and for Lycopene and CAT was -0.7316992009; which indicated strong negative correlation between Lycopene and both the enzymes. It can be concluded that Antioxidant enzymes play their share at young stages while Lycopene at mature stage in antioxidant network of tomato.

Title: Seasonal variations in peel colour in relation to fruit development of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.)
Abstract :

The studies on seasonal variations in peel colour of grapefruit cv. Star Ruby were carried out in order to explain the relationship between fruit growth and colour development. The fruit diameter of the grapefruit increased from 90 days after fruit set to the maturity of fruit. The seasonal variation in fruit diameter was recorded 12.83% during fruit development. The increase in a* coordinate, which represented the gradual loss of greenness, continued until mid-November at 210 DAFS. Calorimetric coordinate b* values always remained positive and increased until the fruit maturity and showed yellow tinge. The hue angle values decreased continuously from start of sampling to the harvest of fruit with appearance of pinkish-yellow tone. Seasonal variation in the hue angle was recorded 26.80%. The negative correlation was observed between hue angle and the fruit development with the advancement of fruit maturity. However, studies have reported positive correlation was recorded between colour space values (L*, a*, b* and C*) with fruit development. The maximum seasonal variation was noted in colour parameter a* (CV = 189.99%) and minimum seasonal variation was noted in L* (CV = 9.42%).

Title: Evaluation Trial on Bottle Gourd [Lagenaria siceraria] Under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Conditions
Abstract :
The present investigation entitled “Evaluation trail on bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) under Prayagraj Agro-climatic conditions was conducted at Horticulture Research farm at Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj from July to Oct 2019. The experimental soil was sandy loam in texture with a pH of 7.0 to 8.0, 0.480 organic carbon, and 280, 12.3, and 150 kg/ha-1 of available N, P, and K, respectively. The main objective of the experiment is to find out the most suitable variety of bottle gourd for better growth under Prayagraj, Agro-climatic conditions. Twenty six bottle gourd varieties were evaluated for different quantitative characters using Randomized Block Design (RBD) with the aim to identify the most suitable variety. Among twenty six varieties, the variety 2016/BOGVAR-1exhibited days to first harvest (49.55DAT).
 
Highlights
 
  • Twenty six bottle gourd varieties were evaluated for different quantitative characters using Randomized Block Design (RBD) with the aim to identify the most suitable variety.
Title: Effect of iron and zinc on growth, flowering and bulb yield in lilium
Abstract :

Lilium is a bulbous plant having non-tunicate bulbs. They are popular throughout the world for their exotic colours and fragrance, making them ideal cut flowers. A trial was conducted to study the effect of foliar spray of iron and zinc in form of sulphate to see their effect on growth, flowering and bulb yield attributes in lilium. Bulbs of lilium cv. Tresor were planted under polyhouse condition and different combinations of iron sulphate and zinc sulphate at 0.2% and 0.4% were applied as foliar spray at 30 and 45 days after planting. Experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 3 replications. Foliar application of FeSO4 0.2% promoted length of flower stalk and diameter of 1st flower, while its higher dose (FeSO4 at 0.4%) increased the number of buds plant-1 and weight of bulbs plant-1. Foliar treatment of ZnSO4 at 0.4% significantly enhanced the number of bulblets plant-1, number of scales bulb-1, diameter of 1st flower and diameter of bulb. Different treatment combinations of iron sulphate and zinc sulphate also affected various characters like number of leaves plant-1, diameter of stem, days to colour show and days to opening of 1st bud.

Title: Exploitation of heterosis and combining ability for earliness and vegetative traits in ridge gourd [luffa acutangula (roxb.)L.]
Abstract :

Eight parental lines and 28 F1 hybrids of ridge gourd obtained from half-diallel were studied to investigate the extent of combining ability and heterosis for earliness and vegetative characters. Appreciable heterosis in desirable direction was found over better parent and check parent for the characters viz. days to first female flower, node number to first female flower, vine length (m), number of primary branches and days taken to Ist fruit harvesting. Crosses PCPGR 7256 X PRG 142, PRG 117 X PRG 142, PRG 117 X PRG 131, PRG 117 X PRG 132 and PRG 117 X PRG 120 were found promising for earliness. Crosses PCPGR 7256 X PRG 117, PCPGR 7256 X PRG 131 and PRG 132 X PRG 120 were recorded promising for vegetative traits. Regarding general combining ability the parents PRG 117 and PRG 142 found best for earliness and for vegetative growth PRG 131 stood in top. The crosses PRG 131 X PRG 132 and PCPGR 7256 X PRG 142 showed highest specific combining ability for earliness and both the crosses PCPGR 7256 X PRG 117 and PRG 132 X PRG 120 found best for different vegetative traits.

Title: An overview and assessment of two wetlands in Eastern Thailand: Kung krabaen bay and welu wetlands in chanthaburi province
Abstract :

Climate change as occasioned by environmental degradation has led to innovative thought on how to preserve natural resources while also deriving benefits. Mangrove destruction, saline water intrusion, decline in fish stock and reduced livelihoods were factors that led to the establishment of Kung Krabaen Bay development study centre and the Welu wetland both in Chanthaburi province. The two wetlands provide important benefits to the people that live around it as well as tourists. Through the absorption and processing of wastes, these wetlands help maintain environmental quality and safety while also maintaining a biological balance of carbon IV oxide and other green house gases. Shrimp farm waste is treated in Kung Krabaen bay. A synthesis of Provisioning, Regulating, Cultural and Supportive benefits of the two wetlands is presented. Management regime involves integrated approach (Kung Krabaen Bay) and a co-management approach (Welu wetland). Direct and indirect drivers of change are analysed with management capacity to effectively manage these drivers being examined. The rational use of the resources provided by wetlands is a key factor in their conservation. Recovery from overexploitation may take time but these wetlands are showing resilience and there is need to improve management regimes via international cooperation.

Title: Measurement of employment, unemployment and underemployment of agricultural labour in tarai regions of Uttaranchal State and Uttar Pradesh
Abstract :

In rural areas, both unemployment and underemployment exist side by side, the distinction between them is by no means sharp. The various sophistications and refinements brought about in the concepts and measurement of employment and unemployment, have not fully succeeded even in properly quantifying the above problems. Therefore, in the present study, an attempt has been made to measures the unemployment and under employment of agricultural labour in Tarai regions of uttaranchal state and Uttar Pradesh according to time and income criterion. In each state one district was selected randomly viz. Sidharth Nagar in Uttar Pradesh and U.S. Nagar in Uttaranchal state. From each of these two selected district, the Birdpur block in Sidharth Nagar district and Rudrapur block in U.S. Nagar district was selected randomly. The study is based on the 55 households in Birdpur block and 66 households in Rudrapur block. Thus, total sample consists of 121 agricultural labour households. The study pertained to the year 1999-2000. In order to achieve the objective simple averages and percentages were used. The findings of the study reveals that the unemployment and under employment measured by time and income criteria for agricultural labour household as well as agricultural labour was higher in Uttar Pradesh as compared to Uttaranchal state. It is, therefore, suggested that more avenues of employment must be provided at the village level, including provision of loans for the purchase of inputs, cross bred cattle, and land distribution among agricultural labourers.

Title: Impact of Covid – 19 on Food Purchasing, Eating Behaviors and Perceptions of Food Safety in Consumers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh of India
Abstract :

Covid-19 brought a paradigm shift on food consumption, purchase, and eating behavior of consumers significantly as concerns over safety, health, and financial worries increased. As the world was fighting the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, an online survey is conducted to understand its impact on food purchasing, eating behaviors, and perceptions of food safety among the middle class and upper-middle population in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh of India during April and May 2020. Many of the respondents were from Telangana (46.52%) and Andhra Pradesh (38.58%), respectively while few were from other states and countries. 60.7% of respondents who participated in the survey were from the urban areas, while 20.1% were from rural areas and 17% from semi-urban areas. A significant change is observed in consumers’ purchase behavior during the Covid-19 pandemic. People preferred to shop less frequently, and 62% of respondents managed with existing goods. 69% of people maintained social distancing and wearing masks while purchasing foods. 74.3% went to stores less often for groceries purchase. The amount of packaged food consumption increased by 28%. Consumers became more cautious about health and altered their eating habits. 60% of respondents have agreed that their food habits have changed, and 52% of respondents reportedly consumed healthier foods compared to pre-covid days. 90% of survey populations finished home-cooked meals. 96% of respondents were aware of the Covid-19 threat and were taking precautionary measures. 86% of respondents sanitized the food produce bought from outside. There was panic among 53% of respondents about the safety of food available. 34% of respondents did not want to go back to their old eating habits until they get vaccinated against covid-19.

Highlights

  • Purchasing and eating habits have changed. People were shopping less in-person and consuming more home-cooked healthy meals while managing with existing stocks.
  • Consumer behavior changed rapidly throughout, for the crisis. Food consumption, and eating habits, have been significantly impacted due to concerns about hygiene, personal safety, food purchases, and consumption.
Title: Effect of precooling and chemical preservatives on post harvest longevity of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) florets
Abstract :

Investigations were carried out to study the effect of precooling and preservative chemicals on post harvest longevity of the florets of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Prajwal. The effect of precooling of tuberose florets in combination with four chemical treatments were studied and observations were recorded based on quality parameters like freshness of the florets, colour retention, physiological loss in weight and days to fifty per cent wilting. Pre-cooling of flower buds was found to improve the longevity (shelf life) of flower buds. Soaking of florets in 4 % Boric acid solution for two hours and air drying them before packing increased the shelf life up to six days.

Title: Arsenic distribution in environment and its bioremediation: A review
Abstract :

Arsenic (As) is a naturally occurring toxic metalloid which is introduced into the environment through natural geochemical processes and several anthropogenic actions. Since it is a carcinogen, there is an urgent need to efficiently remove As from contaminated soil and water. This review elaborates the chemistry and environmental distribution of As along with several bioremediation approaches to alleviate As pollution.

Title: MGNREGA Impacted Rural Women Empowerment: A Case Study of Mandya District
Abstract :

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is different from earlier employment programmes launched by the government of India as, on the one hand, it is a demand-driven scheme while, on the other hand, it treats employment as the right of the rural household. This act was adopted by the Indian government to reduce rural unemployment and poverty so that it leads to the reduction of rural-urban migration in search of employment. This scheme also provides income directly to unskilled workers in rural areas. Women Empowerment is the important objective of this act; emphasis was laid on promoting gender equality through providing wage employment to women. This paper will mainly focus on the impact of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) on the empowerment of women in the five-gram panchayats of Mandya district of Karnataka. It also focuses on the significant improvement of the status of rural women through MGNREGA socially, economically, and psychologically.

Title: Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Vegetative and Propagule Characters in Gladiolus and Induction of Homeotic Mutants
Abstract :

Uniform and healthy corms of eight gladiolus varieties ( Yellow Golden, Nathan Red, White Friendship, American Beauty, Red Majesty, Purple Flora and Algarve) were irradiated with different doses (0, 25, 40, 55 and 70 Gy) of gamma rays from 60Co source and planted under open field condition in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with factorial concept. Each treatment was replicated thrice.Plants treated with higher doses (55 Gy and 70 Gy) showed deleterious effect of ionising radiations although at lowest dose (25 Gy) plants were not affected much. Plant height was reduced after irradiation as compare to untreated plants and was recorded minimum at highest doses. Number of shoots per plant was slightly increased at 25 Gy treatment (1.62) in vM2 as compare to untreated plants (1.42). Significant effect of gamma irradiation on corm and cormel characters was noticed. Maximum number of corms per plant was recorded in plants treated with 25 Gy and minimum at 70 Gy. Among all the varieties Nathan Red had maximum number (1.75, 1.97) and weight (73.29gm, 79.33gm) of corms per plant in vM1 as well as vM2 generation. Number of cormels per plant was also reduced with the increase in gamma rays dose. Maximum number of cormels per plant (227.83) was recorded in the interaction of Algarve variety with 25 Gy gamma ray dose in vM2. Homeotic mutants were isolated from all the varieties at 55 and 70 Gy except American Beauty and Red Majesty variety.

Title: Effect of moisture regimes and pesticides of different biodegradability on transformation of different forms of inorganic and organic N in a dominant soil series of West Bengal
Abstract :

A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the effect of pesticides of different biodegradability on changes in inorganic and organic forms of N in soil maintained under two different moisture regimes. Results revealed that irrespective of pesticides and N treatment, comparatively higher amount of available N is recorded in waterlogged then the soil kept at 60% MHC. Addition of pesticides at lower dose affects the transformation process of organic N in soil. Irrespective of pesticide treatment, in general, hydrolysable NH4+ -N decreased but on the other hand amino acid N increased in soil. Again, the intensity of decrease or increase is more in waterlogged than the soil maintained under 60% of the MHC.

Title: Study of Physical Properties of Zea mays in the Development of Seed Metering Unit
Abstract :

The physical properties of seeds are very important to optimize the design parameters of various agricultural equipment used in their production, handling, and storage processes. Determination and use of these properties are also essential for the development of optimum seed metering mechanism and also in the design of a hopper for a planter for precise sowing of seeds. Physical properties such as length, surface area, breadth, roundness, equivalent diameter, sphericity, angle of repose, and coefficient of friction were determined for the development of the seed metering unit. The physical properties of seeds were calculated initially. Three varieties of maize seed Rasi-3033, NMH-589, and KMH-2589. The mean values of seed length, width, thickness, sphericity, geometric mean diameter, surface area, bulk density, coefficient of static friction, angle of repose, and thousand kernel weight were 11.00 mm, 7.75 mm, 4.58 mm, 0.65, 7.09 mm, 158.14 mm2, 746.4 kg m-3, 0.60, 28.17o and 0.23 kg, respectively. These properties were used in the development of efficient planter components to work effectively.

Title: Genetic diversity studies in rice (Oryza Sativa L.) using microsatellite markers
Abstract :

The objective of present study was to evaluate the genetic polymorphism and identification of diverse parents among the 76 rice accessions using simple sequences repeat (SSR) markers. The accessions showed significant phenotypic variation for all the characters analyzed. The SSR Markers were highly polymorphic across all accessions and altogether 79 alleles were detected. The overall Polymorphic information content (PIC) value ranged from 0.26 to 0.65 with an average of 2.82 per locus indicting high level of genetic variation. The cluster analysis showed the rice germplasm accessions grouped in to two major groups and 14 subgroups. The pair-wise genetic dissimilarity co-efficient indicated that the highest dissimilarity was obtained between cultivar B.3688-TB and IR.67017-1(0.1935) followed by cultivar Badi Kodi and Changhat (0.3333). These grmplasms were showing wide genetic divergence among the constituent in it and may be directly utilized in hybridization programme for improvement of yield related traits. The markers RM 413, RM 481, RM 206 and RM 20 produced a maximum of four alleles. These microsatellite markers could serve as a powerful tool in selecting genetically diverse germplasm accessions, to execute efficient selection in highly segregating generations.

Title: Bacteriological Quality of Frozen Desserts Available in Retail Markets of Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract :

Forty samples (10 kulfi, 10 branded ice cream, 10 softy ice cream and 10 ice milk) were subjected to standard plate count, coliform, salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus count. The mean standard plate count for kulfi, ice cream, softy and ice milk, were 3.723±0.125, 1.277±0.128, 4.277±0.112 and 5.667±1.410 respectively. The coliform and salmonella were negative in branded ice cream samples. A total of 7 samples of kulfi, ice milk and softy ice cream showed positive for staphylococcus aureus. Since the bacteriological quality of frozen dessert are poor in the study area, precautionary measures have to be taken in production as well as post-production period up to the consuming in order to prevent food poisoning.

Title: Evaluation of Castor Stems Residue for Cellulose and Lignin Content
Abstract :

Castor is an important crop of arid and semi-arid regions of the country. The castor cultivation in India is increasing year after year. In India, Gujarat and Rajasthan are two major states producing more than 80% of total castor production. The castor seeds are crushed or expelled to get castor oil, which is further used to make many important derivatives for industrial purposes. Castor being more remunerative crop to farmers of arid and semi arid region and the adoption of castor cultivation has improved the livelihood of farmers. Due to non-perishable nature of castor seeds, sometimes farmers store castor for long times growing seasons without any reduction in marketable quality of castor seeds. Cellulose is the major component of castor plant and the paper is composed of cellulose fibers. Paper and pulp industry has found suitability of use of sugarcane bagasse as raw material for paper production. Castor GCH-7 hybrid plants attained an average height of 100-110 cm with 25-30 branches. The diameter of main spike branch and sub-spike branches were ranged between 3.0-5.0 cm and 2.0 to 3.0 cm, respectively. The cellulose content was observed to 45.7%. The present study showed that the cellulose content in castor stem was remarkably higher than the other agro waste, therefore have potential to be used in paper industry, which was around 11% more than sugarcane bagasse, 25% more than rice straw and 50% more than wheat straw. In the present study, the lignin content was found 17.2%. The present study showed that the lignin content in castor stem was less than the other agro waste used in paper industry, which was around 30% less than sugarcane bagasse, 40% less than rice straw while 7% more than wheat straw. The ash content of castor samples was observed to 2.3%.

Title: Impact of Coriander Intercropping on the Incidence of Defoliator, Spoladea recurvalis Fabricius in Amaranthus
Abstract :

The investigation on the impact of coriander CO (CR) 4 intercropping with the clipping type of amaranthus (CO3) for managing the defoliator, Spoladea recurvalis Fabricius was conducted in two different locations. To assess the influence of coriander and its repellency effects in varied planting ratio of amaranthus and coriander viz., 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and 5:1 were evaluated along with amaranthus sole crop. The results obtained on the aspects of amaranthus plant height, number of branches per plant, number of larvae per plant, percent foliage infestation, and total green yield clearly indicated that there is no more negative impact on the plant height aspect was registered due to intercropping with coriander crop. Among the different ratios evaluated, the highest plant height was observed and registered in the 5:1 ratio of planting, which is significantly higher than amaranthus sole crop. In the aspect of the number of branches per plant, the 1:1 and 2:1 ratio recorded the highest number of branches compared with the 4:1 and 5:1 ratio. It was considering the number of larvae per plant and percent foliage infestation 2:1 and 3:1 ratio of planting registered the lowest larval population (1.22 – 1.45/plant) and foliage infestation with the higher average yield of 31.79 and 30.02 tonnes/hectare (sum of 10 clippings) when compared with amaranthus sole crop cultivation. Among the varied ratio evaluated, the 2:1 and 3:1 ratio of amaranthus : coriander planting was found to be better in registering the lowest percent foliage infestation (10.52 -11.25%) with a higher yield (30.02 – 31.79 tonnes/ha.).

Title: Characterization of Walnut (Juglans Regia L.) Genotypes in Ladakh Region of India
Abstract :
Ladakh region includes Leh and Kargil districts of Jammu and Kashmir in India. The region is cold and arid limiting the growing of fruit crops. The study aims to characterize walnut diversity in the region which would be resourceful in the near future for various purposes and boost up walnut cultivation. Four genotypes are selected from various walnut growing areas of Ladakh viz. G1 from Skara, G2 from Nurla, G3 from Temisgam and G4 from Dhomkhar. It was evident that majority of the genotypes exhibited intermediate tree vigour with spreading nature of growth habit, glabrous shoot pubescence and leaf and rachis pubescence, strong shell seal and shell strength with good nut diameter and nut length, satisfactory kernel flavor, well filled kernel and easy removal of kernel halves. Leaflet shape observed was elliptic, leaflet margin was entire, green leaf and rachis colour, brown shoot colour, complete shell integrity and kernel plumpness was moderate in all the four genotypes. The branching habit was dense in genotypes G3 and G4, intermediate in G1 and intermediate to dense in G2. In general, the highest value of leaf length and kernel percentage was recorded in G2. G3 exhibited the maximum width of leaf, number of leaflets, inshell nut weight and kernel weight. The nut shape was broad to ovate in G2 and G3, while G1 was broad ovate and G4 was broad elliptic in shape. The shell texture of G2 and G4 was medium while G3 was medium to rough and G1 was rough. The shell colour of G1 was light, medium in G2, light to medium in G3 and medium to dark in G4. The shell thickness recorded the maximum in G4. The kernel colour was light in G2 and G4, while extra light and light to amber was observed in G1and
G3 respectively.
Title: Evaluation of suitable antagonists in the management of early blight of tomato cultivar CO-3
Abstract :

Early blight of tomato is one of the most destructive diseases caused by Alternaria solani causing considerable loss to quality and quantity of fruits. To avoid chemical fungicides in the management of this menace, soil borne rhizospheric organisms were isolated and evaluated against the pathogen. Different antagonists i.e Aspergillus sp. Trichoderma sp. Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. were used against most virulent isolates of A. solani under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Maximum in vitro inhibition of mycelial growth of Alternaria solani was observed in case of Trichoderma sp. (87.69%) followed by Aspergillus sp. (84.23%) as compared to control. Under glass house conditions Trichoderma sp. exhibited a similar efficacy with a percent disease control ranging from 82.6-91.3.

Title: Interrelationship between fruit quality and pre-harvest calcium chloride treatment on peach Cv. ‘Shan-I-Punjab’
Abstract :

The effectiveness of pre-harvest calcium, chloride on post-harvest life and quality of peach fruits were studied. Calcium chloride viz. 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% was sprayed to peach plants at pit hardening stage, 10 and 20 days after pit hardening. Peach fruits harvested at physiological mature stage were sorted, washed, air dried and packed in CFB boxes before placing in cold store (temperature 0-10 and RH 85-90%). Changes in PLW, fruit firmness, sensory quality, pulp: stone, total sugars, total phenolics and calcium content were studied. Calcium chloride @ 1.5% (three sprays) resulted in minimum PLW, total sugars and maximum fruit firmness, sensory quality score, pulp: stone, total phenolics and calcium content during the stipulated storage period.

Title: Protein Profiling of Oreochromis spp. Epidermal Mucus Subsequent to Challenge of Common Freshwater Bacteria
Abstract :
Freshwater bacteria are the emerging pathogens that cause severe systemic disease in fish worldwide. Fish epidermal mucus contains innate immune components that provide the primary defense against different pathogenic microbes. The current experiment was designed to profile molecular changes of red hybrid tilapia mucus after subsequent challenge to common freshwater bacteria. Thus, to profile the epidermal mucus, 30 red hybrid tilapia Oreochromis spp. each of 150g was infected with Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aeromonas hydrophila. 10 fish were infected for each bacterium, and 10 fish acted as control. Every 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours, fish body mucus was collected in order to profile and explore molecular changes after subsequent challenge towards the causative agent. Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel-Electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) was used to allow the fish body mucus protein separation by mass. As a result, common protein, 14 kDa was found in all of the isolated mucus challenged. Meanwhile, a protein with a size 49 kDa, 81kDa, and 101 kDa was found as a prominent protein of Streptococcus agalactiae. The prominent protein after challenge with Staphylococcus aureus is 20 kDa, 30 kDa, 35 kDa, and 63 kDa. In contrast, the most prominent protein after challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila is 35 kDa, 40 kDa, 60 kDa. Protein profiling of mucus after 4 hours being challenged shows the best variations from the region 14-101 kDa. All of this finding is important towards better treatment and prevention of disease occurrence in Tilapia aquaculture.
 
Highlights
  • Common protein, 14 kDa was found in all of the isolated mucus challenged.
  • Protein profiling of mucus after 4 hours being challenged shows the best variations from the region 14-101 kDa.
Title: Impact of Plant Growth Regulators and Nutrient Consortium on Growth, Superoxide Dismutase, Na+/K+ ratio and Yield of Blackgram under Salinity Stress
Abstract :

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of plant growth regulators like jasmonic acid (50 μM), brassinolide (0.5 ppm), salicylic acid (100 ppm), ascorbic acid (100 ppm), gibberellic acid (10 ppm), benzyl amino purine (5 ppm) and nutrient consortium (K2SO4 - 0.5% + FeSO4 - 0.5%) + Borax - 0.3%) and 1% TNAU pulse wonder on blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) variety TNAU Blackgram CO 6 under salinity condition. The salinity was imposed by 125 mM NaCl concentration in pot culture. Plant growth regulators and nutrient consortium were used as foliar spray at 20 and 40 days after sowing except jasmonic acid, which used as seed soaking. Under salinity stress, root volume, leaf area, specific leaf weight, net assimilation rate and yield were significantly reduced compared to normal condition. Among the treatments, brassinolide showed its supremacy on higher leaf area (149.13 cm2 plant-1), specific leaf weight (0.41 mg cm-2) and super oxide dismutase activity (325 Units mg-1 protein) followed by salicylic acid and TNAU pulse wonder. However highest root volume of 3.5 cc was recorded by TNAU pulse wonder. Salicylic acid registered highest net assimilation rate of 0.398 mg cm-2 d-1 followed by brassinolide (0.396 mg cm-2 d-1). The minimum Na+/K+ ratio (0.325) was observed in brassinolide followed by salicylic acid (0.355) which is on par with nutrient mixture (0.357) and TNAU pulse wonder (0.362). Among the plant growth regulators and nutrients, brassinolide recorded the maximum grain yield of 8.85 g plant-1 followed the salicylic acid (8.72 g) which is on par with TNAU Pulse Wonder (8.60 g).

Title: Comparative evaluation of IPM module and farmer’s practices in Mungbean, Vigna Radiata (L.) Wilczek against major insect pests
Abstract :

Results indicated that IPM module proved comparatively economical against major insect pests of mungbean over farmer’s practices. The results revealed that, IPM module i.e., Mungbean with seed treatment of Imidacloprid 600 FS (5ml kg-1) followed by one spray of NSKE (5%) at 30 days after sowing (DAS) and chemical insecticide Triazophos 40 EC 0.04 per cent of the crop, were effective in reducing the incidence of White fly, MYMV, Jassids and Thrips and gave higher grain yield than farmer’s practices. Present study indicates that IPM is definitely better over non-IPM practices under different pest population numbers. IPM implies the rational integration of various methods of insect pests control to suppress the pest population below ETL. Therefore, farmers should be made aware of its benefits and motivated to critically analyze and make decisions regarding pest management practices.

Title: Yield sustainability and chemical fertilizer economy through IPNS in capsicum (Capsicum Annum L. Var. grossum) under dry temperate condition of Himachal Pradesh
Abstract :

A field experiment to evaluate the effect of five organic sources of plant nutrients and three fertility levels on productivity and economics of tomato was conducted during Kharif seasons of 2006 and 2007 under dry temperate region of HAREC, Kukumseri (L&S), Himachal Pradesh. Among organic sources, application of FYM @ 5 t/ha has recorded the higher values for all yield attributes except No. of branches/plant and was followed by FYM @ 2.5 t/ha + Azotobacter. However both these treatments were significantly at par with each other in recording significantly more No. of branches/plant, higher yield and productivity. Significantly higher economic efficiency of Rs. 1567.6 was achieved with the application of FYM @ 2.5 t/ha + Azotobacter and was followed by FYM @ 5 t/ha (1567.6 Rs./ha/day). Increase in the level of NPK has significant influence on yield, productivity and economic efficiency. Significantly higher values of different yield attributes were recorded with the application of 150% NPK which was reflected in getting significantly higher capsicum yield (190.0 q/ha) and productivity (1.04 q/ha/day) with greater economic efficiency of 1766.7 Rs./ha/day.

Title: Biochemical Investigation on Antioxidative and Antinutritional Characters of Yellow Seeded Brassica Genotypes for Quality Assessment
Abstract :

Yellow seeded Brassica is one of the most important oilseed crop cultivated in many parts of the world. The oil is consumed predominantly as edible oil and the defatted meal cake is utilized as animal/poultry feed. In the present study, intact seeds and defatted meal of 12 yellow-seeded Brassica genotypes evaluated for the presence of anti-oxidative and anti-nutritive factors. The maximum phenolic, ortho-dihydroxy phenols, flavonoid contents observed for Bio 39(16.946 mg/g), Bio 30(2.38 mg/g) and Bio 39(8.282 mg/g) respectively. The crude fibre, phytic acid and glucosinolate contents were found to be minimum in Bio 21 (6.95%), Bio 2 (3.632%) and Bio 38 (54.324 µmole/g) respectively. Vitamin C content was maximum in Bio 36 and Bio 3. The α-tocopherol content was observed to be maximum Bio 2 (61.875 mg/100g). The total antioxidant activity varied from 5.95 mg AAE/g in Bio 28 to 14.395 mg AAE/g in Bio 39. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed to be maximum in Bio 30 and reducing power was found to be maximum in Bio 21(0.867 ± 0.023). The present findings may be utilized for determining the quality status to ascertain their potential for development of better cultivar.

Title: Study on Profile Characteristics of Self-help Group members in Himachal Pradesh
Abstract :

Self-help groups have emerged as a vital tool for economic development in India. In hill states like Himachal Pradesh importance of self-help group increases manifold due to higher number of fragmented small and marginal landholdings. Self-help groups must sustain as an economic venture for the overall development of rural areas. It is very important to study individual member traits to understand the sustainability of self-help groups. The present study was conducted in the state of Himachal Pradesh to assess socio-personal, socio-economic, and communication variables of self-help group members and to make a comparison with non-member farmers. Findings of the study reveal that most of the SHG members were of the middle age category, with dominating membership by women farmers. Most of the SHG members adopted vegetable farming along with other agriculture activities with medium vegetable growing experience. SHG members attended significantly higher training programmes than non-member farmers. Most of the farmers have marginal landholding but SHG members put a significantly higher portion of landholding in vegetable cultivation when compared to non-member farmers. Significantly higher vegetable production was reported for SHG member vegetable farms, and the reason for this was higher media exposure and significantly higher extension contacts of SHG members than non-members.

Title: Farmyard Manure: A Boon for Integrated Nutrient Management
Abstract :
In the present review, farmyard manure is explained as a perfect source of nutrients for plant growth as well as for soil microbiota. It is one of the efficient and effective organic manures. It can provide organic matter to soil microbes as a source of carbon. An increase in microbial population leads to the degradation of pesticides and heavy metals to less harmful compounds. In addition to it, ions of harmful elements get adsorb on organic colloids and become immobile in soil. Application of farmyard manure not only increases the availability of nutrients in the soil but also improves the soil properties like soil structure, water holding capacity, bulk density, cation exchange capacity, etc. Studies revealed that farmyard manure is an excellent organic manure for sustaining good soil health along with achieving desired food production.
 
Highlights
  • Farmyard manure is an effective and efficient source of nutrients to soil microorganisms as well as to plants comparative to all other manures.
  • Farmyard manure plays an important role in the remediation of pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals along with increasing nutrient supply in the soil.
  • Apart from improving nutrient content, farmyard manure also improves soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties.
Title: Potential Role of Weed Management on Growth and Productivity of Pearl Millet: A Review
Abstract :

Growth and productivity of pearl millet are majorly governed by climate and adopted field management practices viz. nutrient, water, weed, etc. Weeds are undesirable plants both spatially and temporally which grow in close association with the crop competing for light, moisture, spaces, and nutrients. Studies indicated that the losses due to weeds were higher compared to other crop pests, thus posing a serious threat to national food security. In this context, adopting the right and efficient method of weed control is essential to achieve the yield potential of the crop. The manual hand weeding method of weed management, although efficient, is extremely strenuous and time-consuming. Moreover, the unavailability of labor is another serious drawback of this method. Besides, cultural, mechanical, and biological methods to do not ensure complete weed removal at critical stages of the crop-weed competition, especially during bad weather conditions. Hence, chemical control is the only efficient alternative left. However, selection of crop dosage, crop stage, and variety through proper understanding of mode and mechanism of action of herbicide determine its efficiency. This review mainly focuses in providing a clear understanding of the right dose and crop stage for scheduling different herbicides solely or integrated with other methods targeting efficient weed management in pearl millet.

Title: Yield Gap Analysis for Groundnut through Cluster Front Line Demonstration in South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha
Abstract :

A study was carried out by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Malkangiri during 2018-19 to find out the yield gap between farmer’s practices and demonstration practices through cluster front line demonstration in South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha. The results showed a 32.9% increase in the average yield of groundnut with demonstration practices as compared to farmer’s practices. Higher economic return was also obtained with demonstration practices. The average technology gap, extension gap, and technology index were 3.2 q/ha, 5.4 q/ha, and 12.8%, respectively. The yield potential of groundnut could be enhanced to a great extent through cluster front line demonstration with improved production technologies. Hence, it is necessary to educate the farming community for more adoption of improved cultivation techniques of groundnut to increase productivity and economic return.

Title: Effect of Crop Establishment Methods and Nitrogen Management on Growth and Yield of Rice
Abstract :

A field experiment entitled “Effect of Crop Establishment Methods and Nitrogen Management on Growth and Yield of Rice” was conducted during the kharif season of 2019 and 2020 at the College Farm, Bapatla. The experiment was laid out in strip-plot design with three replications. The results revealed that among crop establishment methods, conventional tillage registered highest plant growth parameters at harvest like plant height (125.6 and 125.9 cm), number of tillers m-2 (423.6 and 426.9), plant dry matter (13304 and 13443 kg ha-1) and yield attributes i.e. the number of panicles m-2 (302.6 and 305.3), number of grains panicle-1 (219.3 and 225.3), grain (5870 and 5916 kg ha-1) and straw yield (8049 and 8000 kg ha-1) and was found statistically at par with dry seeding on puddled soil and significantly superior over rest of the treatments. Among nitrogen management, growth parameters at harvest i.e. plant height (125.9 and 128.0 cm), number of tillers m-2 (427.2 and 429.3), plant dry matter (12390 and 12503 kg ha-1) and yield parameters i.e. the number of panicles m-2 (284.9 and 289.6), number of grains panicle-1 (210.4 and 215.8), grain (5650 and 5699 kg ha-1) and straw yield (7783 and 7526 kg ha-1) the highest were recorded with the application of 50% STBN through fertilizer + 50% N through cured poultry manure (N5), which was found statistically at par with 75% STBN through fertilizer + 25% N through cured poultry manure (N4) and significantly superior over other treatments.

Title: Genetic Divergence and GGE Bi-plot Analysis of Multienvironment Trial Data of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to Identify “Ideal” Genotype
Abstract :

The present research revealed the study of genetic divergence and genotype (G) main effect and genotype by the environment (GE) interaction (G × GE) bi-plot analysis for multi-environmental trial data using yield data of three years. Since, genotypes were planted in 2017 in two dates like early and lates own condition hence, there was very slight differences in their yield so both the environments come together as compared to third environment (2018) which for from the two locations of year 2017. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of genotype, environment and their interaction on grain yield and to identify stable barley genotypes. The field experiment comprising of 69 barley genotypes laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications during Rabi 2016-2017. The extent of genetic variability, association between yield and yield components, frequency distribution of 25 top best genotypes in response to yield in three different environments, yield stability analysis and genetic diversity was studied. For stability analysis yield data of current year for one location and yield data of two locations/environments of previous year have been used. Field observations were recorded on six important characters days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, effective tillers per plant, plant height with awn, plant height without awn and 1000 grain weight (g). The result of bi-plot analysis using yield data of three years revealed that AXIS1 explained 57.6 per cent variation while AXIS2 was explained 31.07 per cent variation. Since, genotypes were planted in 2017 in two dates like early and late sown condition hence, there was very slight differences in their yield so both the environments come together (Figure1) as compared to third environment (2018) which for from the two locations of year 2017. Our result indicate that line G69 recommended as most stable genotype for yield potential and stability whereas lines G9, G55, G67 and G68 were consider as superior genotypes.

Title: Application of Conventional and Mutation Approaches in Genetic Improvement of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.): A Review on Recent Development and Future Perspectives
Abstract :
In recent days, improved conventional techniques, including division of the bulbs, removal of leaf and flower spikes, standard size of the bulb, and mechanical removal of sprouts, have been used to obtain improved quality planting materials in tuberose. Mutation breeding is also another technique that is used for improvement in tuberose. In mutation breeding, novelty can be created in an already well-established cultivar. Any change in the genes and their expression can be easily measured in the first generation of mutants by selecting desirable characters like flower color, shape, size, fragrance, etc. In the present review, the works carried out on tuberose by various workers worldwide from the last 40 years have witnessed conventional and mutation approaches made in the genetic improvement of tuberose. This review also highlights the role of selection for the identification of desirable traits, self-compatibility, and hybridization approaches made in tuberose species worldwide by several research institutions. Factors that affected mutation efficiency have also been presented and discussed from available data. Overall, the present reviews provide a consolidated account for the application of traditional and mutations approaches and suggest how their implications can be useful for genetic improvement of tuberose.
Title: GIS based Spatial Variability Assessment in Flower Crops Grown Soils of Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu
Abstract :
Sixty five surface soil samples were collected in the flower crops grown soils of Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu. The geo-coordinates were recorded for each sample using GPS. Field maps were digitized for its field number-wise boundary and other features. Soil samples were collected, processed and anlaysed for soil physico-chemical and soil fertility properties. Analytical results of flower-grown soil samples indicated that samples were acidic to alkaline in reaction, nonsaline and slightly calcareous to non-calcareous in nature. Soil fertility groupings under percent category indicated the dominance of medium organic carbon, low available nitrogen, medium to high available phosphorus, high available potassium and low available sulphur categories. In the case of available micronutrients, the dominance of low DTPA-Fe, medium DTPA-Zn, high DTPA-Mn, medium DTPACu and high HWS-B were observed. The nutrient index values of the samples indicated that low status for organic carbon and available N, medium for available P and K while very low for available sulphur. Regarding to micro nutrients, the order of nutrient index values were B>Mn>Cu>Fe>Zn. Nutrient index values found to indicate for very low DTPA-Fe, Zn and Cu while marginal for DTPA-Mn and HWS-B. Thematic maps generated on the individual soil parameters clearly indicated the spatial variability of individual parameters in the flower grown soils of Eastern farm of Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam. The low fertile areas have to be improved by the conjoint application of organic and /or inorganic sources for enhanced flower production and sustainable soil fertility. 
Title: Time Series Modeling for Trend Analysis and Forecasting Wheat Production of India
Abstract :

Wheat is one of the most important staple food grains of human for centuries. It has a special place in the Indian  economy because of its significance in food security, trade and industry. This study made an attempt to model and forecast the production of wheat in India by using annual time series data from 1961-2013. Parametric regression, exponential smoothing and Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models were employed and compared for finding out an appropriate econometric model to capture the trend of wheat production of the country. The best fitted model was selected based on the performance of several goodness of fit criteria viz. Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Schwarz’s Bayesian Information Criterion (SBC) and R-squared values. The assumptions of ‘Independence’ and ‘Normality’ of error terms were examined by using the ‘Run-test’ and ‘Shapiro-Wilk test’ respectively. This study found ARIMA (1,1,0) as most appropriate to model the wheat production of India. The forecasted value by using this model was obtained as 100.271 million tones (MT) by 2017-18.

Title: Impact of Non Timber Forest Produces (NTFPs) on Food and Livelihood Security: An Economic Study of Tribal Economy in Dang’s District of Gujarat, India
Abstract :

The present study attempted to assess the contribution of NTFPs to income and employment by ensuring food and livelihood security for the tribal economy in Dang’s district of Gujarat. This indicates that most employment (42.51%) was generated by the wage sector followed by NTFPs collection (31.67%) and livestock rearing (15.85%) respectively. About 42 species of NTFPs were found to be collected and utilized for various purposes such as food, medicines, and raw materials for making implements and also as a source of income. It suggested that alternate sources of income to the villagers to improve their socio-economic conditions as well as increasing the income level and employment opportunities by effective collection and selling of Non-Timber Forest Products.

Title: Method Validation for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Tomato with GC-MS/MS (TQD) for Food Safety Testing
Abstract :

Pesticide residues analysis in fruits and fresh vegetables is a challenge for food safety as the gap between pesticide sprays and harvests is very less in vegetables. A multi residue method was developed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of 64 pesticides (insecticides, fungicides and herbicides) using QuEChERS extraction method and GC-MS/MS (Triple Quadrupole) for analysis. Eight different concentrations of certified reference materials from 0.05 ppm to 0.30 ppm were injected in GC-MS/MS with MRM method, in six replications, and R2 ranged from 0.990-0.999 with RSD of 0.55 to 11.24. The sample preparation approach is through adoption of QuEChERS method, untreated control tomato samples were fortified with mixture of pesticides at 0.05, 0.25, 0.5 mg/kg, each is five replications, and the recovery of pesticides is in the range of 80-95%, and hence method can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of 64 pesticides in/on tomato for monitoring studies.

Title: Heterotrimeric G Proteins: Key Players in Plant Growth and Stress Responses
Abstract :
Heterotrimeric G proteins are large membrane-associated G proteins with subunits (Gα), (Gβ), and (Gγ) present in the plasma membrane in eukaryotes. They are signal transducers that play an important role in signaling pathways in various living organisms. In the inactive stage, Gα contains guanosine diphosphate and forms the heterotrimeric complex with Gβγ dimer which is activated by nucleotide exchange on Gα for guanosine triphosphate (GTP), GTP bound Gα dissociates from Gβγ dimer and modulates the effector for downstream signaling. Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) protein is a regulatory point of G protein activation and stimulates rate-limiting GTPase activity of Gα subunit. G-protein research in plants is getting a lot of attention recently due to the emerging roles in modulating abiotic and biotic stress responses. An increase in the frequency of extreme weather and climate change has accelerated the adverse effect from plant stresses which are detrimental for plant growth. G-proteins plays important role in various functions that enhances plant growth and development, regulation of hormones, signals, stresses and plant defense responses. Furthermore, future research should be directed towards the discovery of novel components and their signaling mechanisms.
 
Highlights
  • Guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G- proteins) are cytosolic proteins that are present in trimeric complex with α, β & γ subunits in plants.
  • They act as signal transducers that regulate multiple signaling pathways in eukaryotes.
  • Heterotrimeric G- proteins play vital role in plant growth and development in many plant species.
  • Besides roles in plant growth, they are also important for mitigation of abiotic (salt, drought, ozone, temperature) stresses and plant defense responses by inducing different mechanisms.
Title: Weed Dynamics of Hybrid Rice under the Influence of Fertilizer Levels and Weed Management Practices
Abstract :

A field experiment entitled “Weed Dynamics of Hybrid Rice under the Influence of fertilizer Levels and Weed Management Practices” was conducted during the Kharif season of 2017 at the Research Farm, TCA, Dholi, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur (BIHAR). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with twelve treatments. Among different levels of fertilizer, application of 100 % RDF recorded a minimum number of weeds/m2 (58.36/m2), weed dry weight production (73.12 g/m2), and weed growth rate (0.024 g/m2/day). In the case of weed management practices, Hand weeding (twice) was found to be the most efficient weed control (71.32%), a minimum number of weeds/m2 (25.11/m2), weed dry weight production (21.12 g/m2) and weed growth rate (0.011 g/m2/day) but the minimum weed index (45.87%) was observed in weedy check.

Title: Zabo Farming System- A Sustainable Farming based on Traditional Knowledge for Natural Resource Management Practiced by Tribal in Nagaland, India
Abstract :

Various models of sustainable indigenous farming practices exist among the tribal population, especially among tribes of the North East Region of India. These practices are often considered as an alternative to old age practices of shifting cultivation which has a negative impact on the natural ecosystem in many ways. This paper focuses on the practices and importance of the Zabo farming system, an indigenous farming model practiced by the Naga tribe in Nagaland. The word “Zabo” means impounding of water in the local dialect. Zabo farming comprises integrated agricultural activities such as forest land for silviculture, water harvesting, animal husbandry, and paddy cultivation along the slope of the hills.

Title: Botanical Management of Rust Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) on Stored Wheat
Abstract :
The current study on Botanical Management of Rust Red flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) on stored wheat during 2020-2021 in the Entomology Department revealed that neem leaf powder was the most effective treatment, observed the mean adult mortality of 67.22 per cent and also records the minimum weight loss after 60 days of storage. The eucalyptus and tulsi can be used as next best treatment in controlling the adult emergence. Whereas, turmeric rhizome powder was the least effective in comparison to control against adult mortality (30.56 %), grain weight loss and adult emergence owing to T. castaneum. Other than this the chemical insecticide, fenvalerate used as a check showed a greater result than botanical powders with mean adult mortality of T. castaneum was 72.78 percent.
Title: Impact of Air Pollutants on Agricultural Crops
Abstract :

History of mankind has witnessed transformation in form of industrialization, urbanization and motorized transport in the past. These all had made the life easier for human but these also led to increase in level of pollutants in the atmosphere. These pollutants have cascading impact on agriculture. The impact of some of the major pollutants such as SO2 , NOx and ozone is in the form of production of ROS, reduced photosynthesis and energy metabolism. The aerosol and particulate matter pollution also leads to reduced transpiration which raises the canopy temperature and also disturbs the water and nutrient uptake by the crop plants. To date most of the pollution related studies, especially in developing countries, are restricted to its impact on urban areas and human health. It is needed to extend these studies to impact of air pollution on agriculture. In this paper we have discussed the various mechanisms through which the pollutants act on the crop plants and their impact on yield.

Title: Effect of Integration of Seed Bio-priming and Inorganic Fertilization on Soil Physico-chemical Properties of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Abstract :

Conventional agricultural practices rely on the immense application of agrochemicals that show detrimental effects on soil biota. Negative impacts on soil microbiota and enzymes that involve in nutrient cycles hinder nutrient availability. Application of plant growth-promoting microbes such as Trichoderma spp. can evade these hurdles by improving soil biodiversity and performance of the crop. A pot culture experiment was conducted during two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) to figure out the effect of different doses of fertilizers and seed bio-priming with Trichoderma asperellum BHUT8 in sunflower (PAC334) on soil chemical properties. Results showed that the initial soil reaction was slightly alkaline that tend towards neutral with seed bio-priming. The electrical conductivity of soil in both seasons varied randomly among imposed treatments. Soil cation exchange capacity, which permits the soil to hold all essential nutrients, was enhanced 4% with the supply of 70% recommended dose of fertilizer and seed bio-priming. Soil available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were found maximum in the treatments supplied with Trichoderma through seed bio-priming. Inoculation of Trichoderma showed positive effects on soil chemical properties and reduced the requirement of inorganic fertilizers.

Title: Relative Efficacy of Different Weed Management Practices on Growth, Yield and Weed Dynamics in Sunflower
Abstract :
The experiment was conducted during 2020 to evaluate the relative efficiency of the application of herbicides combined with inter cultivation practices for their influence on the growth and productivity of sunflower. Herbicides like pendimethalin, oxyfluorfen, sodium aciflurfen, clodinafop propargyl with intercultivation at different days after sowing and unweeding as control. Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg/ha at 1 DAS followed by Sodium aciflurofen + Clodinafop propargyl @ 125 g/ha at 21 DAS proved to be better in terms of effective weed control, improved crop growth characters, and productivity of sunflower. The performance of Oxyfluorfen @100 g/ha at 1 DAS fb Sodium aciflurofen + Clodinafop propargyl @150 g/ha at 21 DAS was on par with Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg/ha at 1 DAS followed by Sodium aciflurofen + Clodinafop propargyl @ 125 g/ha at 21 DAS with regard to growth, yield attributes and seed yield.
Title: Performance of Traditional Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties under System of Rice Intensification during Kharif Season in South Odisha Conditions
Abstract :

A field experiment was carried out at the Bagusala Farm, of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha during the kharif season of 2018. Four traditional rice varieties namely, V1, Red rice (kondo dano), V2, Manipuri black rice, V3, Balami and V4, Dudheshwar were taken into consideration and the treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The traditional rice variety Dudheshwar got highest values of growth attributing characteristics, yield attributes and yield of rice. The highest grain yield (6560.25 kg ha-1) and straw yield (10632 kg ha-1) were achieved by treatment V4-Dudheshwar. In terms of net return and benefit: cost ratio, the variety Manipuri black rice is resulted in higher profitability as compared to other traditional rice varieties.

Title: In vitro Callus Induction and Regeneration of Popular Indica Rice Genotypes
Abstract :
Five rice cultivars viz., ASD 16, White Ponni, Pusa Basmati 1, Pusa Sugandh 4 and Pusa Sugandh 5 belonging to subspecies indica were compared for its ability in callus formation and regeneration. In this experiment, the different parameters viz., the effect of hormones (2,4-D and kinetin), organic supplement (coconut milk O1-CM 100 mll-1, O2-CM 75 mll-1, O3-CM 50 mll-1), explants (seed and immature embryo), media (MS and N6), carbon source (sucrose and maltose) using five genotypes on callus response was studied. The effect of hardening methods was also assessed. Results showed that for enhanced callus induction was with MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mgl-1 2, 4-D + 0.5 mgl-1 kinetin + 30 gl-1 maltose irrespective of explants used. Addition of 100 ml l-1 coconut milk was found have improvement in callus response. The performance of immature embryo was better than seed for callus induction, emrbyogenic callus formation, rhizogenic callus formation and regeneration. MS media provided superiority over N6. Among the genotypes Pusa Basmati 1 rendered outstanding performance in callus behavior. The treatment combination MS + 2.5 mgl-1 BAP + 0.5 mgl-1 NAA + 1.0 mgl-1 KN gave the highest organogenesis response and regeneration of plantlets. Hardening in mist chamber was recognized as the best method to give the highest per cent of regenerated plant lets.
 
Highlights
  • Five indica rice varieties were used for callus induction and regeneration
  • MS +2.0 mgl-1 2,4-D + 0.5 mgl-1 kinetin + 30 gl-1 maltose gave enhanced callus induction.
  • MS + 2.5 mgl-1 BAP + 0.5 mgl-1 NAA + 1.0 mgl-1 KN gave the highest regeneration
Title: Fish Biodiversity Assemblages and Fishing Gears Used at Chinadi Beel in Narsingdi District of Bangladesh
Abstract :
The present survey disclosed the available fish biodiversity and the gears used for fishing in the Chinadi beel, Narsingdi, Bangladesh, for a certain period. Data was collected through face to face conversations using a well-structured questionnaire and cross-checked. About 51 species of fish under 7 orders and 19 families were found. The dominant order was found jointly for Cypriniformes (29.41%) and Siluriformes (29.41%). About 39 least concern (75%), 5 vulnerable (9.62%), 6 near threatened (11.54%), and 1 not evaluated (1.92%) species were observed. Fifteen different types of fishing gears (8 major categories) are used for fishing by the fishermen, of which seine net was the most leading gear. Most of the gears are banned for a period due to its unauthorized mesh size. The price of fishing gears was ranged from 250-1,00,000 Tk, of which the highest price was for seine net. The uppermost catch per unit effort (CPUE) was found for ber jal that was 15-18 kg/day. Most of the fishing gear was operated throughout the year, but limited in the dry season. However, the variety of fish abundance and species diversity is declining day by day in this beel. To protect the fish diversity of the Chinadi beel, it is recommended to establish effective fishery management practices, monitoring overfishing, and awareness of fishermen is highly recommended.
 
Highlights
 
  • The beel has a rich fish biodiversity and important for fisheries resources in the middle-east part of Bangladesh. About 51 species of fish under 7 orders and 19 families were found. Fifteen fishing gears (8 major categories) are used for fishing by the fishermen.
  • Now-a-days, biodiversity of fish was decreased due to over fishing, water pollution, heavy siltation, rapid urbanization and intervention of human.
Title: Mass Transfer Kinetics during Osmotic Dehydration of Pineapple Samples Coated with Pectin
Abstract :

The effect of process conditions on the mass transfer during osmotic dehydration of coated pineapples was studied. Pineapple samples were coated with 0.5 to 5.0% (w/v) pectin solution prior to osmotic dehydration in sucrose solution. The time of dipping in the coating solution was kept at 60 and 120 s followed by oven drying time of 10 and 40 min to solidify the coating. Water loss, solid gain, performance ratio and weight reduction were measured during osmotic dehydration of both coated and uncoated samples. Water loss of coated samples was more than the uncoated samples in coating solution of 0.5 to 3% concentration whereas solid gain of coated samples was less than the uncoated samples at all the concentrations of coating solution. Increase in drying time led to decrease in both water loss and solid gain. PR values increased as the concentration of coating agent increased from 0.5 to 1% and further increase in the concentration above 1% resulted in decreased PR. The highest value of performance ratio of 5.89 was observed in samples dipped in coating solution of 1% concentration for 120 s followed by oven drying for 40 min.

Title: Contents VOL. 13, NO. 3, SEPTEMBER 2020
Abstract :
Title: Economic Analysis of Basmati under Organic and Non-Organic Conditions
Abstract :
Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory is divided into varied agro climatic zones temperate Kashmir valley and humid sub-tropical and tropical region of Jammu. Each has its own specific geo-climatic conditions which determine the cropping pattern and productivity profits. Organic farming has been considered as one of the best options for protecting/sustaining soil health, and is gaining lot of importance in present day agriculture. The present study was confined to the Research Farm, SKUAST, Jammu, Chatha, Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory as this farm has the area under both organic and non-organic basmati. The per hectare cost of cultivation of organic and non-organic basmati rice for human labour, machine labour and irrigation charges were found to be same i.e., ` 6863.12, ` 3587.05 and ` 3640.00 respectively. Whereas expenditure incurred on other items such as seed and manure and fertilizer were found to be maximum in organic cultivation i.e., ` 1800.00/ha and ` 12000.00/ha respectively. The per hectare cost C2 was ` 30201.13 for organic farm, and ` 19790.49 for non-organic farm. After working out management cost, i.e., 10 percent of cost C2, per hectare cost C3 found to be ` 33221.24 and ` 21769.53 for organic and non-organic farms respectively. Cost benefit ratio for non-organic basmati is higher as compare to organic basmati whereas the net return per hectare in organic basmati is higher as compare to non-organic basmati.
Title: Dissipation Studies of Metribuzin in Alfisol Soils and its Terminal Residues in Potato Tubers
Abstract :

A field investigation was conducted to determine dissipation behaviour in soil and terminal residues of metribuzin in potato crop applied at half the recommended dose (0.25 kg. ha-1), recommended dose (0.50 kg. ha-1) and double the recommended dose (1.00 kg. ha-1). Soil samples at different time intervals after herbicide spray and potato tuber samples at the maturity of crop were collected, processed and subjected to metribuzin residue analysis by a validated gas chromatography method with an accepted recovery of above 80%. In all herbicide treatments, more than 90% of applied herbicide in soil dissipated within 45 days after herbicide application. Metribuzin residues in potato tubers at the time of harvest were below detectable levels. This indicated that the metribuzin did not leave any residues in potato tuber at any of the applied doses. From the study, it may be concluded that pre emergence application of metribuzin in potato for weed management could be considered safe, as its residues were below the prescribed MRL (0.05 mg. kg-1).

Title: Development of Bacterial Consortia for Solid Waste Degradation and its Use as Organic Manure
Abstract :
Solid waste disposal has become a big concern all over the world. Almost 50% of the municipal waste collected daily, especially in the metropolitan cities where the population is very high, consists of organic solid waste. This organic waste left in the open dumping grounds results in stench and contamination of groundwater. The present study aims to find out the utilization of effective microbial consortia for decomposing the organic waste. Different garbage samples was collected from Panvel area for isolating the effective organic waste degrading organisms. These strains were characterized by microscopic observations and biochemical tests. Their cellulolytic, proteolytic, amylolytic and lipoolytic activities were evaluated. Depending on these enzyme activities, different consortia were prepared and their efficacy in reduction, maturity and deodorization of organic waste was compared. The plant growth promoting effect of this degraded waste on Triticum aestivum (wheat) and Zea mays (maize) was evaluated. 5 Different Microbial Consortium was developed. Microbial consortia increased the efficacy of composting as compared to control. Consortia no. 1 and 5 showed better degrading ability. Consortia 4 and 5 facilitated the best growth for Wheat and Maize respectively. Consortia 2 showed the best result in terms of germination and growth for both wheat and maize.
 
Highlights
 
  • All the groups of consortia were effective in terms of degradation of MSW, improving the properties of soil and growth of the plants
  • Also, when comparing with the control, the phosphorus, nitrogen content and plant growth showed great improvements
Title: Distribution and Availability of Sulphur in some Terai Soils under Subtropical Zone of Eastern India
Abstract :

A study was conducted in some terai soils under subtropical zone of Eastern India considering some soil series and some benchmark sites to evaluate distribution of available sulphur status and important soil attributes on sulphur availability. The total S content was found to vary widely from 191.18 to 530.40 mg kg-1 with an average of 309.21 mg kg-1. The percentage contribution of organic S, sulphate S, adsorbed S, heat soluble S and water soluble S varied from 29.62 to 85.02, 7.85 to 9.94, 0.23 to 9.82, 5.97 to 17.59 and 1.77 to 6.80 per cent to total sulphur in soil samples. Available S was significantly and positively correlated to organic carbon, total N, clay and silt+clay, oxalate-Fe, CBD-Fe and only negative correlated with pH (r = -0.02). Organic S exhibited significant and positive correlations with sulphate, water soluble S, heat soluble S and adsorbed S and played major role in sulphur availability. Significantly positive correlations of sulphate S with water soluble (r = 0.80**), heat soluble (r = 0.70**) and adsorbed S (r = 0.46**) and organic form of S (r = 70**) were found. A significantly positive correlation was observed between water soluble and heat soluble S. Among the soil properties, organic carbon, total N, silt+ clay, CBD-extractable Al and Fe influenced mostly on variability of available S in these soils.

Title: Evaluation of Secondary Metabolites in Wheat Grain (Triticum Sp.) Grown in Humid South Eastern Plain Zone of Rajasthan (India)
Abstract :

Cereal crops such as wheat, rice and barley underpin the staple diet for human consumption, globally. In India, wheat is qualitatively a major source of macromolecule, energy and fiber for human community nutrition since long time hence, preferably used as a staple food grain for society and also used as major source of fodder for animal feeding. The health benefits of whole grains are linked to the existence of secondary bioactive metabolites including phenolic acids, flavonoids and phytosterols. Flavonoids have the properties like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiallergic, antithrombotic, antiviral and anticarcinogenic activities. Quercetin is one with an average of daily consumption of 25 mg to 40 mg. Kaempferol used as an antioxidant. Quantification data revealed that the total flavonoid content (free + bound) was observed highest and lowest in durum genotypes of HD 4728 (1.75 mg/gdw) and Raj 6560 (0.92 mg/gdw), respectively and in aestivum genotypes Raj 4037 (1.38 mg/gdw) and HI 1544 (0.72 mg/gdw) gave similar trend. Regular daily intakes of whole grain products are associated with reduced risk of several diseases. The objective of this study was identification and characterization of secondary metabolites i.e. flavonoids in Triticum sp.

Title: Extent and Correlates of Knowledge of Farmers regarding Scientific Potato Production Technologies in Himachal Pradesh
Abstract :

The productivity of potato in hilly state of Himachal Pradesh is far below than the national average. Major reason is low adoption rate of improved varieties and technologies due to lack of knowledge. Present study was conducted in Shimla, Mandi and Kangra district of HP during year 2011-12 to find out the extent of knowledge of potato farmers about scientific potato production technology and knowledge gap in relation to different package of practices for potato cultivation. A total of 90 respondents, (30 from each district) constituted the sample of the present study. Data was collected by interview method using structured interview schedule and subjected to appropriate statistical analysis. The findings revealed that a majority of the respondents (78.8%) had medium to low knowledge level about scientific potato production technology. Maximum knowledge gap was found in practices like weed management (73.3%) followed by seed treatment before storage (70%) and insect-pest management (68.8%). Majority of farmers were having knowledge about improved varieties, method of fertilizer application, row to row and plant to plant spacing and planting operations. Socio-personal-economic variables like education, land holding and annual income were significantly and positively correlated with knowledge level of farmers.

Title: Study of in vitro selection and plant regeneration of Indica rice tolerant to iron
Abstract :

Iron tolerant callus lines of Indica rice Vars. Khandagiri and Jagannath has been achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l Kinetin, 3.0 mg/l 2,4-D, 12 mM Fe. Somatic embryos derived from both tolerant non-tolerant calluses are germinated on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), 0.25 mg/l 1-napthalen-eacetic acid (NAA) and 12 mM Fe within four weeks of subculture. The growth parameters like fresh and dry weight of callus, growth tolerance index, enzyme activity (Catalase and Peroxidase) and biochemical markers were used as indicators of iron tolerance. Measurements as early as two weeks after the beginning of the treatments did not yield consistent results. However, the growth tolerance index in the four weeks after the beginning of treatments yielded significant differences among non-tolerant and tolerant calluses. The enzyme activity is enhanced in the tolerant calluses than non-tolerant one. The in vitro raised plantlets derived from tolerant callus lines are grown in vitro in the presence of BA, NAA and 12 mM iron. The tolerant plantlets are established in the pots with iron-rich soil. This study will help to develop iron tolerant rice plants for breeding program.

Title: Integrated Resource Management Impact on Productivity of Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] in Hilly Tracts of Tripura, India
Abstract :
Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is the rich sources of dietary protein, carbohydrate & certain minerals, but its poor yield needs to formulate proper nutrient and pest management practices for higher productivity in upland alfisols of NEH regions and to combat it, an experiment was conducted during three consecutive kharif seasons at College of Agriculture, Lembucherra, Tripura comprising of eight nutrient and pest management combinations (T1-RDF (20: 60: 40); T2-T1+2% urea spray at 50% flowering; T3-T1+ 0.5% Borax spray at 50% flowering; T4- T1+ 0.5% ZnSO4 spray at 50% flowering; T5-T1 + 1% urea + 0.25% ZnSO4 + 0.25% Borax spray at 50% flowering; T6-T1+ Multimicronutrient spray @2 ml/litre at 50% flowering; T7-T1 + Indoxacarb at flowering + One systemic insecticide 15 days after the first spray; T8-T6+ Indoxacarb at flowering + One systemic insecticide 15 days after the first spray) in RBD design. It was revealed that micro-nutrient application in a combination of insecticide spray at flowering leads to better growth, higher yield (1.84 t/ha), and return per rupee (2.93), respectively.
 
Highlights
  • Low fertility and pest damage leads to a poor yield of pigeonpea in NEHR.
  • Management through micro-nutrient and plant protection chemicals.
Title: Oil Content and Fatty Acid Composition in Castor (Ricinus communis L.) Genotypes
Abstract :
Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an important non-edible oilseed crop with diversified industrial usage. In the present study, twenty-six genotypes of castor were analyzed for total seed oil content using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and fatty acid profiling through gas chromatography with flame-ionization detector (GC-FID) to update the database of this important industrial crop. In the present study, the highest seed oil content was determined in SHB-1019 genotype which was 45.86 %.
Total saturated fatty acid, steric acid and palmitic acid per cent was recorded higher in SKI-370 genotype which was 3.38 %, 1.92 % and 1.46 %, respectively. Among the all genotypes, the higher per cent of total unsaturated fatty acid, ricinoleic acid and linolenic acid was observed higher in genotype VI-9 whereas, mono unsaturated fatty acid (oleic acid) and poly unsaturated fatty acid (linoleic) was found higher in genotype GEETA. The present study can be very important in the selection of male parents for the development of high ricinoleic acid castor hybrid. This will ultimately help in increasing the production and quality of industrially important oil.
Title: Study on Host Preference of Lac Insect Species Existing in Manipur
Abstract :
Lac insect, Kerria lacca kerr. is a boon of nature to mankind. Lac insect is of economic importance as it produces resin, wax and dye and its productivity, quality and quantity depends on the hosts on which it is cultivated. The investigation was carried out in the completely randomized block design with five hosts replicated three times to study the host preference of lac insect species existing in Manipur under greenhouse condition during katki season of 2019-20. The mean initial density of first instar nymph on hosts varied in different portions of hosts which ranged between 10-19, 10-20, 9-23 (crawlers per cm2) with the mean percentage of initial mortality 10-19%, 10-20%, 9-23% (per cm2). The mean final density of first instar nymph ranged between 94-115, 94-115 and 93-114 (crawlers per cm2). The density at maturity of female insects ranged between 2 -8, 2-9, 3-11 (cells per cm2). The mean weight of cell ranged from 8-24, 9-24, 8-23 (mg). The mean fecundity of insect ranged from 188-327, 197-317, 188-316 (eggs per cell). The mean scrapped lac yield ranged between 62-173, 66-170, 59-165 (g) respectively on upper, middle and lower portion. Based on the present investigation Flemingia macrophylla was found to be the most preferred host in Manipur region during katki season.
Title: A Review on Molecular Mechanisms of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Rice (Oryza sativa L.) against Abiotic Stresses with Special Reference to Drought and Heat
Abstract :

Plants face to different changes in environmental conditions that keep on challenging its normal growth and acclimatization. Cereal crops play a key role in supplying food and energy to growing population and these crops are bare to substantial environmental changes causing inferior growth and performance. To overcome the abiotic stresses experienced by plants, several differential molecular and physiological responses were evolved that make the plants to mitigate climatic aberrations. Latest technological developments in genetic engineering as well as molecular breeding register a significant role in developing crop varieties and hybrids those are tolerant to environmental aberrations. Several Transgenes and their Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) were invented and incorporated into crops for superior performances against abiotic factors in cereals like wheat and rice.

Title: Water Supply and Demand for Different Sectors in Bhavani Basin
Abstract :

The irrigated crops Demand based on water requirement is 2.12 m.ha.m (44.72 percent). This Demand-supply gap is 0.48 m.ha.m. (Palanisami 2013). India food grain need is 450 MT by the year 2050. The irrigation sector consumes the majority of water, and more attention is required in this sector. Almost all the utilizable potential will have to be harnessed to meet the demand for agriculture, industry, energy generation, and domestic consumption. The National Water Policy (2002) gives overriding priority to drinking water over other uses. Taking an average of 200 liters per capita per day (liter per consumer demand), the urban demand for water for the population of 1000 million (2012 estimate) would be 73.17 BCM, of which consumptive use should only be 14.63 BCM (20%). A quantity of 14.63 BCM is too tiny compared to the total potential to pose any supply problem. Due to improper wastewater management, the water Demand projected as 60 BCM compared to the actual demand 14.63 BCM. The drinking water Demand is 10 BCM at the present level of 40 liter per consumer and it would be 29 BCM by 2050 d (Ministry of Water Resources, 2018 estimate).

Title: Decomposition Bt Cotton Residues affecting Soil microbial activity under varied Soils
Abstract :

The effect of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton residues on soil microbiological activity was investigated. Greenhouse study was carried out during the 2011 wet season (March to August) at Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. It was experimented on three different soil orders that included entisol, inceptisol and alfisol. Bt cotton (var.NCS-138) and its non-transgenic isoline (var.NCS-138) were grown until maturity along with one control treatment. Microbial population count, Dehydrogenage activity and Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC) were estimated following standard protocols. The decomposition of cotton crop residues resulted increased micro-flora populations and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). When residue was retained, non- Bt cotton showed higher populations of micro-flora as well as MBC that of Bt-cotton. Results from the study revealed that a significant reduction (7.5%) of the dehydrogenase activity was there in case of Bt-cotton. The interaction effect between soil type and varieties was found to be non significant for the soil micro-flora populations for different sampling stages throughout the incorporation period.These results suggest that Bt-transgenic cotton tissues have no apparent effect on soil microbial activity.

Title: Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Productivity, Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn)
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2018 at Bagusala Farm, of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha to study the effect of integrated nutrient management in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) on yield attributes, productivity and nutrient uptake under south Odisha conditions. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with ten treatments and replicated thrice. The treatment combinations are T1, control,T2, FYM @ 4 t ha-1, T3 FYM @ 8 t ha-1, T4, 100% RDF (40:20:20 - N: P2O5: K2O kg ha-1), T5, 50% RDF + 4 t FYM, T6, 75% RDF + 2 t FYM, T7, FYM 4 t ha-1+ Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1, T8, FYM 8 t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1, T9, 50% RDF + 4 t FYM + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1, T10, 75% RDF + 2 t FYM + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1. Application of 100% RDF resulted in the highest yield components like number of effective tillers m-2, number of grains ear head-1, number of fingers ear head-1, test weight and length of fingers which remained statistically at par with the application of chemical fertilizers along with the FYM and Azospirillum (T10). The highest grain yield, straw yield and biological yield were achieved from the treatment with 100% RDF which was followed by application of 75% RDF + 2 t FYM + Azospirillum (T10) and 75% RDF + 2 t FYM (T6). However, the lowest values yield attributes and yields were recorded in control (no nutrients). Total nutrient (NPK) uptake by finger millet differed and it was found that application of 100% RDF recorded significantly higher nutrient uptake than other treatments. The lowest uptake of N, P and K was recorded in absolute control treatment.

Title: Plant Growth Regulators and their Implication in Ornamental Horticulture: An Overview
Abstract :
Now a day, plant growth regulators have been used by the nurserymen and commercial growers of ornamental plants as a part of cultural practices. PGRs have quicker effect on ornamental plants including foliage and ornamental grassess to modify growth, foliage colour as well as flower yield. Application of growth regulators have various advantages on ornamental plants like less time consuming to treat the plant and its use are environment friendly. Various factors contributing to the efficacy of plant growth regulators among them the method of application plays a key role in determining the efficacy of plant growth regulators. PGRs and new class plant growth regulators can be very effective on flowering and foliage plants, if properly applied at appropriate concentrations and time. Implication of PGRs in flowering and foliage plants must be specific their action and ensure that it should be nontoxic and environmentally safe. It has been observed from various research reports that the physiological activities of flowering and foliage plants are regulated by the growth regulators and finally affects the growth of plants as well as flower production of various flowering plants. Plant growth regulators also play a significant role in propagation by means vegetative, seed treatment, in vitro propagation and in vitro rooting of ornamental and foliage plants. Besides these, PGRs are also involved in prolonging the life of flowers, vase life of cut flowers, plant growth promotion and regulation of flowering, breaking of dormancy in seeds, bulbs, corms and tubers of flowering plants, enhancing apical dominance, lateral branching, plant height control and delayed flowering. In the present overview, we discuss the types of plant growth regulators their applications and effect on flowering, foliage including ornamental grasses.
Title: Perchlorate Uptake and its Effect on Physiological, Biochemical and Growth Parameters of Eucalyptusplant under Ammonium Perchlorate Stress
Abstract :

Perchlorate is a significant environmental pollutant affecting public health. When entered in ecosystem it is highly toxic. Present investigation focused on the influence of perchlorate on physiological and biochemical parameters of Eucalyptus citriodora and also its accumulation in plant tissue and depletion from soil. Eucalyptus plants were treated with varying concentration of ammonium perchlorate from 1000ppm, 2000ppm, 5000ppm and 10000 ppm. Perchlorate inside the plant tissue and in soil was quantified at regular intervals. Amount of perchlorate inside plant tissue observed to increase with number of days after treatment and is proportional to concentration of perchlorate in soil. Morphological characters like shoot length, root length, number of leaf were observed to decrease with increasing concentration of perchlorate. The present study revealed decrease in chlorophyll and reducing sugar content in leaf tissue under varying concentration of perchlorate and is indirectly proportional to amount of perchlorate. While total protein, proline, and phenol content showed a gradual increase with increase in concentration of perchlorate and in different experimental set up, suggesting increase in non-enzymatic stress parameters with increased level of toxicity. An increased activity of peroxidase enzyme was observed with increased dose of ammonium perchlorate. It can be concluded that perchlorate related influence on plant are both qualitative and quantitative and depends upon its concentration and duration of exposure.

Title: Economic Analysis of Vegetable Production in Arnia Block of Jammu District of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory
Abstract :
The present study attempts to identify the Economic analysis of vegetable production in Arnia block of Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. The study was conducted in Arnia blocks of Jammu district. Data for the study was collected from a sample of 24 vegetable growers. Farmers in the Arnia block grew three major crops: cabbage, cauliflower, and tomatoes. The findings revealed that, of all the inputs used, the spending on human labour was the greatest. The results regarding cost structure of vegetable cultivation in Arnia block witnessed the largest cost which is incurred in tomato growing and the lowest cost was incurred in cabbage cultivation. The total cost of cultivations in the Arnia block was highest in tomato and lowest in cauliflower. The tomato yielded the highest gross return, while cabbage yielded the lowest. The total gross income from all of the veggies was ` 121416.66 per hectare. The highest net returns per hectare was observed in tomatoes, while the lowest was observed in cabbage. The cost-benefit ratio was highest for tomato and lowest for cabbage. In Arnia block farmers follows channel- I to sell their produce in the market such as tomato, cabbage, and cauliflower. The container expense ate up the majority of the marketing cost. Aside from that, transportation expenditures made up a considerable portion of the producer’s marketing costs. Retailer’s received highest margins in tomatoes, while cauliflower received the lowest at retailer level. Tomatoes have the highest producer share in consumer rupee, whereas cauliflower has the lowest. The total marketing margin was highest in cauliflower, while it was observed lowest tomato. Transportation costs accounted up the majority of marketing costs at the producer and retailer levels.
Title: Impact of Agro Technology on Socio-economic Condition of the Farming Groups at Jagannathpur
Abstract :

Agriculture is being highly technologized today; to sustain production and gain higher yields, farmers have to be updated regarding available technologies. As the land area is decreasing, there’s always a challenge to increase production and earn profit. Therefore, technological innovations also change farmers’ socio-economic conditions. Considering this, an interview on three categories (landless, marginal, small) of 15 farmers was conducted at the Jagannathpur union of Kumarkhali upazilla under the Kushtia district to investigate the socio-economic status, problems in crop production, potentials, limitations of rural development and adoption extent of modern agricultural technologies. Outcomes expressed that, a major source of annual income (1,20,800 Tk) of landless farmers were from non-agricultural works; contrary, marginal (2,89,000 Tk) and small (3,89,200 Tk) farmers’ prime source of income was from agricultural origins. It was a positive sign that all categories of farm families spent a good sum of money for educating children immediately after food expenditure. All the farmers had drinking water, electricity and hygienic toilet facilities at their dwelling house. The problem confrontation index (PCI) of rural development was highest in lack of capital (36). Physical and social PCI was identified as limited natural resources (32) and reduction of croplands (28), respectively. Concerning technology adoption, 14% used biofertilizer, 12% followed a modern model of vegetable production, 12% collected quality seeds, 10% exercised mulching, 10% used perching and 10% imitated seed preservation techniques. Top PCI for crop production was high input cost (36) followed by lack of technical knowledge (34). Most of the respondents agreed that agricultural production directly contributes to food security (34), increased nutrition (32) and financial safety (30).

Title: Optimal Size of Fish Pond for Socio-Economical Development of Cachar (Assam)
Abstract :

Aquaculture is one of the main sources of livelihood of the state of Assam in the northeast of India. In this study, Cachar district of Assam has been selected to study and assess the impact of various sizes of fish farm on the economic condition of farmers. The study was conducted in the villages of 5 blocks namely Borjalenga, Tapang, Narsingpur, Sonai and Palonghat with an objective to suggest optimum size of the pond and analyze the production rate of different type of fish farm. The data was collected from around 169 farmers by the principle of participatory rural appraisal a method used by non- governmental organizations. Most of the farmers are not much educated and most of them lived below poverty line. The number of medium size ponds (0.5 to 1 hectare), and small farm ponds (between 0.3 to 0.5 hectare) are highest followed by very small (less than 0.3 hectare) and then large size ponds (more than 1 hectare). In the study area, both excavated and embankment type pond exist. The results indicate that even with possession of small and medium size fish farms, better annual production rate of fish can be achieved by better management practices. 83% of all fish farms in Cachar district are very small, small or medium size fish farms. Only 17% of the farms are of large size. The annual production is remarkably good for small and medium size farms. The results indicate that small and medium farm sizes have better annual production rate than other farms. Thus, small to medium farms are economically more viable for the Cachar district.

Title: Yield Stability Analysis of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) Hybrids Using AMMI Method
Abstract :
Genotype × Environment interaction (GEI) effects are of special interest to identify stable genotypes plant breeders. The present experiment was conducted in three growing seasons viz., Kharif 2019, springsummer 2020, and summer 2021 at Research Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, to assess the stability of 48 F1 hybrids along with 19 homozygous mung bean parents for seed yield per plant. AMMI1 biplot for seed yield per plant, the hybrids viz., PDM139 × KM2355, IPM147 × KM2355, KM2241 × MH1142 and PM1125 × MH1142, similarly IPM 147-1, KM2241 and KM2255 parents had IPCA1 score close to zero with high main effects indicating that these hybrids were less influenced by environments and high yielders. PDM139 × PM1126, IPM147 × PM1126, KM2241 × KM2355 and KM2352 × MH1142, and parents KM2328, SML1811, KM2360, and IPM147, were found to be high yielders with high interaction with the environment. Among environments, Kharif and Summer seasons are highly interacting environments. Finally, the hybrids viz PM1125 × MH1142 and PDM139 × KM2355 were found less interacting hybrids with high seed yield per plant. These hybrids may be recommended and used in other crop improvement programs for all three growing seasons of mung bean.
Title: Effect of intensity of pruning on yield and fruit quality of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana L) cv. UMRAN
Abstract :

A study was conducted at Regional Research Station, Bathinda to determine the effect of different pruning intensities on yield and fruit quality of ber cv. Umran. The secondary branches of ber trees were pruned at 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 bud levels and control i.e., no pruning. The fruit yield decreased with the increase in intensity of pruning. The maximum fruit weight and fruit size in terms of fruit length and fruit breadth was obtained in trees pruned at 8th bud level followed by the trees pruned at 10th level and minimum in the trees kept under control. The pulp percentage and pulp stone ratio was maximum in the fruit of the trees pruned at 8th bud level. TSS content was maximum in the fruits pruned at 8th bud levels followed by 10th and 12th bud levels and minimum under control. The acid content of the fruits was also not influenced by pruning intensities.

Title: Analysis of Heterosis on Morphological and Qualitative Traits in Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicon Mill) for Salinity Tolerance.
Abstract :

The present study was carried out for the assessment of heterotic performance of 44 hybrids and their parents including check under saline ecosystem at Vegetable Research Form, NDUAT Kumarganj Faizabad U.P. These F1s were produced by using Line x tester mating design. The crosses, which displayed superiority over better parent and standard variety for total yield per plants, also exhibited significant heterosis for some/most of the major component traits. The most worthy common crosses selected on the basis of per se performance, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for different traits in both environments were Bilahi-2 x H-86 and Himlata x H-86 for total yield; MM x H-88 and KS-60 x H-24 for number of fruits plant-1 in E2, MM x H-86 and MM x H-88 for average fruit weight in E1 and EC 168282 x H-24 in E2 for length of fruits; Himlata x H-88 in both experiment and NDT-2 x H-88 in E2 for diameter of fruits and Himlata x H-86 in E1 and NDT-2 x H-86 in E2 for early yield plant-1. However, for agronomical traits, Bilahi-2xH-86 in both environments for plant height as well as number of primary branches plant-1 was observed as voluble cross combination. Promising hybrid identified for the characters important to processing and quality point of view, were MM x H-88 in both environments for total soluble solids; EC 2291-2 x H-88 in both environments for Ascorbic acid content and EC 7343 x H-24 in E1 and Bilahi-2 x H-88 in E2 for pericarp thickness. However, none of the crosses were common for titrable acidity in both the environments in relation to above three parameters i.e. per se performance, standard heterosis and heterobeltiosis.

Title: Clonal Propagation of Thespesia populnea (L.) Soland ex Correa
Abstract :
Clonal propagation was attempted in Thespesia populnea. Among the four rooting media used, namely pallam sand, potting mixture, vermiculite, and composted coir pith, pallam sand was the most effective one. Among the four different hormone treatment combinations (1000, 2000,3000, and 4000 mg l-1 of IBA), IBA at 3000 mg l-1 was promising for this species. Composted coir pith failed to produce any response. Under in vitro conditions, direct shoot and root formation were noticed in MS medium or Woody Plant Medium containing BAP (1.0 mg l-1) and IAA (0.1 mg l-1).
Title: Post-training Knowledge and Attitude Assessment of the Women Entrepreneurs towards Mushroom Cultivation
Abstract :

Mushroom cultivation is one of the technically feasible and profitable agriculture practices which are widely recognized by researchers and farmers as the source of high income, employment, and rural development. Such employment generation and poverty alleviation ventures have a significant role in strengthening the socio-economic profile of marginalized population, especially to the rural women. Extensive training programs and workshops have been conducted by various agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and research centers from time to time to skill the women for mushroom cultivation. Therefore, pieces of training have been a widely accepted strategy with high returns on investment. In this research work, the study was done to evaluate the knowledge and skill development among the women and to identify the problem and challenges towards mushroom cultivation. The majority of women respondents (75%) have a medium level of knowledge, followed by a high level (13.3%) and a low level of knowledge (11.67%) of post-training mushroom cultivation. This might be due to the high interest of trainees, convenient farming, and method followed for transfer of technology. 73.33% of women have shown a favorable attitude towards mushroom cultivation. It has been observed that the mushroom cultivation training has shown a favorable attitude which helped in income generation, thus aiding financial assistance to the family.

Title: Economic and Environmental Benefits of Replacing Diesel Pumps with Solar Irrigation Pumps in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Abstract :
With the increase in population, urbanization, and development in India, the energy demand has increased in recent years. One of the main consumers of energy is the agricultural sector. Agriculture in India saw significant development regarding production and technology. India heavily relies on the energy derived from fossil fuels for driving its engine of development. Currently, India is the third-largest Greenhouse gas emitter in the world after China and the USA. So, for continued development along with reducing GHG, India needs to switch its source of energy from fossil fuels to renewable sources. This paper uses primary data to analyze the economic and environmental benefits of solar irrigation pumps in terms of savings on fuel and reduction in carbon emission.
 
Highlights
  • Savings on diesel fuel by replacing diesel irrigation pump by solar irrigation pump.
  • Reduction in carbon dioxide and carbon emission by replacing diesel irrigation pump.
  • Carbon credits generated by replacing diesel irrigation pump.
Title: Adult Plant Resistance of Wheat Entries to Black Rust Race 40-A
Abstract :

Genetic resistance is the most efficient, economical and environmental friendly approach against black rust of wheat. Although, evolution of new physiological races/pathotypes which can overcome the response of current resistant cultivar has engender to focus on evaluation of large number of wheat germplasms, breeding materials, cultivars for their reaction to black rust. Field based assessment for adult plant resistance in promising fifty entries against predominant pathotype 40-A of black rust revealed that forty eight entries showed resistance with lower AUDPC value in the range of 0 to 240 as compared to highly susceptible check varieties i.e. Lok 1 and Agra Local which showed AUDPC value of 1305 and 2000, respectively. But, amongst the forty eight resistant entries, forty entries showed durable resistance due to slower development of disease under high disease pressure which could be due to the presence of effective adult plant resistance Sr genes. Result of correlation coefficient between CI with both the disease parameters i.e. AUDPC (r=99**) and FRS (r=98**) also showed highly significant positive association.

Title: A Study on Content Analysis of ICT Enabled Web Portal (Krishinet)
Abstract :

This research evaluates a web-based ICT enabled portal (Krishinet) on the basis of practical application of farmers in the study area. In this study we use quantitative approach for analysis. It includes three major parts, first content inventory, in this the entire content of the portal was catalogued, second content audit, in this quantitative method was used and it was found that 37.14 percent respondents felt that the content of the Krishinet portal was good, followed by 32.50 percent respondents felt that the portal was of average quality and only 30.36 percent respondents felt that the portal was of poor quality and the third part was content mapping, in which linear type of content mapping was done in which head content of single segment was presented in coloured rectangular boxes and subhead segment were presented in different coloured boxes with links to each other.

Title: Genetics and Genomic basis of Stay-green Trait
Abstract :

Staygreen is one such trait in which genotypes possessing this trait maintain more photo synthetically active leaves (& less senescent) than genotypes not possessing this trait. Delay of leaf senescence also known as stay-green character, has been identified as an important component in the genetic improvement of several crops to promote stress tolerance and yield gain. Although the stay-green phenotype is superficially similar in all species and genotypes, the genetic and physiological routes the traits are diverse. Photosynthetically active leaves for longer period depends on the concentration of chlorophyll pigment absorbing sunlight for photosynthesis. An multi dimensional approach for studying the senescence pathway rather than studying only the physiological role made a significant role in improvement. Hence new approaches like genomics, proteomics and metabolomics studies are necessary to understand the various transcription factors involved in regulating the leaf senescence process. Therefore, this review has aimed to bring light to major aspects of the stay-green character, showing its potential use in plant breeding.

Title: Growth and Feasibility of Solar Irrigation Pump in Rajasthan, India: An Economic Perspective
Abstract :

Agriculture plays an important role in the Indian economy. The agriculture sector has seen consistent and significant growth in terms of technology and innovation, which has helped India to become a food exporter. However, past initiatives focussed on improving production and environmental aspect were neglected. Now, government is formulating policies and initiatives that would help in increasing agriculture production along with sustainable development. Promotion of solar irrigation pump is among one of those policies. Provision of heavy subsidies and schemes (JNNSM, KUSUM, etc.) on the adoption of solar pumps have increased their affordability. Because of the increased affordability of solar pumps after subsidies, the popularity of solar pumps has increased in Rajasthan, which has resulted in an increased rate of adoption. Considering the role of solar pumps in current scenario and that of future, this study was conducted to analyze the economic viability and costs incurred in solar pump installation. Payback period, NPV, BCR, and IRR were used in the analysis.

Highlights
  • Following study tries to estimate the time it will take to recover the investment made on a 7.5 HP solar pump.
  • Rate of growth of solar irrigation pump in the last eight years.
  • Economic feasibility of installing solar irrigation pump.
Title: Mechanical properties of onion seeds (Allium cepa variety aggregatum L.) under compression loading
Abstract :

Some mechanical properties of onion seeds were investigated in this study. These properties are often required for the design of transportation, storage and grading/sorting machines and other post harvest machines for onion seeds. The seeds were compressed along three mutually perpendicular axes and the properties studied were initial rupture force, rupture force, deformation at rupture and energy consumed at rupture. The ranges of moisture content investigated were 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15% (db), respectively. The tests were carried out at a deformation rate of 70% strain energy. Onion seeds were compressed along major axes (length), intermediate axes (Breadth) and minor axes (thickness), respectively. Physical properties like dimensions, geometric mean diameter, sphericity and mass were also evaluated. It was observed from the results that rupture force, Peak force and energy consumed at rupture decreased with increase in moisture content and the deformation at rupture increased with increase moisture content.

Title: Phytoremediation for Defending Heavy Metal Stress in Weed Flora
Abstract :
Degradation of natural resources is perhaps one of the gravest lapses mankind has ever made in its journey of progress and development. Land, air and water resources are worst affected due to anthropogenic interventions. Heavy metal contamination is of special concern due to widespread reports emanating both from India and abroad about various diseases and disorders
observed both in human and livestock due to metal toxicity. The use of specially selected and engineered metal accumulating plants for environmental clean up is an emerging frontline technology called ‘Phytoremediation’ which describes a system wherein plants alone or in association with soil organisms can remove or transform contaminants into harmless and often valuable
forms. Excessive heavy metal accumulation can be toxic to most plants leading to reduction in seed germination, root growth and biomass production; inhibition of chlorophyll biosynthesis as well as disturbance in cellular metabolism and chromosome distortion. For studying the heavy metals load of sewage and sludge and their effect on crop quality in relation to non applied sites, solid sludge and leafy vegetable plants such as Amaranthus spp., Ipomoea spp, Basella spp. (Pui), Spinacia oleracea (Palak), were collected from seven STPs viz. Howrah, Garulia, Bhatpara, Nabadwip, Srirampur, Kona, Chandannager, and from the Periurban areas viz., Nadia/Chakdaha/Ektapur(N/C/E),Nadia/Chakdaha/Pumlia(N/C/P),Nadia/Chakdaha/Sikarpur(N/C/S), Nadia/ Chakdaha/Tatla(N/C/T). The results suggest that leafy vegetables like Amaranthus have more scavenging capacity for Cd and Pb, while Spinacia oleracea has more scavenging capacity for Cr. Therefore, if these plants are cultivated in sites abundant with
above heavy metals, these would scavenge the heavy metal toxicity from the soil.
Title: Zinc biofortification and agronomic indices of pearl millet under semi-arid region
Abstract :

Zinc deficiency is a global challenge and improving the grain Zn concentration of cereal crops is a high-priority research area. An investigation was conducted in 2011-12 to study the effects of nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) fertilizer on zinc biofortification in pearl millet. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (factorial), with four nitrogen rates (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg N/ha) and three rates of zinc (0, 5 and 10 kg Zn/ha) with three replication. The grain yield significantly increased 47.65% from 0 to 60 kg N/ha and 31.47 % from 0 to 10 kg Zn/ha. Nitrogen and zinc significantly interact and recorded highest zinc content (26.1 mg/kg) with 20 kg N with 5 kg Zn/ha. The agronomic efficiency, partial factor productivity and apparent recovery efficiency (nitrogen and zinc) diminished as nitrogen and zinc rates increased. An interaction was recorded with nitrogen and zinc fertilizer for partial factor productivity (nitrogen) with 20 kg N with 10 kg Zn/ha and for apparent recovery efficiency (Zn) with 20 kg N with 5 kg Zn/ha.

Title: Contents
Abstract :
International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology-Contents
Title: Characterization of Biochars from Various Agricultural By-Products Using FTIR Spectroscopy, SEM focused with image Processing
Abstract :
Biochar is a charred final product by the pyrolysis of biomass. In this work, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of various agricultural by-products (Pine needles, Rice husk, and grinded wheat straw, Bamboo leaves) derived carbonaceous biochars were investigated. The efficacy of FTIR spectra as a simple and rapid method for bio-physical characterization had been explored. The FTIR information was also discussed for explaining the biochar formation process. Results indicated the feasibility of FTIR in rapid and non-destructive biochar measurements for quality and production. Digital image processing has been used to identify the cell walls of the SEM images by using several filters and image histograms of all the SEM images are also generated. All the algorithms are used after careful consideration of noise removal using wiener filter to each of the images.
 
Highlights
 
  • Agricultural by-products can be used as feedstock materials to produce biochar.
  • With pyrolysis, significant changes in chemical, physical, and structural can easily be revealed by FTIR spectra and SEM of biomass and biochar samples.
  • The proposed image processing method can detect the cell walls of SEM images after efficiently removing the noise from the original gray-scale images
Title: Field Efficacy of Bio-fertilizers and Bio-inputs to Improve Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Production under Alkaline Soil in Kachchh District of Gujarat
Abstract :
With the aim of reducing chemical fertilizer application and improving the sustainability of wheat cultivation under alkaline soil, the present study investigated the effects of different biofertilizers and organic products on wheat productivity. The application of these products was applied in the soil through irrigation water as solitary or in consortia by three different ways of treatment, i.e. (1) single treatment; (2) double treatment (first and 21 days), and (3) triple treatment (first, 21 days and 45 days). We demonstrate that all the biofertilizers significantly enhanced wheat productivity as compared to the control treatment, but this was mostly observed with more than one treatment condition. The biofertilizers were applied in solitary and consortia treatments. Solitary treatment of Azospirillium spp, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas fluorescence was found effective. However, the Nitrogen consortium treatment of biofertilizers (Azotobacter chroococcum + Azospirillium spp) was more prominent as compared to solitary application. Our results suggest that more than one application of biofertilizers may be effectively exploited for sustainable wheat production in an eco-friendly way, but attention should be paid to the consortium approach or organic amendments during cultivation.
 
Highlights
 
  • Bioinoculant showed a positive effect due to their PGP characteristics on wheat shoot growth
  • Promising bacterial strains of Nitrogen fixers have potential as inoculation agents in eco-friendly wheat crop production under abiotic stress contributing to environmental sustainability.
Title: Issues in Adoption of Drip and Conventional Irrigation Methods in Banana: A Socio-Economic Analysis of South Gujarat Region
Abstract :
Irrigation water management is a key input as well as a major constraint for assured and successful crop production. The adoption of drip irrigation method among the farmers of South Gujarat in water loving crops like banana is a wise tool for conservation of resources. However, this method has its own limitations which were ranked using the Garrett ranking technique. The study revealed that high initial capital investment, clogging of emitters due to water salinity and frequent damage of the system due to rodents, pigs and other animals were identified as the top three major problems faced by the farmers with a Garrett score of 81.59, 74.15 and 68.19, respectively. The farmers practicing conventional method of irrigation were of the opinion that wastage of water in the form of excess irrigation was the most acute problem and was ranked first with a Garrett score of 80.21, followed by high electricity usage (73.68) and problem of water logging (67.03). Hence, based on the ranking of these major constraints in adoption of drip irrigation technology; the study suggested ways and means to address these issues which would in turn help to reduce the considerable gap in the estimated achieved and achievable water savings. 
Title: Contents VOL. 12, NO. 4, DECEMBER 2019
Abstract :
Title: Productivity and Profitability of Pearl Millet as Affected by Zinc and Iron Application in Arid and Semi-arid Region
Abstract :
The field experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications at Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Mandor, during the rainy season of 2018 on sandy loam soil of low nitrogen, low phosphorus, low zinc, low iron and medium potassium content with 7.8 pH. The soil application of zinc sulphate heptahydrate @ 25 kg/ha at the time of sowing + foliar application of 0.5% solution of ferrous sulphate at 30 and 45 days after sowing recorded 9%, 40.7%, 9.5% and 6.9% higher plant height, number of tillers/plant, panicle length and panicle girth at harvest, respectively over control. The grain yield (38.9 q/ha) with soil application of zinc sulphate @ 25 kg/ha + foliar application of 0.5% ferrous sulphate solution was increased by 47% over micronutrient deficient control. This treatment also recorded a maximum net return (` 57632/ha) with a B: C ratio of 4.15.
Title: Instability and Decomposition Analysis of Sesamum Crop Production in Karnataka and India
Abstract :
Sesamum is one of the oldest oilseed crops generally grown in Africa and Asia for its high-quality nutritional value. The instability in sesamum production was examined by employing instability index. At all India level, the instability in sesamum area and production has increased from Period I to Period II and it declined in Period III. Interestingly the instability in productivity of sesamum has marginally declined from Period I to Period II and from Period II to Period III. In the case of Karnataka state, in area and production instability of sesamum has increased from Period I to Period II and to Period III. Further, the study conducted a decomposition analysis to determine the contribution of different components to the sesamum production. The results of the decomposition of change in average sesamum production in India as well as in Karnataka shows, change in mean area and interaction between mean area and mean yield influencing change in average production of sesamum in overall period. Among the ten constituents of change in variance of production of sesamum, change in area variance is the dominant reason for instability in sesamum production. In Karnataka, change in area variance contributed maximum to change in variance of production in all the four periods, followed by interaction between changes in mean yield and area variance. The study findings suggest the need for research efforts to concentrate on production techniques, improve productivity, and developing varieties with higher productivity potential, wider adaptability, application of improved crop protection techniques, and capacity building for expertise in agronomic practices will have a vital role in providing modern system of sesame production in India.
Title: Land Use / Land Cover Mapping of Nahra Nala Watershed Using SENTINEL-2B Imagery
Abstract :
Land is a limited natural resource which restricts no further increase in a cultivated area. Moreover, due to the increasing population, the pressure on this resource is increasing day by day. Hence, land use/land cover (LU/LC) information is very much necessary for the best possible use by maximizing outputs sustainably from this diminishing resource such that good planning and management can be done to meet the demand of the ever-increasing population. Therefore, a study has been conducted for land use/land cover mapping using SENTINEL-2B satellite data having a fine spatial resolution of Nahra nala watershed, which is a tributary of Wainganga river situated in Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Five land use/land cover classes were identified, namely water bodies, agricultural land, forest, habitation (built-up), and wasteland in the study area. The study area possesses forest as the predominant LU/LC class with 83.79 percent of the total geographical area of the watershed. Accuracy assessment was also applied to the final classified results based on the ground truth points or known reference pixels along with Google Earth imageries. The overall classification accuracy of 95.52% with the kappa value of 0.92 was achieved.
 
Highlights
 
  • This study conducted in Nahra Nala Watershed of Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh, India, to make the land use / land cover classification map through Remote Sensing and GIS approach.
  • SENTINEL-2B high-resolution imagery is used for achieving the higher accuracy in LU/LC classification.
Title: Determination of Significant Characters for Improving Seed Yield in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) Via Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis
Abstract :
The present investigation was undertaken to determine the correlation coefficient analysis and path analysis for yield and its attributing thirteen characters among the forty-five soybean genotypes laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The study was conducted at a Research Cum Instructional Farm under the Genetics and Plant Breeding Department, College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur, C.G. during the Kharif 2020. The correlation coefficient analysis revealed that the highest positive and significant correlation with seed yield per plant was found for the number of seeds per plant, followed by other characters at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Which indicates a genetically strong association. The path analysis revealed that the number of pods per plant shows the highest positive and significant direct effects on seed yield. It reveals the true association, and indirect selection for these traits will be rewarding for yield improvement.
Title: Market Integration of Major Oilseeds and Vegetable Oils in India- Evidence from Karnataka
Abstract :

This study has analyzed market integration across six major wholesale markets for groundnut, sunflower, and soybean. This paper investigates the market integration of selected oilseeds and respective oil markets in India by employing monthly wholesale prices from 2009 January to 2020 February. The stationarity property of the time series of prices was checked through the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test. To get the evidence in which direction the price transmission is occurring among the selected markets, Granger causality test has been used, which confirmed that some markets are influencing each other in a unidirectional way. Others have a bidirectional relationship at a five per cent level of importance, meaning that the chosen oilseed market prices have long-run association. In view of vertical integration Bellary pod market, Chennai oil and Ahmadabad oil markets are the key markets for groundnut, sunflower, and soybean, respectively. Thus, the study concluded that regional markets for selected oilseeds are strongly co-integrated. Furthermore, the study suggested that the Government can smoothen the price in most influencing markets and expect a similar result in other markets. Therefore, there is a need for faster market information movement by strengthening market intelligence by establishing an online marketing system through networking.

Highlights

  • Market integration explains how distinct markets are related to one another.
  • In India, selected regional markets for selected oilseeds are strongly co-integrated.
  • Strengthening of market infrastructure including transportation, storage, and communication is the need of the hour to reap the benefits of market integration.
Title: Puddling Effects on Energy Parameters under Animal Farming for Mechanized Cultivation of Rice
Abstract :

Among various agricultural operations, irrigation is one of the highest energy consuming operations followed by tillage operation for seedbed preparation (sowing or transplanting). Studies suggested that for optimal crop yield realization tillage energy use would have to increase. As draught animal (bullocks/he-buffaloes) uses had been highest (114.8 to 207.3 h/ha) in animal farming and subsequently animal energy use for tillage operations may be decreased by adoption of improved energy efficient implements suiting to local size of draught animals. In the same way manual transplanting of rice consumes higher energy and remains same unless mechanized transplanting of rice is introduced using self-propelled rice transplanters. With this background a study on energy requirement for cultivation of mechanized rice was carried out during 2008 and 2009 with different level of tillage (puddling) under animal farming system. Five different animal drawn puddling equipments (lugged wheel puddler, zigzag puddler, rotary blade puddler, disc harrow cum puddler and indigenous plough) with two level of puddling intensity (two and three passes) were used for development of puddle bed and subsequently rice transplanting was done by using three methods of transplanting viz. transplanting by self-propelled rice transplanter, manually operated rice transplanter and random hand transplanting. Results revealed that input energy for puddling operation depends on the actual field capacity and weight of the puddling equipments. The energy required for puddling operation for each of the equipment increased with varying level of puddling from two passes to three passes. The energy input for puddling operation was highest (19302 MJ/ha) in indigenous plough with three passes and lowest (18270 MJ/ha) in zigzag puddler with two passes. Higher values of energy output-input ratio (7.88) and lower value of specific energy (3.80 MJ/kg) was obtained in rotary blade puddler (three passes). In case of transplanting methods, self-propelled rice transplanter gave significantly highest (7.48) energy output-input ratio and lowest specific energy (4.15 MJ/kg). The puddle bed developed by rotary blade puddler three passes and rice transplanting by self-propelled rice transplanter resulted in higher yield (53.18 q/ha) associated with higher energy output-input ratio (8.63) and lower specific energy (3.45 MJ/kg) compared to rest of the treatments.

Highlights

  • Energy input and economics of different puddling and transplanting methods was worked out to find out the energy efficient and cost effective puddling equipment for development of puddle bed suited to the requirements of mechanical transplanters.
  • Five different types of animal drawn puddling equipments and two types of mechanical transplanters are used in this study.
  • Study indicated that rotary tools are energy efficient for puddling operations compared to linear tools.
Title: Optimization of Spacing, doses of Vermi-compost and Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid on Growth, Flowering and Soil Health of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) cv. “Guldasta”
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted during the year 2018-2019 to study the effect of spacing (50×50, 50×60 and 50×75), dose of vermi-compost (0, 5.0 and 10.0 ton/ha) and foliar application of salicylic acid (0, 100 and 200 ppm) on the growth, flowering and soil health of chrysanthemum. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with twenty seven treatments and three replications. Significant improvement in growth and flowering characters was recorded with closer spacing (50×50 cm) except plant spread, number of flowers/plant, weight of individual flower, diameter of flower, shelf life and stalk length while, plants grown at wider spacing had maximum available NPK in post harvested soil. Gradual increases doses of vermicompost for 0 to 10.0 ton/ha significantly improved plant growth, flowering and yield attributing traits alongwith higher availability of NPK in post harvested soil. Among the foliar spray of salicylic acid, salicylic acid (100 ppm) significantly produced good plant growth and flower yield except induced early flowering and 50% flowering however, control showed maximum availability of NPK in post-harvested soil. Among the combined combinations, maximum flower yield/plant was recorded with treatment combination T26 (S3+VC2+SA1) and treatment combination T8 (S1+VC2+SA1) resulted in maximum flower yield/plot and flower yield/ha during course of study

Title: Isolation, Characterization of Salt Tolerant Azotobacter and its Potential Role in Promoting Seed Germination of Indian Mustard Under Salt Stress
Abstract :

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) is one of the important oilseeds produced in India. It is used as an ingredient in the preparation of various cuisines and used as a green manure by vegetable growers. Overuse of chemical fertilizers, poor irrigation facilities, and other anthropogenic activities has led to increased salt concentrations in the soil. Salt stress has been found to decline the growth and yield of Indian mustard. Salinity negatively affects seed germination, which is the first stage of the plant’s life cycle. Excessive salt has a huge impact on plant physiology. Mangrove soil provides shelter to various halotolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria like Azotobacter, which may provide a tool for sustainable crop improvement due to their multifarious features. Two fast-growing efficient isolates of halotolerant Azotobacter spp viz., AI, and AII were isolated from mangrove rhizospheric soil. Microscopic and biochemical characteristics of the isolates were studied. Both isolates showed PGP activities like phosphate solubilization, IAA, and ammonia production. A1 isolates tolerated salt concentration up to 0.5% and A2 till 2%. Seed germination parameters of uninoculated and isolate inoculated seeds under salt stress (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4% of NaCl) were recorded. Salt stress significantly affected the germination traits. However, inoculation favored germination of mustard seeds in comparison to uninoculated ones under salt stress

Title: Application of Molecular Markers and their Utility in Genetic Studies of Floricultural Crops: A Review
Abstract :

Understanding the genetics of floricultural germplasm represents a value added component of managing collections. Molecular approaches collectively represent a potential goldmine of important information that can be applied to programmes of genetic improvement. The development and utilization of molecular markers for the exploitation and identification of plant genetic diversity is one of the most key developments in the field of molecular genetics studies. Molecular markers are popular tool, due to their stability, cost-effectiveness and ease of use for a variety of applications in the field of molecular genetics. To know the role of molecular markers in genetic studies of floricultural crops, a number of molecular marker techniques have been reviewed by many researchers in worldwide. However, all these reviews were meant for researchers with advanced knowledge of molecular markers and their utility in limited aspects under floricultural crops. This review presents an overview of different marker technologies and their variants with a comparative account of their characteristic features and applications especially diverse molecular techniques used in assessing plant genetic diversity, inter-relationship between the genotypes, genetic purity, DNA barcode, tagging of important genes, development of linkage maps, marker assisted selection and application of molecular markers in tissue culture of floricultural crops. Altogether, the characteristics and types of markers with their applications and some recent advancement in genetic studies of floricultural crops are discussed.

Title: Development of Power Weeder for Line Sown Paddy Crop
Abstract :

Weed is the main menace in paddy cultivation and its eradication from the paddy field is difficult and time consuming process. Traditional method of hand weeding is time consuming and labour intensive. Another method of weed control, through chemical method by weedicides is simple and fast method but is restricted due to its adverse effects on both environment as well as human beings. To overcome this, mechanical method by self – propelled weeders can replace this constraint. A power weeder was designed and developed for upland paddy and is tested for its field performance. The machine depicted satisfactory performance for weeding at both 20 and 45 DAS and fuel efficient (0.63 to 0.7 lh-1) with weeding efficiency as 74.20% and 85.90% for weeding at 20 and 45 DAS respectively. The machine showed satisfactory result by less plant damages of 3.75 and 8.26% at 20 and 45 DAS respectively. The field efficiency of weeder at 45 DAS was 8.5% more than that of 20DAS.

Title: Evaluation of β-Carotene Content and Antioxidant Activity of Banana Peels and Banana Peel Extracted Insoluble Dietary Fibres
Abstract :

The present study explores the potential antioxidant activity and β-Carotene content of banana peel and banana peel extracted insoluble dietary fibres. Grand Nain cultivar of bananas was selected. Two stages of ripened banana peel powder mainly stage 3 and 4 were compared along with the extracted insoluble dietary fibre for their β-Carotene and antioxidant activity. β-Carotene content in stage 3 banana peel powder and banana peel extracted insoluble dietary fibre powder varied from 42.8 to 29.9 mg/100g and in stage 4 banana peel powder and banana peel extracted insoluble dietary fibre powder varied from 26.8 to 11.8 mg/100g respectively. Antioxidant activity varied from 61.41±1.46% to 61.08±9.46 in stage 3 banana peel powder and banana peel extracted insoluble dietary fibre powder respectively, whereas, in stage 4 banana peel powder and banana peel extracted insoluble dietary fibre powder it varied from 47.46±7.32% to 43.44±8.54% respectively.

Title: Effect of Crop Geometry and Age of Seedlings on Productivity and Nutrient Uptake of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn)
Abstract :

Crop geometry is an important factor to achieve higher production by better utilization of resources and in turn higher production of photosynthates. The ideal crop geometry can assure healthy and uniform stand in the main field and ensure higher productivity. Proper age of seedlings has a tremendous influence on the tiller production, grain formation and other yield contributing characteristics. In view of the above, a field experiment was conducted during kharif season (June to October) of 2018 at Bagusala Farm (23o39’ N latitude, 87o42’ E longitude) of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha to find out the effect of crop geometry and age of seedlings on yield attributing characters, yield and nutrient uptake of finger millet (cv. Vakula) in sandy loam soil. The experiment revealed that transplanting of 20 days old seedlings at 25 cm x 25 cm spacing registered superior performance in expression of yield attributes like effective tillers m-2, number of grain ear head-1, number of fingers ear head-1, test weight and length of the fingers; grain and straw yield and nutrient uptake. It may be concluded that to obtain higher productivity of finger millet during kharif season in sandy loam soils of south Odisha, 20 days old seedlings may be transplanted with a spacing of 25 cm × 25 cm.

Title: Genetic variability, Heritability and Correlation Analysis in F2 Populations of Ratoon Upland Cotton Hybrids
Abstract :

The success of crop improvement programs depends on variability and heritability of desirable traits. An investigation was carried out to assess the extent of variability generated by hybridization to estimate the heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean and correlation analysis for seed cotton yield and yield component traits and fibre quality traits in F2 main crop and F2 ratoon crop generations of 32 novel upland cotton hybrids. The segregating population was evaluated for fifteen traits. It was found that the F2 main crop and F2 ratoon crop populations are superior to the parents and expressed highly significant differences for all the traits. The high phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were recorded for traits number of monopodial branches per plant, number of bolls per plant and seed cotton yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advances was recorded for traits number of monopodial branches per plant, number of bolls per plant, lint index, seed cotton yield per plant and fibre fineness. As results of the correlation analysis, seed cotton yield was significantly positively associated with days to first flowering, number of sympodial branches per plant, number of bolls per plant, boll weight, lint index, seed index, ginning out turn and fibre fineness. Results further revealed that F2 main crop and F2 ratoon crop generations with larger genetic potential, moderate to high heritability and positive association between yield and yield contributing traits and fibre quality traits could guide intensive selection for improvement in segregating populations.

Title: Occurrence and Distribution of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in Horticultural Crops Soils of Solan and Sirmaur District of Himachal Pradesh, India
Abstract :
Two years the random roving survey was conducted for occurrence and crop-wise distribution pattern of Entomopathogenic Nematode (EPN) in Solan and Sirmour districts of Himachal Pradesh under the Nematology Laboratory, Department of Entomology, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, -173230, Himachal Pradesh, India, Sirmour during 2019-2020. Total 225 soil samples were collected from all Solan and Sirmaur districts, of which 68 samples were found EPN positive. The percent occurrence of Steinernema and Heterorhabditis was 27.03 % and 27.45 %, respectively. The maximum frequency of occurrence (56 %) was recorded from Rajgarh and the minimum (12 %) from Halonipul, Sirmaur district. In the crop-wise distribution pattern, the maximum frequency was observed in fruit crops (80 %) which was followed by plantation crops (35 %), ornamental crops (25 %).
Title: Effects of Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides on Human Health and Environment: A Review
Abstract :

In developing country like India, a marketable surplus of agriculture is the most important factor which influences the economic development of a country. To meet the demands of agriculture goods adequately and to feed the increasing population, the phenomenon of Green Revolution came into existence. Green Revolution, allowed developing countries like India to overcome continual food scarcity by producing more food and other agricultural products by using high-yielding varieties of seeds, modifying farm equipment, and substantially increasing use of chemical fertilizers. For an optimum production of agriculture produce and to feed the growing population, application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has become necessary. Such type of agriculture practices allowed growth and sustainability of food grains but at the same time have the major impact on the environment and human health. This article provides a sketch of effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on human health and environment.

Title: Estimation of Phenotypic Coefficients of Variation (PCV), Genotypic Coefficients of Variation (GCV), Heritability and Genetic Gain for Yield and its Components in Rice Landraces of Odisha
Abstract :

The present investigation was carried out to study genetic variability in sixty-four low land rice genotypes (including fifty-five landraces of Odisha) for twelve traits. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the studied characteristics. Flag leaf area, effective tillers per plant, filled grains per panicle, 100-grain weight and harvest index had moderate to high phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) estimates suggesting that these traits are under the influence of genetic control and less affected by the environment. In the present study, all the characters exhibited a high degree of heritability and among those flag leaf area, number of filled grains per panicle, 100-grain weight, harvest index and grain yield per plant had high genetic advance indicating the presence of additive gene effect and hence selection based on phenotypic performance for these traits would be effective. Filled grains per panicle and flag leaf area followed by 100-grain weight and harvest index are important characters having high heritability, genetic advance as well as high coefficient of variation which should be considered while selecting for high yield.

Title: Effect of Mulching and Pre-Sowing Seed Treatment with Agro Chemicals on the Growth and Yield of Summer Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Under Limited Water Resources
Abstract :

Moisture stress is a limiting factor to achieve potential yield of summer sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under limited water resources and mulching is one of the suitable measures to mitigate the problem. Further, pre-sowing soaking of seeds with chemicals can facilitate growth, physiological and metabolic activities and thus enhance crop productivity. An experiment was conducted at Bagusala Farm of MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi (23o39’ N latitude, 87o42’ E longitude) during summer season of 2018 to study the effect of mulching and pre-sowing seed treatment with agro chemicals on growth and productivity of summer sesame. The experimental soil was sandy loam in texture with a pH of 6.1, 0.73% organic carbon and 230, 32.1 and 346 kg ha-1 of available N, P and K, respectively. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design (SPD), with two factors, namely, mulching (main plot) and seed soaking with agro-chemicals (sub-plot). In main plot three treatments of mulching were taken, namely, M0, no mulching, M1, paddy straw mulching and M2, plastic mulching, however, four seed soaking treatments, viz., P1, water soaked, P2, 200 ppm potassium chloride (KCL), P3, 400 ppm potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) and P4, 400 ppm disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4) were considered in sub-plot. Thus 12 treatments combinations were replicated thrice in 4m × 3m plots. Sesame variety ‘Gauri’ performed well with plastic mulching as it recorded significantly better growth and higher yield than paddy straw mulching and no mulching. Among seed soaking treatments, it was noted that pre-sowing seed soaking with either of 400 ppm of Na2HPO4 or 400 ppm of KH2PO4 exhibited superiority to other treatments to obtain higher productivity. Moreover, plastic mulching and seed soaking with either of Na2HPO4 or KH2PO4 combination resulted in higher net return and benefit: cost ratio.

Title: Morphometric Analysis of Burhner River Watershed Using Remote Sensing and Gis Technique
Abstract :
Proper knowledge of hydrological response of a watershed is of utmost importance in order to implement watershed development works in the watersheds. Morphometric analysis of a watershed thus helps in understanding the hydrological response of watersheds in hydrological data-scarce conditions. The present study attempts to perform the morphometric analysis of sub-watersheds inherent in Burhner river watershed situated in Mandla, Balaghat and Dindori districts of Madhya Pradesh, India. A total of 17 subwatersheds were delineated in the study area using CARTOSAT DEM (Digital Elevation Model), having a spatial resolution of 30 m. Stream network of the study area was obtained using DEM in ArcGIS 9.3®. The findings of the study revealed that out of 17 sub-watersheds, three sub-watersheds were of 8th order, eight sub-watersheds were of 7th order and six sub-watersheds were of 6th order. The drainage pattern of the study area was found as dendritic to sub-dendritic, approaching like the branching of a tree. Linear, areal, shape and relief morphometric parameters were calculated using the standard formulas. High values of a linear morphometric parameter such as mean bifurcation ratio revealed geomorphological control over the entire watershed. In addition, higher values of areal morphometric parameters such as drainage density, stream frequency, texture ratio with lower values of length of overland flow and constant of channel maintenance suggested channel flow as dominating in the sub-watersheds with a higher risk of soil erosion in the sub-watersheds. Analysis of shape morphometric parameters (i.e. form factor, circularity ratio, elongation ratio, compactness coefficient and shape factor) and relief morphometric parameters (i.e. relief ratio, relative relief and ruggedness number) also revealed that sub-watersheds are more prone to soil erosion. The study aided in understanding the hydrological behaviour of subwatersheds of Burhner river watershed which can be further considered for sustainable management of natural resources in sub-watersheds.
Title: Soil and Water Assessment Tool Application in Natural Resources Management: A Systematic Review
Abstract :
There has been continuous research in the field of hydrology as there is tremendous change in climate and land use happening due to anthropogenic activities for decades now. These human activities are taking
toll on natural habitats and ecosystem as development is speeding day by day. To assess these various impacts, the hydrological modelling can see as a watershed moment, these models are to incorporated to assess the impacts of these practical issues as well as planning, design and management for mitigation in future. The distributed hydrological models i.e., soil and water assessment tool has been in use and become a focus in hydrological studies. This paper analyses the progress in hydrological modelling using SWAT through previous literatures briefly. The research with the help of SWAT model has been carried out to assess number of hydrological phenomenon and through various fields of study. SWAT model has been used in many studies from streamflow studies to land use planning studies with very effective application which can be seen from the reviews that has been studied in this paper. Therefore, this paper mainly focuses on studies by various researchers with the application of Soil and Water Assessment Tool. This review will give insights about role of SWAT in natural resources management and integrated watershed management.
Title: Influence of different protected cultivation structures on water requirements of winter vegetables
Abstract :

Protected cultivation structures provide favourable environment for crop growth thereby achieving greater yield and high quality produce. Green house, polyhouse, shade net house & low tunnels are different types of protected cultivation structures, which are commonly adopted for crop cultivation. During extreme cold in winter season (November-February) vegetables can be grown under green house structure. Accurate irrigation scheduling in protected cultivation structures is one of the important factors in achieving high yields and avoiding loss of quality. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of protected cultivation structures (Poly house, shade net house and shadow hall) on temperature, relative humidity and water requirement of vegetable crops (Tomato, Cucumber, Capsicum, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Broccoli & Brinjal) with drip irrigation system grown during winter season (November-February). FAO-56 Penman Monteith approach was used to estimate the reference crop evapotranspiration under different kind of protected cultivation structures with different vegetable crops. Study shows that vegetable production in winter for sub humid region reduces due to fall in temperature below optimum level. Green house structure offers a solar energy saver and enhances temperature inside the structures. Daily average reference crop evapotranspiration value was found to be minimum for shadow hall (1.2-2.9 mm day-1) followed by polyhouse (1.3-3.2 mm day-1), shadenet house (1.4-3.7 mm day-1) and open field (2.0-4.9 mm day-1) condition. The total water requirement of drip irrigated vegetable crops in protected cultivation structure is reduced by about 35.6 %, 35.2 % and 25.5 % respectively under shadow hall, poly house and shade net house in comparison to open field cultivation.

Title: Water Scarcity- Challenging the Future
Abstract :

The latest world water development reports (UN-Water, 2009) observe how the various global crisis reported recently- in climate change, energy, food security, economic recession and financial turbulence-are related to each other and have impacts on water. Water Scarcity is a growing threat to our global economy, society and even to the survival of human beings. The crisis that we face today is mainly due to water pollution especially in the field of agriculture. Pollution can be anything from oil, to carcasses, to chemicals and to fecal matter, whatever the cause it majorly affects the global population. The world is moving towards a direction where water is becoming costly hence not affordable by the majority of people. As far as India is concerned it is gifted with many water bodies but due to improper management and unscientific industrial development. We are staring at the increase in the death of rivers. Erratic development plans mean our future generation is in major threat, sustainable development plans mean our future generation is saved from such major threat, sustainable development is the hour of need. Apart from government policies, the change needs to come from the grass-root level. This paper deals with water use and savings for the future. It also highlights the importance and threats of water scarcity and the challenges that will be faced by future generations.

Title: Effectiveness of Different Mordants and Concentrations on the Dyeing Properties of Jackfruit (Atrocarpus heterophyllus) Bark on Silk
Abstract :

A study was carried out to assess the effect of different mordants and concentrations on the colouring characteristics of jackfruit bark dye on silk. Six types of mordants, viz. citric acid, alum, ferrous sulphate, aluminum sulphate, copper sulphate and potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) were used, each at 1, 2 and 3% of weight of the fabric (o.w.f.). The material liquor ratio was maintained at 1:40. The Hunterlab colour scale was used to analyse the variations in colour and intensities. The results indicated that the maximum change in colour with respect to the undyed silk fabrics was for 2% alum treated samples with the ΔE* value of 27.08±0.29. However, the values were not significantly different from the samples treated with FeSO4 mordant at 2% and 3% levels, CuSO4 mordant at 2% level and alum at 3% level. The change in chroma (ΔC*) value was maximum for the alum (2%) mordant (24.44±0.2). The analysis on colour fastness with respect to washing, rubbing and sunlight also indicated that all mordants and concentrations used in the study excepting 1% alum offered adequate fastness characteristics. The unmordanted samples exhibited moderate fastness. In view of the colour fastness with respect to washing, rubbing and exposure to light, the jackfruit bark dye can be applied on silk with any of the selected mordants at 3% level.

Title: Deciphering the Impact of Water-stress on Plant Growth and Yield Attributes in Tomato Genotypes
Abstract :
The adverse effect of water-stress on growth and yield parameters of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genotypes viz., plant height, days to 50% flowering, number of branches per plant, number of flower per truss, number of flower truss per plant and fruit setting percentage was investigated under field conditions in rainout shelter. The drought condition was imposed 25 days after transplanting by withhold water supply. Experimental trial was carried out with nine genotypes adopting complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications and two treatments viz., well-watered and withhold water supply. The water-stress caused reduction in all plant growth and yield parameters. The genotypes Arka Vikas showed significantly less reduction in plant height, number of flower per truss and number of flower truss per plant, while EC179083 showed minimum reduction in days to 50% flowering, number of branches per plant and fruit setting percentage during drought so both genotypes were considered as drought tolerant. Genotypes EC160885 and EC 249508 represented the maximum reduction in all morphological parameters among all genotypes, hence considered as drought susceptible.
Title: Effect of Intercropping Summer Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) with Legumes on Yield Attributes and Productivity of Crops
Abstract :

Intercropping of Sunflower with Groundnut and Blackgram in different cropping patterns showing effects on yield attributes in sole crops and intercrops. In view of this a experiment was conducted during summer season (February to June) of 2018 at Bagusala Farm (23o39’ N latitude, 87o42’ E longitude) of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi. Effect of intercropping summer sunflower with legumes on yield attributes and productivity. 9 treatments of sole, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 ratios of sunflower1 crop with groundnut2 and blackgram3 were tested in RCBD design with three replications. The experiment revealed that superior performance in expression of yield attributes like significantly increased the yield attributes like Number of pods/capitulum per plant, Number of seeds per pods/capitulum, Number of seeds per plant, Seed weight per plant (g), 1000 seeds weight (g), Seed yield (kg/ha), Biological yield (kg/ha). It may be concluded that to obtain higher productivity of crops which are having higher productivity during summer season in sandy loam soils.

Title: India’s Fight Against Agricultural and Medicinal Plants’ Biopiracy: Its Implications on Food Security, Traditional Rights and Knowledge Degradation
Abstract :

At present, about two-third of the Indian population relies on indigenous knowledge of biological resources and have conserved their knowledge and culture through their traditional lifestyles and local economies. More than 7500 species of plants are utilized for the traditional purposes in India. The economic value of traditional knowledge in the herbal medicine and pharmaceutical sector is estimated to reach around 5 trillion by 2020. Since Indian agriculture is highly rich in biodiversity, it becomes an easy prey of biopiracy in agriculture-based business corporations. Biopiracy term is generally used when multinational corporations or companies profit from the medicinal and agricultural uses of plants known to indigenous or native societies and fail to compensate those communities. Traditional Knowledge (TK) plays a key role in the preservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. There is a threat to the future of TK due to globalization of production systems and the distance between the holders of knowledge and its exploiters. Many cases have been registered in India where attempts have been made to steal the indigenous knowledge from India due to its easy access which affect food security, livelihood of indigenous people and even cause changes in consumers’ choice. Indian government challenged many patents in the last two decades by providing numerous research papers predating those patents and these patents were thus rejected. India is the pioneer country in the world to have set up an institutional mechanism – the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) – to protect its TK.

Title: Chemical and Biological Management of Leaf Spot and Flower Blight of Marigold
Abstract :
Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is an important commercial and garden flower crop. Alternaria leaf spot and Botrytis flower blight are the significant constraints in marigold cultivation. In this study, different bioagents and fungicides were tested for their efficacy against leaf spot and flower blight of marigold under field conditions. Among the bioagents tested, seed treatment (1%) + foliar spray (0.2%) of Pseudomonas (TNAU-Pf1) at 30 and 45 days after planting (DAP) was found to be effective in controlling Alternaria
leaf spot and Botrytis flower blight and also recorded higher flower yield compared to other bioagents. Among the fungicides tested, seed treatment (0.2%) + foliar spray of hexaconazole + zineb (0.2%) was found effective in reducing the incidence of both diseases and recorded higher flower yield followed by pyraclostrobin + metiram (0.2%).
Title: Effect of Different Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Vegetative, Yield and Post-harvest Characteristics of selected Varieties of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Under Protected Condition in Himalayan Region of Nepal
Abstract :
The research was conducted in the Department of Horticulture’s field, Ilam, Nepal from 17th February to June 15, 2018, to study the effect of different organic and inorganic fertilizers on vegetative, yield, and post-harvest characteristics of selected varieties of tomato var. Srijana and All-rounder. There were 5 treatments and 6 replications laid out in Factorial Design. Treatments applied were NPK (Urea 75 g + DAP 67.5 g and MOP30 g) per plot/ (T1), (FYM (11.25 kg)/plot + Cow urine (10% or 100 ml per liter of water))/ (T2), vermicompost (7.5 kg/plot) per plot)/ (T3), Nasabike (600 g/plot)/ (T4) and (Micronutrient (5.625 g/plot) + FYM (11.25 kg/plot))/ (T5). These were applied as the basal application of fertilizer in this experiment. The result revealed that there were significant differences in increment in height, flower initiation, yield per cluster and average weight of fruit, TSS content, weight loss (%). The maximum increment in height (8 cm/week) was found on All-rounder variety treated with NPK1, earliness in days for first flowering from transplanting was observed on All Rounder treated with vermicompost, the highest number of fruits per cluster, and the average weight was found on All Rounder as compared to Srijana, the highest TSS content was found on Srijana (5.1 oBrix) treated with FYM + Cow Urine, which was higher than All-rounder (3.5 oBrix) and other fertilizer treatments, and weight loss percentage was found highest on Srijana (7.8%) than All Rounder (6.9%) treated with NPK.
Title: An Overview on Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) and its Genetic Diversity
Abstract :
Flax ( Linum usitatissimum L.) is an annual, self-pollinated species with a genome size of ~ 370 Mb. Flax provides raw materials for food, medicine and textiles and hence it has been of great importance to human culture and development. Linseed oil is well-known for its health benefits mainly attributed to its high content of omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (55-57%). Consumption of grounded seeds adds nutritional benefits because flax seeds are also a rich source of lignans, having anticancer properties. India contributes
to almost 20% of world’s linseed production and governs linseed production among the Asian countries whereas, the scenario is just reverse in case of fibre flax. In the last decade, the fibre industry has devoted some effort to develop high-value products from linseed stems with applications in the pulp, technical fibre and biofuel industries. Therefore, understanding its genetic diversity is important for the continued improvement of this crop and as well as for its utilization as a truly dual purpose crop. Diversity analysis based on morphology alone has a significant limitation in the fact that it is highly influenced by the environment, to overcome this problem; molecular characterization can play an important role. However, systematic studies regarding the genetic diversity of flax in India are meagre. Hence, in-depth studies based on both morphological and molecular markers will help in better conceiving the genetic diversity
of flax germplasm
Title: Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsdale - A Promising Tree for Domestication
Abstract :

Haldina cordifolia is a multipurpose tree species spread over moist deciduous forests in India. It possesses high timber quality suitable for flooring, paneling, railway carriages and construction works. It is also being used for medicinal purposes like curing of ulcer, malaria and abdominal disorders since ancient era. Though many phyto-chemicals and pharmacological compounds have been identified from this tree species, the species has not been domesticated so far. A detailed review on the status of this species is presented in this paper.

Title: Contents VOL. 12, NO. 3, SEPTEMBER 2019
Abstract :
Title: Profiling of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria Associated with Jaunpuri Giant Raddish Rhizosphere
Abstract :Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known to influence plant growth by various direct or indirect mechanisms. Jaunpuri Giant Newar variety of radish was selected to study the PGPR profiling due to its peculiar growth features.The analysis of PGPR was based on their plant growth promotion (PGP) attributes, requirement of carbon substrates, amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) and 16S rDNA homology. In search of efficient PGPR strains associated with radish cv. Jaunpuri Giant Newar rhizosphere, a total 115 isolates were randomly selected and screened for PGP attributes, out of which twenty isolates showing multifarious PGP traits were selected for detailed study. Metabolic characterization of representative strains revealed a large versatility with respect to carbon utilization. ARDRA revealed ten clusters composed of 1–5 strains. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the isolates were identiûed as Micrococcus luteus, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas sp., Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Leifsonia sp., P. aeruginosa, B. cereus, B. licheniformis, Nesterenkonia terrae. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report from India as far as systematic, genetic and functional diversity of PGPR in radish rhizosphere region is concerned. Additionally, the generated information may serve as a baseline data for developing effective bio-inoculants to improve plant growth and biotic stress management of radish in an eco-compatible manner. Highlights • A total of 115 isolates were obtained from rhizospheric region of Radish cv. Jaunpuri Giant Newar. • Among115, 20 isolates showing multiple PGP traits were characterized by BIOLOG, RFLP and ARDRA. • Representative isolates from each group resulted from ARDRA were identified by 16S rDNA sequence homology. • Most of the identified isolates were related to genera Bacillus followed by Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Agrobacterium, Micrococcus, Leifsonia and Nesterenkonia.
Title: Anti-Nutritional Factor of Vegetables and their Effect on Human Body- A Review
Abstract :

Vegetables are well known for their nutritional and medicinal property but some of them contain certain components that are not desirable for human consumption. They are designated as anti-nutritional factors. Plant essentially use these compound as defense mechanisms against Herbivorous, insect pest, pathogens, etc., however, many of them are likely to the human being on consumption. Many popular vegetables cope like tomato, potato, spinach contain toxic compounds capable of apoptosis. Some are again neurotoxin like Choline-esterase inhibitor in pumpkin. Few vegetables even contain HCN which is capable to block the ATP synthesis. In this review, the major anti-nutritional factor in the vegetables and their impact on the body is being discussed.

Title: Impact Analysis of an Innovative Extraction Process for Ndjansang (Ricinodendron heudelotii) Seeds on the Welfare of Local Producers in Nyong and Mfoumou Division, Cameroon
Abstract :
Ndjansang is a non-timber forest product (NTFP) that is part of the traditional medicinal, cosmetic and gastronomic practices of populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Although its price has increased considerably in recent years, making it an essential source of income for farming households, its production level remains low due to the arduous extraction of almonds, making the production process laborious and burdensome. The introduction of innovation such as the almond crushing machine to ease hired conditions and improve the welfare of producers seems indispensable. Therefore, this article assesses the impact of the adoption of this innovation on producers’ income in Cameroon’s central region. The non-experimental method of assessing impact using propensity scores was used on a sample of 216 producers selected in a reasoned manner. The results reveal that producers who adopted the innovation in the production process experienced a considerable increase in their income per kilogram in Ndjansang (US$ 0.16 per kg) with a statistically positive and significant effect of 1%, compared to manual production. Seed quality has also been greatly improved, as some manually ground almonds have been broken or transported under dangerous conditions. This allows producers to spend more time on other income-generating activities. Variables such as membership of the farmer organization, quantities produced, household size, and the Ndjansang bowl price are the main determinants of the adoption of this innovation. Indeed, the farmer organization’s membership is an essential factor in adoption because the producer who is enrolled in a farmer organization can have access to more innovations, information, resources, and training. In order to ensure sustainable income and welfare for producers, it is then essential to introduce and disseminate this innovation through value-adding policies in the Ndjansang value chain.
Title: Energy conversion study on cumbu napier CO-4
Abstract :
Agriculture has for several years formed the backbone of Indian economy, contributing approximating 30.2% of the gross domestic product employing over 77% of the population above 10 years of age (Surajit, 2012). Developing countries like India produce large quantities of agro-residues such as rice husks, bagasse, groundnut shells, co
Title: Isolation, Characterization and Medium Optimization of Rhizobium Symbiont(S) From Sesbania aculeata (Dhaincha)
Abstract :

Sesbania aculeata (Dhaincha) is a well known ‘green manure crop’ which is been widely used in organic farming as un-decomposed green manure to improve soil and crop productivity. The current study attempts to isolate and characterize (both morphologically and physiologically) Rhizobial symbionts collected from root nodules of five desi Dhaincha plants grown in five different regions of West Burdwan district, West Bengal, India. One isolate was chosen from each plant and they were designated as RW1-RW5. All of these five isolates were subjected to various biochemical tests and it was found that the strain RW3 was biochemically distinct from the other four isolates that put it in a different species category. All the five isolates were Gram negative; rod shaped bacterium and could ferment various carbohydrates as their carbon source. But it was to be noted that all the strains were weak fermenters for mannitol, the principal ingredient of the conventional YEM medium. Except RW3, all the other isolates were potent producers of amylase, an industrially important enzyme. The RW3 strain was the sole producer of cellulase, another enzyme of economic value. All the four isolates, excluding RW3 were obligate aerobic organisms giving positive results for both catalase and oxidase tests. The RW1 Rhizobial isolate was chosen at random for further physiological studies and it was found that its optimum temperature and pH for growth was 28 °C and & 7.0, respectively that reflected the typical features of Rhizobiaceae family. It was a non-halophile exhibiting maximum growth at only 1% concentration of NaCl. It was later subjected to large scale cultivation (5-10 liters of broth media) with a potential to be applied as a biofertilizer by designing a suitable broth medium instead of the normal YEM broth. 6% glucose yielded maximum biomass along with 1.5% MgSO4, 2% KH2PO4, 1% NaCl and 6% yeast extract as indicated by A540 of the inoculated medium after 48 hrs of growth. This modified medium such designed for biofertilizer production utilizing RW1 Rhizobial isolate could be considered for mass scale culture of the Dhaincha symbiont although field trials are recommended. Antibiotic Sensitivity Test on the RW1 strain revealed that the bacterium was most sensitive to streptomycin and kanamycin and was least affected by ampicillin as evident because of its Gram negative nature.

Title: Editorial
Abstract :

Editorial

Title: Zeolites are Emerging Soil Amendments for Improving Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in Agriculture: A Review
Abstract :

Soil water and soil nutrient contents are the most important factors for crop productivity and agricultural sustainability. Water has become very scarce in rainfed agriculture and the cost of chemical fertilizers is increasing day by day. Nutrients availability and their translocation also reduce under limited water availability. Therefore, it is very important to manage both water and nutrient resources and to improve their use efficiency through environment friendly strategies. In the recent time, the use of zeolites has been emphasized in improving the physical and chemical properties of soils due to their high CEC, moisture holding capacity and etc. Zeolites are naturally occurring aluminosilicates with voids and channels in their inner structure, where water and nutrients are stored and exchanged. This characteristic of zeolites can be capitalized to enhance the use efficiency of fertilizers and water and to reduce the risk of environmental pollution occurring due to nitrate leaching and emissions of nitrous oxides and NH3. It is with this concern; the present review is focused on harnessing the potential of zeolites, for improving the water and nutrient use efficiency with reduced carbon foot prints.

Title: Contents VOL. 14, NO. 1, MARCH 2021
Abstract :
Title: Marker Assisted Foreground Selection of Back Cross Genotypes for Leaf Rust Resistance in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Abstract :

The investigation was undertaken to identify desirable wheat genotypes at BC1 generation carrying leaf rust resistance alleles using molecular markers. The F1 was generated from cross NI5643 (lacking Lr34) × NIAW34 (carrying Lr34). The F1 was confirmed by using simple sequence repeats (SSR) marker gwm389. This F1 was used for crossing with recurrent parent NI5643 (lacking Lr34) and BC1 plants were produced. Twenty five BC1 plants were screened for the presence of Lr34, by using SSR primers. For this purpose markers from chromosome 7D i.e. cssfr1, cssfr2, KUDS, barc352 were used to screen parental genotypes. All these markers did not show polymorphism among parental genotypes. Therefore these were not used for foreground selection. Another marker from chromosome 7D, wms130 was used to screen BC1 plants for the presence of Lr34 (foreground selection). As per the SSR profile generated by primer wms130, the plants 1, 3, 4, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 22 and 25 were found positive for Lr34. Another 10 markers i.e. gwm389, wmc313, wmc468, gwm610, wmc707, gwm60, wmc525, barc137, wmc419 and barc62 were used for background selection. The plants with heterozygous amplification pattern were selected for developing BC2 plants. BC1 plants that are heterozygous or positive for Lr34 using all the markers are 1, 3, 4, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23 and 25. Based on foreground selection and background selection, a total of 15 plants were found carrying desirable alleles and were used for developing BC2.

Title: Effect of Sr2+ on Mitotic Activity and Chromosomal Behavior in Root Meristem of Allium cepa L.
Abstract :The effect of Strontium chloride ranging from 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 ppm on the mitotic activity and chromosomal behavior in root meristem of Allium cepa for 24h, 48h and 72h was studied. Accumulation of Sr2+ in the root meristem reduced the root growth of Allium cepa which was determined using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer) using strontium lamp-68 at 460 nm.Concentrations higher than 20 ppm of Sr2+ applied for 24h were toxic for Allium cepa. The non-lethal concentrations of Sr2+ showed an inhibitory effect on cell division in root tips of Allium cepa and caused a decrease in their mitotic index values. All treatments changed the frequency of mitotic phases as compared with the control values. Sr2+ treatments produced a number of mitotic abnormalities in dividing cells in root tips of plants resulting from its action on the spindle apparatus such as C-metaphases, lagging chromosomes and multipolar anaphases and Binucleate. The induction of chromosomal stickiness and chromosomal aberrations such as bridges and breaks indicates its action on the chromosome. These abnormalities (chromosome breaks and chromosomal bridges at ana–telophases) indicate true clastogenic potential of the ions tested.
Title: Effect of Potassium Nitrate Priming and Different Growing Media on Papaya Seed Germination
Abstract :
The study was conducted to investigate “Effect of potassium nitrate and different growing media on papaya seed germination”. For the study, the incorporated statistical design was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six different treatments consisting of 1% and 3% priming with potassium nitrate for 15-20 minutes and growth media comprised of compost, coco peat, and garden soil in three replications. In terms of germination and vigor significant difference was observed from 3rd week after emergence. From this study, it was obtained that the percentage of germination (90%), as well as the time taken for the seed to germinate first (6 days) was seen as excellent for T6 (3% KNO3 + 50% Coco peat + 25% Compost + 25% Garden soil). T1 (0% KNO3 + 60% Coco peat + 20% Compost + 20% Garden soil) was found to give the highest parameters in terms of length of leaves (2.35 Cm), number of leaves (5.5), root length (8 cm). The various growth parameters such as viz., number of roots (30.5), were observed highest in the T5 (1% KNO3 + 50% Coco peat + 25% Compost + 25% Garden soil). The seedling height (16.65 cm) was found to
be maximum in the T6 (3% KNO3 + 50% Coco peat + 25% Compost + 25% Garden soil). Therefore from this study done it may very well be said that T6 (3% KNO3 + 50% Coco peat + 25% Compost + 25% Garden soil) showed the best result concerning germination and different growing media had a significant influence on the growth and vigor parameters of papaya seedlings.
Title: Direct In Vitro Shoot Regeneration from Spindle Leaf Roll Segments of Sugarcane
Abstract :
The spindle leaf roll segments of sugarcane cultivar Co 238 were cultured in vitro for shoot regeneration. Cultured spindles exhibited unwhorling after 5 to 10 days of incubation followed by direct shoot regeneration without callus phase. Shoot initiation was observed in a cluster of 2-3 shoots after the third week of incubation. Data was recorded for the number of shoots, shoot length, rooting frequency, and root length. Maximum of 7.68 ± 1.26 shoots with mean shoot length of 8.13 ± 1.87 cm, 100 % root induction frequency, and mean root length of 3.89 cm were recorded. This study demonstrates the development of a reliable method for sugarcane improvement and can be used for micropropagation and genetic engineering of Co 238 cultivar.
Title: Quality of Rose Flowers in Different Types of Cultivation
Abstract :
Floriculture is an essential branch of Horticulture concerned about growing and cultivating the flowers, foliage plants, and their marketing. It also deals with the production of planting materials through seedling, cutting, budding, and grafting. Polyhouse is a technology for flowers and vegetable cultivation through which farmers can get high and quality production and benefits. So, a study was planned for finding the quality of rose flowers in open cultivation and different polyhouses. The research was carried out in two different types of polyhouses and an open area. It was found that all the environment parameters, i.e., light, temperature, humidity, and CO2, were significantly higher in NVPH type of polyhouse compared to AISNH and open cultivation. Except for the diameter of rose flowers, all the other parameters of quality of flowers i.e., color, the height of flowers, a diameter of flowers and spikes etc., were higher in NVPH and AISNH than in the open cultivation.
Title: Screening of Endophytic Bacterial Isolates of Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Roots for their Multiple Plant Growth Promoting Activities
Abstract :A total of eighteen endophytic bacterial isolates from tea roots were screened for their multiple plant growth promoting activities including indole acetic acid production (IAA) production, phosphate solubilization, ammonia production and siderophore production. All the isolates subjected for characterization were IAA producers Production of IAA was found to be remarkable in ER7 (10.45 µg/ml), ER14 (11.80 µg/ml), ER15 (11.40 µg/ml) and ER17 (16.22µg/ml). Among the isolates, seven were siderophore producers, five were phosphate solubilizers and twelve were found to be ammonia producers. Proper implementation of these plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria will open a new area in organic tea cultivation.
Title: Present Status of Renewable Energy Sources in Punjab
Abstract :
The present energy generating systems in developing countries depend largely on local resources: wood, straw, dung for burning, hydraulic power for water wheels and electric power generation and whatever fossil fuel supplies are locally available. A country’s energy requirements often are not fully met by these local resources and foreign-currency resources must be expended to import the needed fossil fuel. In most developing countries, the economic base and the majority of the population are still rural and machinery that requires energy (especially fossil fuel) is not heavily utilized. However, the lack of cheap and adequate energy often hampers rural development plans and retards improvement in the quality of rural life. As on March, 2007, the cumulative grid-interactive power-generating capacity from renewable energy sources was about 9372 MW (6315 MW – wind energy, 1905 MW – small hydro power, 1152 MW – bio power), contributing about 7% of the total installed power-generating capacity in the country. In addition to power generation, renewable energy is being used for a variety of other applications in the country such as cooking, heating domestic water, drying crops, heating in industrial process, and so on. Status of Renewable Energy Sources in Punjab as on March 31, 2012 was studied in details in the fields of biogas technology (1, 30,000 family size and 45 power generation plants), biomass power plants (42 projects of 375 MW capacity), 23 projects of solar energy (10 MW power generations and other applications of solar energy) and hydro power (56 projects of 72 MW capacity).
Title: Evaluation of effectiveness of Mid Day Meal Scheme on Enrolment and Drop out Rate of Children in Rural Government Schools
Abstract :

National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE) commonly known as Mid Day Meal Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Education) with effect from 15th August, 1995. The programme is designed to give a boost to the universalization of primary education. It is helping poor children belonging to disadvantaged section to attend school more regularly and help them to concentrate on classroom activities. The present research aimed at studying the impact of Mid Day Meal Scheme (commonly known as Aksharadasoha) on enrolment and dropout rate of children in five rural government schools in Hassan district of Karnataka state. The field study was based on the observations of 208 children, 104 girls and 104 boys studying primary/ upper primary and high schools in which Mid-Day Meals Scheme was functional. The data was collected from government school records. In all 208 parents of the beneficiary children were selected and interviewed to collect information about their socioeconomic status. The results showed that majority of the parents had their primary and upper primary level of education, they were engaged in agriculture and allied activities and their annual income was less than Rs. 50,000. The study also revealed that there was continuous decline in the enrolment of children (both male and female) per session from 2011-12 to 2014-15 in government schools of Hassan district. The drop-out rate has been minimized to a large extent and from the session 2011-12 to the session 2014-15.

Title: Contents VOL. 14, NO. 2, JUNE 2021
Abstract :
Title: Pathogenic Variability of Ralstonia solanacearum Causing Bacterial Wilt of Brinjal in Red and Lateritic Agro-climatic Zone of West Bengal
Abstract :

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most economically important solanaceous vegetables in India. The crop is suffering severely from bacterial wilt disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) Yabuuchi et al. that considerably limits its cultivation and production. Symptoms of the disease in brinjal appeared usually at flowering and fruiting stage of the crop growth. Drooping of the top most leaves followed by total or partial wilting was common. Infected plants showed vascular browning. Variability of the pathogen was recorded in respect to their aggressiveness and pathogenicity. Presence of more aggressive isolates in Bahadurpur (BAHRS5) and Halsidanga (HALRS6) and moderately aggressive isolates in Mukundapur (MUKRS2) and Gorabari (GORRS3) may be due to higher cropping intensity of solanaceous vegetables. Stem incision appeared superior to the stem injection method for pathogenicity test through cross inoculation studies. No host specificity was observed among the isolates of the pathogen from brinjal, tomato and Amaranthus spinosus revealed race 1 while host specificity was recorded in case of the pathogen isolated from Costus speciosus revealed race 4.

Title: Enhancement of Antioxidants and Nutritional Quality of Tomato Inoculated with Agriculturally Importance Microorganisms (AIMs) Fortified Vermicompost
Abstract :

The effect of biofortified vermicompost was studied on growth parameter and nutritional quality of tomato. Microorganisms used for fortification were Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis. Vermicompost was prepared by using temple waste and cow dung and earthworm Eisenia fetida was used in vermicomposting. The experimental findings showed significant variation in growth parameter and amount of antioxidants in treatments. The growth parameter such as root length, shoot length and dry weight was recorded after treatments. Maximum growth of plants was found in Vermicompost + T. harzianum treatment. Biochemical constituents of leaves such as total soluble protein, phenol, ascorbic acid and carotenoids were also recorded enhanced in treatments. Lycopene content in fruit was also increased in biofortified vermicomposts. Nutritional and antioxidants were recorded highest in vermicompost + P. fluorescens treatment.

Title: Review on Physiological Disorders of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits: Causes and Management Approach
Abstract :

Apart from insects, pests and diseases, physiological disorders are one of the major threats to fruit industry which cause economic losses worldwide. Many tropical and subtropical fruit crops (Mango, Banana, Citrus, Grape, Papaya, litchi, loquat etc.) are vulnerable to different physiological disorders like spongy tissue, chock throat, granulation, pink berries, bumpy fruits, fruit cracking and purple spot respectively. Adverse environmental conditions such as high or low temperature, moisture content, nutritional and hormonal imbalance, improper pollination or fertilization etc. cause abnormal external or internal conditions as well as abnormal growth pattern of fruits collectively known as physiological disorders. Most of the disorders associated with more than one factors like environment and nutrition but some disorders are mainly occur due to one factor only. So, there is need to understand the reason behind a particular cause and way to overcome it with a specific management approach. Among the nutritional disorders, the deficiencies of micronutrients (Zn, Bo, Mn etc.,) are more prevalent in Indian orchards rather than macronutrients. This review not only describes the cause of physiological disorders of fruit crops which lead to huge losses to fruit growers but also discusses the management practices to prevent it and retain the quality for higher market value.

Title: Deciphering the Biocontrol Potential of Streptomyces sp. in Plant Disease Management: A Review
Abstract :
Crop losses in agriculture are getting aggravated due to several abiotic and biotic factors including diseases caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses. Chemical fertilizers are applied to overcome which it is not a feasible method. Hence an alternative method should be found, to sought out the problems of using chemicals. Plant disease management using microbes is gaining interest recent days for replacing the chemicals. Among all, Streptomyces a gram-positive saprophytic bacterium stages a substantial role in combating plant diseases owing to its capability to induce or synthesis bioactive rich antimicrobial metabolites and enzymes. It is presumed that they are distributed wide in nature, but the rhizosphere region constitutes the most potential antibiotic producing organisms and are used as bio inoculant. Besides, it also increases the plant growth by producing plant growth promoting substances and suppress the disease through mechanism like antibiosis, mycoparasitism and nutrient competition; supplying of nutritive elements like iron, copper, phosphorus and sulphur; synthesis of plant hormones like IAA, cytokinin and siderophore. This review briefly illustrates about the role, mechanism, advantage and disadvantage of using Streptomyces spp. in plant disease management.
Title: Comparative Study of TANUVAS Aseel and Desi Chicken Rearing Under Backyard in Rural Areas of Tiruppur District in Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract :
The present study was conducted by ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tiruppur to assess the productive and reproductive performance of TANUVAS Aseel and local desi chicken under backyard rearing system in Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu, India. A total of five hundred day old TANUVAS Aseel chicks were procured and distributed to 25 farm women each with 20 day old chicks who possessed 20 numbers of local desi chicken rearing under backyard system. A field level study was undertaken to evaluate efficiency of productive and reproductive performance of TANUVAS Aseel and local desi chicken under backyard system with respect to average body weight at 8th, 12th, 16th week of age, body weight at first egg laying, age at the point of lay, egg weight and egg production upto 20 and 72 weeks of age, fertility and hatchability percentage. TANUVAS Aseel chicken body weight at 8th, 12th and 16th week of age, body weight at first egg laying, age at the point of lay and egg production upto 40 and 72 weeks, egg weight, fertility % and hatchability % were 0.57± 0.92 kg, 1.15± 0.69 kg, 1.41 ± 0.26 kg, 1.65 ± 0.98 kg, 159.0 ± 0.24 days, 42.5± 0.32, 134.6± 0.18, 52.5± 0.73 g, 91.2± 0.36, 85.6± 0.25 respectively. TANUVAS Aseel chicken birds are well adopted for rural areas under backyard system of rearing. TANUVAS Aseel chicken exhibit better productive and reproductive performance compared to local country chicken under backyard rearing. It is well accepted strain by rural areas of Tamil Nadu and also improved the socio economic status of rural people and rural women empowerment. Besides income generation, TANUVAS Aseel reared under backyard helps to alleviate the malnutrition of the rural people through production of valuable animal protein. The present study was concluded that TANUVAS Aseel birds can serve as an alternate improved strain to boost up the economic status of rural people.
Title: Influence of Sun Drying and Sucrose on Adventitious Root Development from Pineapple Crown
Abstract :
The experiment was carried to study the influence of sun-drying and sucrose on adventitious root development from pineapple crown. Crowns were sun-dried & treated with sucrose concentrations of 2%, 4% & 0% respectively. Pineapple crowns were dipped in the sucrose solution and kept in ambient condition. There were six treatments that were replicated thrice in Completely Randomized Design. The sucrose solution was changed after every third day to avoid microbial contamination. Multiple parameters were studied at different intervals. From the whole experiment, it can be said that the treatments with 4% sucrose & without sun drying proved to most affluent in case of every aspect in adventitious root development of pineapple crown.
Title: Management of Biotic Stresses in Chickpea Exploiting Host Plant Resistance
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Cultivating resistant varieties is the most feasible and economical way to manage biotic stresses including seasonal weeds. A large number of diseases, insect pests, nematodes and seasonal weeds are known to cause alarming losses in standing chickpea crop leading to varying level of economic losses depending on weather conditions and crop growth. Thus, development and use of multiple adversities resistant/tolerant cultivars as component of integrated biotic stresses management will certainly help in minimizing losses due to major biotic stresses. In past, several donors’ parents carrying gene(s) of interest possessing resistance/tolerance against major biotic stresses (mainly diseases) have been identified and utilized for the development of resistant varieties for different agro-ecological zones of the country. Exploiting host plant resistance in managing diseases of crops by way of developing resistant varieties remain top priority agenda in breeding programs and has paid dividends as well. Out of more than 250 high yielding varieties developed, more than 50 have high level of resistance against fusarium wilt and other diseases. It is worthwhile mentioning that for each agro-ecological zone varieties possessing fusarium wilt resistant are now available. The research on insect pests, nematodes and weeds remain at minimal or could not lead in release of varieties having sufficient level of tolerance. Thus, there is urgent need to take up research for development of multiple adversities resistant varieties of chickpea not only to sustain present level of productivity but also to improve it further. Field and laboratory based techniques for rapid phenotyping of germplasm and breeding materials against major diseases, insect pests (insect bioassay), nematodes and weeds are now available. At the same time, genomic resources are becoming available for enhancing efficiency of selection from large breeding populations. In present article status and strategies for development of multiple adversities resistant chickpea varieties have been highlighted along with future research priorities.

Title: A Study on Impact of ICT Enabled Web Portal (Krishinet) on Farmers
Abstract :

In recent years, there has been extensive investment in e-governance throughout the developing world. Still, little is known about the impact of those investments, partly due to a lack of assessment guidance. In this study modified sustainable livelihood framework approach was used for studying impact of the project on farmers. Before and after data was collected from the registered farmers using recall method to assess the impact of the project on all five types of capital (Natural capital, financial capital, human capital, physical capital and social capital). It was found that after implementation of the project, in the category of natural capital, average production and average sold quantity of rice, wheat, pigeon pea, mustard, and green gram has been significantly increased and in the category of financial capital, respondents’ average family income, earning from agriculture and allied sector and benefit from government schemes has been significantly increased and in the category of human capital, average number of training received by respondents and average number of extension contacts made by respondents has been significantly increased and in the category of physical capital, average storage facility has been increased by respondents and in the category of social capital, average number of meetings attended by respondents in Krishi Gyan Kendra has been significantly increased.

Title: In-silico Interaction Studies of Alternaria brassicae Toxin Destruxin B and Potential Partners of MAPK4 Cascade
Abstract :Alternaria blight is one of the important fungal diseases of Brassica plant which leads to major yield losses as well as deterioration in quality. Plant responds toward fungal attack through intricate signal transduction pathways involving MAPKs. In the present study an effort was taken to delineate the MAP kinase pathway involving MAPK4 through in-silico interaction studies. Here we have reported that destruxin B has strong interaction with Lys M receptor kinase and Lys M receptor and toxin interaction was differential with different host. Lys M receptor kinase showed strong interaction with MAPKKK19. Out of ten MAPKKs known four MAPKK viz. MAPKK3, MAPKK5, MAPKK8 and MAPKK9 showed good interaction with MAPK4. Among these four interacting MAPKKs, MAPKK9 showed best interaction with MAPKKK19. At the downstream of the cascade MAPK4 showed strong interaction with WRKY 25 and WRKY 40.The results of the present study clearly indicate the role of MAPK4 in plant defense against Alternaria blight.
Title: Impact of Propolis on Milk Yield, Composition and Somatic Cell Count of Cow Breeds at Dairy Farm of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
Abstract :

Propolis has several pharmacological properties and safe alternatives to antibiotics. This study aims to address the impact of methanol extract of Indian propolis (MEIP) on milk yields and composition of six breeds and cross-breeds of cows. Bioactive compounds extracted from the raw propolis. 24 lactating cows were selected from six different types of breeds viz. Sahiwal, Haryana, Holstein Frisian × Sahiwal, Holstein Frisian Χ Haryana, Jersey × Sahiwal and Jersey × Haryana. They were randomly divided into four treatments with 6 replicates each and fed according to NRC (2001) with 0, 10, 20, 30ml MEIP/cow/day. The result showed that MEIP influenced the milk yield and composition of cows. The milk composition (%) was better (P<0.05) and the somatic cell count was lower in MEIP20 and MEIP30 compared to control and MEIP10. The response was greater in Sahiwal cows. The lowest (P<0.05) somatic cell count was observed in the Holstein Friesian × Sahiwal crossbred cows. The study concluded that the supplementation with MEIP, improved milk yield, milk composition and somatic cells count in other breeds except Holstein Friesian.

Title: WaBcal - A Calculator for Preparing Water Budget of Discrete Land Unit
Abstract :

WaBcal is a calculator to prepare water budget of any discrete land unit. It is developed in C language and follows water budget norms proposed by National Agriculture Commission (1972,2002). Major input to the model is normal rainfall of that area and this is proportionately equated into surface flow, ground water flow, evaporation at various stages and magnitude, soil moisture etc. The calculator considers different water needs of the area which include demand from agriculture, domestic, livestock and industries. Total 27 field crop, nine vegetables and six fruit crop and six other crops are prevailing in Madhya Pradesh that may be used for computing agriculture demand. 18 Animals are considered for live stalk demand. Population gives domestic water demand. As an output the calculator gives water surplus/deficit of the study area.

Title: Evaluation of Certain Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Genotypes for Resistance Against Major Sucking Insect Pests
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi to investigate the resistance of mungbean genotypes against major sucking insect pests during kharif 2015. Results revealed that the mungbean genotype VGG 10-008 (4.98 whitefly/split cage) showed minimum infestation of whitefly and genotype MH 921 (8.77 whitefly/split cage) maximum infestation. In the case of jassid, maximum infestation was recorded on genotype LGG 460 (6.31 jassid/ split cage) and minimum jassid infestation was recorded on genotype DGG 6 (3.31 jassid/split cage). Genotype LGG 460 (2.93 thrips/10 flowers) showed maximum infestation of flower thrips and minimum in genotype DGG 6 (1.28 thrips/10 flowers). Genotype PM 10-18 (7.73 q/ha) produced maximum yield and genotype LGG 460 produced minimum yield (2.47 q/ha).

Title: Re-Description and Morphometric Analysis of Eucalyptus Gall Wasp, Leptocybe invasa
Abstract :

Gall wasp, Leptocybe invasa, (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), is a devastating pest of Eucalyptus plantations and nurseries. The pest causes galls on the midribs, petioles, and stem of tender shoots. In the present study detailed morphometric analysis with re-description, using twenty-six characters of gall wasp (female & male) have been given, which are distinctly supporting characters for the taxonomy and identification of Eucalyptus gall wasp.

Title: Potential of Intercropping System in Sustaining Crop Productivity
Abstract :

Intercropping, an age old agricultural practice of cultivating two or more crops in the same space at the same time is generally adopted for more production by utilizing available growth resources. Choice of crops is very important to reap a better harvest from intercropping. The selection of a suitable intercropping system is sort of complicated issue as the success of intercropping depends much on the interactions between the component crop species, proper management practices and favorable environmental conditions. Intercropping has a huge potential and multiple advantages. The advantages are like efficient utilization of resources, enhancement of soil fertility by including legumes as component in mixture and soil conservation through covering the greater ground cover. Moreover, intercropping reduces attack of insect pest, checks the incidence of diseases and restricts weed population and thus minimizes the use of protection plant chemicals. This article addresses an overall view with a focus on prime advantages supported by evidences from the literature based on earlier research.

Title: Effect of Different Form of Phosphorous Nutrition on Growth and Yield of Cauliflower (Brassica Olaracea Var. Botrytis L.)
Abstract :A field experiment was conducted at Naggar Farm of I.A.R.I., Regional Station Katrain, (Kullu Valley) H.P. during 2005-06 and 2006- 07 with cauliflower var. Pusa Snowball K-1. The experiment was laid out laid out in a randomized block design with 3 replications. There were ten treatments comprising of different sources of phosphorous. These were T-1 100% phosphorous ( Single Super Phosphate), T-2 100% Phosphorous (Rock Phosphate), T-3 50% phosphorous (Rock Phosphate) + Psolubiliser + Vascular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (VAM), T-4 VAM, T-5 P solubiliser, T-6 100% Phosphorous (Rock Phosphate) + 15 t/ha Farm Yard Mannure, T-7 Liming + 50% phosphorous(Single Super Phosphate), T-8 15 t/ha Pine needle compost, T-9 15 t/ha Rice straw compost and T-10 control. The maximum curd yield were recorded with 50% P (R.P.) + P solubiliser + VAM (415.30 q/ha) followed by liming + 50% P (SSP 387.22 q/ha) and maximum growth were recorded with 50% P (R.P.) + P solubiliser + VAM 1339.73 cm2)followed by 100% P (R.P.) + 15t/ha FYM (1097.57 cm2).
Title: The Northeast India in the Midst of Climate Change
Abstract :
With increased temperatures, melting glaciers, decreasing water supplies- the threat of climate change is becoming very real. The IPCC report on climate change has warned that these effects will only worsen, especially for developing and tropical countries, if action is not taken now. The Northeast region of India is highly vulnerable because of its location, its transboundary river basins, and socio-economic instabilities. The threat of climate change has only heightened these vulnerabilities through flood, drought, heatwaves,
soil erosion, loss of livelihood, and migration. Thus, challenging the very sustainability and security of the region. Every year, the northeast region is increasingly seeing fewer rainfalls, leading to a droughtlike situation in the states of Meghalaya, Tripura, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh Manipr, Mizoram. With the farmers relying on the monsoon, this lessening of waters adversely affects agriculture; for instance, rice production in Assam has fallen by 15-20%. The majority of people in Assam rely on agriculture for their livelihood. Because of climate change and the lessening of agricultural production, the food prices in Assam are pushed up. In Assam, 35% of the population lives below the poverty line. A rise in prices and loss of livelihood force the people to migrate in search of new opportunities and means of livelihood. Often women bear the brunt of this situation, with them having to take up labor as housemaids or, in a worse situation, pushed into flesh trade. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change special report on ‘Climate Change and Land’ reports that about one third of the food that is produced is lost or wasted and by reducing this wastage we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as improve food security. Thus, killing two birds with one stone.
Title: Micropropagation Study of Jatropha curcas for Enhancing Shoot Induction Frequency
Abstract :Jatropha curcas, is an upcoming energy source, which promises to mitigate energy crisis and environmental pollution. Jatropha seeds (0.4-12 tons/ha/yr) contain oil (30-40%) which is non edible due to the toxins such as phorbol esters, trypsin inhibitors,lectins and phylates. Various combinations of auxins with cytokinins were used for regeneration study. The best shoot regeneration (80%) was observed in MS medium supplemented with NAA (0.125ppm) and BAP (1.5ppm). Root induction was successfully obtained in plane MS/MS with auxins. Acclimatization and hardening was quite successful with survival rate of 60%.
Title: Maturity, Biomass Partitioning and Growth Response Indices in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) under Water Stress
Abstract :

Water stress is the major abiotic constraint of cowpea production. The development of cowpea genotypes resilient to water stress is a practical approach to ameliorate the negative effects of water stress on the productivity. In the present study, a set of 20 genotypes of cowpea including 19 landraces collected from different areas of the Kashmir valley and one released variety viz, Shalimar Cowpea-1 released by SKUAST-Kashmir as check were evaluated under well watered and water stressed conditions.

Title: Soil Test Based Fertilizer Recommendation of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulphur in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in an Alluvial Soil
Abstract :Soil test crop response correlation involving integrated plant nutrition system (STCR-IPNS) studies on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S) in wheat on an Inceptisol, New Delhi, India were carried out following Ramamoorthy’s ‘inductive cum targeted yield model’. After establishment of marked fertility gradient with respect to soil available N, P and S, four levels of fertilizer N, P, S and three levels of farmyard manure (FYM) were randomized in three fertility strips each having twenty four plots. Soil and plant analysis data were further used to compute basic parameters required for development of nutrient prescription equation. The nutrient requirement for producing one quintal of wheat grain yield was worked out as 2.26 kg of N, 0.40 kg of P and 0.54 kg of S.Soil available pool contributed 26.15, 50.06 and 52.55 % to total N, P and S uptake, respectively; contribution from applied fertilizer were 42.31, 25.12 and 46.39% and contribution from applied FYM were 27.95, 11.21 and 17.66% to total N, P and S uptake by wheat.Using basic data, fertilizer prescription equations and ready reckoner were developed for range of soil test values and desired yield targets for NPS alone and IPNS (NPS with FYM).
Title: Development of Profitable Integrated Farming Systems for Small and Marginal Farmers of Hyderabad Karnataka Region Under Irrigated Condition
Abstract :
A field experiment was conducted on performance of integrated farming system over conventional farming system for one ha. area at Main Agricultural Research Station, Raichur, Karnataka for three successive years of 2010-11 to 2012-13 under irrigated conditions in medium black soils to explore the productivity and profitability under irrigated condition. Among the system
evaluated integrated farming system has recorded higher average net returns (Rs. 1,50,710) and benefit cost ratio (3.61) over conventional method as it records average net returns of Rs.65,000 with benefit cost ratio (2.85). The productivity and profitability during third year (2012-13) was more than second and first year under integrated farming system. During third year of integrated farming system records higher net returns (Rs. 2,45,398) with 4.63 B:C ratio than second year (Rs.1,29,442 net returns with 3.34 B:C
ratio) and first year (Rs.76968 net returns with 2.53 B:C ratio) respectively.
Title: Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interactions Analysis of Plant Height in Basmati Rice
Abstract :

Thirty six basmati rice genotypes were evaluated under four production systems viz. Transplanted rice (TPR), System of rice intensification (SRI), Chemical free cultivation (CFC) and Wet direct seeded rice (Wet DSR) at RRS, Kaul, and RRS, Uchani (Karnal), CCS HAU, Hisar, Haryana during Kharif season of 2016 and 2017. The experiment was conducted using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Yield stability and adaptability of plant height were analyzed by Eberhart and Russell’s and additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model. The environment, genotype main effects, and the GEI were all highly significant. The study indicated that the tested genotypes, such as Pusa 1734-8-3-85, SJR-70-3-2, PAU 6297-1, Pusa 1656-10-705, Pusa 1884-3-9-175, and Pusa-1884-9-12-14 had dwarf plant height, which indicated these genotypes adapted to favorable environments. Based on AMMI biplot analysis, the genotypes, Improved Pusa Basmati 1 and HUBR-16 with low mean and IPCA1 score close to zero, were identified as stable genotype and had general adaptation to all the environments.

Title: Biotechnological Tools for Conservation of Bioresources
Abstract :The rate of loss of natural habitants including forest and bioresources are not only a serious but a complex issue due to several reasons viz. deforestation, agricultural land degradation, ignorance of people, escalating population density, immigration of people toward urban areas etc. On the other hand forest and bioresources offer a variety of habitants for plants, animals and microorganisms. Therefore, conservation and sustainable use of bioresources is the need of the hour. The preference of conservation methods and technologies depends upon the prevailing objective, conservation efforts, breeding methods, adoption and behaviour of the species in question as well as available resources including funds, infrastructure, trained personal, and technologies. The biotechnology implies an approach of creation, invention and innovation. Biotechnological tools can be used to improve and conserve agriculture, horticulture, animals, medicine and environment. In the present article, conservation of bioresources has been highlighted covering multifaceted tools of biotechnology viz. plant genetic resources, micropropagation, in vitro conservation, cryopreservation, tissue culture, molecular markers, somatic hybridization and genetic engineering.
Title: CO2, CH4 and N2O production potential of paddy soil after biogas byproducts application under waterlogged condition
Abstract :The increase in the biofuel production has generated a lot of byproducts. These are rich in various plant nutrients. The laboratory incubation can provide an idea of their effects on soil and environment, and fertilizer applicability before field application. In the present study, two types of biogas byproducts were selected as biochar and digested liquid. Two concentrations of each was applied to the paddy soil (Regosol), and incubated under the submerged conditions. Biochar treated soil produced the highest methane and carbon dioxide than the untreated soil due to high carbon content. Digested liquid treated soil produced the lowest concentration of both gases even lower than the control. It may be because of toxic effects of ammonium-N on methanogens. Digested liquid treated soil produced the highest nitrous oxide; whereas difference was not significantly different for the control and biochar treated soil. However, cumulative production of each gas showed that production of nitrous oxide was negligible in each treated soil due to the waterlogged condition. As expected, each treated soil produced little nitrate under this experimental set up.
Title: Threatened Rodent Species of Arunachal Pradesh
Abstract :
The rodents are important animals in food chain and play an important role in the ecosystem. They also serve as prey for many important and endangered carnivorous and make up almost 40% of the mammalian species. They are essential part in the regeneration of forests. In Arunachal Pradesh, there are three types of forest i.e. tropical, subtropical and alpine experienced with
different climate. Such type of environment is favourable for multiplication of rats, squirrels and porcupines, even though, their population is decreasing day by day due to indiscriminate hunting. Most of the squirrels and porcupines are hunted for meat, furs, skin, teeth and quills. Field surveys were conducted in different districts of Arunachal Pradesh for the present review. The presence of squirrels and porcupines were observed by direct sighting with the help of binocular or by hearing calls. Information was also collected through interaction of local people and forest staffs. The major threats for rodents are consequences due to hunting for meat, shifting agriculture (Jhum), deforestation, human settlements and infrastructure development in forest areas. Many of the rodents have come under endangered species and some gone extinct in recent years. Keeping this view, the present review has been made to document the diversity of rodents in Arunachal Pradesh and to review their habitat and conservation. The article reports 10 threatened rodent species under 9 genera belonging to 3 families.
Title: Optimization and Validation of LLE/HPLC-DAD Method to Determine the Residues of Selected PAHs in Surface Water
Abstract :A rapid precise and accurate method was optimized and validated for the simultaneous determination of 6 PAHs (naphthalene, acenaphthalene, phenanthrene, fluoranthrene, anthracene and pyrene) in water by HPLC and their distribution in surface water (water from Yamuna river in Wazirabad and Okhla region and Aakulam lake, Kerala) were undertaken. The High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) separation of 6 PAHs was carried out by C-18 column with gradient elution of acetonitrile and water with diode-array detection (DAD). The method was optimized by using liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) with different solvent like hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate and extract cleaned by adsorption column cleanup using different adsorbent like silica gel, alumina and florisil. Among the three solvents used for LLE, dichloromethane gave maximum extraction efficiency (70.27- 91.09%). For the cleanup of water extract, a florisil column using 20:80 acetone:hexane as the eluting solvent gave recovery of 91.2- 97.2 µg and 8.9-9.6 µg at 100 µg and 10 µg of PAHs loaded in the column, respectively. The total method recovery using dichloromethane as the extracting solvent and 20:80 acetone: hexane as the eluting solvent for florisil column clean up varied from 71.02-89.74%. Limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantiûcation (LOQ), and correlation coefficients were found in the range of 0.1 to 1.5 ìg L-1, 0.5 to 4 ìg L-1 and 0.994 to 0.999, respectively. No residues of PAHs were detected in any of the water samples other than the Okhla water samples. The PAHs detected in Okhla water sample were phenanthrene (3.51 µg L-1) and fluoranthrene (4.61 µg L-1).
Title: Performance of Commercial Broilers as Affected by the Supplementation of Enzymes and Dried Poultry Excreta
Abstract :

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of DPE and enzymes on performance of commercial broiler chicks. Two enzyme levels (without and with enzyme supplementation) were considered for the study. The experiment consisted of two replicates for enzyme groups. The performance of broiler was evaluated in terms of growth and feed efficiency at 6th week of age. Data were analyzed on survivor and equal number of bird’s per subclass basis. Analysis of variance revealed that the difference between replicates were not significant for the different traits under study as such all subsequent analysis was performed on combined sex basis. Inclusion of enzyme in diet had highly significant effect. Group of chicks fed with diet E (with enzyme) were significantly heavier than those fed with diet E0 (without enzyme) at second week body weight. It indicates that the enzyme supplementation had weighty effect on early growth of chicks. Inclusion of enzyme in diet had significant effect at third week age of body weight, the group of chicks fed with enzyme supplemented diet (E) had significantly higher body weight than the group fed without enzyme supplemented diet (E0). It indicates that inclusion of enzyme in diet had positive effects on growth of chicks. Inclusion of DPE and enzymes revealed significant effects on body weight. Chicks showed higher body weight with diet having DPE and enzymes.

Title: Yield and Yield Attributes of Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) as Influenced by Organic Practices in Semi Arid Region
Abstract :
Field experiments were conducted during three consecutive kharif seasons of research farm of Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, Jaipur to study the effect of organic practices on the yield and yield attributes of groundnut in semi arid region with the treatments comprised of T1-Farmer’s practices, T2- 7.5 t FYM +PSB+ PSM+ Bio-Pesticides, T3- T2 + Seed
treatment with PSB+ PSM+ Bio-pesticides, T4 – T3 + Foliar spray of pseudo-monas, T5 – T3 + Foliar spray of NSKE @ 5 %, T6 - T3 + Foliar spray of Panchagavya and T7-Absolute control, T8-100% RDF (15kg N+ 60 kg 2O5/ha). The results revealed that in treatment T5, application of farmyard manure (FYM) (7.5 t/ha) inoculated with microbes (bio fertilizers+bio-pesticides) 15 days before sowing (heapit) and seed treatment with bio fertilizers+bio-pesticides at the time of sowing gave significantly higher pod yield (2750 kg/ha) over absolute control (2151 kg/ha) and FYM without inoculated with microbes but at par with other treatments.
The same trend was also observed in B:C Ratio (3.66) with treatment T5 (T3 + Foliar spray of NSKE @ 5 %). The study indicated that the groundnut showed greater response to the application of organic practices (i.e., organic farming) under semi arid region.
Title: Variability in Physico-chemical Properties of Indian Olive (Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume.) Grown under North Bengal Conditions
Abstract :

A study was conducted during the fruiting season of Jalpai or Indian olive a minor fruit of West Bengal, so as to determine the physio-chemical properties of the fruits and evaluate the best accession. The fruits were harvested from distinct locations on North Bengal and were analysed for their bio-chemical properties. The results showed that all the different accessions possessed specific and distinct characters. The plant ACC-11 exhibited a very high value of TSS (7.07OB) followed by ACC-25 with a high TSS value of 6.9OB. ACC-24 showed high fruit weight of 20.83g compared to other accessions.ACC-30 was characterized with a highest value of total sugar (7.50%) along with high reducing sugar content (2.35%). The accession, ACC-20 not only showed high TSS value but was also distinguished with higher amount of total sugar content (6.85%). Similar trend was observed in ACC-29 where a high TSS (18.7OB), high reducing sugar (2.17%) and total sugar content (5.77%) were recorded. It can be established that the ACC-11, ACC-20 and ACC-29 accessions yieldeda superior quality of Jalpai whereas ACC-30 produces fruit with high sugar and acid content.

Title: Effect of Plant Biostimulants on Growth, Chlorophyll Content, Flower Drop and Fruit Set of Pomegranate Cv. Kandhari Kabuli
Abstract :
The experiment was laid out in the pomegranate experimental block of the Department of Fruit Science, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The experiment consisted of 19 treatments with three replications. The pomegranate trees under investigation were subjected to different concentrations of biostimulants viz. Vipul (TRIA) (5 ml/l, 10 ml/l, 15 ml/l), Spic cytozyme (1 ml/l, 2 ml/l, 4 ml/l), Homobrassinolides (Godrej Double) (0.5 ml/l, 1 ml/l, 1.5 ml/l),Biozyme Crop Plus (1 ml/l, 2 ml/l, 3 ml/l) and Vipul + Homobrassinolides (0.5 + 5 ml/l, 1 + 5 ml/l, 1.5 + 5 ml/l, 5 + 0.5 ml/l, 5 + 1 ml/l, 5 + 1.5 ml/l). The results revealed that the highest tree growth was recorded in trees treated with Spic cytozyme at 4 ml/l. The highest total chlorophyll content was observed with the application of Vipul 15ml/l, whereas the highest fruit set and minimum flower drop was recorded with the application of Vipul + Homobrassinolides (1.5 + 5 ml/l).
Title: Effect of Nano-Titanium Dioxide Polymorphs Priming on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Abstract :

A laboratory experiment was performed to examine the effect of nano-TiO2 polymorphs priming on seed germination and seedling growth of french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Nano-TiO2 polymorphs i.e. anatase and rutile, were synthesized by the sol-gel method using titanium tetraisopropoxide as Ti-precursor and 2-propanol as solvent. Seeds of french bean were treated with nine different concentrations (in water) of each nano-TiO2 polymorphs (0, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.50, 2.00 and 2.50 %) by soaking in different concentrations suspension (prepared by ultrasonication method) for 24 hours. At the end of the experiment, the percentage of seed germination, seed germination index, seedling vigour index, root length, shoot length, number of lateral roots, seedling fresh weight, seedling dry weight were evaluated at 15 days following paper towel method. The results showed that increase in concentration of each nano-TiO2 polymorphs caused a significant increase in each study parameters. The best concentration of nano-TiO2 polymorphs was 2.50 %. The findings illustrated the beneficial effect of nano-TiO2 polymorphs priming on seed germination and plant growth of french bean.

Title: Chemical Control and Economics of Phomopsis Blight and Fruit Rot of Brinjal in the Eastern Ghat Highland Zone of Odisha
Abstract :
A field trial was conducted during 2011 and 2012 for management of phomopsis blight and fruit rot of brinjal caused by Phomopsis
vexans by seed treatment with carboxin 37.5 % + thiram 37.5 % (Vitavax power) @ 2 g/kg and foliar application of copper oxychloride (Blitox-50) @ 0.3 %.The disease and economic parameters as well as yield were compared with that of untreated farmers’ field. It was revealed that the plant protection chemicals increased the seed germination by 21.18 % and reduced seedling
mortality, seedling blight and fruit rot infection by 90.25, 74.51 and 65.9 %, respectively. The improved germination and reduced disease infections helped to sustain 40.28 % higher brinjal yield with a net higher return of Rs. 26513 per ha.
Title: Study of Micronutrient Status in Soil of Solapur District
Abstract :

The aim of this study was to evaluate available micronutrient (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and B) status and their relationship with soil properties. In this work the status of micronutrient in soil of Solapur district area, Maharashtra, India is described The present study is mainly focused on testing of soil samples in Solapur district to determine their level of micronutrients and to provide information to the farmers regarding micronutrients availability in soil. The increment in nutrient supply beyond a certain limit resulting in the decreased yield of plants is often be associated with the production of specific toxic effects .The incidence of micronutrient deficiencies in soil and plants is increasing due to high and multiple plant. Extensive micronutrient deficiencies lead to decline in factor productivity even with balanced NPK fertilization. Although the crop response to micronutrients application varies with soil type, crops and genotype, agro-climatic conditions and severity of deficiency, an enormous response to micronutrient fertilization has been reported in a wide variety of crops including horticultural crops across the country.

Title: Pre-harvest Application of Ethrel and Potassium Schoenite on Yield, Quality, Biochemical Changes, and Shelf-life in Crimson Seedless Grapes
Abstract :
The study was conducted to investigate the effect of potassium schoenite and ethrel on yield, quality, biochemical changes, and physiological loss in the weight of grapevines. Crimson Seedless vines grafted on dog ridge rootstocks at ICAR – NRC for grapes, Pune under the tropical condition of India was selected for this study. The grapevines were planted by adapting a 3.3m × 1.6 m and trained on the Y system. Pre-harvest spray of potassium scheonite (2.50 g/L and 5.00 g/L) and ethrel (300 and 600 ppm) along with control untreated vines was carried out at the veraison stage. The grapes bunches were harvested after attaining harvestable maturity with TSS of 17.50° Brix. The highest bunch weight (287.16 g), berry weight (3.70 g), and yield per vine (11.25 kg/vine) were recorded in treatment with potassium schoenite 5.00 g/L. In terms of quality parameters viz., TSS (18.43 ° Brix), total acidity (0.604 %) were recorded with the pre-harvest spray potassium schoenite at 5.00 g/L. Among the different treatments, ethrel at 600 ppm enhances total anthocyanins, total tannins, and total berry flavonoids. It was increased in the shelf life of Crimson Seedless by decreases in physiological weight in loss (10.96 %), Fallen berries (1.36 %), and Rotten berries (0.68 %) on 7th day of observation in this investigation.
Title: Evaluation of Genetic Divergence Analysis in Wheat for Yield and its Component Characters
Abstract :

Genetic diversity plays an important role because hybrids between lines of diverse origin generally, display a greater heterosis than those between closely related parents. Genetic diversity arises due to geographical separation or due to genetic barriers to crossability. In this study, genetic diversity of twenty two genotypes of wheat was evaluated for fourteen characters using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. The wheat genotypes were grouped into three clusters. The cluster III was the largest group which consist of 9 genotypes followed by cluster II (7 genotypes) and cluster I (6 genotypes). From the clustering pattern, it was found that the wheat genotypes were genetically diverse to each other. Hence, the genotypes studied are reliable enough for selection of parents making crosses. The maximum intra cluster distances were observed in cluster III (2.945) followed by cluster I (2.463) and cluster II (2.324). The selection of divergent genotype from above clusters would produce a broad spectrum of variability for quantitative traits studied, which enable further for selection and improvement. The maximum inter cluster distance was observed in between cluster I and cluster III (4.987) followed by between clusters II and cluster III (4.355) and cluster I and cluster II (3.717). This suggested that the hybridization programme involving parents from these clusters is expected to give higher frequency of better segregantes or desirable combination for development of useful genetic stocks or varieties.

Title: Development and Evaluation of Mechanical Weeder for Finger Millet Crop
Abstract :

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana)   is a main field crop in southern part of Karnataka commonly called ragi as it provides both stable food for the region and good fodder for cattles. Weeds management is a major problem in finger millet crop and are responsible for drastic reduction of yield. Weeding by traditional methods are laborious and time consuming which leads to high cost of production. Pertaining to this, blade type simple mechanical weeder was developed and evaluated under finger millet crop with 2 and 4 blade harrows for weeding 2 and 4 rows at a time respectively. The results obtained at 2 rows and 4 rows weeding condition, the weeding efficiency (88 & 85 %), plant damage (2.5 & 3.6 %), effective field capacity (0.108 & 0.144 ha/h), field efficiency (90 & 60 %), fuel consumption (4.181 & 3.424 L/ha) and cost of weeding (` 572 & ` 447.42 ha) respectively.

Title: Identify the Source of Resistant Against Early Blight of Tomato Caused by Alternaria solani
Abstract :
Cultivation of resistant varieties seems to be the most economical and sustainable control measure of early blight disease of tomato. Ten tomato varieties were evaluated against early blight disease caused by Alternaria solani under natural epiphytotic conditions. Among them two cultivars Pusa Ruby and Arka Rakshak were showed 1-10% disease intensity and considered as resistant. Three cultivars Pusa Rohini, Arka Abhed and Arka Samrat, were showed 11-25% disease intensity and considered as moderately resistant. One cultivar Arka Apeksha, were showed 26-50% disease intensity and considered as moderately susceptible, whereas Arka Vikas and VL- Tamatar 4 were showed highly susceptible reaction.
Title: In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Antibacterial Activity of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Medicinal Tree Species, Anacardium occidentale L. and Mangifera indica L.
Abstract :

This study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant property and antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate extract of mature leaves and flower of the medicinal tree species, Anacardium occidentale and Mangifera indica. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) free radical scavenging method and agar well diffusion method was used to detect antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity respectively. Various plant extracts of both the tree species studied were found to have potent antioxidant activity against DPPH and antibacterial activity against five human pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella typhi; Bacillus subtilis; Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore ethyl acetate extracts of mature leaf and flower extract of both A.occidentale and M.indica can be considered as a new potential source of natural antioxidants and antibacterial agent for pharmaceutical industries.

Title: Transcriptome Mining for EST-InDels and Development of EST-SSR Markers in Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
Abstract :

Curcuma longa L. commonly known as turmeric is used as a culinary spice in India and many Asian countries. Turmeric has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-malarial and anti-cancer properties to mention a few. We have analyzed the transcriptome of C. longa retrieved from NCBI SRA database (SRR495223) for the development and validation of EST-SSR markers and identification of EST-InDels to be used for C. longa and related genera. A total of 337 primers were developed and 20 primers having the rating of 100% with the help of NetPrimer were selected and used for PCR validation in C. longa, Amomum subulatum Roxb. (large cardamom) and Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton (small cardamom). It was found that around 50% primers generated PCR products in both types of cardamom and 85% in C. longa. The developed primers worked with curcuma, large cardamom and small cardamom plants at varying levels. Besides, the transcriptome analysis detected high amount of deletion and 18 addition of bases which could be screened through the development of CAPS markers using the tool SNP2CAPS and it was found that 93 restriction enzyme can be used for screening these InDels.

Title: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: A Potential Tool for Enhancing Crop Productivity in Salt Affected Soil
Abstract :

AMF have been mentioned in several literatures for long time for their beneficial role in crop growth and productivity. However, recently they are talked about for efficient abiotic stress management which received equal attention among researchers. Salinity is such an abiotic stress faced by crop plants that can be minimized by assistance of AMF. In this article, we have discussed the possible mechanism and the identified species of AMF for abatement of salinity stress of plants by citing some suitable examples, apart from the harmful effects in crop plants’ functioning due to salinity usually take place. Though there is lots of scope of further research, this illustrative piece of information may generate interest among farmers and other common people.

Title: Seasonal Flactuations of Butterfly Population: A Study in Butterfly Garden at Peechi, Kerala, India
Abstract :
Seasonal abundance and diversity of butterfly population in the Butterfly Garden of KFRI at Peechi was examined. A total of 11,104 individuals belonging to 50 butterfly species from five families and 37 genera were recorded. Nymphalidae was the most dominant family with 21species followed by Papilionidae (11species), Lycaenidae (7 species), Hesperiidae (6 species) and Pieridae (5 species). By pooling the generated data, the overall butterfly population showing an increasing trend from January to December
with many butterfly population had an average sightings in January, minimum in April and maximum in November. Data generated in this study shows that butterflies requires appropriate climatic conditions and they respond quickly to even subtle changes in temperature and humidity. It has been observed that the pupal period of certain Papilionids may be extended from the normal days
in November and December months. The lifecycle of butterflies is directly depends on temperature and humidity. A steady increase in the butterfly population count among all families shows the importance of such gardens in attracting and sustaining the butterfly population. Butterfly gardens help in caring wild butterfly population and to maintain the biodiversity in natural
ecosystems, which in turn, may increase the existence of human beings.
Title: Effect of Putrescine and Calcium on Colour Changes of Stored Peach Fruits
Abstract :
Peach is a climacteric and highly perishable fruit and it losses its quality in a short time after harvesting. During storage browning of fruits deteriorates its quality. Pre-harvest sprays of putrescine (PUT) and calcium nitrate at three concentrations each viz. 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 mmol L-1 and 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% respectively were done 10 and 20 days before harvesting to maintain the quality during 40 days of storage. Physiologically mature peach fruits were harvested from treated plants, packed in CFB boxes and stored at 0 to
1° C and 90-95 % RH. Results revealed that all the treatments significantly effected the fruit colour development during storage. The maximum colour development was observed in control fruits, followed by calcium nitrate @ 0.5% (sprayed 20 days before harvesting) treatment. Fruits treated with putrescine @ 3 mmol L-1 showed mean minimum values of “a” and “b”, followed by putrescine @ 2 mmol L-1 and calcium nitrate @ 2% (sprayed 10 days before harvesting). It can be concluded that putrescine and
calcium nitrate treatments slowed the colour development process during storage.
Title: Cereal Bioactive Compounds: A Review
Abstract :
Cereal grains and wholegrain cereal products (rich in fibrous polymers) are the excellent sources of numerous unique substances rating among biologically active compounds such as dietary fiber (arabinoxylans, beta-glucans, cellulose, lignin and lignans), sterols, tocopherols, tocotrienols, alkylresorcinols, phenolic acids, vitamins and microelements. Cereals have been staple foods both directly for human consumption and ready available to the human diet. The major cereals consumed worldwide are wheat, rice, maize, barley, oats, rye, millet, sorghum. Bioactive compounds of whole-grains are present in the bran/germ fraction of cereal-grains and least in endosperm. The bioactive components in cereals help in reducing the risk of chronic diseases act as a functional ingredient. Bioactive compounds in whole-grain cereals have not received as much attention as in fruits and vegetables due to difficult in extractions and some have antinutritional role. These health benefits are achieved through multifactorial physiological mechanisms including antioxidant activity, mediation of hormones, enhancement of immune system and facilitation of substance transit through the digestive tract, butyric acid production in the colon, and absorption.
 
Title: Isolation and Selection of Fungal Strains for Multienzyme Production from Western Ghats
Abstract :

Western Ghats is one of the eccentric biodiversity niches, with varied flora and fauna, in which fungi are one of the dominant group of microbes present in soil which strongly impact ecosystem structure. Hence there is a growing interest in assessing soil fungal biodiversity in Western Ghats and its biological functioning in production of various significant biomolecules. With the advent of new frontiers in the field of biotechnology the spectrum of cellulase and amylase has expanded in various industries, including food, fermentation, textiles, laundry, pulp, paper, agriculture as well as in research and development. The present study deals with the screening of fungal strains that amylase and cellulase which are industrially indispensable. The fungal strains were collected from the Western Ghats and were screened for initial multienzymes production. Thirty-two fungal strains were isolated among which eight were found to have both cellulolytic and amylolytic activity. Three fungal strains (TBG – 14, 5 and 4) were selected for further studies due to their capability in multienzyme production.

Title: In Vitro Propagation and Development of Salt Tolerant Lines of Edible and Medicinal Varieties of Coleus sp.
Abstract :

Coleus sp. is one of the most important tuber crops of South East Asia. Pollen grains being sterile in the plant, vegetative propagation are the only method to carry out reproduction. However morphological and genetic variability are relatively absent by normal vegetative reproduction. Thereby tissue culture techniques of micropropagation through axillary shoot proliferation, organogenesis and shoot embryogenesis can improve the genetic constitution of the crops. For axillary shoot proliferation, nodal explants and for organogenesis and callusing leaf explants of Coleus parviflorus and Coleus forskohlii were used. Furthermore salt tolerant lines were tried to raise using different concentration of NaCl with normal MS media. Morphological and biochemical changes associated with the in vitro regenerated types were investigated to maintain the “true to type” propagation. RAPD analysis to find out variation between DNA of both in vivo and in vitro plants were carried out using OPA 11 and OPB 07 primers. The rate of multiplication was found to be higher in media supplemented with NAA, BA and GA3. Callusing from leaf explants was found to be very low in media supplemented with only GA3. Bud break and shoot multiplication was affected by higher concentration of NaCl at 10gm/l and 20gm/l. Evaluation of biochemical constituents revealed no variation in dry matter, starch and sugar content of regenerants and conventionally grown plants. RAPD analysis exhibited no variation in DNA between the in vivo and in vitro plants

Title: Screening of Rose Varieties Against Black Spot Disease and its Management in East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh
Abstract :
Rose varieties were evaluated in field against Diplocarpon rosae, which causes of black spot disease of rose. Black spot resistance was visually evaluated for thirty seven rose varieties against D. rosae. Out of thirty seven varieties evaluated, none of the varieties were found immune, very highly resistant, highly resistant, resistant and moderately resistant. However, three
varieties namely Paradise, Shabnam and Pixie showed moderately susceptible in reaction. Whereas, eleven varieties viz., Angelica Renae, Atago, Folklore, Granada, Hot Cocoa, Mardigrass, Midas Touch, Mrinalini, Revival, Tipus Flame and Victor Hugo showed susceptible reaction. Twelve varieties viz. Baccardi, Claudia Ribond, Charles Mallerin, Crimson Lace, Dr. Pal, Impatient, Madam Dulbourde, Marcopolo, Melody, Rainbow End, Sonia and Sugandha were highly susceptible reaction at 75 per cent disease
severity. Whereas, eleven varieties namely Angelique, Christian Dior, Gemini, Gladiator, Golden Jubilee, Priyadarsini, Sand. Centenary, R. R. M. Roy, Sweet Promise, Unforgotten and Vale of Cloyd were highly susceptible reaction at 95 per cent disease severity. Further, five fungicides [three systemic fungicides namely Carbendazim, Hexaconazole (Contaf) and Ridomil MZ 72 WP and two contact fungicides viz. Blitox-50 and Mancozeb] were evaluated in vitro for the management of D. rosae. Hexaconazole (Contaf) was found to inhibit the mycelial growth of D. rosae significantly at a concentration of 200 and 250 ppm followed by Ridomil MZ 72 WP at same concentration.
Title: Comparison of Neuro-Fuzzy and Regression Models for Prediction of Outflow of on-farm Reservoir
Abstract :
Neuro-fuzzy and regression models predicting of outflow of an on farm reservoir of 300 m3 capacity, located at Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi site of India, were developed and validated using crop water requirement, evaporation losses and farm pond inflow data. The outflow predicted by these two models was compared with each other. It is raveled that Neuro-Fuzzy model predicted the outflow with high coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.98, model efficiency (E) of 0.97 and absolute average deviation (AAD) of 0.002. The regression model was found to be inferior with R2 = 0.940.78, E = 0.72 and AAD = 0.031. MATLAB software was used for development of Neuro-Fuzzy and regression model.
Title: Vegetative Propagation Techniques for Bamboo Species: A Review
Abstract :

Bamboo has been used in many ways for food, building materials, artifacts and raw materials for production of pulp and paper products. As the destruction of natural bamboo resources increased the gap between the demand and supply of bamboo, there was a need to find suitable methods for large scale propagation of bamboo. Many researchers have worked towards achieving this goal, and the same are reviewed here. Vegetative propagation/ macro propagation is simple, easy, cost-effective, and involves the use of locally available materials. It is highly useful for sustained production of field plantable bamboo saplings in large numbers rapidly, perpetually and plentifully for any desired number of years depending upon the targets and the facilities available. It has also paved the way to many new avenues in the field of bamboo research. It is highly flexible as the mass propagation of bamboos can be undertaken from offsets, layering, culm cuttings or branch cuttings, and also extended to micropropagation through tissue culture techniques.

Title: Combining Ability Analysis for Seed Yield and its Contributing Traits in Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.]
Abstract :

A set of 10 × 10 diallel crosses (excluding reciprocals) of Indian mustard along with their parents were evaluated to estimate general and specific combining ability of parents and crosses, respectively. The analysis of variance for combining ability revealed that variance due to gca was significant for all the characters except lenoleic acid and erucic acid. Whereas, variance due to sca was significant for all the traits except plant height, lenoleic acid and erucic acid. Magnitude of variance components of sca were higher than gca (gca/sca) for all the traits except plant height, oleic acid and erucic acid indicated preponderance of non-additive gene action for these traits. The estimates of general combining ability effects indicated that parents GM 1 and GM 2 were good general combiners for seed yield per plant and most of the yield attributing traits. Parents, SKM 9033, RSK 28 and GDM 4 for oil content, P. Mustard 21 and LES 45 for oleic acid, P. Mustard 21 and Dhara for lenoleic acid and P. Mustard 21 and LES 45 for erucic acid were found good general combiners. Cross combinations viz., GDM 4 × Dhara, SKM 9033 × RSK 28, GM 3 × LES 45, GDM 4 × EC 287711 and GM 1 × P. Mustard 21 were found good specific combinations for seed yield per plant and other desirable traits. Thus these cross combinations could be utilized in breeding programme for further amelioration of seed yield in Indian mustard.

Title: Influence of Vermicompost application alongwith Nitrogen on Growth, Nutrients uptake, Yield Attributes and Economics of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Abstract :
A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of vermicompost application on growth, nutrients uptake, yield attributes
and economics of rice (variety ADT 43) at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai during kharif season. Five main
plot treatments viz., M1- control, M2 - farmyard manure @ 12.5 t ha-1, M3- vermicompost @ 1.5 t ha-1, M4 - vermicompost @ 2.0 t ha-
1 and vermicompost @2.5 t ha-1 and three sub plot treatments viz., S1 – leaf colour chart critical value less than 3, S2 - leaf colour chart critical value less than 4 and S3- Recommended dose of nitrogen were replicated thrice in a split plot design. The results revealed that growth and growth attributes, yield attributes, N, P and K uptake and benefit :cost ratio were recorded higher
under application of vermicompost at the rate of 2.5 t ha-1 along with nitrogen addition based on leaf colour chart critical value less than 4. Application of vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 along with nitrogen addition based on leaf colour chart critical value less than 4 was registered highest benefit cost ratio of 2.14 when compared to control was 1.83.
Title: Organogenesis from Callusing Cotyledon Explants of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit
Abstract :

The cotyledon explants excised from in vitro grown seedling of Leucaena leucocephala showed organogenesis when cultured on B5 medium containing auxins and cytokinins individually or in various combinations. The various types of morphogenetic responses were callusing, rhizogenesis and caulogenesis. This is another report where micropropagation of leguminous trees is experimented through in vitro culture techniques, otherwise most of the leguminous trees are very much recalcitrant to such studies that has hindered the improvement of these plants through genetic transformation.

Title: Efficacy of Newer Insecticides Against Sucking Insect Pests of Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted to find out the effective dose of some newer insecticides for the management of sucking insect pests of green gram. The treatments of experiment were Diafenthiuron 50 WP @ 187.5g a.i./ha, Diafenthiuron 50 WP @ 250g a.i./ha, Diafenthiuron 50 WP @ 312g a.i./ha, Spiromesifen 240 SC @ 90g a.i./ha, Spiromesifen 240 SC @ 120g a.i./ha, Spiromesifen 240 SC @ 150g a.i./ha, Sseed treatment with Thiamethoxam 35 FS+ Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 3g/kg seed+25g a.i./ha, Thiamethoxam 25 WG (Std. Check) @ 25g a.i./ha and Triazophos 40 EC (Std. Check) @ 500g a.i./ha. The results of experiment revealed that Diafenthiuron 50 WP @ 312g a.i./ha was most promising treatment in reducing population of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), jassid (Empoasca kerri) and flower thrips (Caliothrips indicus) after both sprays followed by Spiromesifen 240 SC @ 150g a.i./ha as compared to standard checks Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 25g a.i./ha and Triazophos 40 EC @ 500g a.i./ha.

Title: Clonal variability studies in ‘langra’ mango (Mangifera indica L.) using morphological, biochemical and molecular markers
Abstract :
Mango is one of the most economically important tropical fruits grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Being a delicious and widely cultivated fruit, it is regarded as ‘the King of fruits’ on the Indian subcontinent and the ‘national fruit of India’ because of the flavour and nutritional qualities. Mango has rich intra-specific diversity, with about 1600 and 1000 cultivars of mango present globally and India, respectively. ‘Langra’ is one of the leading commercial mango varieties of Northern India including Bihar which is known for mildly fibrous flesh and with a distinct pleasant taste and turpentine flavour. Significant variation exists among the clones of ‘Langra’ mango with respect to fruit shape, size, colour, quality and taste. Several studies have been made on characterization of intra-varietal variability of many different cultivars of mango. However, clonal variability studies in ‘Langra’ mango are limited. In this present investigation, an a empt were undertaken to study the clonal variability exit in some ‘Langra’ mango using morphological, biochemical and Molecular Markers. These results provide evidence that a signifi cant level of genetic variation exits among 10 clones of ‘Langra’ mango which can be used for mass multiplication of superior clone(s) and can be further utilized in breeding programs.
Title: Genetic Analysis of Sodicity Tolerance in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)
Abstract :
In order to estimate gene actions for sodicity tolerance, grain yield and its related traits in rice, six basic generations were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Inheritance of salinity tolerance was determined in a cross between two rice cultivars, “ASD 18” (P1) a susceptible cultivar and “TRY” (R) 2 (P2) a tolerant one. The parents, F1, F2 and backcross generations were studied under sodic environment. The parents, F1, F2 and backcross generations were studied under
sodicity conditions (Exchangeable Sodium Percentage 23). The data on 10 physio-morphological traits viz., days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length, spikelet fertility percentage, single plant yield, Na+: K+ ratio, proline content, chlorophyll a/b ratio and chlorophyll stability index were recorded. Generation means analysis of the data revealed that all these traits exhibit significant non-allelic interactions and suggest that complex epistatic interactions are more important in controlling sodicity tolerance traits. The simple additive dominance model was adequate to explain the inheritance of chlorophyll stability index. Due to the presence of greater non-additive gene effects, selection for almost all of the studied traits in this cross, especially in early generations, would be complex in conventional methods. Regarding the existence of additive and
non-additive effects in controlling traits in this cross, inter se mattings followed by pedigree method of breeding might prove useful in improving sodicity tolerance in rice.
Title: Uptake of NPK, Availability of NPK and Quality Parameters of Bt Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) as Influenced by Different Bio-fertilizers and In-situ Green Manuring under Irrigation
Abstract :
A field experiment was carried out during kharif season of 2009-2010 at the Agriculture College Farm, Raichur, Karnataka (India) to study the response of Bt cotton to different fertilizer levels, bio-fertilizers and in-situ green manuring under irrigation. With respect to uptake and availability of NPK, application of sunnhemp in-situ green manuring found significantly higher N (128.27 kg ha-1 and 206.43 kg ha-1, respectively), P (30.63 kg ha-1 and 38.43 kg ha-1, respectively) and K (142.33 kg ha-1 and 342.14 kg ha-1,
respectively) over no green manuring. Among different fertilizer levels and bio-fertilizers, 150 % recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) recorded significantly higher uptake and availability of N (132.46 kg ha-1 and 212.48 kg ha-1, respectively), P (32.44 kg ha-1 and 39.21 kg ha-1, respectively) and K (147.21 kg ha-1 and 353.29 kg ha-1, respectively). Significantly higher ginning percentage and lint index were observed with sunnhemp in-situ green manuring (35.81 and 4.99, respectively) over no green manuring. Mean fibre length of Bt cotton was not significantly influenced by both use of in-situ green manuring and combined use of inorganic nutrients and bio-fertilizers.
Title: Effect of Pesticide Use on the Health of Farming Community
Abstract :

Pesticides are the chemical or biological substances used to kill or repel targeted organisms. Pesticides are applied to the environment with the aim of suppressing the impact of plant and animal pest and to protect agricultural and industrial products (Dey et al. 2013). Exposure to pesticide results in both acute and chronic health problems which range from short term to long term effects. Keeping this in view a study was conducted to know the effect of pesticide use on the health of farming community in Dharawad taluka, Karnataka state. A survey was conducted by interview method from 130 farmers in three village of Dharawad taluka and information regarding health effects and use of personal protective clothing while spraying pesticides was collected. Majority of the farmers are suffering from various health problems like headache, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, burning vision, itching of skin burning of hands, excessive salivation and watery of eyes. All these problems are related to the indiscriminate handling of pesticides by the farmers. Use of protective clothing while spraying pesticides would help the farmers to come out from these problems.

Title: Co-inoculated Biopriming with Trichoderma,Pseudomonas and Rhizobium Improves Crop Growth in Cicer arietinum and Phaseolus vulgaris
Abstract :A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of three rhizosphere competent microbial strains, viz., Pseudomonas fluorescens OKC, Trichoderma asperellum T42 and Rhizobium sp. RH4, individually and in combination in bioprimed seeds of chickpea and rajma. Seeds were sown in pots and fields and the results demonstrated that bioprimed seeds showed higher germination percentage, and better plant growth in both the crops compared to non-bioprimed control plants. It was also observed that the combined application of the microbes enhanced seed germination and plant growth better than their individual application.Among the combinations all combinations comprising of Trichoderma showed better results compared to the others and the triple microbial combination demonstrated best results in terms of seed germination and seedling growth in both chickpea and rajma.
Title: New Innovations in Bacillus Thuringiensis Research- A Review
Abstract :
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) “Wonder insecticide” is a well-known entomopathogenic bacterium used worldwide as an environmentally compatible biopesticide. This review lightens on new innovations of Bt research, categorizes into isolation of novel Bt strains from various environmental sources, novel approaches for molecular characterization of Bt and diverse application
of Bt. These new findings will expands the world of Bt application in safe, specific, effective, economic and ecofriendly manner. It has also been observed that new innovative activities in the emerging fields of Bt technology are increasingly growing. Opportunities are immense and sky is the limit for researchers who are interested to take R&D in Bt technology.
Title: Impact of Water Saving Technology On Blue Wateruse and Productivity: Analysis fron North Gujarat Region, India
Abstract :
North Gujarat is an absolutely water scarce region in Gujarat, though it contributes around 40 per cent of total groundwater draft in the state. Excessive withdrawal of groundwater for irrigation is leading to alarming drops in groundwater levels in many parts of the region. Since scope of supply side intervention is limited, it is imperative to manage irrigation water from demand side interventions aimed at to reducing its use. Overall objective of the present study was to analyse the impact of water saving technologies on applied water productivity. A study on experimental plot revealed that highest physical water productivity was found for castor under drip irrigation with plastic mulching as compared to flood irrigation followed by crop with organic mulching and lowest under drip irrigation. In case of groundnut, highest physical water productivity was obtained from the crop irrigated
by easy drip method, whereas in case of sprinkler, highest physical water productivity was obtained from the micro-sprinkler. Potato crop was grown under drip and sprinkler methods of irrigation and highest physical water productivity was recorded from micro-sprinkler. From farmers’ field data, it was observed that farmers are using different types of water saving technologies for variety of crops. Before adoption of water saving technologies, on average blue water use for crop production was estimated to
be 8397 m3 per hectare which was reduced to 5175.45 m3 per hectare after adoption of water saving technology, showing a decline of 61.6 per cent. Per hectare net income received by farmers before adoption of water saving technology was Rs 54615.46 and it increased to Rs 95759.41 after adoption of water saving technology. The variation in physical water productivity for same crop under different types of water saving technologies, suggested that government/promotional agencies should promote suitable water saving technology for different crops, which would help in achieving water saving and improvement in crop production and productivity.
Title: Reaction of Banana Hybrids (Phase-II) for Resistance to Meloidogyne incognita
Abstract :
Plant parasitic nematodes are one of the major biotic stresses affecting banana production. Breeding works carried out at the Department of Fruit crops, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), India. The potential diploids and hybrids developed were crossed with commercial triploids to develop primary tetraploids and improved diploids. The susceptible check cultivar used was
Rasthali (AAB), while the resistant reference cultivar used Pisang Lilin (AA). Banana suckers of uniform size and weight were collected, pared and planted in earthen part containing 5 kg sterilized pot mixture. Egg masses of M. incognita were picked from roots, allowed to hatch in a beaker of distilled water and the hatched juveniles (J2) were inoculated in the rhizosphere of the
hybrids by soil injection method @ 5,000 nematodes / pot. Same set of replicated banana hybrids were also maintained as uninoculated check. The reactions of nineteen new synthetic banana phase II hybrids to Meloidogyne incognita was studied under field conditions as well as in controlled inoculation tests in pots. Hybrid H 531 (Poovan x Pisang Lilin) was found to be resistant and six hybrids, H-02-34, H-03-05, H-03-13, H-04-12, H-04-24 and NPH-02-01 were found to be toterant to the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita while the remaining were rated as susceptible and highly susceptible ones. Total phenols and PO, PPO, PAL and enzymatic activity of the hybrids in defense mechanism in response to nematode invasion indicated higher activities in resistant genotypes compare to susceptible ones. Hybrid H 531 had the maximum biochemical content and enzyme
activity among the hybrids included in this study. The resistant and tolerant hybrids had enhanced contents of total phenol, PO, PPO and PAL.
Title: Evaluation of Plaster of Paris and Some Fungicides for Management of Foot rot of Amorphophallus campanulatus Blume Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc.
Abstract : Incidence of Foot rot disease of Elephant foot yam [Amorphophallus campanulatus Blume, syn: A. paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson] caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is common in West Bengal. Occasionally it causes severe damage of the crop. When Plaster of Paris used on the diseased tissue in standing crop, it showed strong adverse effect on mycelial growth and survival of sclerotia. White mycelia and sclerotia produced on disease tissue lost their viability. Plant with small lesion grew normally indicating that the disease was checked without causing any phytotoxic effect. Plaster of Paris of commercial grade (CaSO4.½ H2O), available in synthetic bag in hardware shop. In laboratory test on viability of sclerotia, Plaster of Paris showed similar adverse effect. Eight fungicides (Indofil M-45, Bavistin, Blitox, Vitavax Power, Kavach, Curzet, Krilaxyl MZ) used in this test reduced sclerotial germination. Vitavax Power (Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% WP) totally inhibited sclerotial germination. Kavach (Chlorothalonil 75%) and Krilaxyl MZ (Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64%) reduced germination upto 95%. Application of Plaster of Paris at three different doses at the base of the plant (2.0, 5.0 and 10.0 grams/plant) did not cause any phytotoxic symptoms like necrosis, epinasty, hyponasty, wilting, leaf tip injury, leaf surface injury, vein clearing, rotting at collar region on six different crops i.e. elephant foot yam, groundnut, brinjal, chilli, basella and radish. Hence, it may be incorporated in Integrated Disease Management (IDM) programme.
Title: Evaluation of Different Medium for Producing on farm Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inoculum
Abstract :
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is a broad-spectrum non-specific organism known to colonize 85% of land plants hold considerable potential for use as inoculants. In the present perspective much attention is focussed on mass production of AMFinoculum, since this is of paramount importance in improving better uptake of nutrients, offers tolerance against a range of
soil stresses, plant production and enhances the chances of plant survival. Given these benefits, utilization of the AMF symbiosis should be an important tool in sustainable agricultural systems. Producing AMF inoculum is a complex procedure involving selection of a host plant , finding the right mix or medium and the inoculums starter . Seven different substrates were tested for the
production of AMF inoculum. Red earth in isolation or combination with solirite emerged as a suitable potential medium when compared to solirite for bulk production of pure, mature and infective AMF inoculum.
Title: Response of Boron on Yield and Economics of Maize under Eastern Ghat High Land Zone of Odisha
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted in participatory mode on farmers’ field in Sankumari village of Nabarangpur district under Eastern Ghat High Land (EGHL) zone of Odisha during kharif 2016 to assess the response of boron application on yield and economics of maize. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with four treatments replicated five times. The experimental soils were slightly acidic, non-saline, loamy sand, medium in organic carbon and available K; low in available N, P, B and Zn contents. The maximum grain yield per cob (210.21 g),100 seeds weight (38.16 g), stover yield (8.10 t ha-1), grain yield (6.52 t ha-1), total dry biomass (14.62 t ha-1), harvest index (44.59%) and B:C ratio (1.90) were recorded in Soil Test Based NPKZn @ 150:75:60:6.25 kg ha-1 + 0.5 kg B ha-1 soil application + 0.2 % borax as foliar spray at 30 & 45 DAS (T4) followed by Soil Test Based NPKZn @ 150:75:60:6.25 kg ha-1 + 1.0 kg B ha-1(T3) over control (i.e. Soil Test Based NPKZn @ 150:75:60:6.25 kg ha-1+ 0 kg B ha-1). Hence, Soil Test Based fertilizer application with boron is to be followed in soil deficient in boron under continuous maize growing areas of EGHL zone of Odisha for remunerative maize production by the farmers.

Title: Association Studies for Yield and its components in Green Gram
Abstract :
Twenty three genotypes of green gram were studied for genetic variability, correlation and path analysis for eight economically important traits. The genotypes viz. SG1, MH 709, ML 1278, Pant M 4, SG 21-5, OGG 56, CGG 973, ML 1354 and RVSM 11 were found promising for seed yield per plant. In general, PCV were higher than the corresponding GCV values for all the characters, suggesting the infl uence of environment in the expression of these traits. The broad sense heritability were high for plant height followed by 100-seed weight, pod length, seed yield per plant, days to fl owering, seeds per pod, days to maturity, pod fi lling percentage and pods per plant . Seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, pods per plant, pod fi lling percentage and pod length showed signifi cant positive correlations with seed yield per plant both at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path analysis revealed that seeds per pod had the maximum direct eff ect on seed yield followed by 100 seed weight, pod fi lling percentage and pods per plant. Therefore, main emphasis should be given on these traits during phenotypic selection for developing high yielding genotypes of green gram.
Title: A Study on Socio-Economic Profile of Migratory Sheep Farmers in Narayanapet District of Telangana State
Abstract :
A study was conducted to analyze the socio-economic profile of the migratory sheep farmers in the Narayanapet district of Telangana state. Data were collected from 125 migratory sheep farmers by following the multistage random sampling techniques through personal interviews. The study revealed that the majority (67.2. %) of the shepherds belonged to the middle age group and the mean age of the sheep farmers was 38.66 ±11.72 years. A majority (77.60%) of the sheep farmers were illiterates, and only 22.40 percent of farmers were literates. Shepherds’ average sheep farming experience was 23.65 ± 12.58 years, and the average family size was 4.67 ± 1.67. The nuclear family (71.20%) was the most prevalent type in the three flock sizes of Narayanpet district. All the shepherds (100%) among three categories of flocks in the surveyed area belonged to the backward caste (BC) only. Among the shepherds, the majority (93.6%) of the sheep farmers had sheep rearing as a significant occupation. The average annual income of the shepherds was ` 85760 ± 55808.1/- and 80.00 percent of shepherds had a median annual income of ` 29952/- to ` 141568.1/-. A significant (P<0.01) relationship between the annual income of shepherds and the category of flock size was observed amongst the three flock categories. It was noticed that 57.60 percent and 42.40 percent of the shepherds were residing in pucca and kutcha houses, respectively, during their non-migratory period
Title: Fungal Diversity in the Rhizosphere of Tropical Homestead and Plantation Crops of Kerala
Abstract :A study was conducted on the fungal diversity in the home gardens of three important districts of Kerala. The rhizosphere and rhizoplane samples were collected from different homestead crops representing diverse and distinct areas of coastal region (Ernakulum district), High range (Wayanad) and Dry region (Palakkad district) districts of Kerala. Fungal population was highest (82 x103 cfu g-1 of soil) in black pepper (Wayanad) followed by coconut (70 x 103 cfu g-1 of soil) in Ernakulam and 22 x103 cfu g-1 of soil in banana (Palakkad). There was greater diversity of fungi in the homesteads of Ernakulam, Wayanad and Palakkad districts. In all the three districts surveyed, Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. were predominant fungi in most of the crops and or locations, even though other fungi were also recorded. However, there functional diversity needs to be studied and harnessed in order to assess the beneficial effects and relative efficiency on the host plants.
Title: A Review on Ohmic Heating Technology: Principle, Applications and Scope
Abstract :

Ohmic heating is a novel and alternating thermal processing technology wherein food materials are heated by passing electric current through materials. Ohmic heating has extreme potential for achieving rapid and uniform heating in foods, providing microbiologically safe and high quality foods. Ohmic heating presents a wide range of potential applications including pasteurization, sterilization, aseptic processing, cooking, thawing, blanching, evaporation, extraction, fermentation, and in the military field or long-duration space missions. This review discusses the brief history, basic principle, some process parameters, applicable food products, potential commercial applications and current industrial status of ohmic heating in food industry throughout the world. The review also highlights the scope and work done on ohmic heating in India. The corrosion problems in electrodes and heterogeneous heat generation rate and distribution are interesting area for further research. Ohmic heating is a good comparable with the other ideal technologies like microwave heating, radio-frequency heating and induction heating. More and intensive investigations are required to assess performance and to reduce the overall cost of ohmic heating for viability of commercial application of this technology also in developing countries like India.

Title: Exploitation of Rhizobacteria for Functional Traits in Mungbean
Abstract :
The enrichment of plant rhizosphere with beneficial bacteria is a strategy that favours the production of more vigorous seedlings, which is essential for the success of legume cultivation. The aim of this study was to select rhizobacteria that are able to act as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). A total of 17 rhizobacteria belonging to genera Bacillus (8), Pseudomonas (5) and
Azotobacter (4) from mungbean rhizosphere were selected on the basis of their ability to solubilize phosphate. These selected rhizobacteria were further characterized for Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) traits for quantitative phosphate solubilisation, Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), organic acid production and Intrinsic antibiotic spectra (IAR), control of phytopathogen via siderophore and cellulase production and stress tolerant management by 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity. Significantly
high phosphate was solubilized by strain of Bacillus sp. B2 (9.77 mg ml-100) followed by strain of Pseudomonas sp. P10 (9.14 mg ml-100) and strain of Azotobacter sp. A3 (8.98 mg ml-100). In the presence of L-trptophan P10, A3 and B2 were also able to produce significant high amount of IAA i.e. 55.6 µg ml-1, 52.6 µg ml-1 and 50.3 µg ml-1 respectively and they also produced organic acid, siderophore and cellulase. Of 17 rhizobacterial isolates, 11 were found compatible with Rhizobium sp. vigna (LSMR1) in-vitro.IAR pattern revealed 52.9 % of rhizobacteria resistant to ampicillin (10 µg disc-1) and chloramphenicol (25 µg disc-1). ACC deaminase activity was measured by their growth in DF medium supplemented with ACC (OD 600 ranged from 0.117 to 0.432) as nitrogen (N) source. In the present investigation, rhizobacterial isolates viz, B2, P10 and A3 were found most promising for
multiple activities (PGP traits, biocontrol and stress tolerant activities) and can be evaluated in-vivo for their possible role in mungbean growth and development.
Title: Variation and Character Association in Seed Yield and Related Traits in Rice Bean (Vigna umbellata)
Abstract :

One hundred and twenty rice bean genotypes were assessed for 11 agronomic traits against three different elite varieties RBL-6, RBL-35, RBL-50 in Augmented Design during the Kharif 2005. There was no significant difference among the blocks and as well as checks. The variety RBL-50 among the checks registered highest seed yield (q/ha). The nineteen test entries viz. BRB10, LRB115, BRB06, BRB15, LRB109, BRB19, BRB14, LRB081, BRB08, BRB01, BRB03, LRB110, LRB118, BRB09, BRB07, BRB05, LRB043, LRB020, LRB075-1 showed higher seed yield (q/ha) than the best check variety RBL-50 (9.21 q/ha).

Title: Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change: Key Strategies for Nigeria
Abstract :

Nigeria’s major ecological zone have been reportedly altered by changes in climate over the last century. Biodiversity such as terrestrials, marines, freshwaters and other ecosystems including forests and agricultures have been tremendously impacted. These impacts have caused increase in desert encroachment, diseases occurrence, floods, erosion and a rising heat waves in the county. Several literatures have also reported the displacement of millions of Nigerians as a result of rise in sea levels and droughts in some parts of the country due to changes in climate. More also, the growing fluctuations in temperature, rainfall, among others are likely to have adverse impacts on the country’s economy since agriculture employs over 70% of its population. Hence, if these climate challenges are not effectively address, it could deplete or shorten the already limited natural resources in the country. It is against this background that this article reviews the current impacts of climate change in Nigeria. It also indicates the group of Nigerians who are highly vulnerable to the climate change impacts. It also explains the major areas and sectors which will experience the most impact of changes in climate in Nigeria. It further highlighs the challenges to climate adaptation in Nigeria. It ends by highlighting necessary adaptation strategies and calls the Nigerian government, international organization, civil societies and private sectors in the country to work together in scaling up these adaptation strategies in the country.

Title: Response of Paddy Straw Mulching and Farmyard Manure in Colocasia under Jhum Fields in Zunheboto District of Nagaland
Abstract :
Farm Trials were conducted in the jhum fields of Zunheboto district under rainfed conditions to observe the Effect Of Paddy Straw Mulching and FYM in Colocasia crop. Three jhum fields of Lumami village were selected for each one-hectare area. Colocasia being an essential crop of this area, was selected for the trial. It was observed that the use of Paddy Straw Mulching @ 12t ha-1 at 3 cm thickness and FYM@ 10t ha-1 increased the soil moisture and reduced the soil temperature as compared to the farmers’ practice. The mean temperature at 15, 30, and 45 DAP in the trial plot ranged from 26.2, 30.3 to 31.7 oC and mean soil moisture at 45 DAP from 5cm depth was 28.9 % as compared to the farmers practice were the mean temperature was higher, ranging from 27.0, 32.3 and 32.5oC and mean moisture of 22.2% where paddy straw mulching was not used. The mean yield, net income, and B:C ratio were also increased to 3030 kg ha-1, ` 1,01033, and 3.00 over farmers practice of 2292 kg ha-1, ` 64,100, and 2.27.
Title: Antagonistic Activity of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Isolated from Tomato Rhizosphere Against Soil Borne Fungal Plant Pathogens
Abstract :
The use of single strain inoculum with multiple plant growth promoting activities offers a new concept to address mode of action by combined use of multi-strain inoculum of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) each with specific capability and function. In the present work, bacterial isolates with plant growth promoting activities like P-solubilization, IAA production,
siderophore production and broad spectrum antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of tomato seedlings. In vitro antifungal antibiotic study revealed that among eleven isolates N11 showed maximum inhibition against F. oxysporum (82.85%), R. solani (76.45%) and S. sclerotiorum (74.71%) after seven days of incubation. The per cent growth inhibition increased with increase in bacterial cell density from O.D 0.25 to
1.50. The novelty of the isolates is that the antibiotic production is induced only in the presence of fungal host and lack of antifungal activity in culture filtrate. Bacterial isolate N11 showing maximum plant growth promoting activities and was identified to species level by biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA sequencing. Preliminary identification of bacterial isolate was made on the basis of morphological and biochemical characters and confirmed by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which validated
N11 as Bacillus subtilis CKT1.Thus, the present study concludes that these bacterial isolate could serve as a proficient biocontrol PGPR inoculant in the integrated management of soil borne diseases of tomato.
Title: Studies on Genetic Characteristic of Upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Abstract :
The considerable amount of genetic variability was exhibited among the accessions of local collection obtained from natural habitat of Eastern U. P. (India) under the UPCAR project. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for total number of grains per panicle, filled grains per panicle, number of effective tillers, leaf width and grain yield per plant. Positive and significant association was recorded by days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, leaf length, leaf width, filled grains per panicle and total number of grains per panicle among themselves and also with grain yield per plant at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Days to maturity, plant height, number of filled grains per panicle and test weight exhibited positive direct effect both at genotypic and phenotypic levels.
Title: In vitro Antibacterial and Synergistic Effects of Plant Extracts and Synthetic Antibiotic ‘Aztreonam’ Against Extended Bacterial Spectrum
Abstract :
The present study was carried out to assess efficacies of the various plant extracts for their pharmacological potential and synergistic effect in limiting the bacterial growth for formulating new cost effective antimicrobial agent(s) for multi drug resistant organisms. The antimicrobial activities of plant extract of Pterocarpus santalinus, Tectona grandis, Gloriosa superba and its synergistic effects among them as well as with a synthetic antibiotic ‘Aztreonam’ were assessed against Gram positive bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus subtilis MTCC 441; Gram negative bacteria viz. Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. Acetone extract of Tectona grandis and Gloriosa superba, isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
extract of Pterocarpus santalinus were found most effective in restricting the growth of bacteria. The efficacies of the various extract combinations in each plant sample varied and the mminimum inhibition concentrations (MIC) of acetone extract in comparison with ‘aztreonam’ using different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were found to be around 0.312 – 0.50 mg/
ml for Pterocarpus santalinus, 0.62 – 1.10 mg/ml for Tectona grandis and 0.7 – 2.9 mg/ml for Gloriosa superba. The combination of plant extract of Gloriosa superba + Pterocarpus santalinus (2:1) showed the maximum inhibition on Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the strongest synergistic effect. Similarly the maximum inhibition on Bacillus subtilis was observed by the combination of plant extract of Tectona grandis + Gloriosa superba (2:1) whereas, the plant extract of Tectona grandis + Gloriosa superba
inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus to the maximum extent.
Title: Efficiency of Halosulfuron Methyl (NC-319 75%WDG) on Weed Control in Sugrcane
Abstract :
Field experiments were conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to evaluate the efficiency of halosulfuron methyl for the control of weeds in sugarcane. The treatments consisted of new herbicide formulation halosulfuron methyl (NC-319 75% WDG) in different doses (52.5, 60.0, 67.5, 75.0 and 150 g a.i. ha-1) at 3-4 leaf stages of Cyperus rotundus compared with recommended dose of PE atrazine 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 on 3 DAP + hand weeding and earthing up on 60 DAP, hand weeding on 30 DAP
and earthing up on 60 DAP respectively and also with unweeded control. The results revealed that the sedge weed density was distinctly lower in application of halosulfuron methyl at all doses. But grass and broad leaved weed density was perceptibly lower in PE atrazine 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 + hand weeding and earthing up on 60 DAP followed by hand weeding on 30 DAP and earthing up on 60 DAP and halosulfuron methyl 60.0 g a.i. ha-1. The lowest total weed dry weight, higher weed control efficiency and cane yield were recorded in PE atrazine 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 + hand weeding and earthing up on 60 DAP followed by hand weeding on 30 DAP and earthing up on 60 DAP and halosulfuron methyl 60.0 g a.i. ha-1. The herbicide doses evaluated in this study did not exhibit residual effect on succeeding crops of pearlmillet, sunflower and cowpea.
Title: Performance of Thermo Hydraulic Designed Single Pass Earth Air Heat Exchanger
Abstract :

In present study thermo-hydraulic design method by Paepe and Janssens (2003) was illustrated and used for evaluation of single pass Earth- Air Heat Exchanger (EAHE) system. Such designed EAHE was installed at the research field of Soil and Water Engineering Department, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India (75o88´E & 30o95´N). It consists of 42 m single PVC pipe of 0.25 m diameter buried at 3.5 m depth. The thermister 2k temperature sensors and Dl2 data logger were used for data recording. The maximum and minimum tube efficiencies were obtained at 2.3 and 24 m/s, respectively. The thermo-hydraulic designed earth air heat exchanger performed well as observed tube efficiency was near to designed efficiency. It was also observed that as velocity increases the tube efficiency decreases. The method proposed by Paepe and Janssens (2003) was simple, fast and reliable for installation of EAHE system in field too.

Title: G × E interaction and Stability Analysis of Maize Hybrids Using Eberhart and Russell Model
Abstract :

The present study was carried out to identify stable Maize hybrids across various environments as the performance of each hybrid tends to vary when grown in different seasons or locations. Twenty one Maize hybrids and two commercial checks were tested over three locations in India viz., Viluppuram, Trivandrum and Nagercoil. Eberhart and Russell model of stability analysis was carried out which revealed a significant effect of each environment on the hybrids taken, for all the ten morphological traits except the number of leaves. The hybrid AU-101 was identified as a stable hybrid with high mean under less favourable conditions and the hybrid AU-114 was recognized as a stable hybrid under favourable conditions. None of the check hybrids viz., CP-818 and Bioseed-TX369 showed stability in any of the environment. Thus, it emphasized t

Title: Sustainable Land Resource Management Practices for Jute Cultivation through the Identification of Production Factors and Soil Nutrient Mapping
Abstract :
Jute is the second most important fibre crop in India after cotton. There is a problem of non-uniform productivity over 87 jute
growing districts located in varying agro-climatic regions of the country including 17 jute growing districts of West Bengal. In
West Bengal relatively higher productivity is observed in South Bengal than in North Bengal., Factors of production were identified through field survey and interaction with the farmers in a participatory mode. The experiment was conducted during 2007 to 2009 at Dakshin Dinajpur district of North Bengal with the aim of determining critical production factors of jute and also
to overcome the productivity constraints through soil mapping followed by soil fertility management. The results revealed that fertilizer management is the most critical factor of production followed by weed management. The soil resource mapping indicated that the experimental soils were having acute acidity problem followed by deficiency in some macro and micro nutrients which are certainly responsible for yield decline of jute in these areas.
Title: Influence of Pretreatments and Varieties on Biochemical Quality during Aonla (Emblica officinalis G.) Murabba Preservation
Abstract :
Matured aonla fruits of three cultivars namely, Kanchan, Chakaiya and NA-7 were harvested and each variety was pretreated with water (control), salt 2%, alum 2% and salt+alum 2% so that a total of twelve different treatment combinations were made before processing in to murabba. Murabba was analyzed for quality during storage for six months. TSS and total sugars increased while ascorbic acid, titrable acidity and fiber content of the aonla murabba decreased during the storage period. For most of the biochemical parameters variety, NA-7 and pretreatment salt+alum 2% proved to be promising in retaining the quality.
Title: Performance Evaluation of Solid State Digester for Biogas Production using Biologically Pretreated Straw
Abstract :
The present paper reports biogas production from biologically pretreated paddy straw in a solid state digester made of HDPE plastic (124litre capacity). The trial was conducted with a mixture of 10 kg pretreated paddy straw, 20 kg cattle dung slurry, 20 kg cattle dung and 20 litre water. The chemical and proximate analysis of the feed was done and biogas production profile was studied over a period of one month. Parallel trial was also conducted with untreated paddy straw. The result indicated that 253.89 litre biogas/kg pretreated paddy straw was produced, which is 39.3% higher than the untreated paddy straw.
Title: Growth Pattern of Soybean Cultivation in Madhya Pradesh: District wise Analysis
Abstract :
An attempt was made to examine the district wise compound growth rate in APY of soybean in Madhya Pradesh. Study found that among out of 39 districts only twenty two districts having the positive growth and two districts namely tikamgarh and sheopur found negative growth in area, production and yield. Four districts namely jabalpur, narsinghpur, shahdol and hosangabad
observed that negative CGR area and production but positive growth in yield. The negative growth in area and production was observed in Jabalpur district which was -16.29 and -15.04 per cent respectively. The maximum positive growth in area and production was observed in Anuppur district but it was examined for six years only therefore maximum positive was noted in
district shivpuri which was 9.00 and 10.14 per cent respectively. The substantial improvement in production has been noticed due to concerted efforts on soybean development in the state of Madhya Pradesh as well as in the country, resulting in a positive growth rate in area and production of Soybean.
Title: Forecasting of Productivity and Pod Damage by Helicoverpa armigera using Artificial Neural Network Model in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)
Abstract :
Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is one of the most important food legume, making it an ideal supplement to traditional cereals, which are generally protein-deficient. So, due to its high nutritional value and enormous losses caused by insect pests, it is very important to forecast the damage caused by major insect-pests and the yield of this crop. In this paper, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was developed to forecast productivity (Kg/ha) and percent pod damage by a key insect pest Helicoverpa armigera of long duration pigeonpea in North East Plain Zone (NEPZ) of India. The forecasted values of percent pod damage by
this pest and productivity of Pigeonpea during 2012-13 were obtained as 26.29% and 1137.40 kg/ha, respectively. The performance of the model was assessed by values of the mean squared error, and the model was found suitable for the problem under study.
Title: Screening of Bacillus thuringiensis Isolates Recovered from Diverse Habitats in India for the Presence of Insect and Nematode-active cry Genes
Abstract :
Novel cry genes with different structure and mode of action are potential candidates for resistant management strategies. Isolation of novel genes needs thorough screening of large number of native Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) isolates collected from diverse habitats and ecotypes. In the present study, 63 Bt isolates recovered from different habitats in India have been investigated
for their insecticidal and nematicidal cry gene content. Bt isolates were screened through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using degenerate primers for the presence of cry1, cry1A and nematode-active cry genes. Among the collection of 63 Bt isolates 21 were found positive for the presence of cry1-type genes, 49 for cry1A-type genes and 20 for nematode-active cry genes. Nine Bt isolates were found positive for all three types of cry genes. The study also show that PCR based screening method is rapid and
highly useful for characterization of Bt isolates to reveal their insecticidal spectrum.
Title: Next Generation Sequencing Platforms and its Applications in Genomics
Abstract :
DNA sequencing technology is undergoing a revolution with the commercialization of next generation technologies. Over the past eight to ten years massively parallel DNA sequencing platforms have become widely available with reducing the cost of DNA sequencing. Next generation platform (NGS) includes Helicos HeliscopeTM, Pacific Biosciences SMRT, Ion Torrent, Oxford Nanopore, etc. These platforms have the potential to dramatically accelerate biological research, by enabling the comprehensive analysis of genomes, transcriptomes and interactomes to become inexpensive, routine and widespread. Variant discovery by re-sequencing targeted regions of interest or whole genomes, de novo assemblies of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. Cataloguing the transcriptomes of cells, genome-wide profiling of epigenetic marks and chromatin structure is using other seq-based methods and species classification and gene discovery by metagenomics studies.
Title: Contents: International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology
Abstract :

Contents: International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology March 2019

Title: Contents
Abstract :Contents of December, 2013
Title: Identify the Source of Resistant Against Collar Rot of Groundnut Caused by Aspergillus niger Van Tiegham
Abstract :
Cultivation of resistant varieties seems to be the most economical and sustainable control measure of collar rot disease of groundnut. Twelve groundnut varieties along with one susceptible check were screened against collar rot disease caused by Aspergillus niger under field condition. Among them none of entry was found immune or resistant to collar rot. Three cultivars TG-37A, HNG-69 and GJG-22 were shown 1-10 % disease incidence and considered as moderately resistant. Four cultivars GG-20, GG-7, GL-501 and GJG-9 were shown 11-20 % disease incidence and considered as moderately susceptible. However, TMV-2 was shown > 51 % disease incidence and considered as highly susceptible reaction.
Title: Floristic Structure, Composition and Functional Characteristics of Homegardens in Garhwal Region, Uttarakhand, India
Abstract :

In the present investigation was carried out to access the floristic structure, composition and functional characteristics of homegardens in Garhwal region, Uttarakhand during 2013-14. Here, we had selected two districts on the basis of maximum (Uttarkashi) and minimum (Rudraprayag) geographical area of the state. The result showed that floristic tree diversity was maximum contributed by agroforestry crops (64%, 53.84%, 62.5%, 66.7%) and followed by horticulture crops (36%, 46.16%, 37%, 33.3%) with respect to Malkhi, Khumera, Kurura and Panchan gaun village respectively. The contribution of forest and van panchayat for fuel-wood were 13.5 and 5 kg, 11.5 and 6.5 and 2.6 and 6.2 kg/day for group of farmers during rainy, winter and summer seasons, respectively. We observed that 35 species of trees (forest trees+ fruit trees), 18 species of agriculture crops, 13 species of vegetable crops, 9 species of grasses and 13 species of shrub were identified from the study area.

Title: Irradiation as an Alternative Method for Post–harvest Disease Management: An Overview
Abstract :

Considering the high economic worldwide loss due to the post-harvest decay of fruit and vegetables, and the frequent development of pathogen isolates that are resistant to synthetic fungicides, there is a need to develop more eco-friendly alternatives for controlling post-harvest diseases. Irradiation (Gamma and UV-C) is one such physical method which is promising, but when used separately is not as effective as fungicides. Therefore, to improve its effectiveness and persistence, irradiation method can be combined with other complementary control measures such as sodium carbonate, heat treatment, chemicals, cold storage and bio-control agents as apart of integrated disease management strategies. Low doses of UV radiation, particularly UV-C have proven to be effective in delaying ripening and senescence, diminishing decay and even in increasing the content of beneficial compounds owing to its germicidal properties. It mainly inactivates microorganisms, especially pathogens by creating damage in the genetic material (DNA) of the cell. These methods can be efficiently used to delay the ripening of fruits, to inhibit germination, improve nutritional quality, minimize insect infestation and deactivate viruses. Short shelf life of mushroom can be extended by inhibiting cap opening and browning, stalk elongation, reducing the level of microbial contamination and finally by increasing the concentration of vitamin D2 significantly, without causing any adverse effect on its taste. This review deals with the information of maximum benefit which can be achieved from irradiation technology, and when combined with other chemical and physical methods with integrated strategy will provide synergistic effects for post-harvest disease control.

Title: Trichoderma viride 2% W.P. (Strain No. BHU-2953) Formulation Suppresses Tomato wilt Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici and Chilli Damping-off Caused by Pythium aphanidermatum Effectively under Different Agroclimatic Conditions
Abstract :
Field experiments of a 2% W.P. Trichoderma viride (Strain No. BHU-2953, Accession No. NAIMCC-F-02976) formulation were conducted at experimental farms of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi and SASRD, Nagaland University, Medziphema. The experiments were conducted in two seasons during 2007-08 & 2008-09 to test the bioefficacy of the formulation against the tomato wilt pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum and chilli damping-off pathogen, Pythium aphanidermatum. The formulation was applied as seed treatment and furrow application. The results revealed that the seed and furrow application of the formulation significantly reduced the wilt disease of tomato and damping-off of chilli. The yields of tomato and chilli were also significantly enhanced. Further, the formulation did not have any phyto-toxic effect either on tomato or chilli plants at all the doses levels tested for field bio-efficacy. The T. viride formulation also did not have any adverse effect on the beneficial rhizospheric microbes, like Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (Glomus spp.) in tomato and chilli rhizosphere at all dosages as confirmed with microscopic observations. Based on the above findings, the T. viride 2% W.P. formulation is found safe and effective for using as an efficient and ecologically-safe alternative to chemical fungicides for the management of wilt of tomato and damping-off of chilli as well as for obtaining higher yields.
Title: Survey for purple blotch of onion (Alternaria porri (Ellis) Cif.) in northern parts of Karnataka
Abstract :

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the important bulb crop and most important commercial vegetable crops cultivated extensively in India and it accounts for 90 per cent of the exported vegetables from India in terms of value. The production ofbulbs and seeds is limited by certain diseases. The most serious one is the purple blotch caused by Alternariaporri (Ellis) Cif. The disease causes extensive damage to bulbs as well as seed crop and also a major limiting factor in cultivation of onion. In view of the destructive nature of purple blotch of onion the present investigation was conducted through survey to know the disease incidence or severity and collection of infected samples. A survey was conducted during kharif 2013-2014 in onion growing areas of Northern Karnataka viz., Bijapur, Bagalkot, Gadag and Dharwad districts. The highest per cent disease index was noticed in Ilkal village of Bagalkot district. While, the lowest per cent disease index was noticed in kerur village of Bagalkot district. Among the districts, severity of disease was more in Bijapur and less in Gadag.Isolation was made from onion leaves showing typical purple blotch symptoms. Pure culture of A. porri was obtained and its pathogenicity to onion plants was proved. On the basis of isolation and morphological studies, the pathogen was identified as Alternariaporri (Ellis) Cif.

Title: Insect-Based Medicines: A Review of Present Status and Prospects of Entomo-Therapeutic Resources for Human Ailment
Abstract :

Insects and products derived from them have been consistently used as medicinal resources by human civilizations all over the world. The immunological, analgesic, antibacterial, diuretic, anesthetic and anti rheumatic property in the bodies of insects is now well recognized; however the immense scope for its exploration still remains untapped. The chemicals generated by insects for self defense can be used as medicinal drugs of enormous potentiality. Insects have long been utilized as significant dietary factor and remedy for illnesses in folk tradition. Such entomotherapeutic potential of insects can also make important contribution in conserving the biodiversity of insects. At present, insect based medicines are gradually on the rise and gaining popularity and relevance. Products based on insect-derived substances with conventional technologies will help in yielding further benefits. This review collates the most important works conducted on insects used for different medicine and includes a discussion of the potentialities of such medicines.

Title: Empowerment of Dairy Farmers Through ICT Enabled I-Kisan Project in Andhra Pradesh
Abstract :
The present study was conducted in three districts namely, Anantapur, Ranga Reddy and Nalgonda of Andhra Pradesh State with a sample size of 240 dairy farmers (120 each of ICT users and non users) to measure their empowerment through ICT enabled ikisan project in Andhra Pradesh. Four components of empowerment of dairy farmers namely, knowledge regarding dairy farming, decision making ability, attitude towards dairying, and self confidence were selected based on relevancy, literature and experts opinion. The scale developed by Chaudhari et al., (2007), was used to measure decision making and self confidence, and test developed by Vijay babu (2009) was used to measure knowledge and Scale developed by Sah (2005) was used to measure attitude. It was observed that the mean values of components of empowerment of dairy farmers i.e., knowledge, decision making ability, attitude, and self confidence of ICT users were 40.70, 11.6, 9.80 and 4.60, and that of non users of ICT were 28.25, 9.24, 9.33 and 3.35
respectively. The mean values of overall empowerment of ICT users and non users of dairy farmers were found to be 16.59 and 12.54. Through Z-test it was also found that the components of empowerment namely knowledge, decision making, self confidence and overall empowerment of dairy farmers between ICT users and non users of ICT were found to have significant at 0.01 level of Probability, where as no significant difference was found between them as per as attitude is concerned.
Title: Identification of Donors of Mungbean and Urdbean against Yellow Mosaic Disease
Abstract :

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) and urdbean (Vigna mungo L.) are major pulses crops predominantly cultivated during rainy season in northern and central India and during winter season in costal belt. In India, mungbean and urdbean productivity is constrained by a number of foliar and root diseases. Exploitation of host plant resistance for the development of high yielding varieties is the most economical and feasible component of integrated diseases management (IDM), hence remain a major objective of the crop improvement programmes around the world. The present investigation was undertaken to identify resistant donors against yellow mosaic disease (YMD) and therefore 200 germplasm accessions of mungbean and 100 of urdbean procured from ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR), New Delhi and ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research (ICAR-IIPR), Kanpur were phenotyped under natural field conditions, besides molecular characterization of viral pathogen and monitoring growth parameters. None of the mungbean and urdbean lines were found resistant to YMD during two seasons of the screening. However, 16 mungbean and 41 urdbean accessions manifested moderate resistant reaction, respectively and were identified as potential donors against MYMIV for utilization in breeding programme. These accessions also performed well with respect to growth parameters and grain yield. The sequence analysis of virus revealed 99.08 to 95.95 percent similarities with Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) infecting distinct hosts from different geographical regions.

Title: Identification of Oats (Avena sativa L.) Cultivars by Seed and Seedling Protein Electrophoresis
Abstract :
Soluble proteins were extracted from seed and seedlings of eleven oats cultivars to analyze the protein profile through SDS PAGE
method. In seed protein electrophoresis totally 14 bands were observed, in these six bands were common to all cultivars. Based on the seed protein banding pattern two of these cultivars were differentiated easily. The unique band at Rf value 0.151 was common for all cultivars, but it was absent in cv. UPO 94. Similarly the band at Rf value 0.662 was present in all cultivars but it was absent in cv. Sabzar. In seedling protein electrophoresis totally nine bands were observed, four bands at Rf value 0.370, 0.524, 0.543 and 0.855 were common for all cultivars. The presence of band at Rf value 0.340 was common in all cultivars, it was absent in UPO 94 and the band at Rf value 0.641 was absent in all cultivars it was present in cv. Sabzar. In both seed and seedling protein cv. Sabzar and UPO 94 expressed the discernible banding pattern when compared to others. The other cultivars are differentiated
based on the total numbers of bands, banding pattern, intensity of bands, specific presence or absence of bands.
Title: Milking method’ - Novel Technology for Venom Collection from Aculeate Hymenoptera and used for Screening of In- Vitro Antimicrobial Activity Against Pathogens
Abstract :
Wasps were collected live from the field by using a hand net/sweep net and were maintained in the laboratory under caged condition by providing sugar solution (1:1) along with proteinex. Venom was collected from wasps by ‘milking’. Initially wasps were forced to sting on potato blocks with the help of forceps but the wasps failed to sting on potato blocks. In later trials the
wasps were made to sting on sterile paper disc, the wasps were not able to sting on paper disc and did not appear to release the venom either. The wasps were then offered freshly prepared pre-sterilized two per cent agar blocks of approximately 1 cm3. The wasps were able to sting the agar block during this ‘milking’ process and the venom containing agar block was stored in the
eppendorf tube containing 50 per cent acetonitrile (ACN) with 0.1 per cent trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Venom from the selected wasps was collected by ‘milking’ at regular intervals.Then, extract was further concentrated and lyophilized and checked for the biological activity.
Title: Socio-economic and Environmental Assets Sustainability by Agroforestry Systems: A Review
Abstract :
Title: Cloning and Molecular Characterization of LECASAI Lectin Gene from Garlic (Allium Sativum L.)
Abstract :
Lectins have always demonstrated their role in bearing insecticidal activity. They are although considered to be toxic for mammals but some studies have reported that the presence of mannose binding region is believed to impart non-toxic nature to lectins against mammals including humans. In the present investigation, the research was conducted to elucidate the relationship of
lectin gene LECASAI with other previously cloned lectins having insecticidal activity and to ensure the presence of the conserved mannose binding region/site in LECASAI. In this study, we report isolation of LECASAI via PCR, Cloning, Characterization & Bioinformatics analysis of LECASAI isolated from Garlic (Allium sativum L.). The full length gene sequence of LECASAI obtained from sequencing consisted of 1029bp which was subjected to In-silico analysis in order to determine its ancestral relationship
and the presence of the conserved mannose binding region within the sequence. Results from In-vitro analysis indicated a higher homology of LECASAI with those of insecticidal lectins and the presence of mannose binding region in LECASAI. This unique approach has not only helped us in understanding the relationship between these genes but may also enable us to obtain an insecticidal lectin carrying insecticidal activity to several insects pests (for which even Bt proteins have been reported to be ineffective), apart from being non-toxic for man, mammals and birds in the future.
Title: Effect of Aloe Vera Leaf Powder on Quality of Boar Semen
Abstract :
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is an evergreen perennial plant that is commonly found in proprietary herbal medicines and is widely employed in current herbal practice. The goal of this study was to look at the quality of boar semen after feeding Aloe vera leaf powder. The study was employed eight-monthold sexually matured boars weighing 90 to 120 kg. The boars were employed as a control group (before feeding) and treatment (after feeding of Aloe vera leaf powder). The gloved hand method was used to collect the semen from the boar. The Aloe vera leaf powder was fed @ 5 mg / kg body weight to the boars 3 month later of initial semen collection. Standard methods were used to examine the boar’s spermiogram. The use of Aloe vera leaf powder on a regular basis reduced sperm motility, concentration and percentage viability of sperm in boar (P<0.01). The spermiogram of a boar was negatively influenced by aloe vera laef powder. The herbs could diminish boar semen quality, so it is advised not to use Aloe vera leaf powder in case of boar, especially those utilized for breeding.
Title: Profile Analysis of Mixed Farming Adopter Farmers
Abstract :
Mixed farming systems focuses on the use of integrative and holistic mechanisms and rational building on and use of the natural and local resource base without exhausting it, while enhance biodiversity, optimize complementarities between crops and animal systems as well as increase opportunities in rural livelihoods. In an era of instability in agriculture with declining prices, increasing land hunger by increasing population and futile search for an insulating mechanism of farmers against fall in income and employment, interest in integration of farms with any other economic activity has revived. The present study analysing the profile of farmers adopting mixed farming was conducted in Anand taluka of Anand district of
Central Gujarat. A random sample of 50 mixed farming adopter farmers were selected from ten villages. The study revealed that majority (96.00%) of the farmers had middle to old age, secondary to higher secondary level of education (76.00%), slightly less than two-third (66.00%) of the farmers had eleven to thirty years of experience, up to four hectares of land holding, majority (82.00%) of the farmers possessed up to 20 animals, very low to low level of social participation (88.00%), medium to very high level of mass media exposure (86.00%), poor to average level of extension contacts (94.00%), high level of scientific orientation (80.00%), high to very high level of economic motivation (96.00%), medium to high degree of achievement motivation (94.00%).
Title: Contents VOL. 12, NO. 2, JUNE 2019
Abstract :
Title: Editorial
Abstract :
Title: Contents VOL. 11, NO. 6, DECEMBER 2018
Abstract :
Title: Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin Contamination of Poultry Feeds in Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract :
A survey was conducted during 2013 in different regions of Tamil Nadu, India and a total of 51 poultry feed samples were collected from poultry farms and poultry feed dealers. The presence of Aspergillus flavus in the feeds was detected by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using specific primers based on the O-methyltransferase gene (omt-A) that is involved in the aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis. The contamination levels of Aflatoxin (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results indicated that 98% of the tested samples were contaminated with AFB1 and the levels ranged from 0 to 160.7 ppb and the levels of AFB1 in 29% of the samples exceeded 20 ppb. Aflatoxin B2 contamination was observed in more than 82 % of the samples tested and the levels of
AFB2 in 17 % of the samples exceeded 20 ppb. The levels of AFB2 ranged from 0 to 95.5 ppb. AFG1 and AFG2 were not detected in any of these samples. In the PCR analysis using omt-A primers, A. flavus specific 300-bp PCR product was amplified from DNA extracted from most of the AFB1 contaminated feeds. However, some of the feed samples even though contain AFB1 failed to amplify the 300-bp product in PCR.
Title: Customized Fertilizers for Enhancing Yield and Quality of Bitter Gourd
Abstract :
Customized fertilizers are ready to apply multinutrient fertilizers to meet the specific nutritional requirement of a crop. Customized fertilizer with major nutrients alone and with micronutrients were prepared and evaluated on the growth, yield and quality of bitter gourd. Two field experiments were conducted at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu, India. The results revealed that application of 100% CFII (T7) found to record the highest the vine length, primary branches/vine, number of fruits/vine, fruit length, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield. Quality parameters of the fruits also revealed that ascorbic acid, TSS, Fe and Zn content were significantly higher in the treatment receiving application of 100% CFII with micronutrients. The results indicated that customized fertilizers with major and micronutrients through fertigation results in better growth, fruit yield and quality in bitter gourd.
Title: Evolving Paradigms in Biotechnology for Management of Crop Diseases
Abstract :

Disease management of crops significantly contributes to increase in food production to keep pace with the growing human population. The applications of recent developments in biotechnology are imperative for detection, identification, prevention and control of plant diseases. The use of biotechnology also opens up the possibility to produce disease free plants by tissue culture, besides conferring resistance against several diseases that affect important crops through conventional breeding and/or genetic engineering. Although the debate about various facets of biotechnology often circle around the economics, risks and consequences associated with use of various approaches, but what matters most is how they are used.

Title: Assessment of SSR Specific Genetic Diversity for Fertility Restorer Gene (rf1) Among Various Sorghum (Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench) Genotypes
Abstract :

The present study was carried out to evaluate the genetic variations for fertility restorer gene among various sorghum (Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench) genotypes by SSR analysis. The experiment was conducted in UG Plant Biotechnology Lab of the Deptt. of Genetics and Plant Breeding, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (U.S. Nagar). A total of five SSR primers were used for the estimation of allelic diversity in thirty sorghum genotypes consisting, ten male sterile lines (female), ten maintainer lines and ten pollinator (male) lines. All primers were found to be polymorphic for all sorghum genotypes with polymorphism ranged from 80% (Xtxp250 and TS304T) to 100% (Drenshsbm 95 and TS050). Among all 34 alleles, the number of alleles per locus varied from 5 (Xtxp250 and TS050) to 10 (TS304T), with average of 6.8 alleles per locus. The PIC for all 5 primers varied from 0.45 (Drenshsbm 95) to 0.88 (TS304T), with a mean of 0.70. The genetic similarity (GS) was varied from 0.70 to 1.0 for all genotypes. Dendrogram revealed that male sterile lines ICSA264, SP55609A, ICSA702, 32A2 and ICSA293 showed more genetic diversity (30%) with restorers UPC2, HC260 and M35-1 and these combinations can be used as heterotic parents in improvement breeding program of sorghum.

Title: EDITORIAL
Abstract :
Title: Effects of Temperature and Gibberellic Acid (GA3) on seed Germination of Vicia sativa, Chenopodium album and Physalis minima
Abstract :
The interactions between temperature and GA3 are well known for their capacity to induce germination in dormant seeds of several weed plant species. In the current study, we investigated the effect of various temperature (10, 15, 20 and 25°C) and gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations (50, 150, 250 and 350 ppm) on germination of Vicia sativa, Chenopodium album and
Physalis minima seeds incubated under continuous dark or light were carried out in 8/16 hr light and dark. Germination counts were taken until Day 13. We found that incubation temperature and GA3 significantly enhanced seed germination, as maximum germination was observed for V. sativa (79% at 20°C), C. album (69.8% at 15°C), and P. minima (62% at 20°C) in such treatments. Exogenous GA3 significantly promoted germination of V. sativa, C. album and P. minima. It was found that GA3 was more effective in the presence of light as compared to dark condition and lowest germination was found in weed seeds at control.
Title: A Review on Organic Farming as a Potential Sector of Agripreneurship Development among the Tribal Youth of India
Abstract :

The agrarian system of our country is in state of transition from subsistence oriented to commercialization. The modern farming system is gradually becoming unsustainable and the increasing problems of chemical agriculture, cost of cultivation and upsetting environmental as well as health impacts have many negative impacts over agrarian society. Unemployment and underemployment are two major constraints in generating livelihood options for young farmers. Agripreneurship has been recognized as an effective means for economic transformation and poverty reduction. More than sixty per cent of India’s arable land is under traditional agriculture where use of synthetic inputs are strictly avoided. Young farmers are active stake holders in the agripreneurship design and are enable to transform rural communities in a sustainable basis. Tribal youth form a considerable part of country’s tribal population and they lag behind their urban and rural counterparts with respect to education and training as they reside in hilly and undulating forest areas. High and rising levels of unemployment among the tribal youth force them to choose unorganized sectors. Despite having ample scope in several agricultural enterprises, unmatched skill sets of tribal youth force them to undertake labour operations. Tribal youth are tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, innovators and indeed leaders. Thus, this review focusses on agripreneurship development among tribal young farmers in organic farming, challenges of tribal youth in undertaking organic farming as agribusiness and solutions to eradicate the same along with a potential case of Odisha supporting the context.

Title: Weed seeds stratification in contrasting soil texture on the bank of river godavari
Abstract :
The experiment was conducted at Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI), Rajahmundry, Andra Pradesh, 2013 to investigate the role of soil texture in weed seed germination and eff ect of depth of soil profi le on emergence of weed seeds. The soil samples were collected from 3 places viz. Rajahmundry, Katheru farm under CTRI both belong to East Godavari district and Chainnaigudem village in West Godavari district with sandy, clay and sandy loam in texture respectively. Soil samples were collected from 0-10, 10-20, 20-30 and 30-40 cm depth of soil profile using core sampler. Each site represents were approximately 1300 m2 area and 32 samples from 4 depths for every site. So, total 144 samples were collected to conduct the experiment. Germinated weeds identifi ed and counted every week and 10 weeks study was carried out. Sandy, sandy loam and clay soil texture found signifi cant non-linear relationship between weed germination and soil depth. All three places recorded signifi cant interaction between depth and seed germination. Soil depth upto 20 cm recorded maximum weed emergence both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous; however, dicotyledonous weeds recorded more in number than monocotyledon in four consecutive depths. Sandy soil found highest number of germinated weeds than sandy loam and clay texture soils.
Title: Effect of Debittering on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Palmyrah Young Shoots Flour
Abstract :

Palmyrah young shoot is rich in starch and fibre, which is helpful in controlling various diseases especially diabetic. Regular consumption of this flour increase the body strength, reduce hunger and incorporation of it in other foods would positively reduce the malnutrition. However, presence of bitter compounds (flabelliferin or steroidal saponin) limited its consumption rate. Very few studies are carried out in this area and hence the present study was aimed to remove the bitter compounds by aqueous extraction and to evaluate the effect of debittering on changes of palmyrah young shoot flour. The starch and fiber content were dramatically increased and phenolic and saponin contents significantly decreased in debittered flour (DBF) than raw flour (RF). In addition, the color value ‘L’ value increased whereas ‘a’ and ‘b’ value decreased in DBF. The debittered flour had good thickening and gelling properties, which can sustain the use of debittered palmyarh flour in food industries.

Title: Chromium (VI) Affected Nutritive Value of Forage Clusterbean (Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba L.)
Abstract :
Hexavalent chromium is highly reactive and shown to be toxic for plants at higher concentrations. In present study, a pot experiment was conducted with important forage crop ‘clusterbean’ to determine the toxic effect of hexavalent chromium on its nutritive value on advancement of plant growth. The plants were grown in soil containing varying chromium concentration ranging from 0.0-4.0 mg Cr (VI) kg-1 soil. Nutritive parameters viz structural carbohydrates, protein content and in vitro dry matter digestibility were studied in different plant parts and growth stages. Toxic effects of hexavalent chromium were reflected by no survival of plants at 4.0 mg Cr (VI) kg-1 soil, upto 28% reduction in protein content and high variation in structural carbohydrates contents. Irrespective of these changes, the in vitro dry matter digestibility largely remains unaffected with very less change (0-6%). The study concludes that hexavalent chromium adversely affected nutritive value of clusterbean at higher concentrations.
Title: Efficacy of edible coatings on the shelf life of ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) fruits at ambient condition
Abstract :
The present study explored the use of some post harvest treatments to extend the shelf life of ber. Matured ber fruits were treated with Chitosan (0.5%, 1%, 2%), Guar gum (1%, 1.5%, 2%), Gum tragacanth
(1%, 1.5%, 2%) for 16 days of storage. All treated fruits showed lower loss in fruit weight, less spoilage and long marketable life in comparison to untreated fruits. Guar gum (1.5%) proved very useful for
reducing loss in weight, shriveling even a er 12 days of storage. At the end of the storage maximum TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugar were observed in Guar gum(1.5%) treated fruits followed by Gum tragacanth(2%).
Title: Analysis of Sensitivity of Soybean Yield to the Increasing Temperature under Humid Tropical Climate of Nigeria
Abstract :
This study simulates the leaf area index (LAI), above-ground dry matter (ADM) and seed yield of soybean grown in an alfisol soil and humid tropical climate of Nigeria, West Africa. It used the calibration datasets for 2011 and 2012 to validate the field experiment conducted at the Teaching and Research Farms, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria from September 2015 to December 2015. The model was evaluated using root-mean-square-error (RMSE), mean bias, (MB) and percentage bias (PMB). Model sensitivity tests were also carried out to assess the potential impacts of higher temperatures on soybean growth and development. There were good agreements between model simulations of the crop parameters and the field measurements. The models effectively replicated the observations of LAI (MB = 0.339 kg ha-1; PMB = 26%; RMSE = 0.611 kg ha-1) and grain yields (MB = 3.28 kg ha-1; PMB = 0.17%; RMSE = 3.28 kg ha-1). Sensitivity tests revealed that additional warming up to 6oC could reduce VPD (~ 2.0%) and LAI (~ 23.5%). However, soybean ADM and grain yield improved with increase in temperatures near the optimal threshold value during the growing period. Further increase in temperatures by ≥ 4oC reducedthe ADM by ~ 23.8% and the grain yield by ~ 1%. The findings suggested that future warmer climate could have significant negative impacts on the growth and development of soybeans in the study area.
Title: Knowledge Level of Fish Farmers on Scientific Farming of Pengba (Osteobrama belangeri) in the Valleys of Manipur
Abstract :

A study was conducted to understand the knowledge level of fish farmers on scientific Pengba farming practices in the valleys of Manipur. Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Thoubal districts were purposively selected based on the higher concentration of Pengba farmers. After consultation with Department of Fisheries, Government of Manipur and with the village key informants, a total of 80 respondents were selected for the study. Primary data were collected through pre tested and structured interview schedule. Analysis of the collected data showed that majority (50%) of the respondents had medium level of knowledge towards scientific farming of Pengba. It was found that majority of the respondents had good knowledge of stocking appropriate size of Pengba in grow out ponds with a mean score value of 0.97. The study also revealed that the socio personal and socio economic characteristic such as age, experience in fisheries activities, annual income from Pengba farming and scientific orientation had significant relationship with the extent of knowledge level of the fish farmers towards scientific farming of Pengba at 5 % level of significance.

Title: Extending the Storage and Post-storage Life of Dragon Fruit Using a Cold Room (Ecofrost)
Abstract :

Storage at 10°C with 93% RH was evaluated as the best condition to maintain the post-harvest quality of the Dragon fruit. These fruit retained the lowest weight loss i.e. around 0.3% per day inside the cold room. While an average weight loss of 2.6% per day was measured during post-storage period. Fruit stored inside cold room of Ecofrost retained a maximum storage life upto 15 to 17 days and the post-storage life was recorded as 3 to 4 days. Shelf-life was recorded as 2.5 days in ordinary room conditions. Fruit stored at 10°C had 100% decay incidence after five days in ordinary room conditions.

Title: Development and Optimization of Rotary Blade for Tillage Equipment
Abstract :

In comparison with tractor drawn implements, rotary tillers are of particular interest in final seedbed preparation. In India vertical axis rotary tiller has been introduced in recent years by some farm equipment manufacturers. Farmers claim difference between horizontal and vertical axis rotary action but there are no scientific work compare them. Some research has been done on comparison between rotavator and conventional tillage implements. In this research, a quantitative basis for the description of torque created by different rake angle is given. The design optimization in terms of torque requirement has been carried out for the different rake angle viz., 5, 10 and 15 degree; forward speed viz., 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5; rotor rpm viz., 220, 270 and 310. At all groups the investigations indicated that the optimum torque was produced at 2.5 kmph with 270 rpm when the rake angle is 100.

Title: Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Pinus kesiya through Trans-specific Amplification of Nuclear SSR Markers
Abstract :

De novo primer development is cost intensive and time-consuming, therefore using primers developed for other species on the target species is a more preferred alternative. In the present study, a total of 47 primer pairs from P. taeda, P. merkusii, P. resinosa and P. densiflora were used for trans-specific amplification of P. kesiya. It was observed that only 5 (10.6%) primer pairs out of 47 transferred in P. kesiya which may be due to the phylogenetic distance of the target species from the source species. The expected heterozygosity (HE) ranged from 0.490 to 0.603 with a mean of 0.540 and the observed heterozygosity (HO) ranged from 0.044 to 0.819 with a mean of 0.342. The study has shown that the nuclear SSR markers can be utilized for estimating the genetic structure of P. kesiya populations. Results of the present work will go a long way in implementing proper strategies for the better management and conservation of P. kesiya forests and initiating tree improvement programmes in this species.

Title: Characterization of Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus Strain CKMV1 as a Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria
Abstract :
A bacterial collection of approximately thirty native strains were isolated from rhizosphere soil associated with the seedlings of Valeriana jatamansi grown in moist temperate forest located in and around Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The strain CKMV1 showed PGP traits like, phosphate solubilization (257.0 mg l-1), indole acetic acid (7.0 µ gml-1) and siderophore production
(53.43%) at 35±2ºC. Besides, the strain also exhibited growth on nitrogen free medium, hydrogen cyanide production and antifungal activity against different fungal pathogens. Significant growth inhibition of fungal pathogens occurred in the order as S. rolfsii > R. solani > D. necatrix > Alternaria spp.> F. oxysporum. The results suggested that the rhizosphere of native V.
jatamansi growing in their natural habitat of Chamba district of H.P. is a rich source of Bacillus sp., which have potential to be used in the future as PGP inoculants to improve crop productivity. Morphological, biochemical and molecular based characterization of a selected isolate CKMV1, based on sequence homology of a partial 1375-bp fragment of 16S rDNA amplicon with the ribosomal database sequence valiated the strain as Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus. Therefore, these results suggested that out of 30 isolates, Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus strain CKMV1 possessed multiple PGP traits thus can be further explored for its efficacy as effective PGPR.
Title: Energy Inputs and Yield Relationship in Greenhouse Okra Production by Bio-priming
Abstract :

Production of chemical fertilizers is associated with consumption of huge energy. In the present study, an attempt was made to assess the energy consumption in bio-priming mediated okra production under greenhouse conditions. Results showed that among all the treatments, seed priming with Trichoderma harzianum (NBRI 1055) along with 90% RDF was not only helpful in reducing fertilizer dose by 10%, but at the same time produced almost similar yield as compared to with 100% RDF. Bio-priming in different combination with chemical fertilizers had a positive impact on the chemical composition of okra. Bio-primed treatments saved 970 to 1670 KJ energy in producing unit produce as compared with 100% RDF. This proved that bio-priming is cost-effective, user, and eco-friendly technique solving numerous problems in agriculture. This technique requires the prerequisite of incorporating organic matter in soil and seen as complementary to inorganic fertilizer source, not as their replacement.

Title: Assessment of Meteorological Drought for Semi-Arid Region of Maharashtra
Abstract :

With the inception of climate change phenomenon occurrence of drought in a region has impacted the agricultural production. Occurrence of rainfall, its frequency and intensity are important characteristics which are being studied to trace the climate variability of any region. Standardized precipitation index was used to assess the drought for Solapur region of Maharashtra. Monthly rainfall data of 42 years of four monsoon months i.e. June, July, August and September was used to generate SPI values, based on these values drought was categorized into mild, moderate, severe and extreme drought. This study showed that there was deviation in rainfall received than the normal rainfall, also drought categories indicated that rainfall and its variation are critical and important for dry climatic conditions for crop planning .Based on drought assessment one can adopted drought mitigation strategies for drought proof agriculture in such rainfall deficit zone.

Title: Effect of Zinc and Iron Ferti-Fortification on Growth, Pod Yield and Zinc Uptake of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2014-15 at Agronomy field unit, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Raichur to study the effect of zinc and iron ferti-fortification on growth, pod yield and zinc uptake of groundnut genotypes. The soil of the experimental site was deep black, clay in texture with pH 8.4, deficient in DTPA extractable zinc and iron. Three groundnut genotypes in main plots and seven micronutrient treatments comprising of one control and three each of zinc and iron as soil, foliar and both were assigned in the sub-plot in a split-plot design replicated thrice. Results revealed that the groundnut genotype ICGV-00351 recorded significantly higher plant height and leaf area at harvest (40.05 cm and 5.40 dm2 plant-1, respectively), pod yield (2656 kg ha-1) and Zn uptake by kernels, haulm and total (59.29, 130.46 and 189.75 g ha-1, respectively) when compared to other genotypes. Among the micronutrients soil (25 kg ha-1) and foliar (0.5 %) application of ZnSO4 recorded significantly higher plant height and leaf area at harvest (42.09 cm and 6.30 dm2 plant-1, respectively), pod yield (2656 kg ha-1) and Zn uptake by kernels, haulm and total (67.42, 153.61 and 221.03 g ha-1, respectively) when compared to other treatments.

Title: Expression of ECMYB Transcription Factor Gene Under Different Abiotic Stress Conditions in Eleusine coracana
Abstract :

Plants are exposed to various abiotic stress conditions during their lifespan. Abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, extreme temperature, ROS etc. affect crop yield to great extent. Global warming may worsen the situation in the years to come in most agricultural regions. Therefore, it is critical to understand the mechanisms that enable plants to cope with water deficit. Strategies involving genetic engineering show great promise. Coordinated expression of stress responsive genes is very important for the survival of plant under stress conditions and the regulation is brought about by transcription factors (TF). Myb is a family of transcription factor comprising of a few drought responsive TF. The expression of the TF may be regulated with the onset of drought or other abiotic stress conditions. Eleusine coracana being a rainfed crop could be a good source to fish out drought responsive myb gene. The study was carried out to demonstrate the expression of Ecmyb gene in sensitive (PES-400) and tolerant (PRM6107) genotype of E. coracana under drought, cold, ROS and salt stress. Drought stress was provided by withholding water for 11 days whereas cold stress was provided by incubating the plants in BOD incubator at 40C for different time periods. Similarly salt stress was given by watering the plants with sodium chloride and ROS was created by spraying paraquat on the plants. RT-PCR was carried out to study the expression of Ecmyb gene in different stress conditions. The gene was expressed in the tolerant genotype in all the stress conditions except cold. However, no expression was observed in sensitive genotype under stress condition. Both the sensitive as well as tolerant genotypes did not show Ecmyb gene expression under unstressed condition. The study concludes that the expression of Ecmyb gene was induced with the onset of drought, ROS and salt stress. Cold stress had no effect on the expression of the gene. The transcript was sequenced and submitted to NCBI database (Accession No. JN107890). In-silico analysis showed maximum similarity with drought responsive genes of rice and maize. Future prospects include full length cloning and functional validation of the gene.

Title: Optimization of Protoplast Isolation Protocols from Callus Culture of Anacardium occidentale L.
Abstract :

Protoplast technology endeavors a unique single cell system that promotes several aspects of modern biotechnology. In the present study, an efficient protocol to isolate the protoplast from callus culture of a valuable plantation crop, Anacardium occidentale was developed. The phenolic compound released during digestion process caused protoplast injury resulted in low yielding. Further investigations revealed that pH 5.0 and osmotic concentration 0.5M mannitol were found suitable for maximum protoplasts yield. The results also indicated that the age of the callus tissues plays a key role in the yield of protoplasts in A.occidentale. During the study, youngcalli showed maximum protoplast yield when treated with cellulase (2.5 %), pectinase (2.5 %), hemicellulase (1.5%) and 20mM CaCl2 in 0.5M mannitol. Meanwhile, an incubationperiod of 4hours with enzyme solution resulted in the maximum yield of protoplasts (4.71 ± 0.15)×103 protoplasts/g FW. In short, the results generated in the study can be used as a platform to work out the protoplast technology in A.occidentale.

Title: Impact of Zinc and Iron Ferti-Fortification on Leaf Area Index, Kernel Yield, Shelling Percentage and Iron Uptake of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes
Abstract :

Results of the field experiment entitled “Studies on zinc and iron enrichment through ferti-fortification in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes” was conducted during rabi season of 2014-15 at Agronomy field unit, College of Agriculture, UAS, Raichur are discussed in this paper. The soil of the experimental site was deep black, clay in texture with pH 8.4, deficient in DTPA extractable zinc and iron. Three groundnut genotypes in main plots and seven micronutrient treatments comprising of one control and three each of zinc and iron as soil, foliar and both were assigned in the sub-plot in a split-plot design replicated thrice. Results revealed that the groundnut genotype ICGV-00351 recorded significantly higher leaf area index (1.79 at harvest), kernel yield and shelling percentage (1934 kg ha-1 and 72.77%) and Fe uptake by kernels, haulm and their total uptake (357.12, 517.71 and 874.83 g ha-1, respectively) as compared to other genotypes. Among the micronutrients, soil (25 kg ha-1) and foliar (0.5%) application of ZnSO4 recorded significantly higher leaf area index (2.10 at harvest), kernel yield (2051 kg ha-1) and shelling percentage (73.21 %) as compared to the other treatments. Whereas, uptake of Fe in kernels, haulm and their total uptake. Significantly higher uptake of Fe in kernels, haulm and total uptake of Fe in groundnut was recorded with soil (25 kg ha-1) and foliar (0.5 %) application of FeSO4 (427.56, 701.62 and 1129.18 g ha-1, respectively) over other treatments.

Title: Estimation of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Gain for Wood Density and Fibre Length in 36 Clones of White Willow (Salix Alba L.)
Abstract :
Variability of wood density and fibre length was determined in 36 genotypes of Salix alba L. procured from seven different European countries namely Italy, Hungary, U.K, Netherlands, Turkey, Yugoslavia and Croatia. Genetic parameters were worked
out with regards to estimate of heritability (broad sense), genetic advance, genetic gain as per cent of mean and correlation coefficient among them. Wood density was recorded in the range of 0.30-0.53 with mean value 0.40gcm-3 whereas fibre length ranged from 0.45-0.65 with mean 0.55mm. High heritability values show that the genetic control is stronger for wood density (h2=90.30) than for fibre length (h2=78.20). Both the characters were having high heritability with good genetic gain. Clone 84/22 from Turkey had given best performance in view of both the character. Further control crossing is underway to produce ideotype with regard to different end users.
Title: Soil Loss Estimation of a Watershed of Central India with Integration of Geospatial Techniques and Universal Soil Loss Equation
Abstract :

Soil erosion is a crucial problem and a critical environmental hazard in agricultural land, river catchments and reservoirs. Its assessment by various methods such as universal soil loss equation (USLE) is widely carried out by estimating the factors of the equation in a GIS environment. The Non-River catchment in Madhya Pradesh, India comprising of 836 sq. km area was studied for soil erosion and sediment losses in entirety as well as for its 33 sub catchments. The study revealed that a vertical fall of 230 meter with a sudden drop within 10 km generates a high erosion potential by runoff water in micro catchments numbered 1,2, 3, 7, 21 and 29. The erosivity (R) parameter of catchment suggested of medium precipitation but high kinetic energy in western and southern part of the catchment. The topographic factor (LS) in western part of the catchments is higher which covers the sub catchments referred above. The forest land, fallow land and ravine lands comprising of 43.79% of the total catchment area are having sparse-vegetation and steep slopes, and are more prone to the soil erosion. In the Non River catchment no conservation practices are followed. The total annual rate of soil erosion in the catchment, as obtained by multiplying USLE factors, ranged variably under different land uses. The erosion from the steep and sparsely vegetated sub catchments under forest and fallows is highest in the range of 5.90-10.25 t/ha/yr. However, the agricultural land comprising of 50% of the catchment area is under the ‘slight’ class of the erosion ranging from 0.05 to 2.57t/ha/yr.

Title: Microencapsulation of Probiotic Bacteria and its Potential Application in Food Technology
Abstract :
Today the use of probiotic bacteria in food is of increasing interest to provide beneficial health effects in the food industry. Microencapsulation technology can be used to maintain the viability of probiotic bacteria during food product processing and storage. However, it is unknown to consumers how these beneficial bacteria sustain viability in food products and in our bodies.
These microcapsules are artificially created to support the growth of the probiotic and provide protection from harsh external environments. Polysaccharides like alginate, gelan, carrageenan, chitosan and starch are the most commonly used materials in microencapsulation of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Techniques commonly applied for probiotic microencapsulation are emulsion, extrusion, spray drying, and adhesion to starch. It is done on bakery products, ready to eat cereals, dairy products etc. Now a days aseptic microencapsulation is introduced to biodegradable material. New creation and future progress will be carried by double microencapsulation, improving strain & culture.
Title: The Comparative Cost and Profit Analysis of Organic and Non-organic Farming Practices in the Mid Himalayan Region
Abstract :

The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three farming practices as main plots and four cropping systems as subplots with three replications. Among the farming practices organic farming practice (7571.40 kg ha-1) resulted in significantly highest MGEY where as production efficiency was found to be significantly higher under organic farming practice (20.74 kg ha-1 day-1) which remained at par with integrated farming practice (19.97 kg ha-1 day-1) and were found superior over inorganic farming practice. With non premium pricing inorganic farming practice resulted in lowest cost of cultivation and higher B:C ratio and Integrated farming practice resulted in higher net returns over organic farming practice. While, with the premium pricing of organic produce organic farming practice resulted in higher gross and net returns over inorganic farming practices. It is the premium price that makes organic systems more profitable. However, even without premiums, organic systems may be more profitable than conventional systems in the long run as organic management will enhance overall farm value.

Title: Influence Gamma Irradiation on Morphological Changes, Post Harvest Life and Mutagenesis in Gladiolus
Abstract :

Present investigation was carried out for 3 years (2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14) at Varanasi, India to find out influence of various gamma doses i.e. 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 kR along with untreated (control) in different varieties of gladiolus viz., Aldebaran, Jyotsana, Legend, Praha, Punjab Dawn, Pusa Kiran and Tiger Flame. Maximum number of opened florets in vase was recorded with control during 1st year, whereas during 2nd year it was higher with 2.5 kR. Among varieties maximum opened florets were exhibited with cvs. Jyotsana and Tiger Flame during 1st and 2nd, respectively. Gamma dose at 1.5 kR registered maximum number of opened florets at a time during both years. Longevity of first floret was more with 2.5 kR treatment. Maximum vase life was recorded with 5.5 and 2.5 kR during 1st and 2nd year respectively. Among the varieties, maximum vase life was recorded with cv. Punjab Dawn followed by cvs. Tiger Flame during 1st and 2nd years. Various morphological changes were observed with different doses (3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 kR) and an unstable mutant in variety Pusa Kiran was observed at 2.5 kR. However, a stable mutant during 3rd year of investigation was recorded in cv. Tiger Flame at 3.5 kR gamma irradiation. This mutant has orange-yellow colour flowers. Variation on flower shape, size and colour was exhibited than parent.

Title: Efficacy of Seed Invigoration Treatments with Fungicidal Formulations for Maintenance of Physiology, Enzyme Activity and Yield of Soybean
Abstract :

Pre-storage seed invigoration treatments in freshly harvested soybean seeds with powdered crude plant materials (red chilli powder @1g/kg of seed), chemicals (para-amino benzoic acid and ferulic acid @500mg/kg of seed) in combination with fungicides like captan@2g/kg of seed, thiram @2g/kg of seed and bio fungicide Trichroderma viride @4g/kg of seed significantly improved germinability, field performance and productivity over untreated control. Among the treatments, ferulic acid and red chilli powder has shown better results in improving storability and field performance. Seed protectants alone did not show significant differences. But captan incombination with ferulic acid has shown higher germinability and field performance than the control and other treatments. Biochemical studies revealed that pre-storage dry treated seeds with fungicidal formulations showed the activity of dehydrogenase, catalase and peroxidase enzymes were higher in all dry treated seeds compared to the untreated control. Among the treatment, ferulic acid and red chilli powder formulated with seed protectants viz. captan and thiram has shown higher enzyme activity. On the basis of the results, dry physiological treatments, ferulic acid and red chilli powder formulated with seed protectants captan and thiram suggested for improved storability and field performance of stored soybean seed. The interaction effect between physiological treatments and seed protectants were positively correlated.

Title: Studies on Physico-Chemical Constituents in Different Cultivars of Sweet Potato under West Bengal Condition
Abstract :

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is a low-input crop that can produce stable yields under suboptimal conditions. It is a nutritious and ample food source for humans and animals as well as a raw material for manufacturing. The experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Research Stationand AICRP Tuber Crops laboratory of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India from 2012-2014 to study the variability existing among the tubers after harvest. It has been found that the different cultivars had plant length (79.26-130.36 cm.), number of shoots/plant (7-13.67), number of leaves/plant (56.33-120), and number of tubers/plant (2.67-7), tuber weight (80.23-175.87 gm.), length (17.07-24.05 cm.), girth (3.42-5.28 cm.), yield/plant (2.97-10.78 kg/plant)and these varied significantly among the cultivars. The cultivars were observed to have good biochemical properties with moisture content (74.74-150.74 %), dry matter (18.42-31.62 %), TSS (6.43-11.25 °Brix), ascorbic acid (12.84-25.91 mg/100gm), total sugars (2.17-3.68 %), carbohydrate (15.67-28.42 mg/100g), protein (1.09-3.08 %)and starch (8.23-15.56%).They have also high sensory scores (7.20-8.55) based on the results obtained from overall acceptability. Cultivar IGSP-15, S-61 and ST-14 were identified to be superior considering all qualitative aspects like morphological characteristics, overall acceptability, biochemical compositions like good nutritional value, antioxidant property and suitable for processing purposes which can be selected for further improvement and can be promoted for cultivation. Results show that these sweet potato varieties have potentials of biological properties and could have wide utility in food, alcohol and sugar industries. In addition, it could serve as a promising source of protein and its consumption could be utilized in the management of diseases that implicate free radicals.

Title: Isolation and Assessment of Plant Growth Promoting Activity of Siderophore Producing Pseudomonas fluorescens in Crops
Abstract :
The Pseudomonas fluorescens a major Rhizobacteria encourage the plant growth through producing yellowish green fluroscent siderophore involve in high affinity transport of iron into the cell. The P. fluorescens isolates grow in iron deficient media because of production capacity of siderophore depends on iron content. Fifty nine Pseudomonas fluorescens were isolated in King’s B
media under 260 nm wavelengths from the rhizosphere and non-rhizospheric soil of cave, forest, fellow land and agriculture field in Chhattisgarh region. The amounts of siderophore produce by P. fluorescens isolates were screen in iron deficient succinate media and most of them were found positive for the production of much siderophores. One of the isolate from Pakhanjore area
“P3” produce highest siderophore, which further assessed for plant growth promotion activities of crops rice, urd, mung and arhar. The study showed significantly higher increase in root length over control plants was observed in Rice (68.45%) followed by Urd (40.1%), Mung (33.71%) and Arhar (29.53%). Similarly, significantly higher increase in shoot length over control plants was observed in Rice (68.925%) followed by Urd (43.42%), Mung (39.96%) and Arhar (19.45%). It has been shown that these bacteria competively colonize plant roots and cause the plant statistically significant root and shoot increases by stimulating plant growth and reduce the incidence of plant disease of above mention crops under green house of tray culture conditions.
Title: Genetics of fertility restoration and agronomic performance of CMS based hybrids in pigeonpea
Abstract :

In the study, CMS based hybrid combination involving two male sterile lines (Cajanus cajanifolius) and four restorer lines in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) were studied to determine the genetics of fertility restoration in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.). Based on the pollen fertility and pod setting, F2 segregating populations were categorised. Out of two major genes governing the fertility restoration, one gene segregated in the ratio of 9:3:4 whereas the second gene in 12:3:1 due to the allelic differences. The ICPA 2043/ LRG 41 and ICPA 2043/NDA 1 hybrids fits best for agronomical aspects as they showed earliness with respect to flowering and maturity having more number of pods plant-1, increase in pod length along with more seed yield plant-1. CMS system is a useful tool serving to increase seed yield production of various crops and consummate the demands of increasing populations.

Title: Nature of Variations in Managing Information by Fish Farmers: A Case Study from West Tripura District, India
Abstract :

The present study was undertaken to analyze the information management behaviour of fish farmers in West Tripura, Tripura. An ex-post-facto research design was followed for the study and West Tripura district was purposively selected based on the prevalence of fish farmers in the district. A sample of 80 fish farmers were selected randomly from the eight selected villages from four blocks of the district. A structured interview schedule was used to collect the information through personal interview. The results showed that majority of the respondents belonged to medium category (62.50%) of information management behaviour, followed by low (21.25%) and high (16.25%) categories. A positive and significant relationship was observed between information management behaviour of fish farmers with independent variables i.e., education, annual income, experience in fisheries, extension contact, achievement motivation, economic motivation, information source exposure, credibility of information source and training exposure.

Title: Effect of Agro-chemicals on Severity of Bacterial Blight and Fruit Quality in Pomegranate
Abstract :

Bacterial blight of pomegranate caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae is a wide spread disease affecting pomegranate production and quality of fruit in Punjab. In-vitro evaluation of agrochemicals indicated that blitox at 3000 ppm followed by kocide 2500 ppm successfully managed the disease. A field experiment was also conducted for its management at New orchard, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during, 2013. Three sprays of the agro-chemicals were done at 15 days interval starting from end June to end July on Mridula variety of pomegranate. Among the various treatments, blitox (0.3%) + streptocycline (250 ppm) proved most effective in reducing per cent disease index, per cent fruit cracking and providing maximum disease control. Quality parameters viz., TSS, acidity, weight, pulp colour, juice weight etc. were also studied. Maximum TSS, fruit weight, juice weight, pulp weight, 100 grain weight and total grain weight were observed in blitox (0.3%) + streptocycline (250 ppm) followed by kocide (0.25%) + streptocycline (250 ppm) sprayed fruits.

Title: Current Trends in Extraction Methodologies for Pesticide Residues in Food Matrices
Abstract :
Inevitable presence of pesticides in foods demands development of efficient multiresidue methods for risk evaluation. Extraction of pesticide trace contaminants from foodstuffs is a laborious task. Development of reliable sample preparation procedures, characterized by the simplicity of both the operations and the devices involved in analytical process is need of the hour. Effective minimization of sample sizes; and the amount of solvents used in extraction is also a priority. Traditional solvent dedicated approach such as liquid- liquid extraction have been taken over by integrated techniques (SFE, SPE, MSPD) and automated microextraction based methods. Moreover, introduction of solventless techniques
have become a benchmark to so-called “green chemistry”, in analytical perspective. The review accounts upcoming trends and aspects of extraction methodologies, involved in pesticide analysis of food and future prospects in the view of same.
Title: A Study of Air Pollution Status by Estimation of APTI of Certain Plant Species Around Pratapnagar Circle in Udaipur City
Abstract :

The sensitivity level of plants to air pollutants is evaluated by air pollution tolerance index (APTI). Parameters of leaf like pH, relative water content, chlorophyll, ascorbic acid were analyzed for the computation of air pollution tolerance index (APTI). In the present research, leaf sample of different plant species like Ficus religiosa (Peepal), Nerium indicum (Kaner), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Mangifera indica (Aam), Cassia fistula (Amal tas), Eucalyptus (Nilgiri), Ficus religiosa (Peepal) and Calotropis procera (Aak) were taken from Pratapnagar Circle of Udaipur city, which is connected from national highways and has a heavy load of vehicles. The results obtained showed highest APTI values of Eucalyptus (Nilgiri), followed by Mangifera indica (Aam), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ficus religiosa (Peepal) and Nerium indicum (Kaner).

Title: Endometrial Cytology to Diagnose Subclinical Endometritis in Cows
Abstract :

Endometrial cytology is a method commonly used in gynaecological practice for the diagnosis of reproductive disorders in cattle. This is due to the unusual structure of the cervix, which make reaching the uterus difficult. Proper preparation and evaluation of cytological smears depend not only on the experience of the personal performing the examination but also on the selection of an appropriate method for obtaining material from the uterus. Cytological examination is performed in cows mainly in order to exclude or confirm subclinical endometritis when ultrasonography reveals only slight changes or no irregularities. Subclinical endometritis (SE) is defi ned as inflammation of the endometrium in the absence of any signs of clinical endometritis such as purulent vaginal discharge and is associated with delayed uterine involution. SCE is also known as cytological endometritis on the basis of “an elevated ratio of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) in endometrial cytology samples. Endometritis is indicated 21-33 d after parturition if leukocytes exceed 18% and 34-47 d after parturition if the percentage exceeds 10%.

Title: A Method for Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Jute Stick Alpha Cellulose
Abstract :

In India, a huge quantity of jute (Corchorus spp.) stick is being produced as a primary by-product of jute fibre (economic part) cultivation every year, and the common practice in vogue is to burn such resides as firewood for domestic energy purposes. Present study aimed to utilize this jute stick alpha cellulose as raw material for synthesis of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) under microwave radiation. The samples were characterized by FTIR and degree of polymerization. Effect of various mineral acids under microwave radiation were also tested. This study reported a new method for preparing MCC from jute stick alpha cellulose by microwave radiation (650W for 45 min at 80 oC). The order of finer MCC was HCl>HNO3> H2SO4 whereas, the yield order was HCl>H2SO4> HNO3. The developed MCC could be explored for pharmaceutical and other applications.

Title: Comparative Economic Analysis of Aggregate Crop Revenue in Jabalpur and Katni Districts of Madhya Pradesh
Abstract :
This paper tries to analyze the dynamics of aggregate crop revenue and the changes in the composition of various constituent factors of changes in aggregate revenue of two districts of Kymore Plateau and Satpura hills agro-climatic region of Madhya Pradesh, i.e., Jabalpur and Katni, by using one of the Index decomposition analysis (IDA) methods, i.e., Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI), for a period from 2007-08 to 2016-17. The aggregate crop revenue was decomposed into the area, yield, price, and cropping pattern effect. The analysis indicated that a significant portion of the cropped area of the districts was covered by wheat, paddy, and gram. In Katni district, a shift of cropping pattern was more inclined towards oilseeds & pulses, while in Jabalpur, it was more towards food grains. The predominant factor contributing to the overall revenue in Katni districts was the yield effect, while in Jabalpur, it was the price effect. However, the contribution of the cropping pattern effect was relatively negligible compared to other effects in both districts. The highest share in aggregate crop revenue from wheat and paddy crops, predominantly contributed by yield effect and price effect. The study suggests further improving and stabilizing the yield of the crops and implementation of policies focused on improving the cropping pattern in the districts.
Title: Single Cell Proliferation to Produce Monoclonal Population of Transfected Caprine Fibroblast Cell
Abstract :

Transfected cell lines are widely used in biological research. Cell heterogeneity within a population can be vital to its unusual function and fate. Mixed mutants may not be as informative regarding which cell responds to our treatment. Cell to cell differences in RNA transcripts and protein expression further complicate the condition. To understand the real affect on the treated cells, researchers want to have single cell monoclonal population to provide correct information for getting truly transfected cell population. With this fact, we focus on the single cell isolation from transfected cells and its proliferation, which include methods of single cell pickup, analysis of media supplements on growth parameters and optimizing the best condition for single cell proliferation. Dilution method and Single cell pickup with mouth pipette method were compared for their efficacy. Rotational media supplement was found better than the regular medium used for cell growth. To explore the best suitable conditions for cell proliferation and survival, the cell viability percentage, total cell count, cell proliferation rate and population doubling time were calculated at different time interval in different media supplement groups.

Title: Screening of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata L.) Genotypes under Sodic Ecosystem
Abstract :
Sodicity is a major abiotic stress reducing the yield of a wide variety of crops all over the world. Soil sodicity is a significant crop production constraint around the world. Inherited tolerance is a precursor to pre-breeding and breeding tolerant cultivars. In order to investigate the antioxidant enzymes activity, 17 genotypes of pumpkin for sodicity tolerance studies were taken up at Horticultural College and Research Institute for Women, Tiruchirappalli using Randomized Block Design with three replications. The antioxidant enzyme system of plants plays an important role in the scavenging of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that accumulate during stress and is the first line of defence to counter the deleterious stress effects. Proline content significantly increased in salt-tolerant genotypes under sodic soil condition. Catalase and peroxidase activity which plays a significant role in abiotic stress. Significantly decreased in salt-sensitive genotype while significantly increased in salt tolerant genotypes. The salt-tolerant genotype CM -11 (Madurai) maintained higher levels of chlorophyll (3.7 mg/g) and proline content (428 mg/g) as well as catalase (278 mg of H2O2 g-1 hr-1) and peroxidase activities (272 mg of H2O2 g -1 hr-1) under sodic soil condition followed by CM -12 (Sedapatti) and CM-1 (Old Ayakkudi) which might be the mechanism responsible for sodicity tolerance. These germplasm accessions can be used in further breeding programme.
Title: Adverse Effects of Climate Change on Environment: A Review
Abstract :
In present days almost 84% of world’s energy is produced by burning fossil fuels and rest from others. Also almost 64.5% of electricity is generated by using fossils. As a result of burning them, a large amount of smoke is released into the atmosphere, which includes carbon dioxide and many other harmful substances, polluting the air and causing a rise in temperature. Deforestation is occurring in many places for construction purposes, but afforestation is not occurring in such a manner deforestation is occurring. It is also responsible for the enormous change in climate. So as much as we should plant, also we have to depend more on the renewable energies (Green energy) to give a balanced climate to our environment. Climate change is one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues. India is confronted with a number of issues. Climate change has a number of negative consequences for agriculture, water resources, forests and biodiversity, health, coastal management, and temperature rise. The major consequence of climate change on India is a decrease in agricultural productivity. Agriculture supports the bulk of the people, either directly or indirectly. Climate change would add to the stress placed on natural and socioeconomic systems, which are already under immense strain as a result of increasing industrialization, urbanisation, and economic expansion. The impacts of climate change, as well as its different components, are discussed in this work.
Title: Bioinformatics Information of Leguminosae Family in Gujarat State
Abstract :
Bioinformatics is the computational analysis of biological data, consisting of the information stored in the form of DNA, Protein and Genome sequences in various biological databases. Leguminosae family is one of the largest families that contain thousands of species of Plants, Herbs, Shrubs and Trees worldwide. There are more than 250 species of this family which are found in Gujarat state. There are three subfamilies of Leguminosae family which are Fabaceae (Papilionoideae), Caesalpiniaceace and Mimosaceae. Gujarat is a state in north-western India. It has an area of 78,687 sq mi (203,800 km2) with a coastline of 1,600 km; its capital city is Gandhinagar, while its largest city is Ahmedabad. In this paper authors have collected Bioinformatics information available of 148 out of 266 Leguminosae family species like DNA, PROTEIN and Genome information of Leguminosae family from NCBI database.
Title: Contents Vol. 14, No. 3, September 2021
Abstract :
Title: Effect of Sludge, Woolen Carpet Waste and Press Mud on Rice Grain Quality and Soil Fertility: A Review
Abstract :

Now-a-day’s biodegradable organic sources are gaining global importance for the cultivation of crops specially in the rice culture. The organic wastes like digested sludge, wooden carpet waste and press mud proved equally effective in rice crop compared to other organic sources with respect to milling and cooking qualities and volume expansion ratio. The building up the total amylase and protein content in rice grain was more effective when organic sources were used in comparison to inorganic or other sources of N. The soil bulk density and electrical conductivity was reduced by the application of organic sources thereby increasing the water holding capacity and the availability of organic carbon or P, K, S and micronutrients such as Fe, Zn, Cu content of the soil.

Title: Effect of Salinity and pH Ranges on the Growth and Biochemical Composition of Marine Microalga- Nannochloropsis salina
Abstract :

Nannochloropsis salina is a free living unicellular marine microalga. The present study analyse the influence of salinity and pH on the growth and biochemical composition of this microalga. The alga could tolerate a wide range of salinities. Maximum growth rate and production of chlorophyll, carotenoids and protein was noted in cultures with 40ppt salinity. Cultures with a salinity of 50ppt recorded maximum carbohydrate and lipid production. However, the organism could not tolerate low salinity levels as no growth was observed at zero and 10ppt salinity. The optimum pH required for the maximum production of biochemicals varied considerably. While maximum growth rate and Chl a production were noted at pH 9, carotenoid production was more in cultures with pH 6. Production of protein and carbohydrate was high at pH 10, and lipid at pH 7.

Title: Diversity in Sesame Accessions
Abstract :

Sesame known to be the most ancient oilseed crop in the world and well recognized for good quality edible oil due its high PUFA content, antioxidant properties, excellent nutritional and medicinal properties. The present investigation aims at analyzing the genetic diversity of 205 genotypes for 8 morphological characters. Phenotypic coefficients of variation exhibited a bit higher values but maintained a close relation with genotypic variation and genotypic co-efficient of variation for all the traits, indicating low G×E interaction. A combination of high heritability (broad sense) and high genetic advance indicate preponderance of additive gene action which is fixable. Additive gene action was prominent for the traits like no of capsules/plant, seed yield/plant, and primary branches/plant. Hierarchical cluster analysis based on agro-morphological traits results revealed that the inter cluster distance in most cases was larger indicating wider diversity among the germplasm of different groups. The maximum inter cluster distance was found between clusters V and III, followed by clusters V and II, clusters VI and II. The principal component analysis revealed that capsule number and 1000-seed weight had a strong relation with seed yield, suggesting the need for more emphasis on these components for increasing the seed yield in sesame.

Title: Plastid Genome Engineering and its Potential Applications: A Review
Abstract :

Plastid genome engineering is a credible tool for the basic biotechnological research and various innovative techniques have led to the better understanding of the complex processes involved in the plastid transformation. Plastids in higher plants are the major biosynthetic centers for photosynthesis which is the main source of energy requirement. Plastids have their own genome i.e. plastome which is maternally inherited in most angiospermic plant species. Although production of transgenic plants has traditionally been through expression of transgene in the nucleus, but plastid transformation is considered more attractive and efficient target for genetic engineering due to several advantages over nuclear transformation including high level of foreign protein, eliminating the risk of cross pollination with weeds, absence of silencing mechanism and ability to engineer multiple genes rather than a single gene. The potential utility of plastid genome engineering has been explored in development of crops with various agronomic traits, development of vaccine, biopharmaceuticals, therapeutic proteins, biomaterials and industrial enzymes, which will definitely prove beneficial in near future. Plastid transformation is still to be fully utilized for product commercialization, because of the problems associated with protein purification and expression level control. This review article highlights the various possibilities and potential applications of plastid genome engineering for generation of marker free transplastomic plants, improvement in agronomic traits and role of plastids in the production of cost effective biopharmaceuticals and biomaterials.

Title: Optimization of Culture Condition and Influence of Mediators on Degradation of Reactive Magenta-HB Dye Using Ganoderma cupreum AG-1
Abstract :
Reactive dyes are important chemical pollutants from the textile industries. Utilization of microbes including white rot fungi for decolorization of synthetic dyes is one promising strategy of an environmental friendly and cost-competitive alternative to physico-chemical decomposition processes for the treatment of industrial effluents. The present study investigates the
biodegradation and decolorization of reactive dyes using white rot fungi Ganoderma cupreum AG-1. Physico-chemical parameters including carbon and nitrogen sources, initial glucose and yeast extract concentration, pH, temperature, initial dye concentration, along with the effect of various metal ions and mediators were studied for the decolorization of Reactive Magenta-HB dye. The fungal isolate efficiently decolorized Reactive Magenta HB within 48 h at 28°C, at pH 5.0 and under optimized conditions 94.20
±1% dye decolorization was obtained within 48 h. The effect of mediators on laccase, manganese peroxidase (MnP) and manganese independent peroxidase (MnIP) were also studied. The decolorization of Reactive Magenta-HB dye was monitored by UV–Visible spectroscopy while dye degradation was studied by HPTLC and FTIR spectroscopy.
Title: Effect of Water Deficit on Growth, Physiology and Yield of Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] Genotypes
Abstract :
Drought is the major abiotic stress affect the crop growth throughout the life cycle and ultimately reduced the crop yield. Therefore, the present investigation was conducted during kharif-2018 at Sorghum Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Deesa, to determine the effect drought at flowering stage of sorghum on growth and physiology which finally leads to the impact on yield. Trial was laid out in Split Plot Design, with 12 genotypes in five replications under control and water deficit conditions. Genotypic variability was observed for the growth, physiology and yield parameters. In case of relative growth rate, net assimilation rate and crop growth rate, genotype DS 183 again proved significantly superior to rest of all other genotypes under water deficit condition. The genotype DS 183 recorded maximum relative water content, membrane stability and SPAD meter reading. The genotype DS 186 registered maximum drought tolerance efficiency. It was concluded that genotype DS 183 recorded maximum grain yield due to the maintenance of higher water status and growth rate in water deficit condition as compare to other sorghum genotypes.
Title: A Study on Environmental Sustainability Index of Vegetable Farming in Himachal Pradesh
Abstract :

Vegetable farming has paved new path of economic development in hilly states like Himachal Pradesh. Now farmers are capable of harvesting more monetary value per unit of land. Most of the farmers in the state have marginal land holding and traditional agriculture could not sustain farming community in geographically isolated hills. New dimensions added to hill agriculture has also brought new challenges and now it become concern whether these changes are ecologically viable? what is the level of environmental sustainability, and how it can be improved? To answer all these questions present study was conducted in Himachal Pradesh with the objectives of; developing sustainability index for vegetable farming; to establish relationship between various socio-economic variables with environmental sustainability of vegetable farms and to find effect of group action on environmental sustainability. Study reveal that majority of farms of SHG members were moderately sustainable to sustainable and of non-member majority of vegetable farms found in least sustainable to moderately sustainable. Thus, group action in the form of SHGs can be considered as a holistic approach to increase environmental sustainability of vegetable farming in the state. Education status and extension contacts of the farmers found to have positive impact on environmental sustainability of vegetable farming in the state.

Title: Evaluation of Siderophore Production and Antimicrobial Activity by Fluorescent Pseudomonas Diversity Associated with Rhizosphere of Apple and Pear
Abstract :

Replant problem is very serious problem which suppresses growth and yield of apple and pear in all major fruit growing areas of the world. Fluorescent Pseudomonas has potential to synthesize different secondary metabolites with diverse PGPR activities which enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. Under this study, twenty- six Pseudomonas strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of apple and pear plants from their normal and replant sites. All the isolates were positive for catalase, oxidase, denitrification test, lecithinase test and tween 80 hydrolysis. They were further screened for antifungal and siderophore production. Maximum siderophore production was recorded in isolates AN-1-UHF, AN-3-UHF, PN- 7-UHF and PN-13-UHF whereas, maximum antifungal activity against Dematophora sp., Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria sp. and Pythium sp. was recorded in isolates AN-1-UHF, AN-3-UHF and PN-13-UHF. It was found that Pseudomonas sp. isolated from the replant sites showed comparatively less siderophore and antifungal activities. These potential isolates could be further used as biocontrol agents against various fungal pathogens in apple and pear orchards.

Title: Impact of Fly Ash on Soil Properties and Productivity
Abstract :

Fly ash is considered as a good soil & source of secondary plant nutrients as well as micronutrients and can significantly improve the physio-chemical properties of the soil due to increase in porosity and water holding capacity. It can efficiently be used as a source of pesticide carrier, plant growth promoter etc. It has also been reported to be safe for agricultural application in context of toxicology & radioactivity. The poor infiltration and fine texture of clay soil causes water logging problem and reduces biological activities in soil. In contrast to this, loose particle and higher in filterability in sandy soil results in low water holding capacity and poor nutrient retention. Fly ash, a waste product of thermal power plants, causes environmental pollution and is hazardous to human health. Fly ash may be used as amendment to improve soil properties and plant growth in soils. The addition of 20% fly ash in decade soil and up to 30% in sandy soils improved the germination, plant height, biological and grain yield of wheat. The addition of fly-ash has also shown improvement in the soil properties viz. texture, structure and bulk density. Permeability of clay loam soil increased from 0.54cm/hr to 2.14cm/hr by the addition of 50% fly ash whereas it decreased from 23.80 cm/hr to 9.67 cm/hr in sandy soil by addition of 50% fly-ash. Water holding capacity of sandy soil also increased from 0.38 cm/cm to 0.53 cm/cm at 50% level. The agricultural productivity increased by addition up to 30% fly ash and 10% compost in different type of soil as experimented in the present study.

Title: Microbiological Quality of Water Stored in Copper, Earthenware and Stainless Steel Vessels
Abstract :
A study was conducted to compare the effect of storage of water in copper, earthenware and stainless steel vessels on coliform count and aerobic plate count. Water samples contaminated with animal excreta was collected from farms and aerobic plate count and coliform count was estimated. The samples were then stored in copper, earthenware and stainless steel vessels for ten days at room temperature and the counts were taken on third, sixth and tenth days. Initial mean aerobic plate count of sample was 9.18±0.38 log10 cfu/ml, which came down to 4.99±0.12 log10 cfu/ml, 5.87±0.47 log10 cfu/ml and 5.21±0.42 log10 cfu/ml respectively, in copper, earthenware and stainless steel vessels on third day of storage. By tenth day of storage of water, copper vessel could eliminate 83 per cent of aerobic bacteria, earthenware vessel could eliminate 77 per cent of aerobic bacteria and stainless steel vessel could eliminate only 70 per cent of aerobic bacteria. Coliforms were completely eliminated from copper vessel by third day of storage. Whereas, earthenware vessel retained 66 percent of initial coliforms on third day of storage, and it took seven to ten days for complete removal of coliforms from earthenware vessel. Stainless steel vessel retained 23.5 per cent of initial coliforms on
tenth day of storage. It could be concluded that use of copper vessels for storing drinking water in households is an effective water purification method.
Title: Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies of Yield and Yield Component in Maize Hybrids (Zea mays L.) Under Kymore Plateau and Satpura Hill Region of Madhya Pradesh
Abstract :

The study to estimate genetic parameters and to identify agronomic traits correlated with the grain yield of maize hybrids using an experiment was conducted at the Research Farm, JNKVV Jabalpur (MP) during the year 2012-13 consisting of seven newly developed maize hybrids and one composite variety. The experimental design was a randomized block design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed high significant difference for all the twelve characters studied. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotype coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters indicating the little influence of environment on the characters. All the qualitative characters illustrated high estimates of heritability, which indicates preponderance of additive gene action in the inheritance of these characters. High to moderate degree of genetic advance was observed for grain yield and stover yield, which was followed by cob weight and grains /cob. The genotypic correlations were higher in magnitude than phenotypic correlation and in the same direction. Grain yield had a significant positive correlation at both genotypic and phenotypic level with stover yield, grains/ cob, grains/ row, shelling percentage, grain rows /cob, cob /plant, harvest index, cob weight, cob girth and seed index. Thus, these characters may serve as effective selection parameters during the breeding programme for crop improvement.

Title: Gene effects and genetic analysis of indigenous land races and improved cultivars for yield and yield components in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Abstract :
Rice is one of the crucial staple food crops and its unique grains assist to hold two third of world population. Generation mean analysis is commonly used in studies of inheritance of quantitative traits. Experimental material consisted of ten parents which included six high yielding varieties used as female parents and four traditional landraces used as male parents, F1, F2 and F3 generation of six crosses viz., IR 72 x Veeradangan, ADT 39 x Kavuni, ADT 45 x Kavuni, ADT 43 x Navara, ASD 16 x Navara and
TPS 4 x Kathanellu. Seven biometrical characters indicated that additive and dominance x dominance gene actions were predominant with duplicate type of gene action for fi ve biometrical characters viz., plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length, number of fi lled grains per panicle and single plant yield. The epiststic eff ects, additive x additive [i] and dominance x dominance [h] were highly signifi cant in most cases. The signs of (h) and (l) were opposite in all studied traits for most crosses. Non-allelic gene interaction was operating in the control of genetic variation in most studied traits. Also, the inheritance of all studied traits was controlled by additive and non-additive genetic eff ects, but dominance gene eff ects play the major role in controlling the genetic variation of the most studied traits. Present study indicated that early generation selection is eff ective and should be
practiced for future breeding program. 
Title: Soil moisture distribution under different lateral and dripper spacing of surface drip irrigation system in clay loam soil
Abstract :
The status, availability and distribution of moisture distribution within a crop’s root zone aff ect the yield and growth of crops. To increase the effi ciency of the water use while reducing water losses due to evaporation, the precise distribution of water around the emi
Title: Impact of KVK Interventions on Socio-economic Status of Beneficiary Households in Dharwad District
Abstract :
The government and non-government agencies have started many projects and programmes with an aim to eradicate poverty, unemployment and enhance income among the rural poor. The turning point and giant leap in this direction came with the establishment of Farm Science Centre or Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) by ICAR in 1974. Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the light house for rural people, is an innovative science based institution, which undertakes vocational training of farmers, farm women, and rural youths, conducts on-farm research for technology refinement and organizes frontline demonstration to promptly demonstrate the latest agriculture technologies to the farmers as well as the extension workers. The study was conducted in Dharwad district of Karnataka and KVK, Dharwad was purposively selected. Further, a sample of 40 respondents who were influenced by the three most important income and employment enhancing interventions namely household enterprise, vermicomposting and seed production were selected randomly. Thus, the total sample consisted of 120 respondents. It was clear that before the KVK intervention, majority of the respondents were under the low category of socio-economic status. These selected KVK interventions made farmers to generate adequate income, by acting as a subsidiary source of income. This led to the transformation of respondents from low socio-economic status to the medium category
Title: Participatory Evaluation of Artificial Insemination (AI) Service Delivery and Semen Quality in Northern Ethiopia
Abstract :

This study was conducted to assess artificial insemination service delivery system, and major constraints in urban and peri-urban areas of Adigrat, and comparison of semen quality parameters between Adigrat AI center and Tigray Region main AI center, north Ethiopia. The study involved group discussion, cross sectional survey and laboratory analysis of semen quality parameters. A total of 60 households (30 from urban and 30 from peri-urban) were selected for cross sectional survey. Sperm quality parameters were analyzed on 60 straws of frozen semen taken from Adigrat and the regional artificial insemination centers (AIC). From the survey study, 43.3 and 46.7% of urban and peri-urban AI beneficiaries, respectively, were not satisfied with the overall AIT service delivery system. About 30% of urban and 43.3% of peri-urban households indicated that, they didn’t get AI service on weekend and holidays. About 26.67% and 43.3% of the participants in urban and peri-urban areas, respectively reported that, there was a shortage of AI technicians. Hence, about 63.3% and 66.7% of urban and peri-urban AI service users, respectively, switch to bull service when AI technicians were absent. From the semen quality analysis, the overall mean frozen semen motility and live sperm were 52.0±1.01 and 55.9±0.87, respectively. Semen motility and live sperm were affected (p<0.05) by AI centers (regional/district) but not affected (p>0.05) by batch number and blood level. Therefore, it was concluded that the efficiency of AI service in the study area should be improved through appropriate heat detection, improved capacity of AI technicians, awareness creation, and improved semen management practices.

Title: Efficacy of imazethapyr and other herbicides on weed growth and yield of kharif blackgram
Abstract :

A two year field experiment was conducted during the the kharif season of 2014 and 2015 at Agricultural Farm, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal, with blackgram variety ‘WBU-108’ to study the effect of imazethapyr and other herbicides on weed growth, productivity and economics of kharif blackgram. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications and eight treatments. From the investigation it revealed that Digitaria sanguinalis among the grasses; Cyperus iria among the sedges and Ludwigia parviflora and Croton bonplandianum among the broadleaved weeds were predominant throughout the cropping period. Higher doses of imazethapyr (75, 100 and 125 g ha-1) applied at 20 DAS effectively controlled the grasses, broadleaved and sedges in blackgram at 45 DAS. Yield reduction due to weed competition was to the extent of 26-29% in kharif blackgram. Lower values of weed density, total weed dry weight, weed index and higher values of weed control efficiency, seed yield, net return and return per rupee invested were registered with application of imazethapyr at 75 g ha-1 at 20 DAS which was at par with by imazethapyr at 100 g ha-1 at 20 DAS. These treatments may be recommended for managing complex weed flora and obtaining higher yield and net return of kharif blackgram in the lateritic belt of West Bengal, India.

Title: Extremophiles: An Overview of Microorganism from Extreme Environment
Abstract :
Extremophilic organisms are primarily prokaryotic (archaea and bacteria), with few eukaryotic examples. Extremophiles are defined by the environmental conditions in which they grow optimally. The organisms may be described as acidophilic (optimal growth between pH 1 and pH 5); alkaliphilic (optimal growth above pH 9); halophilic (optimal growth in environments with high concentrations of salt); thermophilic (optimal growth between 60 and 80 °C); hyperthermophilic (optimal growth above 80 °C); psychrophilic (optimal growth at 15 °C or lower, with a maximum tolerant temperature of 20 °C and minimal growth at or below 0 °C); piezophilic, or barophilic (optimal growth at high hydrostatic pressure); oligotrophic (growth in nutritionally limitedenvironments); endolithic (growth within rock or within pores of mineral grains); and xerophilic (growth in dry conditions, with low water availability). Some extremophiles are adapted  imultaneously to multiple stresses (polyextremophile); common examples include hermoacidophiles and haloalkaliphiles. Extremophiles are of biotechnological interest, as they produce extremozymes, defined as enzymes that are functional under extreme conditions. Extremozymes are useful in industrial production procedures and research applications because of their ability to remain active under the severe conditions typically employed in these processes. The study of extremophiles provides an understanding of the physicochemical parameters defining life on Earth and may provide insight into how life on Earth originated. The postulations that extreme environmental conditions existed on primitive Earth and that life arose in hot environments have led to the theory that extremophiles are vestiges of primordial organisms and thus are models of ancient life.
Title: Micronutrients Status Under Different Tree Species Plantations in Entisol Soil and its Relationship with AMF Root Colonization
Abstract :

Entisol soil dominates in Chhattisgarh which do not support any vegetation because of preponderance of granular iron oxides, and nutrients and water deficiencies and poor microbial activities. In the present study secondary and micronutrients contents in entisol soil in 25 year old forest plantations comprising 09 different species have evaluated with its relationship on symbiotic Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in roots for the screening of tree species suitable in entisol. The highest root colonization was 62% exhibited in D. sissoo and in T. arjuna while the lowest in A. indica (30%). Soil moisture ranged 10.03 to 12.3% varied significantly with different tree species at P<0.01. Sulfur and calcium content of soil found high in soil under Eucalyptus globulus plantation. Boron, Cu and Mn content were higher under D. sisoo and T. arjuna compared to other tree species plantations. A positive correlation recorded between AMF root colonization with different soil attributes viz. Mg (r2 0.037), B (r2 0.116), Cu (r2 0.210), Fe (r2 0.114), Mn (r2 0.187) and Zn (r2 0.119) was an indicative of the benefits of AMF to host tree species even in old plantations. Variations on tree species and soil parameters were observed significantly, however it was unpredictable to confirm that the particular tree species have better effects on the parameter of nutrients accumulated in rhizosphere soil and on the basis of AMF colonization in tree species plantations at this age.

Title: Future Strategies for Sustainable Livelihood of small and marginal farmers in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir
Abstract :

The aim of the contribution was to determine the Future strategies for sustainable livelihood of small and marginal farmers in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. There are 160 Gram panchayats, 385 villages and 4 towns viz. Rajouri, Thanamandi, Nowshera and Sunderbani. The district constitutes 8.81 percent of the geographical area of the state. There are 7 revenue tehsils viz; Rajouri, Thanamandi, Nowshera, Sunderbani, Budhal and Darhal with a total of 9 revenue blocks. The study based on the primary data in Rajouri district covering equal samples under major farming systems was elicited through survey method for the period 2014-15. It was observed that there is a need to focus on sustaining the productivity gains in the irrigated agriculture, the major emphasis should, however, be on the development of rainfed agriculture, promotion of integrated farming, high value agriculture, transfer of technology, secondary and specialty agriculture need to be accorded high priority. Since the Rajouri district has focused on the organic production in the proposed plan so the high priority is to be given for the action research and extension relating to the organic cultivation. Organic cost/produce certification and marketing of farmers produce at reasonable prices is another crucial issues affecting farm profitability which need immediate attention

Title: Estimates of genetic variability parameters for yield and yield attributes in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Abstract :
Groundnut is an important oilseed crop grown under diverse climatic conditions. The productivity of the crop is considerably aff ected by foliar fungal diseases, especially late leaf spot and rust which occur together and cause severe yield loss. With an objective of upgrading yield integrated with disease resistance, two cross derivatives in BC2F1 generation were developed by crossing foliar disease susceptible variety CO 7 and two foliar disease resistant parents viz., GPBD 4 and COG 0437 in groundnut. These backcrosses viz., CO 7 × GPBD 4 and CO 7 × COG 0437 were used to study their mean performance, genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean for yield and yield a ributes. High percentage of PCV, GCV, heritability coupled with high GAM were recorded by both the backcrosses for kernel yield per plant, pod yield per plant, number of pods per plant and 100-pod weight. In addition, the characters viz., 100-kernel weight, shell weight, sound mature kernel per cent, late leaf spot and rust score exhibited high/medium coeffi cient of variation accompanied with high/moderate heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean which indicated the presence of additive gene eff ect. Thus, upshot of the study clearly indicating that there is a presence of wide spectrum of genetic variation for almost all the characters in both the crosses, suggesting that they respond to selection with greater effi cacy for amelioration of kernel and pod yield conjunction with foliar disease resistance in groundnut.
Title: Recent advances in naga king chilli (capsicum chinense JACQ.) research
Abstract :

The Naga King Chilli (Capsicum chinense Jacq) is one of the hottest chillies in the world. This chilli is native to the north eastern region of India and subsequently the geographical indication (GI) of goods tag for this chilli has been obtained by the Nagaland State Government. The chilli was recorded to be the hottest chilli in the world in 2006 with a Scoville heat unit (SHU) rating of 1,001,304. Currently it occupies the fifth position among the hottest chillies in the world. Due to its high potential commercial value, many studies has been carried out in this crop including scientific cultivation, in vitro regeneration, diversity and evolution studies and its diseases and their management etc. This review is an attempt to bring into account the various research work carried out so far in the crop including the traditional and ethno-medicinal uses.

Title: Management of Damping off (Pythium aphanidermatum ) in chilli (Capsicum annum cv VNS-4 ) by Pseudomonas fluorescens
Abstract :
Pseudomonas fluorescens 0.5% W.P. formulation applied as seed and furrow (soil application) in Chilli significantly reduced the damping off disease of chilli caused by P. aphanidermatum. The yield of chilli was also significantly enhanced. The formulation did not have any phyto-toxic effect on chilli plants at all the dosage levels tested for bioefficacy. The Pseudomonas fluorescens
0.5% W.P. application had no adverse effect on the beneficial rhizospheric microbes, like Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (Glomus spp.) in chilli rhizosphere at all dosages which were confirmed by microscopic observations. Based on the above findings, the Pseudomonas fluorescens 0.5% W.P. formulation is found safe and effective and may be used as an efficient & eco-safe alternative
of synthetic fungicides for the management of damping off disease of chilli and for obtaining higher yields.
Title: An Economic Analysis of Garlic Cultivation in Ratlam District of Madhya Pradesh
Abstract :
The study focuses on economic analysis of garlic production in the Ratlam District of Madhya Pradesh. The study is carried out to determine resource use efficiency and constraints of garlic production in the study area. Production data were collected from 60 farmers randomly from three village areas of Ratlam block of Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh State. The data were analyzed using OLS regression method to estimate the production function and the ratio of marginal value product to marginal factor cost as the measure of resource use efficiency. In this study, the overall average productivity and gross return of garlic was recorded 136.04 q/ha and ` 306550 respectively. The farm size group wise productivity of garlic was 140.81q/ha obtained in small size group followed by 142.47q/ha and 124.85q/ha in medium and large size farm, respectively. Gross income obtained in small size group was ` 315414 followed by ` 321950 in medium and ` 282285 minimum in large size group. The lead functional form was the double log function which produced overall R2 of 0.98 followed by 0.96, 0.66 and 0.92 in small, medium and large farm group with an overall average of 0.98. On average, overall sum of elasticity was found to be 0.72 which is less than one whereas it was followed by followed by 0.91 in small, 0.93 and 1.00 in medium and large size group, respectively. Regression coefficients of human labour, fertilizer and irrigation were positive and highly significant in all farm size groups as well as in overall.
Title: Photodynamic Potential Of Curcumin Nanoparticle With Chitosan On Adherent Canine Tumour Cell Line A72
Abstract :
Cancer is a highly incomprehensible and complex disease. Current treatment strategies are associated with adverse toxicities like multidrug resistance by cancer cells, destruction of normal cells, hair loss etc. The present work was aimed to use the natural photo sensitizer curcumin from C. longa and C.aromatica in nanoscale along with chitosan for the Photo Dynamic Therapy of cancer using adherent canine tumour cell line A72.Curcumin was extracted from C. longa and C.aromatica with water, acetone and ethanol. Light Source used for PDT was 12V Philips Endura LED 7W MR16 dimmable lamp. Photo sensitizers and nano materials were characterized by AFM and UV-Vis spectrum. Photosensitizers from 50µg/50µl to 0.393µg/50µl was used for toxicity assay . Toxicity of all photosensitizers were evaluated in darkness and light by MTT assay. Acetone extraction of C.longa yielded comparatively more curcumin than ethanol and water. Yield of curcumin was 0.25%, 0.16and 0.05% in acetone, ethanol and water respectively . UV-Vis absorption spectrum of curcumin showed peak at 425 nm. In darkness the toxicity of curcumin to A72 was 9% and curcumin nano particle was 11% at a concentration of 50 µg/50µl .Cellular toxicity by light alone was found to be 2%.
Title: Science of Biopesticides and Critical Analysis of Indian Legal Frameworks Regulating Biocontrol Agents
Abstract :

The unsustainable application of chemical pesticides has resulted in a steady decline in food productivity worldwide. Biopesticides hold the potential to maintain agricultural productivity, while safeguarding agroecosystems and microclimates. There are three broad categories of biopesticides: microbial biopesticides, botanical biopesticides, and semiochemical biopesticides. While the development and consumption of biopesticides is at a record high in a number of places, including Canada, the USA, the EU, Australia, and Brazil, India has shown slow growth, due in part to inadequate legislation, a lack of capacity, and the weak implementation of policies related to biopesticides and biocontrol agents. Biopesticides and biocontrol agents in India are still largely regulated by legal frameworks originally designed for chemical insecticides and pesticides. As a result, manufacturers and importers of biopesticides and biocontrol agents face multiple legal and procedural challenges. This paper provides a critical analysis of Indian legal frameworks regulating biopesticides, concluding that a reform in legal apparatus is necessary to promote the uptake of these substances in the country. A shift in the legal framework from a focus on chemical substances to biological agents would also complement the country’s environmental and sustainability goals.

Title: Effect of Tea as a Potting Substrate on Germination and Seedling Growth of Papaya Seeds
Abstract :
Papaya is one of the most important fruit crop. It is grown in tropical to sub tropical areas all over the world and is mainly propagated by seeds which show wide variability in germination and seedling growth. The experiment was conducted to find out the “effect of tea as a potting substrate on germination and seedling growth of papaya seeds.”. Tea was used as a substrate in this experiment. Tea can improve soil porosity, density and soil nutrient and helps to suppress plant disease because it is comprised of microbes, humic acid, nitrogen, carbon etc. Total six treatments comprising of 100, 80, 70, 60, 50 and 0 % of tea were placed in Completely Randomized Design. There were three replications for each of the six treatments, which were put in pots having the combination of growing media. Observations were taken at different day’s interval from sowing. In terms of plant parameters significant difference was observed from 3rd, 4th and 5th week after emergence. In overall it was obtained that 60 and 50% of tea was most
effective medium for papaya seedling production.
Title: Response of Pea Varieties on Growth, Yield Attributes and Quality under Valley Conditions
Abstract :

An investigation was conducted with fifteen pea genotypes and three replications. The maximum number of seeds per pod, maximum pods per hectare and maximum pod yield per plant were observed under the treatment P-89. From the data presented, it may be concluded that the genotype of variety P-89 was found suitable for valley hills on the basis of yield parameters, followed by variety Priya and PB-89. The yield and quality of crop (pea) are very complex characteristics depending on certain biological alignments between environment and heredity. The characteristic of a cultivar as well as combination of trials differ according to climatic conditions of the localities (valley conditions) Statistical analysis for all the characters studied by method Randomized block design (RBD) and for the statistical analysis of data the C.D. (Critical difference) at 5 % level of significance for each character was worked out.

Title: Herbs Used for Fertility of Male Animals: A Review
Abstract :
Fertility of male animals is influenced by various factors such as neurohormonal imbalances, reproductive organ tissue changes, seminal attributes, libido and sexual behavior. The global decline in male reproductive health is a big worry, and modern therapeutic options to prevent male infertility are costly, less accessible, require long-term treatment, and have a variety of adverse effects. Herbal remedies, on the other hand, are better suited to providing more comprehensive approaches to improve the male reproductive health. There is a particular set of herbs known as vajikarana or aphrodisiacs in Ayurvedic pharmacology that nourishes and stimulates the sexual tissues. This review focuses on the Ayurvedic approach to improving male reproductive health, referring to some of the most important scientifically tested herbs that have been found to boost male fertility by having stimulating or nourishing effects on the male reproductive organs.
Title: Response Surface Optimization of Extraction Parameters of Green Tea
Abstract :

Green tea is one of the most popular beverage in the world. Green tea (Camellia sinensis ) is a rich source of bioactive components so it has been used in traditional medicine. In the present study, green tea is extracted with water to obtain maximum nutritional quality and antioxidant activity. The optimal conditions for extraction of green tea was determined by Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Box-Behnken design was applied to evaluate the effects of three independent factors, leaf to water ratio (1:10, 1:30 1:50), temperature (40 to 50°C) and extraction time (15 to 45 min). Optimal conditions were, extraction temperature of 51.44°C, time 29.48 min and water to solid ratio of 1:47.80 with highest total polyphenols, total flavonoid, caffeine, antioxidant activity and lowest tannin.

Title: An Efficient Micropropagation Protocol for Rauvolfia hookeri Srinivas and Chithra and Assessment of Clonal Fidelity by RAPD Analysis
Abstract :
An efficient in vitro propagation protocol via shoot multiplication was developed for Rauvolfia hookeri, a rare medicinal species endemic to the southern Western Ghats of India. Shoot tip explants cultured on half strength Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with various cytokinins (6-benzylaminopurine, 6-furfurylaminopurine and Thidiazuron) either alone or in combinations produced multiple shoots. When either cytokinin was used alone, 6- enzylaminopurine
was found nearly twice more successful than 6-urfurylaminopurine. The highest shoot proliferation was obtained when 6-benzylaminopurine and 6-furfurylaminopurine was used at 22.2 µM and 4.64 µM respectively. Thidiazuron gave the lowest response for shoot proliferation. The effect of indole-3-butyric acid and naphthalene acetic acid was evaluated for in vitro root induction. Rhizogenesis of excised shoots was of the shoots was readily achieved on half strength Murashige and Skoog medium containing various concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid and naphthale ne acetic acid. Indole-3- butyric acid was found to be more effective than naphthalene acetic acid and resulted in the highest frequency of shoots that rooted (86.5%) and mean number of roots per shoot (3.66) when used at 7.38 µM concentration. The micropropagated plants were hardened and transferred to green house condition wherein 70% plants established and were morphologically similar to mother plant. Genetic stability of regenerated plants has been checked by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA using ten selected decamer primers.
Title: Socio-economic and Environmental Assets Sustainability by Agroforestry Systems: A Review
Abstract :
Title: Effect of mulch on soil thermal regimes - A review
Abstract :
Any material spread over the soil to assist soil and water conservation, and increase the productivity of soil is called mulch. The application of diff erent types of mulch to soil is one of the corner stones of agriculture. Mulch may be organic or inorganic/synthetic in nature. Mulches are well-known for modifying the heat/energy and water balance at the surface of soils and creating more favorable conditions for plant growth. Soil thermal regimes can be modifi ed by using diff erent kinds of mulches. Soil temperature is agriculturally more signifi cant than aerial temperature. Extensive research in the past indicates that mulches modify soil hydrothermal regimes in crop root zone, conserve soil moisture, keep down weeds and promote soil productivity. Mulch infl uences the hydrothermal regimes by changing radiation balance, rate of heat and water vapor transfer and heat capacity of soil. However, the magnitude of the desired eff ects depends on the quality, quantity, durability of mulch material, soil type and climatic conditions. In the era of climate change, mulching materials should be extensively used especially under rainfed conditions for soil and moisture/water conservation, temperature moderation, soil health maintenance and finally towards the increased agricultural productivity. The economics and environmental concerns should also be taken into account while selecting the mulch material.
Title: Studies on Heterosis for yield and its Attributing Traits in Tomato (Solanumlycopersicum L.)
Abstract :
Twenty eight hybrids of tomato developed using eight parents (PusaRohini, PusaGaurav, Roma, Cherry Orange, Selection-1, Taiwan, N-5 and C-10-15-27-3) in half diallelfashion were studied for estimation of heterosis for yield and its attributing traits. Hybrids PusaGaurav x Taiwan, PusaRohini x PusaGaurav and PusaRohini x Roma were found most promising for yield and its
contributing traits. These hybrid exhibited heterosis to the tune of 48.14%, 44.47% and 73.41% over better parents and 83.43%, 76.78% and 74.24%, respectively over the check cultivar for fruit yield per plant. The cross combination PusaGaurav x Taiwan expressed highest significant standard parent heterosis and SCA estimates
Title: Heavy Metal Contamination in Vegetables, Fruits, Soil and Water – A Critical Review
Abstract :

India has diverse agro-climate and produces a wide range of fruits and vegetables. It is the 2nd largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world. It produces 74 million tones of fruits and 146 million tonnes of vegetables. Fruits and vegetables not only provide us nutritional and healthy foods, but also generate a considerable cash income for growers. Quality assurance is a prerequisite for high value fresh fruits and vegetables. The quality of fresh fruits and vegetables has a decisive effect on their value. This is a particularly true when consumers have a high income and the market provides a wide choice of produce. Fruit and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and fibers and also have beneficial antioxidative effects. However, the intake of heavy metal-contaminated fruit and vegetables may pose a risk to human health; hence the heavy metal contamination of food is one of the most important aspects of food quality assurance.

Title: Water Storage and Conservation Structures in Rajasthan
Abstract :

Water conservation is a wide spread topic for research and discussion. Rajasthan is a dry state with a large arid and semi-arid area. Groundwater levels in region is increasing day by day due to overexploitation and lack of groundwater recharge measures. Precipitation in western Rajasthan is very low out of which maximum are wasted due to run off and infiltration. So, water conservation with storage structures are a solution to meet water demand of area. For water conservation there are many storage and conservation storage are used since a long time. Among these storage Tanka, Nada and Nadi are common structures used in western Rajasthan. Other than these traditional storage systems now-a-days roof rain water harvesting system is also popular due to its various advantages. Objectives of study are determination of different water conservation techniques in Rajasthan and there advantages with economic estimations of roof rain water harvesting system (RRWHS). We also discussed detailed analysis of conservation and restoration measures for traditional storage structures.

Title: Effect of plant growth regulators and micronutrients on growth and yield of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia swingle) in hasta bahar
Abstract :
Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, famous for quality citrus production and acid lime is one of the important member of citrus group. Regulation of fl owering in Hasta bahar is important for obtaining off
season acid lime fruits. Keeping in view all these considerations, an experiment was carried out to study the eff ect of plant growth regulators (GA3, cycocel and paclobutrazol), KNO3 and micronutrients like zinc and boron on growth and yield of acid lime in Hasta bahar. The study revealed that application of GA3 50 ppm in June + Cycocel 1000 - 2000 ppm, Paclobutrazol 2.5 and 3.5 g a.i. / tree and 1000 - 2000 ppm in September + KNO3 (0.2%), Zinc (0.3%) and Boron (0.1%) in October showed be er performance in
plant height, mean plant spread and canopy volume. Maximum yield was obtained with the application of GAз 50 ppm + Cycocel 2000 ppm + KNOз 0.2% + Zn 0.3% + Boron 0.1%.
Title: Contents VOL. 11, NO. 5, OCTOBER 2018
Abstract :
Title: Study on leaf area index and leaf area duration of growth analytical parameters in Wheat, Barley, and Oat
Abstract :

An experiment were conducted in rabi season during 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 to find out the effect of cereal crops (Wheat, Oat, Barley) and cutting schedule on forage and grain yield. The study revealed the maximum chlorophyll accumulation in Barley and wheat during the initial stage at 95 DAS and wheat and barley during the reproductive stage at 30 DAS. Cutting at 50 DAS is proved beneficial on chlorophyll accumulation. Photosynthetic rate was maximum in wheat at 90 DAS. However cutting did not affect photosynthesis rate stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. Barley gave maximum fodder yield (fresh/day). Cutting at 50 DAS was beneficial in producing maximum forage yield without sacrificing grain yield of cereal crops.

Title: Cultivation and Marketing of Tuberose (Lily) Flowers by the Rural Poor: An Approach of Swot Analysis
Abstract :

In India, cultivation of flowers is practiced from many centuries. In concern of steady increase in demand for flowers, floriculture has become one of the important activities in horticulture. Tuberose occupies a very special position among the ornamental plants for its beauty, elegance and sweet fragrance. Agro-economic data with regard to tuberose cultivation is important for further expansion of cultivation. Hence, the purpose of the present study is to locate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis) in the cultivation and marketing of tuberoses in Madanur village in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. The result shows that cultivation and marketing of tuberoses generates employment and income for the rural poor.

Title: Optimization of Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction of Bioactive components from different Parts of Pineapple Waste
Abstract :

Waste accumulation is a serious problem in recent times as they cause serious effects to the environment. Pineapple waste is one among them and it includes the peel, core, stem and crown, which is obtained after processing and various bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, antioxidants and the protein digesting enzyme bromelain, are also present in pineapple waste. In the present study, the extraction of bioactive compounds from the pineapple peel and core was done using Ultrasound assisted extraction(UAE). The extraction conditions was optimised using the Response surface methodology by using the variables time(min), amplitude (%) and ethanol concentration. Protein samples obtained were purified using acetone precipitation and dialysis to determine the bromelain activity and protein pattern along with activity staining to confirm presence of bromelain enzyme.

Title: Contents
Abstract :

VOL. 11, NO. 4, AUGUST 2018

Title: Bio-Effectiveness of a Pro-Insecticide, Diafenthiuron 50% WP Against Diamond Back Moth, Plutella xylostella (Lin.) in Cabbage in Gangetic Alluvial Plains of West Bengal
Abstract :

Diamond back moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Lin.) has crippled the production of cabbage all over the world having the capacity to dwindle down yield and cause even up to 100% crop loss. Since chemical control has been the most effective means of management over decades, an attempt was made to evaluate diafenthiuron 50% WP on the basis of its bio-effectiveness, non-target toxicity and phytotoxicity in the present experiment. The results exhibited that diafenthiuron 50 % WP at the rate of 600 ml/ha provided most effective reduction of DBM population (88.68%-90.82% reduction of pest over control) with substantial increase in yield (184.75 q/ha) subsequently the highest cost benefit ratio of 1:5.89. All the doses of test molecule were found to be soft against prevailing coccinellids and hymenopteran parasitoids. Further it was observed that the test chemical did not produce any phytotoxic symptoms.

Title: Sclerotinia Rot of Ocimum sanctum and the Host Range of its Pathogen
Abstract :

Sclerotinia rot of Ocimum sanctum caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum has been recorded for last three years during winter season (2011-2014) at Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal. The disease appeared in first week of December and progress of the disease continued up to the end of February. Drooping of leaves in one or more young twigs was the first symptom of the disease. Light brown discolouration on the twig and presence of white sclerotia might be associated with the initial symptom. Gradually more and more twigs were affected followed by death and drying of the infected twigs. In humid condition, prominent cotton white mycelia developed on the affected tissue. Towards end of February many plants became dead. Black matured sclerotia were found on the dead branches. On artificial inoculation the causal organism, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infected fifty plants indicating that the pathogen did not have host specificity. But susceptibility of seventeen plants (Capsicum annum var. grosser, Trichosanthes dioica, Cucurbita pepo, Abelmoschus esculentus, Raphanus sativus, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Amaranthus tricolor, Portulaca oleracea, Pachyrrhizus erosus, Ipomoea batatas, Lathyrus satires, Ricinus Communis, Allium sativum, Foeniculum vulgare, Carica papaya, Chrysanthemum indium, Chenopodium album) is recorded first time in India.

Title: Production and Purification of Cellulase Enzyme by Endophytic Bacillus sp. Isolated from Rhizophora Mucronata
Abstract :
Mangroves occupy a relatively unexplored site in endophytic microorganism isolation so they can represent a new source in obtaining more enzymes with different potentialities. The present study was carried out to evaluate the ability of Bacillus sp isolated from mangrove species Rhizophora mucronata for the production of Cellulase enzyme. After production, Proteins from the culture filtrate were precipitated by Ammonium Sulfate (60%). The precipitate was reconstituted with assay buffer and dialyzed against same buffer. Then the dialyzed sample applied on DEAE Cellulose column and eluted with 1M NaCl in buffer. Purified enzyme was found to be 65KDa by SDS PAGE. The optimum conditions for the enzyme activity were found to be at a temperature 37°C and PH 7.0. The Km and Vmax values of the enzyme were 1.25mg/ml and 14.6 IU/ml, respectively.
Title: Traditional Knowledge on Medicinal Plants used by the Tribal People of Birbhum District of West Bengal in India
Abstract :

The present paper deals with observation on ethno medicinal uses of plants by the tribal people of Birbhum district, West Bengal. Tribal medicine is an age-old therapeutic system which is traditionally practiced among different tribal communities for their primary health care needs. The tribal people of this district mainly depend upon the forest flora for their livelihood and use herbal medicines in curing the ailments and diseases. Altogether 30 plant species belonging to different families have been recorded from the district. These plant species are effective for various common human ailments. Considering individual plant parts it is found that leaf is used in 20 cases, bark in 12 cases, fruits in 6 cases, stem in 3 cases, latex and flowers in 2 cases, sap and rhizome in 1 cases. Finally, the recorded plant taxa have been enumerated according to their botanical names along with families, local or tribal names, parts used, disease cured, mode of administration, etc. This folk knowledge on medicine should be documented immediately and therapeutic validation of these herbal medicines is emphasized. To avoid biodiversity extinction some measures would be taken, like, cultivation of rare medicinal plants, provision of training and extension services to farmers engaged in cultivation of medicinal plants, establishment of herbal gardens in forest areas and creation of seed bank.

Title: Design, development and field evaluation of manually operated rice transplanter for system of rice intensification
Abstract :
A 2-row plug type rice transplanter with revolving magazine metering mechanism was developed and fi eld evaluated for rice (Oryza sativa) crop. The seedlings of rice crop were grown in paper pot (80GSM). Plug technology was developed for the effi cient production of high-quality seedlings for transplanting. Seedling parameters like root length, plant height, stem thickness and stem width and machine parameters like plant to plant spacing, planting depth, field capacity, field effi ciency, total time of operation, speed of operation were recorded during fi eld evaluation. The cost and time saved over manual transplanting without considering paddy seed cost was about 59.9 and 79.85 per cent. The cost of transplanting with considering seed cost was ` 3101 h-1. The fi eld effi ciency and fi eld capacity of the transplanter was observed to be 83.22 % and 0.014 ha h-1 respectively.
Title: Bio-efficacy of chemical Insecticides against Spotted Pod Borer, Maruca testulalis (Geyer) on Cowpea
Abstract :
Studies were conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during Kharif 2010 and 2011 to know the efficacy of some new molecule insecticides (azadirachtin, Bt, endosulfan 35% EC, thiodicarb 75% WP, spinosad 45% SC, lambda cyhalothrin 5% EC, indoxacarb 14.5% SC, profenophos 50% EC and acetamiprid 20% SP) against spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Geyer) on mungbean. The spinosad 45% SC and indoxacarb 14.5 % SC were the most effective treatments and significantly superior to other treatments with 80.7 and 79.2 per cent larval reduction over control. The least effective treatment
was acetamiprid 20%SP, followed by azadirachtin with 38.8 and 44.9 per cent reduction in larval population over control. The maximum yield was recorded in treatment indoxacarb 14.5%SC (11.8q/ha) followed by spinosad 45%SC (11.1q/ha) which were at par with each other. While lowest yield was recorded in azadirachtin (9.7q/ha).
Title: Role of Pulse Sprouts Extract Foliar Spray in Seed Yield of Paddy Cultivars
Abstract :
To evaluate the performance pulse sprout extract foliar spray, SRI method of cultivation and their interaction effect on seed yield attributes in different rice cultivars, the field experiment was conducted with split split plot design. The experiment consisted of planting method as main plot treatment [SRI (P1) with 25x25 cm spacing and Conventional (P2) with 25 x 15 cm spacing]; short duration cultivars as sub plot treatment [ADT 43 (V1), ADT 47 (V2) and IR 50 (V3)] and foliar spray as sub sub plot treatment [Pulse sprout extract (2% cowpea) spray (T1) and Micronutrients mixture spray (Zinc, Iron, Boron) (T2)]. The results revealed that all the cultivars performed better under SRI method (P1) of planting and registered maximum growth, physiological and yield attributes such as number of tillers per hill, number of leaves per hill, leaf length and breadth, dry matter production per hill, leaf
area index, number of productive tillers per hill, panicle length, single ear head weight, number of seeds per panicle and 21.66 per cent increase in seed yield over the conventional method of planting. Among the foliar spray treatments, the pulse sprout extract (T1) registered 21.88 per cent increase in seed yield over foliar spray of micronutrients mixture (T2). Hence, the SRI method of
planting and foliar spray of pulse sprout (2% cowpea) extract (T1) can be recommended for seed production of paddy short duration cultivars.
Title: Efficiency of Storage Device for Long term Storage of Cowpea Seeds
Abstract :
A study was conducted for the assessment of an appropriate storage device for long term storage of cowpea seeds. Cowpea seeds were stored in four different containers viz. tin container, polythene bag, earthen pot and gunny bag for six months at room temperature. Samples were taken out at monthly interval beginning from the first month of storage to determine the moisture content, germination percentage, vigor index and different fungi associated during storage. The seed moisture content and prevalence of fungi associated during storage were found highest in gunny bag resulting in lowest germination percentage and vigor. Fungal contamination and moisture content increased and seed germination and vigor decreased with the increase in storage period. But seeds stored in tin container maintained excellent germination percentage and vigor index as the moisture content and fungal contamination were less compared to other storage
devices throughout the storage period. Comparing all the storage devices, it was found that tin container is the best and secure device for long term storage of cowpea seeds.
Title: Nutrients Uptake and Available Nutrients Status in Soil as Influenced by Sowing Methods and Herbicides in Kharif Maize (Zea mays L.)
Abstract :
An investigation was carried out at Varanasi during kharif season of 2015 and 2016 to assess the influence of three sowing methods (ridge and furrow, conventional flat bed and raised bed planting) and seven weed-control methods (tembotrione 100 g ai. ha-1 (PoE), tembotrione 125 g ai g ai. ha-1 (PoE), atrazine 1 kg ai. ha-1 followed by one hand weeding at 30 DAS, atrazine 1 kg ai. ha-1 (PE) followed by 2, 4-D at 30 DAS (0.5 kg ai. ha-1, PoE), pendimethalin 1 kg ai. ha-1 (PE) followed by one hand weeding at 30 DAS, weedy check and weed free) on nutrient uptake and available nutrients in maize. Raised bed planting has sown results of the lowest weed dry matter accumulation, depletion of NPK by weeds and the highest grain and straw yield, NPK uptake by crop and the available NPKS and Zn in soil than conventional flat bed sowing and it was at par with ridge and furrow sowing. Among the herbicidal treatments, sequential application of atrazine followed by 2, 4-D at 30 was recorded with the lowest dry matter of weeds, NPK depletion by weeds and the highest yield and nutrients uptake and available nutrients in soil when compared to tembotrione 125 g ai g ai ha-1 (PoE), tembotrione 100 g ai. ha-1 (PoE) and weedy check, respectively and it were statistically at par with weed free, atrazine 1 kg ai. ha-1 followed by one hand weeding at 30 DAS and pendimethalin 1 kg ai. ha-1 (PE) followed by one hand weeding at 30 DAS, respectively.
Title: Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Storage of Baramasi lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm)
Abstract :

The harvesting period of winter crop of Baramasi lemon coincides with the cooler part of the year and there is often a glut like situation in the market at its peak harvest time. This results in low returns to the growers. A study was planned to enhance the storage life of baramasi lemon fruits and fruits were harvested at green mature stage along with small pedicel in the month of January. Only healthy fruits were dipped in 0.1% bavistin solution for 2 minutes and after shade drying fruits were packed (four fruits in each pack) in high density polyethylene (HDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) bags. Fruits were also waxed with Citrashine wax in one treatment. Packed/treated fruits were packed in corrugated fibre board (CFB) boxes and kept at ambient conditions. Fruit samples were analysed after 20, 35 and 50 days of storage for various physico-chemical characteristics. Results revealed that fruits treated with bavistin @ 0.1% and packed in LDPE bags maintained the best fruit quality in terms of high sensory quality, juice content, acidity and low spoilage and physiological loss in weight during 50 days of ambient storage

Title: Influence of Water Regimes and Weed Management Practices on Weed Densities and Weed growth under System of Rice Intensification (SRI) under Temperate Conditions
Abstract :

Field experiment was conducted at Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops, SKUAST-Kashmir, Khudwani during Kharif 2012 and 2013 on slity clay loam soils. The soil of the experimental field was neutral in reaction, testing medium in available P, K and organic carbon content and low in available N. The treatments comprising of three irrigation schedules: alternate wetting and drying (AWD), saturation conditions and continuous flooding and seven weed management practices including four herbicidal treatments (pyrazosulfuron ethyl @ 20 ga.i. / ha(3 DAT); cyhalofop butyl @ 80 ga.i., / ha(15 DAT); pyrazosulfuron ethyl 20 ga.i. fb cyhalofop butyl 80 g a.i., / ha(3 and 15 DAT); butachlor @ 1.5 kga.i. / ha(3 DAT); three Cono weedings (15, 25 and 35 DAT); along with control and weed free treatment replicated thrice were tested in split plot design to ascertain the most effective herbicide for the control of weeds in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under SRI. The data revealed that significant increase in dry matter accumulation by the crop and grain yield was recorded due to the saturation water regime, which was superior to AWD and continuous flooding during both the years of experimentation. However, continuous flooding recorded lower weed densities, dry matter and weed control efficiency. Higher weed index was recorded with saturation water regime. The data on weed management practices revealed that among the herbicides tested,sequential application of pyrazosulfuron-ethyl @ 20 g a.i./ ha(3 DAT) fb cyhalofop-butyl @ 80 g a.i./ ha(15 DAT) produced significantly higher grain yield and dry matter accumulation by the crop comparable to other weed management measures and weedy check treatment. The same treatment also recorded lower weed densities, weed dry matter and weed index but recorded higher weed control efficiency over other weed management practices and control during both the years.

Title: Differential Response of Trifloxystrobin in Combination with Tebuconazole on Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)
Abstract :
The present investigation was carried out at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University to evaluate the influence of trifloxystrobin in combination with tebuconazole (Nativo) on the nutrient uptake, yield attributes and yield of rice. Foliar spray of Nativo was taken up at 50-55 days after sowing (DAS) and 70-75 DAS and observations were recorded at panicle initiation (60-65 DAS), flowering
(80-85 DAS) and maturity (100-105 DAS) stages. The result indicated that Nativo significantly improved the root length, total dry matter production (TDMP) and nutrient uptake, but inhibited the shoot length. Among the different concentrations, Nativo @ 400 g ha-1 performed better by increasing the fertility co-efficient, 1000 grain weight, panicle length and the grain yield in rice.
Title: Leaf proteome alterations in tolerant pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) genotype under water stress
Abstract :
Drought tolerant pearl millet genotype was used for diff erential physiological and proteomic analysis. The water stress was imposed on 20 days seedling up to fi ve days. The physiological parameters viz. soil moisture content, relative water content (RWC), shoot length (cm) were studied from drought and control seedling a er 25 days. The results showed signifi cant changes on RWC and soil moisture content was decreased under water stress. Proteome analysis of 2D gel electrophoresis indicates around 1262 well resolved spots within the 4-7 pH and 10-110 kDa ranges. Image analysis revealed the presence of both, qualitative and quantitative changes between two treatments. The proteomic changes were observed in tolerance genotype J-2340 resulted total 84 spots protein (22.5-97.4 kDa, pH- 4.00 to 6.73) matches with control and water stress treatments. However, 32 proteins up regulated (29.0-97.4 kDa, pH 4.20-7.00) and eight down regulated (57.9-97.4kDa, pH 4.00 to 6.68) were observed a er imposing water stress.
Title: Chemical profile and amino acids composition of edible mushroom
Abstract :
Study was conducted to evaluate the functional properties of popularly cultivated mushrooms viz., white bu on mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) and oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus pulmonarius. Both types of mushroom exhibited high moisture, crude protein and amino acid content. The Pleurotus and Agaricus mushrooms contained 3.26% and 1.78% soluble protein, respectively. Further, the qualitative amino acid analysis revealed these proteins to be rich source of essential amino acids. A total of 17 amino acids were qualitatively identifi ed in the fresh samples of both types of mushrooms. The Thin Layer Chromatography separation of amino acids showed that all the nine essential amino acid were present
in Agaricus bisporus whereas, only five are present in Pleurotus pulmonarius. Hence, the supplementation of these mushrooms with cereal diet can help to overcome essential amino acids defi ciency and reduce the post-harvest losses of this high value perishable crop
Title: Response of Drip Irrigation and Plastic Mulch on Quality of Sapota (Achras Zapota) Fruits
Abstract :

The field experiment was conducted to study the response of sapota (Achras zapota) crop under drip irrigation and plastic mulch. Different amounts of irrigation water application through drip and ring basin irrigation methods along with plastic mulch treatments were experimented with five replications. The Sapota crop water requirement was estimated using reference evapotranspiration data and crop co-efficient for different crop growth stages. Reference evapotranspiration was estimated using FAO-56 Penman Monteith approach. The irrigation water was applied at 60%, 80%, and 100% of the crop water requirement using drip and ring basin irrigation system. The quality analysis of sapota fruit was performed to investigate the effect of different treatments. Economic analysis was carried out to study the economic feasibility of using drip irrigation and plastic mulch for sapota cultivation. The water requirement of sapota crop varies between 10.71 L per day per plant in winter and 34.43 L in summer for the treatment of 100% water requirement of the sapota plant. The physical properties like fruit weight, volume, dimension, peel-pulp ratio was found to be increased due to increase in amount of irrigation water application from 60% to 100% using drip irrigation. A small decrease in true density of fruit was observed with the increase of size of fruit. The pH of fruit increased with decrease in irrigation water application through drip system. The TSS, total sugar and reducing sugar were estimated to increase with reduced irrigation water application. Sweetness of the fruit increased with reduced irrigation water application. Increase in Sapota fruit yield varied from 7.62% to 41% in mulched treatments. Increase in fruit yield by 21.05% for the drip treated plants was over ring basin. Based on the water use efficiency, benefit-cost analysis and fruit quality analysis 80% irrigation requirement supplied through drip system along with plastic mulch treatment can be recommended for Sapota irrigation.

Title: Disparities in socio-economic development: A district level analysis in Karnataka
Abstract :

The level of development was estimated with the help of composite index based on optimum combination of socio-economic indicators. The level of development has been separately estimated for agriculture, Animal husbandry, industry and transport and communication. In case of transport and communication sector, Bengaluru district ranked first and Chamarajnagar was least in development. Wide disparities were obtained in the level of development among different districts. Positive and significant association is found between the agriculture and industrial sector. Karnataka require improvement in various dimensions for enhancing the level of overall socio-economic development for unified balanced integration of curative, preventive and promotional services.

Title: Phosphorus Availability and Proton Efflux of Nodulated-root Varies among Common-bean Genotypes (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Rhizobox
Abstract :
In this study we compared between six RILs of (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in growth, nodulation, phosphorus use efficiency for N2 fixation and proton release in response to two levels of P in nutrient solution. For plants grown at 250 and 75 ìmol P pl-1 week-1 for 42 days. For this propose Glass house experiment in rhizobox was conducted to evaluate six common bean genotypes for their growth behavior at two levels of soil phosphorus, deficient (75 µmol week-1 plant-1) and sufficient (250 µmol week-1 plant-1) using 24g soil per rhizobox. Genotypes showed differential behavior at both P levels for all parameters. Shoot biomass and nodule biomass were observed higher in sufficient P than in deficient P. Difference
for phosphorus utilization efficiency and phosphorus uptake were also observed where RILs 34,75 and 147 were the higher efficient in use and uptake of P under sufficient P than deficient P. and also greater in H+ efflux for these RILs under sufficient than deficient P. It concluded that these RILs have the possibility to enrich the poor phosphorus soils by available P and improve the soil fertility.
Title: Low Cost Tissue Culture Technology for the Regeneration of Some Economically Important Plants for Developing Countries
Abstract :
Plant tissue culture, an ecofriendly technology includes micropropagation which leads to mass propagation of true to type, high quality planting material of ornamentals, medicinal crops plantation crops, fruit and forest trees etc within a limited period . It has provided challenging opportunities in global trading of tissue culture saplings as well as cut flowers for export as well as for domestic use in developing countries like India. This area has created new avenues for entreprenureurs. But the main bottleneck is the high cost of tissue culture planting materials compared to the conventionally propagated saplings. It is a capital-intensive industry, and in some cases the unit cost per plant becomes unaffordable. Hence, it is necessary to adopt strategies to reduce
production cost and lower the cost per plant. This paper deals with various low cost tissue culture techniques which can be adopted by small scale entreprenures in Indian conditions Bioreactors provide more precise control of the plant growth gaseous exchange, illumination, medium agitation, temperature and pH than the conventional culture vessels. However, to be costeffective, use of bioreactors requires indexed plant cultures, and attention to aseptic procedures during handling of plant material otherwise culture contamination leads to massive economic loss. Plants hardened under natural light are sturdy, and withstand transplantation better in the field. Careful planning of a facility can make large savings both in the construction costs and day-to day operations in the facility. The primary application of micropropagation has been to produce elite planting material irrespective
of season or crop, which in turn leads to increased productivity in agriculture as well as better economy to developing nations like India.
Title: Effect of Various Mulching Materials on Crop Production and Soil Health in Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)
Abstract :
An experiment was conducted to study the effects of mulching on acid lime during 2014-2015 in Randomized Block Design with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The highest increase on plant height (6.63 %), canopy spread in E-W (9.90 %) and N-S (7.60 %) direction was recorded by polythene mulch with black side facing upward (T8). The treatment also had a significant influence on yield and yield attributing parameters where T8 recorded the highest number of fruits per plant (163.0), fruit weight (50.22 g) and fruit yield per plant (7.81 kg) while dry grasses mulch (T2) recorded highest number of fruits per branch (7.50) and fruit retention (44.71 %). With respect to quality parameters of fruit, T8 recorded highest total sugar (0.40 %) and reducing sugar (0.61 %) while significant increase on titratable acidity (6.93 %) and ascorbic acid content (33.46 mg/100g) was observed in T2. Among soil parameters, maximum moisture content (36.06 %) was observed in T8 while maximum organic carbon (3.11 %), available nitrogen (428.47 kg/ha), phosphorus (45.17 kg/ha) and potassium (575.06 kg/ha) content were recorded by saw dust mulch (T7). The treatment recorded highest microbial population of bacteria (83.45 × 105) in paddy straw mulch (T4) and fungi (119.34 × 105) in rice husk mulch (T5). The study revealed that T8 was the most effective with respect to plant growth, fruit yield and quality while T4 also proves to be the best ideal treatment for improving soil health in acid lime.
Title: Field Efficacy, Net Profit and Cost Benefit Ratio of Certain Insecticides against Fruit Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in Tomato
Abstract :
A field experiment was conducted to study the field efficacy, net profit and cost benefit ratio of certain insecticides against fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in tomato during Rabi season 2008. The pooled and statistical data indicated that spraying of endosulfan 35 EC was found to be most effective as it recorded lowest larval population (2.33 larvae per plant) as compared to control (7.02 larvae per plant). Endosulfan 35 EC recorded significantly lowest fruit damage (22.85 per cent). Further, the present findings revealed that the per cent of fruit damage caused by fruit borer was highest at the beginning of the picking seasons and as the number of pickings increased there was a decrease in the fruit damage. All the insecticidal treatments significantly recorded lower fruit yield losses as compared to control (50.85
per cent). Maximum fruit yield was registered by treatment endosulfan (69.50 q/ha) which was followed by cypermethrin
(64 q /ha) and fenvalerate (61.33 q/ha) and lowest in control (20.33 q/ha). The net profit ranged from ` 7,424/- per ha (ë-cyhalothrin) to ` 38,528/- per ha (endosulfan). Spraying of cypermethrin twice on tomato crop, gave maximum cost benefit ratio (1:0.98) which was obviously due to its low price as compared to other insecticides.
Title: Respiration behaviour and heat of respiration of mango (cv. Langdo) under different storage conditions
Abstract :

Individual agricultural commodity has substantial rate of respiration which varies from commodity to commodity and cultivar to cultivar. Quantification of rate of respiration and thereby heat generated due to respiration is require to develop controlled, modified or cold storage system and to predict the shelf life. A scientific study was carried out to determine the effect of different storage conditions on rate of respiration and heat of respiration of mango fruits (cv. Langdo). Air tight multi-chamber temperature and RH control system was developed to conduct the experiment at various temperatures. Mango fruits were stored at 10, 15, 20, 25°C and ambient temperature in the developed air tight multi-chamber system. Rate of respiration and heat of respiration was determined for different storage conditions. At the beginning maximum rate of respiration,61.44, 71.76, 80.03, 83.93, 100.42 mlCO2/kg/h and heat of respiration, 7164.84, 8221.14, 9009.34, 9287.19, 10745.55 kcal/metric ton/day was observed at 10, 15, 20, 25°C and ambient temperature respectively. It was found that under steady state storage condition the rate of respiration and heat of respiration was increased with increase in temperature whereas decreased with time for all storage conditions.

Title: Comparative Study on Cost of Cultivation and Economic Returns from Major Crops in Eastern Region of Uttar Pradesh
Abstract :
An investigation was done to work out the cost of production, cost of cultivation, returns and profitability from Sugarcane, Wheat and Paddy crops in order to identify which crop is more profitable and economic for the farmers of Uttar Pradesh. On an average, the cost of production was ` 78.29 per quintal and the net return per hectare after subtracting the total cost (Cost C3) from the gross return was ` 54956.01 per hectare. Whereas, production and returns from wheat and paddy crop were ` 714.13 per quintal, ` 8614.32 per hectare and ` 614.93 per quintal, ` 10870.71 per hectare respectively. The observations indicated that per quintal cost of production for sugarcane crop was less than wheat and paddy crop, on the other hand
per hectare net return was the highest for sugarcane when compared to wheat and paddy crop. All the major crops viz., paddy, wheat and sugarcane were profitable for the farmers, but sugarcane was the most profitable crop when compared to the rest, because the per quintal cost of production as well as the per hectare return were more economic than wheat and paddy crops.
Title: Weed Dynamics and Dry Seeded Rice Productivity in Relation to Sowing Time, Variety and Weed Control in Sub-Tropical and Semi-arid Region of Punjab
Abstract :
A field experiment was conducted at Ludhiana, during kharif 2008 to study effects of sowing time, variety and weed control on weed dynamics and productivity of dry/direct seeded rice. Six sowing dates (dry seeding on 0 (June 5), 7, 14, 21, 28 days after nursery sowing (DANS) and transplanting 28 DANS) in main plots and combinations of two varieties (PR 115 and PAU 201) and two weed control treatments (3 hand hoeings at 20, 40, 60 days and pendimethalin 0.75 kg pre-emergence followed by bispyribac-sodium 0.030 kg/ha as post emergence) in sub plots were evaluated in a split plot design with three replications. Transplanted crop recorded the lower population of all weeds sp and similar in dry seeding on 0 DANS. Population of all weed sp was lower under early sowing of crop on 0, 7 and 14 DANS as compared to delayed sowings. Population of Echinochloa sp, Leptochloa chinensis, Digitaria sanguinalis, Cyperus rotundus and Cyperus iria did not vary among seeding dates; Ammania baccifera and Caesulia axillaris intensity was significantly higher in 21 and 28 DANS as compared to early seeding dates. Weed density did not vary among rice varieties. Sequential application of herbicides effectively controlled Echinochloa sp and D sanguinalis while control of Eragrostis sp and L chinensis was very poor. Herbicides control broad leaf weeds and sedges except Cyperus rotundus. Transplanted crop recorded the highest rice grain yield and was at par to dry seeding 0 DANS but significantly higher than dry seeding on later dates. The grain yield of transplanted crop was 11.9, 22.1, 20.8, 41.7 and 71.4% higher as compared to dry seeding
on 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 DANS, respectively. Rice varieties recorded similar grain yield. Three hand hoeings gave significantly higher grain yield than herbicides. Rice seeding directly on 0, 7 and 14 DANS produced similar grain yield under herbicides and three hand hoeings; further delay in seeding significantly reduced grain yield under herbicides as compared to hand hoeings.
Title: Molecular Diversity Analysis of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Genotypes Determined by ISSR and RAPD Markers
Abstract :
The present study was carried out for the comparison of ISSR and RAPD markers for polymorphism pattern andmolecular diversity analysis among ten cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) genotypes. Out of 50 ISSR primers, 18 primers produced total 103 bands across ten cowpea genotypes, of which 49 bands were polymorphic. A maximum polymorphism (85.70%) was obtained by UBC 815. Average numbers of polymorphic bands per UBC primer was 2.72. The UBC 834 was the best primer resulting good amplification with maximum PIC value (0.890). However, out of 50 RAPD primers,
14 RAPD primers produced 120 bands across ten genotypes, of which 81 bands were polymorphic. A maximum polymorphism (90.0%) was obtained with OPV-16 primer. Average number of polymorphic bands per RAPD primer was 5.78. The primer OPD-08 was the best primer resulting good amplification with maximum PIC value (0.923). Jaccard’s similarity coefficient ranged from 68.40% to 92.90% for ISSR, for RAPD are 57.10% to 81.00% and for ISSR-RAPD coefficient data ranged from 85.70% to 63.50%.
Title: Leaf Anatomical Studies of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Relation to Tolerance and Susceptibility to Turcicum Leaf Blight Disease
Abstract :
Screening of a set of 12 different composite and commercial hybrid varieties/land races against Turcicum leaf blight disease showed differences in disease reaction. These varieties differed  ignificantly and Percent Disease index (PDI) ranged from 10 to 62 %. Among the different varieties, Allrounder, Prabal, DKC- 9081 showed significantly less (P=0.05) disease as compared to other varieties. Keeping this in mind, they were classified as Tolerant Type and Susceptible Type. The studies on leaf structural anatomy of the both the types reveled that difference in number of stomata per unit area, size of vascular bundle, lower and upper epidermis and number of trichomes per unit area. It may be concluded that the
structural anatomy of maize leaf may play an important role in resistance and susceptibility to the Turcicum leaf blight disease.
Title: Rootstock breeding for abiotic stress tolerance in fruit crops
Abstract :

In the present era of climate change, drastically increasing or decreasing temperature, irregular or heavy rainfall, increasing level of CO2, soil degradation etc. limiting the crop production in different parts of the world. Due to their rapid and unpredictable effects, it became very difficult for agricultural scientists and farmers to respond to challenges posed by biotic and abiotic stresses. The use of rootstocks tolerant to different abiotic stresses like drought, salinity, temperature abnormality etc. may be an alternative approach to face these challenges. Fruit crops are perennial in nature and mostly propagated through vegetative means to meet the early and quality production requirements. The use of desirable scion and rootstock not only meet the requirement of early and quality production but also provides an alternative approach to face the challenges posed by biotic and abiotic stresses. Keeping in mind challenges of environmental stresses and quality fruit production in stress prone areas, the present need before researchers and growers is to fight with the era of changing climate. So, implication of rootstock breeding in fruit production technology is really instrumental for farmers.

Title: Assessment of Genetic Divergence in Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) Genotypes for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits
Abstract :
Genetic diversity using Mahalanobis D-square (D2) techniques was studied for yield and yield contributing traits for 19 potato genotypes at West Bengal. These genotypes were grouped into seven clusters. Cluster VII had maximum divergence with four genotypes followed by cluster IV having maximum five genotypes. Rest five clusters are digenotypic having two genotypes each. The inter cluster distance were greater than the intra cluster distance revealing that considerable amount of genetic diversity existed among the accession. The maximum and minimum divergence was revealed between cluster VI with IV and cluster I with III respectively. Cluster VI exhibited high mean values for characters like total tuber yield, marketable tuber yield, dry matter%, harvest index, polar and equatorial diameter of tuber. These characters
combining with plant height are the major traits causing genetic divergence among the accessions. The genotypes belonging to different clusters are having maximum divergence and can be successfully utilized in hybridization programmes to get desirable transgressive segregants. It is assumed that maximum amount of heterosis will be manifested in cross combinations involving the parents belonging to most divergent clusters.
Title: Integrated Rizi-Pisciculture: An approach towards livelihood and nutritional security for the tribal community of East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh
Abstract :

An approach was made to evaluate the feasibility and economic viability of rice fish culture (RFC) by conducting trials in 8 different villages viz. Ngorlung, Niglok, Balek, Mirem, Sikatode, Ayeng, Rayang and Seren of East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh during Kharif seasons of 2011 to 2014. In the multilocational trials on rizi-pisciculture survival rate of advanced fry was recorded between 44.5 % and 48.7 % with an average weight of 83 g to 91 g at the harvest. During the study period average total cost of cultivation of RFC and sole cropping of rice was calculated to be ` 42,700 and ` 26,612 respectively. Average gross income and net income increased by ` 61,937 and ` 44,849 respectively by practicing RFC over the sole cropping of rice and it also raised the benefit-cost ratio of the system (2.61).

Title: Comparative Study of Organic Matter Vis-a-Vis Humic Acid on Change in Nutrients Availability in Rice-Mustard Cropping Sequence
Abstract :
The influence of organic matter vis-a-vis humic acids on the availability of nutrient status and its impact on the cultivation of rice (Variety MTU 1010) followed by mustard (Variety B-9), was studied in Typic Fluvaquent soil under Old Alluvial zone of West Bengal, India. Important physical and chemical properties of the soil texture were identified as sandy clay loam, bulk density 1.34 Mg m-3, oxidizable organic carbon 1.16 g 100gm-1, pH 6.34, total nitrogen 0.14 g 100gm-1, available phosphorus 25.90 kg ha-1, available
potash 127.40 kg ha-1, available sulphate 39.56 kg ha-1, respectively. The C: N ratio of the added FYM, Commercial and FYM extracted humic acid were 32:11, 32:61, and 13:53 respectively. The soil received recommended doses of fertilizer for the cultivation of paddy (N:P2O5:K2O::60:30:30) followed by mustard (N:P2O5:K2O::80:40:40) along with FYM at 5.0 and 2.5 t ha-1, Commercial humic acid at 0.5, 0.25 kg ha-1 and FYM extracted humic acid at 0.5, 0.25 kg ha-1, respectively as per the treatments combination. The
study selected the Randomized Block Design (RBD). Periodical analysis for the collected rhizosphere soil (0-15 cm) and the plant samples in the C: N ratio was done, along with the available amount of phosphate, potash and sulphur with their integral effect on the crops growth. At the panicle initiation
and branching stages of paddy and mustard, the highest content of the available phosphate, potash and sulphur were recorded. This content gradually decreases toward the harvesting stage. FYM extracted humic acid showed the highest availability of phosphate, potash and sulphur whereas Commercial humic acid enhanced the content of potash in soil, which signified the uptake of phosphorus, potash and sulphur within plants, which resulted in the qualitative enrichment through biometric parameters and yield of paddy and mustard.
Title: Bioactive Metabolite from Aphyllophorales sp. an Endophytic Fungus Isolated from Breguiera Cylindrica
Abstract :
The significance of natural products in the drug discovery and development has been reported extensively. The natural products from mangrove fungi, which are known to be a rich source of bioactive metabolites, are of biotechnological interest. As most of these fungi grow in a unique and extreme habitat, they certainly will play a crucial role in meeting the demand for screening novel bioactive compounds. This is the first report on isolation of basidiomycete endophytic fungus, Aphyllophorales sp. (JQ34006)
from mangrove plants, Breguiera cylindrica. Among the 44 strains isolated, the ethyl acetate extract of Aphyllophorales sp. exhibited pronounced activity in preliminary antimicrobial screening. The isolated bioactive compound showed an Rf value of 1.5 in Thin layer chromatograpy (TLC) analysis. In high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) a prominent peak was detected at retention time 2.314 minutes. The FT-IR analysis showed the presence of a benzene ring in the compound represented by characteristic functional group vibrations. The isolate exhibited protease activity. The results indicated that further investigations are still needed to discover other potential of this isolate.
Title: Optimization of Operating Conditions for Sterilization of Aseptic Food Packaging Material
Abstract :

Sterilization of the packing material is essential in order to prevent spoilage caused by microorganisms found on the packing material. Hydrogen peroxide was used for sterilization of packaging material. Bacteriological effectiveness of sterilization of packaging material was tested with Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 as target organism as it is the most resistance to hydrogen peroxide. The initial count of spore taken for experimental purpose was 108 cfu/ml. In this study, the operating factors were hydrogen peroxide concentration (1.6-18.4 % v/v), temperature (26.4-93.6 °C) and treatment time (9.6-110.4 s) while the investigated response was log cycle reduction. The experimental data was fitted with second order regression equation. The operating conditions were optimized using response surface methodology. The optimum values of hydrogen peroxide concentration, temperature and treatment time were found to be 8.05 % v/v, 77.20 oC and 80.54 s respectively at desirability value of 0.39. The log cycle reduction was found to be 6.10 under optimized condition. The optimized condition may be employed for sterilization of food packaging material in aseptic packaging.

Title: Morphological, Cytological and Biochemical Characterization of wheat Aegilops Longissima Derivatives BC1F6 and BC2F4 with High Grain Micronutrient
Abstract :
Micronutrient deficiency (Iron and Zinc) is the major problem worldwide mostly in the developing countries with high dependence on staple foods. Biofortification of staple cereal and tuber crops has been considered and taken up as the most effective, feasible and economic approach for alleviating micronutrient deficiency. The present study was the initiative towards biofortification of wheat where the previous work of wide hybridization between HD2687 and Aegilops longissima accession 3506 and subsequent backcrossing with Triticum aestivum cultivar WL711 has been continued. In this study the alien chromosome introgression, chromosomal stability of BC1F6 and BC2F4 wheat-Ae. longissima derivatives has been investigated for their potential as germplasm for future breeding and biofortification program through morphological, cytological and biochemical analysis. We found that the selected derivatives showed stable 42, 44 and 46 chromosomes for most of the plants where single plant reported for each 41, 43 and 45 chromosomes with 19-22 bivalents and few
trivalent. The GISH analysis of derivative 79-1-4-8-1-2-2 revealed introgression of two univalent Sl chromosomes. Finally four derivatives were selected from BC1F6 (79-1-4-8-10-2-2, 79-1-4-8-10-2-5, 79-2-4-4-1-1-3 and 79-2-4-4-1-1- 5) and three from BC2F4 (HD2687/L3506//WL711-3///WL711-1-2-7-1, D2687/L3506//WL711-3///WL711-1-2-7-3, HD2687/L3506//WL711-3///WL711-1-2-7-5) as stable biofortified lines for future breeding to alleviate hidden hunger.
Title: Adoption of New Agricultural Technology: A Case Study of Buksa Tribal Farmers in Bijnor District, Western Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract :
The tribal agriculture is mostly on primitive lines, as evidenced by shifting cultivation, use of indigenous technologies, small size of land holdings and lack of diversification of occupations. The adoption of new agricultural technology in the form of HYV seeds, chemical fertilizers, agro-chemicals, method of cultivation, etc. can improve the production and productivity of agricultural sector leading to improvement in economic condition of the tribal people. Ignorance of the tribal farmers, lack of irrigation facility, poor credit supports, etc. are some of the factors that restrict its spread. The
present study was taken up to delineate the existing problems among the tribal farmers which create hindrance in adoption of new agricultural technology in district Bijnor of Western Uttar Pradesh. For this purpose 72 tribal farmers were selected and interviewed with the help of a questionnaire for collection of data 
Title: Survey on Flora and Fauna of Bishnupur Bill (Horse Shoe Lake) and It’s surrounded Area at Berhampore in Murshidabad District of West Bengal
Abstract :

In India, there are many number of Lakes, some are natural and some are man-made. These lakes are the source of Flora and Fauna. “Bishnupur Bill” a horse shoe lake is one of them. This natural lake is derived from our Holy River the Ganges. This paper provides a taxonomic inventory of plant species and animal species collected by the authors during the last two years from this ‘Bill’ and its surrounded area. This natural lake and its surrounded area have lots of Flora and Fauna from algae to mammalians. The inventory records a total of 168 species and 64 genera. The present study also investigates some exotic birds which come every year to this ‘Bill’. The present study revealed a handsome diversity of Flora and Fauna in this ecosystem. The inventory is expected to provide baseline scientific data for further studies on plant and animal diversity in this ‘Bill’, and can be used to facilitate the long-term conservation and sustainable use of plant and animal resources in this ecosystem.

Title: Molecular characterization of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L.) and sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica l.) genotypes through PCR based molecular markers
Abstract :
The present study was carried out for the comparison of RAPD and ISSR markers for polymorphism pa ern and molecular diversity analysis among 17 ridge gourd (Luff a acutangula L.) and sponge gourd (Luff a cylindrica L.) genotypes using 20 RAPD and 12 ISSR markers. Twenty RAPD primers generated total of 94 bands of which 81 bands were polymorphic showing 86.17% polymorphism. The average bands per primer were found 4.05. The polymorphic information content (PIC) was recorded from 0.4828 to 0.8842 for RAPD. Jaccard’s similarity coeffi cient ranged from 30.8% to 78.6% for RAPD. However, out of 30 ISSR primers screened, twelve ISSR primers produced 79 bands of which 66 bands were polymorphic and 83.54% polymorphism with an average of 7.16 bands per primer. The PIC ranged between 0.6548 and 0.8939 for ISSR. Jaccard’s similarity coeffi cient ranged from 22.7 % to 81.2% for ISSR. This study showed that RAPD and ISSR markers produced specifi c DNA fragments for identifi cation of ridge gourd and sponge gourd genotypes.
Title: Effect of Paclobutrazol on Growth and Yield of Kharif Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Abstract :

A field experiment was done during 2013 and 2014 to reduce the unnecessary vegetative growth of kharif groundnut through application of paclobutrazol (PBZ), a growth retardant and to study its impact on yield. The experiment was laid out in split–plot design with six treatments in main plot (PBZ @ 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 ppm and control) and three treatments in sub–plot (Single spraying at 30 Days after emergence (DAE), single spraying at 50 DAE and double spraying at 30 and 50 DAE) and replicated thrice. PBZ in different concentration had the positive response to reduce the plant height during later stages of growth. In case of time of application, significant variation in crop growth rate (CGR) was found before harvesting. Among different yield attributes, pod dry weight (g) plant-1 was increased upto 32% with increase in concentration of PBZ and upto 28% with time of application as compared to control and single application, respectively. PBZ @ 250ppm with double spraying remarkably augmented total kernel yield (Kg ha-1), harvest index as well as oil percentage of this crop and ultimately improved the net return: cost ratio.

Title: Studies on Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae, Causing Bacterial Blight of Pomegranate in Punjab
Abstract :

Bacterial blight of pomegranate caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae, have economic importance to reduced crop yield in India. Farm survey was undertaken in the pomegranate research block, Fruit Research Station, Jallowal- Lesriwal Jalandhar during 2015. It was revealed that the maximum disease incidence (91%), severity (14.41%) and fruit cracking (12%) was found in cv. Ganesh. Twenty isolates of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae showed different virulent reaction with respect to incubation period, fruit cracking and drooping. It was observed that 9 isolates viz. Xap4, Xap5, Xap6, Xap9, Xap12, Xap14, Xap15, Xap16 and Xap17 were highly virulent on Ganesh cultivar. The optimum growth of bacterium was observed at 30 °C while 5 and 50 °C temperatures did not show any growth on Kings B Medium. All the five chemical treatments showed control of bacterium under in vitro conditions. However, the combination of Blitox (2500ppm) and Kocide (2500ppm) with Cristocycline (100ppm) showed maximum inhibition zone of 53 and 52 mm respectively followed by streptomycin (50.12 mm) and Cristocycline (50mm) with 500 ppm concentration. While Bordeaux mixture with concentration (1%) showed 45 mm inhibition.

Title: Khasi mandarin: its importance, problems and prospects of cultivation in North-eastern Himalayan region
Abstract :

Northeast India is recognized as an important part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. It is one of the 25 global biodiversity hotspots accepted at present. This is also considered as the richest and one of the most endangered places for plant survival in the world. This area is known as one of the centers of origin of various Citrus species. Among the Citrus crops available in northeastern region, Khasi mandarin is the most economically important one and plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of the people in this region. Khasi mandarin is well known for its quality, fruit colour, unique sugar-acid blend and shelf life which make it the most popular citrus cultivar in northeastern region of the country. It covers the largest area in the region due to its commercial value. Assam and Meghalaya have the maximum area and production of Khasi mandarin. The health benefits of oranges have been well known for centuries, but it has therapeutic values that have long been utilized in conventional herbal medicine. Experimental studies shows that its bioactive compounds have tremendous pharmaceutical activity like, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, cancer preventing etc. which clearly indicate the potential of the crop for the pharmaceutical industry. Although India is fourth largest producer of orange in the world but due to the problem of citrus decline the average yield of orange in India is alarmingly low as compared to other countries. This review thereby summarizes the medicinal and nutritional value of mandarin, their economic importance, problems and prospects of cultivation in northeastern region.

Title: Assessment of Phytotoxic Proclivities of Jatropha curcas L. on Germination and Seedling Establishment of Some Field Crops
Abstract :
To elucidate the phytotoxic response of Jatropha curcas L. on performance of some economical crops under nursery, present investigation was undertaken. Three test crops viz. Zea mays, Vigna radiata and Brassica campestries were evaluated for various germination and growth parameters. Different soil media has treatment combinations of field soil and soil beneath Jatropha monoculture fields significantly influenced the germination, seedling growth and vigour of all test crops. Highest germination capacity was noted in control and a gradual suppression trend was seen thereafter. Growth measurements (shoot and
root length, collar diameter, vigour index) and phytomass (fresh shoot and root weight, dry shoot and root weight) exerts maximum increment when supplied to 50 % field soil and 50 % Jatropha rhizosphere soil (JRS). Maximum inhibition in all parameters was pronounced at 100 % Jatropha rhizosphere soil for each of considered parameters. Highest germination % (82) was traced in mustard followed by maize (77) seeds. Best germination and dry biomass (7.57 gm) extent was eminent in Brassica campestries
but seedling growth (66.24 cm) and fresh biomass (14.62 gm) concern were higher in Zea mays. Vigna radiata adversely affected in germination (64 %), seedling growth (17.24 cm), vigour (965.44), fresh biomass (1.2 gm) and dry biomass (0.24 gm) respectively. Higher concentration of Jatropha rhizosphere soil (JRS) gives suppretory behavior in survival and development of examined
crops. The allelopathic perspective within test crops can be arranged as a Vigna radiata > Brassica campestries > Zea mays.
Title: Role of Antioxidative Enzymes Activity in Salt Stress and Salinity Screening in Rice Grown Under in vitro Condition
Abstract :
Role of antioxidative enzyme activity in salt stress and salinity screening was studied in the callus of two rice cultivars (White ponni and BPT-5204). The antioxidant activities of the rice callus were determined by analyzing three enzymes activity namely, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX) grown under saline condition. Enzymes were analysed in 15 days old rice callus culture grown under slat stress and non-saline conditions. All the three enzyme activities were varied according to salt concentrations in the medium. SOD and CAT activities were higher in BPT-5204 but APX activities were higher in White ponni. Among the NaCl treatment, medium contained 40 mM NaCl observed higher enzyme activity than 20, 30 mM NaCl. Under non saline condition there is no significant difference were noticed in the enzymatic activities and callus growth parameter in both the cultivars. Observation was carried out on
the change in callus growth parameter like weight and color of the callus. There was a significant reduction in weight and also change in colour of the callus was noticed with respect to higher salt concentration (30 and 40 mM NaCl) in the medium for both the cultivars. The observed data indicated that rice plant responds well to salt-induced oxidative stress by increasing their enzymatic antioxidant defense systems. The antioxidant enzyme activity play vital role in defense against salt stress and this may help to screen the salt tolerant line grown under in vitro condition in early callus stage itself.
Title: Exploring Entagonistic Effect of Endophytic Microorganisms Against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae (McCulloch & Pirone) Vauterin Causing Bacterial Blight of Anthurium
Abstract :
One of the major constraint in anthurium cut flower production is bacterial blight incited by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Dieffenbachiae (Xad). It causes considerable economic loss. Considering the serious nature of the disease the present investigation was undertaken to harness the potential of  ntagonistic endophytes against bacterial blight pathogen. Endophytic microorganisms were isolated from healthy anthurium plants collected from different locations. A quantitative estimation
of endophytic micro organisms revealed the abundance of bacteria than fungi. Moreover, more number of endophytes were isolated from roots than from petiole and leaves. Based on cultural characters of endophytic microorganisms, 14 fungal and 37 bacterial endophytes were selected. Antagonistic action of these endophytes against pathogen was studied in comparison with that of reference culture of Pseudomonas fluorescens (KAU), P.fluorescens (TNAU), Trichoderma viride (KAU) and T. harzianum (IISR). The study revealed that, only eight bacterial and two fungal cultures showed antagonistic action against the pathogen. Since fungal endophytes showed less inhibition, they were not selected for further studies. The selected endophytes were subjected to various tests for understanding parameters that may act to produce antagonism as well as enhanced growth of the plants. All the antagonists inhibited growth of the pathogen, promoted plant growth, produced IAA and ammonia. Only two isolates viz., EB-14 and EB-31 are found cyanogenic.Only four isolates viz., EB-15, EB-31, EB-26 and EB-12 were found capable of solubilizing hosphate. All isolates except EB-12 were found capable of producing siderophores.
Title: Effects of a Popular Aquatic Pest Control Agent among Carp Aqua-culturists on Aquatic Microfauna Dynamics
Abstract :
Cypermethrin is gaining popularity among fish farmers community to control aquatic insect pests and ectoparasites. Effect of cypermethrin application at farmer select dose (@0.003 ppm) on aquaculture pests (Notonecta & small prawn) commonly found in tropical ponds along with fish fry was assessed. Effect of cypermethrin application on the composition and survivability dynamics of aquatic microfauna namely rotifer, copepod and cladocera for 8 days was studied in tropical pond conditions. Cypermethrin cause significantly higher mortality to notonecta and prawn compared to fish fry within 24 h of exposure (P<0.05). Mortality of notonecta, prawn & fish fry became insignificant only after 72 h of cypermethrin application. During the 8 days span after application of cypermethrin, while population density Rotifer sp. remain unaffected (P>0.05), population density of Cladocera sp. and Copepod sp. reduced significantly (P<0.05). However, presence of dead zooplankton in the samples on the 8th day suggests that the presence of cypermethrin toxicity of beyond the period of study. Our results suggest that nursery pond stocking with fish fry after 72 h (three days) of application of cypermethrin might offer the triple advantage of predator elimination, prey availability and reduction in pesticide induced mortality of fish fry.
Title: Water quality index for the assessment of groundwater quality in the Sabour block of Bhagalpur district, Bihar
Abstract :

Groundwater samples were collected from the different locations of Sabour block of Bhagalpur district, Bihar to assess the groundwater quality using water quality index (WQI). Based on global positioning system (GPS) 59 groundwater samples were collected from the different sources at different depths. A single mathematical approach was identified using several parameters integrated to represent a single value for evaluating groundwater quality called as WQI. In this study twelve parameters, namely, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolve salt (TDS), Hardness, calcium ion (Ca+2), magnesium ion (Mg+2), sodium ion (Na+), potassium ion (K+), carbonate ion (CO3-2), bicarbonate ion (HCO3-), chloride ion (Cl-) and fluoride ion (F-) were used for calculating WQI. The computed WQI shows that 1.69% of water sample falls in excellent categories and 47.45% falls in the good water category, 27.11% of water samples were found poor as well as approximate 17 % found very poor and remaining 6.77% samples are found unsuitable for drinking purposes as far as drinking standards are concerned.

Title: Effects of Pre-sowing Seed Treatment on the Growth Rate of Seedlings and the Activity of the Excretory System of the Wheat Root in Aquatic Culture
Abstract :

The qualitative and quantitative composition of the rhizosphere is known to be the result of the metabolic activity of the root and it regulates the functional activity of the root. Therefore, it works as autoregulation in the root activity. The study of the system of autoregulation is actually not only for the physiology of plants, but also for modern biotechnologies. The contents of proteins, amino acids and total carbohydrates were determined during the formation of the rhizosphere of the wheat’s roots from 1 to 3 day of growth in aquatic culture. In addition to that, the role of microorganisms in the formation of the root microenvironment with different models of pre-sowing seed treatment was investigated. It was found that, the pre-sowing seed treatment affects the qualitative and quantitative composition of root exudates. The pre-sowing treatment of seeds with potassium permanganate increased the protein content in the composition of exudates in the 1st day of seedling about 75%, but it decreased in the 2nd day about 40% if compared with the control variant. The pre-sowing treatment of seeds with ethyl alcohol and sodium hypochlorite reduced the protein content of exudates in the 2nd day of seedlings about 45% and did not affect this indicator in 1 and 3rd day of seedlings in comparison with the control variant. The pre-sowing treatment with potassium permanganate insignificantly affected the mount of microorganisms, while the pre-sowing treatment with alcohol and sodium hypochlorite reduced the amount of microorganisms in the root exudates two times if compared with the control variant.

Title: Bio-control Efficacy of Trichoderma spp. Against the Major Diseases of Rice (Oryzae sativa L.)
Abstract :
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most widely cultivated food crop and is being cultivated in 114 countries over the world. The majority of the rice (90%) is being produced in Asia with China and India being the major producers. In nature, plants are simultaneously exposed to a combination of biotic and abiotic stresses that limit crop yields. Rice blast caused by Pyricularia oryzae is one of the major rice diseases that hamper rice production globally. The extent of damage caused by P. oryzae in rice production resulting losses of 10-30% of the global yield. Rice sheath blight, caused by the soil-borne fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani, is an economically important disease in rice. Depending upon the severity of the disease, it may cause 25-100% yield losses. Chemical control of disease leads to increase environmental toxicity hence the biological control is one of the best method to manage rice diseases. Trichoderma is a very effective biological mean for plant disease management. It is a free living fungus which is common in soil and root ecosystems. It is highly interactive in root, soil and foliar environments. It reduces growth, survival or infections caused by pathogens by different mechanisms like competition, antibiosis, mycoparasitism, hyphal interactions, and enzyme secretion. Trichoderma have been found effective in controlling rice blast and sheath blight of rice. Hence, in this work we have attempted to in vitro management of rice blastand sheath blight by potential Trichoderma isolates, and found different per cent growth inhibition.
Title: Shelf life extension of fresh-cut spinach
Abstract :
Fresh-cut vegetables are an important and rapidly developing class of convenience foods. Their storage life may be greatly reduced due to their high rates of respiration and transpiration and the possibility of enzymatic and microbiological deterioration. Consequently, the objective of this work was to determine the shelf life and the failure a ribute that conditioned the shelf life of fresh-cut spinach packaged in
diff erent packaging materials.Packaging of fresh vegetables is one of the most important steps in the long and complicated journey from grower to consumer. Spinach has a relatively short shelf life. “Shelf
life is defi ned as the time period that a product can be expected to maintain a predetermined level of quality under specifi ed storage conditions”. Shelf life is a function of time, environmental factors, and susceptibility of product to quality change.The maximum shelf life for spinach was observed as 3 days and 14 days when stored in LDPE bags with 5% perforation at ambient and cold storage conditions, respectively.
Title: Studies on Variability, Heritability, Genetic advance and Correlation in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Abstract :

The present investigation was undertaken to study association between different characters, the direct and indirect contribution of the component characters on the yield, genetic advance, heritability for various characters and to assess the extent of variability through genetic divergence in 40 genotypes (38 inbreds and 2 hybrids) of maize. The treatment differences were statistically significant for all the characters and also the magnitude of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation indicated the presence of good amount of variability. Grain yield per plant showed the highest heritability (98.00%) followed by plant height, number of kernels per row and 100 grain weight. Grain yield per plant exhibited highest genetic advance which was followed by plant height and ear head height. The grain yield per plant showed highly significant positive correlation with ear circumference, number of kernels per row, ear length and plant height. Path analysis studies revealed that days to maturity, plant height, ear length, numbers of kernel row per cob and 100 grain weight exhibited high direct effects on grain yield indicating true and perfect relationship between them. This also suggests that direct selection for these traits will help in improvement of grain yield in maize.

Title: Callus Induction and Regeneration from In Vitro anther Culture of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Abstract :
The standardization of anther culture media for callus induction, and regeneration from anther derived callus of Azucena and Budda rice varieties. Anthers from panicles in which the distance between flag leaf and subtending leaf was 11cm in Azucena and 8 cm in Budda were used for anther culture.At this stage of development, anthers contained uni-nucleate pollen grains. Panicles were subjected to cold pretreatment of 5°C for 8 days. Callus induction frequency in different media combination ranged from 0.66% to 6.66% was observed in N6 medium supplemented with 1.0 mg-l,2,
4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, 2.0 mg-l α-Naphthalene acetic acid and 0.5 mg-l Kinetin. In Azucena variety, highest callus induction (6.66%) while no callusing was found in Budda variety. Highest shoot regeneration (0.33%) from callus was observed in MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg-l 6- Benzyl amino purine, 0.5 mg-l Kinetin and 80 mg-ladenine sulphate.
Title: Crop Residue Management through Options
Abstract :
Rice-wheat system is a major dominating cropping system of India. High yields of the irrigated Rice-wheat system have resulted in production of huge quantities of crop residues. Burning of rice straw is common in north-west India causing nutrient losses and serious air pollutions affecting human health, climate change and global warming. To avoid straw burning, innovations in crop residue management should assist in achieving sustainable productivity and allow farmers to reduce nutrient and water inputs, and reduce risk due to climate change. Crop residues contain significant quantities of plant nutrients and their judicious application will have positive effect on nutrient management in rice wheat system. Long-term studies of the residue recycling have indicated improvements in physical, chemical and biological health of soil. Other plausible option of crop residues management lies in utilizing a portion of surplus residue are incorporate in to soil which improve soil health, increase nutrient use efficiency and minimize air pollution and other i.e. mushroom cultivation as converting of inedible crop residues into valuable food, surface mulch as conservation of soil moisture, temperature and control of weed emergence, bio-fuel and compost production. Residue decomposition in soil substantially increases the soil organic carbon and other nutrient. In this review authors have discussed residue potential and possible options for with efficient management of crop residues in the rice wheat cropping system.
Title: Character Association and Path Coefficient Analysis in Grain Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)
Abstract :
Twenty-two genotypes of amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) were evaluated for 12 quantitative traits for two years and the pooled data was analyzed. The mean, range, genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability in broad sense and genetic advance were calculated. Path coefficient analysis was carried out using correlation coefficients to know the yield-contributing
traits having true associations with seed yield. The low differences between the phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variations indicated low environmental influences on the expression of the traits studied. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for yield/day to maturity, yield/day to seed fill, harvest index, panicle girth and seed yield/plant was observed. All the traits except days to seed fill possessed positive association with grain yield. Harvest index was positively correlated with days to maturity. Harvest index, aerial biomass/plant and days to maturity also ad high phenotypic and genotypic direct effects on seed yield/plant, revealing that indirect selection for these traits would be effective in improving seed yield.
Title: Contents
Abstract :

Contents 

Title: Morphology, Structure and Distribution of Floral Trichomes in Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt. (Cucurbitaceae)
Abstract :

Trichomes are epidermal appendages found in plant parts, have an important role in growth, development and pollination. The present study have been investigated the morphology, structure and distribution of trichomes on the reproductive parts of Coccinia grandis, a dioecious species in Cucurbitaceae, using micro and macroscopic studies. On the basis of structure and function, the epidermal hairs are classified under glandular and non-glandular trichomes. Three types of glandular (peltate, capitates and conoidal) and four types of morphologicaly distinct non-glandular hairs were observed. Distribution of hairs varies according to parts of flower. Non-glandular hairs developed earlier and their density reduces in later stages except in corolla, whereas glandular hairs were predominant in mature flowers. The study pointed out that the floral trichomes in Coccinia grandis, play an important role in effective pollination rather mechanical support.

Title: Isolation, Screening, Identification, and Optimization of Xylanase Producing Bacteria from Forests of Western Ghats, India
Abstract :

Xylanase was used in paper industries as an alternate for toxic chemicals in bleaching and pulping processes. This potential has markedly increased the need for research on xylanase production. Hence this study was aimed at isolation of xylanase producing bacteria. The soil samples were collected from different regions in the reserve forests of Western Ghats of Nilgiri district in Tamil Nadu, India. Totally 154 bacterial strains were isolated from the soil samples. All the strains were screened for xylanolytic activity by xylan agar plate assay method. Based on the size of formation of the clear zone, six potential bacterial strains were selected for the further studies and identified by 16S rRNA sequence. Solid state fermentation (SsF) and submerged fermentation(s SmF) were done to identify strains that could produce maximum xylanase. Bacillus was found to be the dominating xylanase producer among the isolated strains. Bacillus subtilis showed maximum xylanase production of 15.55 IU/ml and 2.62 IU/ml in solid state and submerged fermentations, respectively.

Title: Influence of Silicon on Translocation, Compartmentation and Uptake of Lead in Leafy Vegetables
Abstract :

Lead (Pb) has phytotoxic and toxic effects on plants and animals. Leafy vegetables accumulate this element resulting in enrichment along the food chain. Silicon has beneficial effects in enhancing plants’ tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses including heavy metals such as Pb. The study was carried out under greenhouse and field conditions aiming at determining the effects of silicon on transfer, mobility, and uptake of lead by leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, and amaranths). The greenhouse experiment was carried out as a split-plot arranged in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The vegetable species were allocated to the main plots whereas the treatments (Pb, Pb+Si, Si, and Control) were assigned to the subplots. The field experiment was sited in polluted soils, and treatment included control and Si, applied to spinach, kale, and amaranths. Data was collected on Pb concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves, transfer factor, mobility index, and uptake of lead by leafy vegetables. Lead concentration was highest in roots, intermediate in stems, and least in leaves. Silicon application reduced concentration, transfer factor, mobility, and uptake of lead by 20, 40, 15, and 24%, respectively. The lead transfer factor and translocation index was less than one. Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a strong positive correlation between lead concentrations in soils and plant tissues of leafy vegetables. Application of silicon on polluted soils reduced transfer and mobility of lead in edible tissues of leafy vegetables. The study recommends silicon application to reduce the concentration of lead on vegetable tissues, however, it recommends against vegetable production for human consumption on polluted soils.

Title: Comparative Studies on Simultaneous Adsorption and Biodegradation, Adsorption and Biodegradation for Treatment of Wastewater containing Cyanide and Phenol
Abstract :

This paper presents a comparative study of the efficiency of biodegradation, adsorption and simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation (SAB) process for the remediation of industrial wastewaters containing both cyanide and phenol. Adsorption was carried out using granular activated carbon (GAC), while biodegradation was achieved by co-fermentation with Pseudomonas putida and Azotobacter chroococcum. During co-metabolism P. putida utilized phenol as carbon source while A. chroococcum utilized cyanide as nitrogen source for growth. The biodegradation efficiency decreased with increasing concentrations of phenol and cyanide and was observed as 99.99, 92.45, 86.12, 75.21 and 60.34% for cyanide and 99.61, 85.62, 79.15, 64.21 and 56.63% for phenol respectively after 60 h of agitation when initial concentration was increased from 50-350 mg L-1. With adsorption on GAC, the removal efficiencies were found to be 85.8, 77.67, 75.51, 58.25 and 50.73% for cyanide and 73.92, 72.99, 71.23, 60.13 and 51.55% for phenol respectively after 72 h of agitation. However SAB process was found to be better than biodegradation or adsorption alone in terms of both removal efficiency and time required for remediation with removal efficiencies > 94% for initial cyanide and phenol concentrations of 50 and 100 mg L-1.

Title: Phenotyping for Grain Mineral Contents (Iron and Zinc) in PAU201 × Palman 579 F5 and BC1F4 Populations in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Abstract :

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) occupies an enviable prime place among the food crops cultivated around the world. Biofortification refers to the development of micronutrient-dense staple crops using the best traditional breeding practices and modern biotechnology. F5 (278) and BC1F4 (212) plants derived from the cross between PAU201 (high yielding) and Palman 579 (Iron rich) were phenotype during 2013-14 crop season. The results showed 17.14% plants in F5 and 5.60 % plants in BC1F4 populations perform higher than Palman 579 for zinc content. Likewise, 1.07% F5 and 31.30% BC1F4 populations performed higher than PAU201 for grain yield/plant and 17.14% F5 population and 61.21% BC1F4 population performed higher than PAU201 for 1000-grain weight. Plants showed large variation for various grain yield related traits for iron and zinc contents. Pearson’s correlation coefficients showed Iron, zinc content and grain yield/plant were positively correlated to all the studied traits in both the populations except plant height in BC1F4 population. 1000-grain weight showed significant positive correlation in both the population with panicle length, grain yield/plant, iron content and zinc content. Notably, one F5 plant (plant number 48-14-3-2) had exceptionally high iron content (296.5 μg/g). The distribution curves showed normal parabolic distribution for effective number of tillers/plant and zinc content. Frequency distribution curves for iron content were skewed towards Palman 579 in F5 and BC1F4 populations. This indicated that available populations is feasible to plan a breeding program to develop high-yielding, mineral rich rice genotypes and to identify genomic location for micronutrients content.

Title: Screening of Urdbean Germplasm for Resistance Against Rhizoctonia solani Kühn Causing Web Blight Disease
Abstract :
Present study on screening of urdbean germplasm for resistance against Rhizoctonia solani kühn causing web blight disease revealed that in detached leaf technique, 42 genotypes of Urdbean were evaluated for web blight resistance. Out of these fourteen genotypes i.e. IPU-2-43, KPU-1-10, KU-1106, CoBG-10-5, LBG 752, VBG-10-024, NUL-7, ACM 05- 007, Uttara-3, UH-08-05, UH-07-06, CoBG-761, NDU-11-202 and KUG-580 were found moderately resistant to web blight. During field screening in 2011 and 2012, lines LBG-752, VBG-10-024, NUL-7, ACM-05-007, Uttara-3, UH-08-05, UH-07-06, CoBG-761, NDU-11-202, KUG-586, IPU-2-43, KPU-1-10, KU-1106 and CoBG-10-5 showed moderately resistant reaction to web blight disease and rest of the lines shows susceptible reaction.
Title: Fibrous Root Distribution in Blood Red Sweet Orange Trees under Semi- arid Irrigated Ecosystem
Abstract :
Fibrous root distribution pattern of mature trees of sweet orange cultivar Blood Red budded on rough lemon with her cleoptera and troyer citrange rootstocks were studied by root excavation method. The roots excavated from four radial distances i.e.0-75,75-150,150-225 and 225-300 cm from the tree trunk and three depths i.e.0-15, 15-30 and 30-60 cm from the ground level indicated that fibrous root dry weight density and proportion of dry weight differed significantly at various depths and radial distances. Cleoptera has more feeder roots as compared to rough lemon and troyer. Feeder root dry weight density and dry weight proportion was almost the same between 0-15 & 15-30 cm depth and at deeper horizon there was significant decrease in all the root stocks. Approximately 70% of the total feeder roots in all rootstocks were within 0-30 cm depth i.e. intensive vertical development. The highest feeder root dry weight density was recorded at 0-75cm radial distance after that there was a sharp decrease. Troyer citrange, cleoptera and rough lemon contain about 65, 61 and 50% feeder roots up to 150 cm radial distance from the trunk. Hence, feeder roots, in troyer citrange and cleoptera may be exemplified as intensive lateral development. Rough lemon bears extensive lateral development as it has substantial amount of feeder roots at 150-225cm radial distance. 
Title: Assessment of drought characteristics for Dhasan basin in Bundelkhand region
Abstract :

Drought monitoring is an important aspect for assessing and forecasting the drought risk for an area. The various types of drought including the meteorological drought and groundwater drought have been analysed using the appropriate drought indicators for Dhasan basin. This has helped in understanding the spatio-temporal variation of droughts including duration, severity and also helped to capture the progression and withdrawal of droughts during various months of the identified drought years. Based on the Effective Drought Index (EDI), four major drought events have been identified during 1981-82, 1988-89, 2002-03 and 2007-08. The drought severity assessment based on the EDI, indicates that the maximum drought severity of -33.49 had occurred during September 2006 and May 2008 and it was of longest duration (21 months) in the area under Banda rain gauging station. An increasing trend of meteorological drought severity has been observed for all the rain gauging stations in Dhasan basin. Hydrological drought characteristics have been evaluated using Groundwater Drought Index (GDI), which indicates that the groundwater drought severity is increasing gradually in the study area. During August 2002, about 0.78 sq. km. area was under severe drought whereas, during November 2002 about 46.01 sq. km. of the area was under severe drought and only 0.62 sq. km. area was under extreme drought conditions.

Title: Characterization of Pectinase from Cashew Shell Cake Using Aspergillus niger with Unique Kinetic Properties
Abstract :
The main purpose of the study was to provide a value addition; to a cashew industry by-product:- Cashew Shell. Production of newly Pectinase enzyme by Solid State Fermentation and the enzyme has been optimized by using Cashew Shell as substrate has been standardized. Strain has been selected by assessing the fungal strains having the better survival capacity in CNSL and
based on the Pectinase production studies (MTCC 1344). Optimum Pectinase production by SSF was obtained when incubated for 96 hours at 45ºC and pH 5.The enzyme activity of Pectinase (Polygalactouronase) was determined by measuring the release of reducing groups from polygalactouronic acid. Partially Purified Pectinase powder was obtained by acetone precipitation; followed by filtering the enzyme through Whatman No: 1 filter paper using a vacuum pump.
Title: Gene Action for Yield and Yield Attributes by Generation Mean Analysis in Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.)
Abstract :

Genetic studies assist the breeder in understanding the inheritance mechanism and enhance the efficiency of a breeding programme. Knowledge of the way genes act and interact will determine the breeding system that optimizes gene action more efficiently and will elucidate the role of breeding systems in the evolution of crop plants. The generation mean analysis was employed in four crosses viz., CO 7 × GPBD 4, ICGV 03128 × GPBD 4, ICGV 03128 × COG 0437 and ICGV 03128 × VRI Gn 6 of groundnut to partition the genetic variance into additive, dominance and epistasis. Hence F1, F2 and F3 generations of each cross were evaluated along with their parents to assess the nature of gene action involved for various characters which in turn helps in formulating an effective and sound breeding programme in groundnut. In all the vegetative and reproductive characters, additivity, dominance and one or more of the epistatic effects determined the expression. Pedigree method of breeding followed by simple selection in later generation would be a meaningful breeding strategy to be followed in such crosses for the improvement of the characters under evaluation. Considering the kernel yield per plant, pod yield per plant and foliar disease incidence, the cross ICGV 03128 × GPBD 4 was adjudged as the best cross for further selection programme.

Title: A Novel Approach for Enhancement of Lovastatin Production using Aspergillus Species
Abstract :
Submerged cultures (SmF) of filamentous fungi (Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus flavus) are widely used to produce commercially important metabolite lovastatin. Limited investigations have been made on optimization of the different nutrients and process parameters using standard optimization methods. No previous work has used statistical analysis in documenting the interactions between nutritional and process parameters in lovastatin production. With this lacunae, Plackett-Burman experimental design
was used for the first time to screen and investigate the effects of the nine factors —i.e. Source (lactose, glycerol and honey) and concentrations of carbon (40–80 g/L), source (mycological peptone and yeast extract) and concentrations of Nitrogen (5–25 g/L); pH of the fermentation process (6.0-7.6); Temperature of the fermentation process (24 oC –32 oC) ; Agitation (120 – 200 rpm) and Fermentation time (5–13 days) —on the concentrations of lovastatin produced in batch cultures (SmF) of Aspergillus terreus
(newly discovered strains (nhceup) MTCC-11045, Aspergillus terreus (NHCEUPBT) MTCC-11395, Aspergillus flavus (NHCEUPBTE) MTCC-11396 and Aspergillus terreus MTCC-1782. Lovastatin in the sample was confirmed and estimated by UV Spectrophotometry, HPLC and FTIR analysis; Plackett-Burman design identified the “source and concentrations of C, N, pH and incubation period” were the principal factor influencing the production of lovastatin.
Title: Evaluation of Fatty Acid Profile and Biodiesel Characterization Obtained from Novel Algae Scenedesmus vacuolatus X56104
Abstract :

Microalgae are the rapidly growing photosynthetic microorganisms and can be used as a source of renewable biofuels. The present investigation focuses on the perspectives regarding the use of newly isolated microalgae as a better biomass and lipids producer. The algal strain was isolated from local Godavari River and identified as Scenedesmus vacuolatus X56104 on the basis of 18s rRNA sequence. Microalgae were cultivated under controlled environment in the laboratory. Early stationary grown microalgae revealed 2.3 mg/ml biomass. Algae oil was extracted using soxhlet apparatus and found to be 26.7% of total biomass. Physiochemical properties of oil were recorded as density (0.85gm/cc), viscosity (4.2 mm2), moisture (1.8%), acid value%(0.5 mg of KOH/gm), flash point (130°C), calorific value (9110Kcal/Kg) and Cetane number (54). The fatty acid profile was evaluated by GCMS and showed Palmitic acid (5.81%), stearic acid (1.86%), Oleic acid (65.83%), Linoleic acid (20.10%), Linolenic acid (4.66%), Arachidic acid (0.52%) and Eicosenoic acid (1.22%). The total fatty acids were subjected to lipase based trans esterification so as to obtained FAME and finally the biodiesel. The biodiesel was characterized using FTIR and Mass spectroscopy. Spectroscopic data were compared with spectra of standard diesel which revealed 98% similarity. The values of physicochemical properties of biodiesel were compared with the standard diesel showing 80-90% similarities. The resulting experimental data proved that the microalgae Scenedesmus vacuolatus X56104 oil could be a potential source of biodiesel and therefore this alga can be used as a source of renewable biofuels.

Title: Insect Molecular Markers and its Utility- A Review
Abstract :

Insects represent a major life form on earth. Nearly one million insect species have been discovered which comprises 75% of all the recorded animal species. This biological success is accredited to the enormous diversity of their size and body structure, mating strategies, and the incredible feeding and adaptation behaviour. Significant progress has been made in understanding insect diversity and ecology by using classical genetic principles. Over the last past 15 years, DNA markers have made a significant contribution in molecular studies on genetic relatedness, phylogeny, population dynamics and genome mapping in insects. A brief account of DNA based marker systems, their utility in entomological research, with examples wherever available is presented to prompt further reading and applications. The techniques described include restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), randomly amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), microsatellites/simple sequence repeats (SSRs), and expressed sequence tag (EST) based marker system, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and other derived marker systems along with their genetic nature and relative comparison. Although a large number of samples can be analyzed quickly, a number of other factors such as cost, speed and requirement of technical skills are the major concern. In this review, we hope to inform the general reader about the importance and scope of the main molecular markers commonly in use, along with brief details of some other techniques which show great promise for entomological studies. Thereafter, we discuss their applications including suitability for particular studies, the reliability of particular techniques, the issues of safety involved, cost effectiveness and the statistical analyses utilized.

Title: Determination of Optimum Sowing Time of Grass Pea Based on Yield Variation as Affected by Varied Dates of Sowing in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal
Abstract :

To investigate the optimum sowing time of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, field experiment was conducted with grass pea (cv.: Prateek), sown on nine different dates from 26th October to 21st December at weekly interval during the winter season of 2016-17 at the Instructional Farm (22°58´ N, 88°31´ E), Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India. Grain yield and different yield attributes viz. numbers of pods per plant (PP), numbers of grains per pod (GP) and test weight of grains (TW) were observed and statistically analyzed. It was observed that sowing time greatly altered grain yield and yield attributes. Highest mean grain yield (994.4 kg/ha) was obtained from the crops sown on 16th November. TW showed highest correlation with grain yield (r = 0.88**). Test weight of grains seemed to be the most important yield attribute in terms of adjusted R2 values (0.752**), obtained from the regression analysis between grain yield and different yield attributes individually and in combination. It was clear that grass pea should be sown after 2nd November and not beyond 16th November to obtain the potential productivity in the New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal.

Title: In silico Target Deconvolution of Curcumin (Diferuloylmethane) Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Abstract :
In relation to its antiviral properties, curcumin at higher concentrations is found to lower the growth of Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in non-tumorigenic human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) infected with RSV. However the mechanism of action curcumin in RSV remains unknown. This analysis unlocks the ways to increase the killing of RSV even at lower concentrations of
curcumin, also preventing apoptosis of the host cells when concentration of curcumin is increased (if a higher concentration is needed). The study has identified the viral proteins RNA polymerase L and Ribonucleoprotein N to be susceptible targets in RSV for binding of curcumin or curcumin bioconjugates to combat the virus
Title: Characterization of Rice Blast Disease Using Greenness Index, Canopy Temperature and Vegetation Indices
Abstract :

Blast diseases cause economically important damage to rice. Protective treatments help producers to secure good quality crops. In contrast, curative treatments based on visually detectable symptoms are often riskier and less effective because diseased crop plants may develop disease symptoms too late for curative treatments. On the other hand, the effect of blast severity levels on crop physiology (greenness index and canopy temperature) and vegetation indices may help in early detection of rice blast. Keeping this view, a field experiment was conducted at ICAR-VPKAS, Almora to study the effect of different rice blast severity levels on canopy temperature, greenness index and hyperspectral vegetation indices with 10 rice genotype each for upland and irrigated condition. The extent of disease severity was rated 0-9 based on the extent of host organ covered by symptom or lesion. It was observed that canopy temperature and greenness index was significantly influenced by blast disease severity levels for both conditions. 8 different vegetation indices having higher correlation coefficient (>0.8) was calculated. The linear regression models were developed between these indices and disease score. Out of those, MTVI based model performed best for blast disease severity assessment having R2 and RPD value more than 0.85 and 2.58 respectively. So MTVI based model can be used for detecting rice blast.

Title: Upgrading Biogas  to Biomethane  by Physical Absorption Process
Abstract :

Biogas is generated from anaerobic digestion of organic wastes by microorganisms. It is a relatively simple and economical method to produce a fuel from waste. It has a composition of methane as the main component with 50-70 percent, carbon dioxide around 30-40 percent and, hydrogen sulphide and moisture in trace quantities. The composition of biogas varies depending upon the substrates used. The raw biogas from the biogas digesters is properly scrubbed and purified to remove the unwanted gases like CO2, H2S and moisture up to a certain required level. In this work, a biogas upgrading system of 2 m3/h capacity has been developed for the removal of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide from biogas, is indispensable to get Biomethane. Developed biogas upgrading system, upgrades the biogas up to 96- 97% Biomethane at 10 bar column-operating pressure with 1.5- 2.5 m3 /h of biogas in-flow rate and 1.75 m3/h of water inflow rate.

Title: Analysis of Technical Efficiency of Tomato Production in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Abstract :

The study examined the technical efficiency of tomato production in Guyuk Local Government area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 100 farmers using purposive and simple random sampling with aid of structured schedule.The result of the stochastic frontier production function analysis shows that the variance parameters, that is the sigma squared (δ2) and the gamma (γ) were statistically significant at 1% level for tomato production. The coefficient of farm size and seed were positive and significant at 1% level while family and hired labor was negative and insignificant. Profit level can be increased by increasing the farm size and quantity of seed, and decreasing the use of manual labor. Mean efficiency were 0.69, Farmers operated at 31.03% below frontier level due to variation in technical efficiency. The inefficiency model shows that the coefficient of Age, Gender and family size have negative prior sign and in consonance with the prior expectation. Better use of technology dissemination was suggested to enhance the production level at farmers field and optimum utilization of resources.

Title: Effect of Ethanol on Membrane Stability in Oreochromis Mossambicus (Peters)
Abstract :
Excess production and usage of ethanol as an alternative fuel has resulted in frequent ethanol spillage, which brings about massive fish kills arising due to depletion in oxygen content by ethanol, and data available so far on the impact of ethanol on aquatic ecosystems are scarce. The present investigates the alterations in the membrane stability after in vitro and in vivo exposure of fish erythrocytes and lysosomes to ethanol at different sub lethal concentrations. Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) was selected as an animal model and the LC50 value of ethanol was found to be 13.01 g/l. Ethanol brings about considerable damage to the RBCs when subjected to in vitro and in vivo conditions of different ethanol concentrations and it was
found to be highly significant at 0.1% level. Similarly a significant decrease (P<0.001) in lysosomal fraction of â-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase activities were observed both in in vitro and in vivo studies. Ethanol induced mutilations to the membrane of RBCs and lysosomes when subjected to different concentrations of ethanol both in in-vivo and in vitro conditions are found to be very momentous.
Title: Rapid in vitro Multiplication of Eulophia Cullenii (Wight) Blume - a Rare, Endemic and Exquisite Orchid of Southern Western Ghats
Abstract :
As part of a conservation programme to multiply Western Ghats orchids, green pod culture of Eulophia cullenii, a rare, endemic exquisite and therapeutically important orchid of Western Ghats was attempted. Green pod culture of E. cullenii, was tested in three different culture media viz. Mitra et al., Knudson C, and Wimber media. Mature seeds released from a three month old the green pod of E. cullenii were cultured in the above mentioned liquid nutrient media supplemented with different organic additives
like casein acid hydrolysate (CH), peptone (P), yeast extract (YE) and coconut water (CW). Mitra nutrient medium supplemented with 0.05% CH (w/v) supported highest percentage (70%) seed germination. CW was found be inhibitory for seed germination in all the media tried. Protocorm after 60 days in liquid medium were transferred to solid Mitra medium containing same additives. Protocorm proliferation was noticed in Mitra basal and organic supplemented medium and maximum of an average of 15 daughter protocorms within 8 weeks of culture in solid basal Mitra medium. Proliferated protocorm when transferred to Mitra basal medium within 8 weeks leafy shoots with root initials and initiation of in vitro rhizome were obtained. These seedling again transferred to fresh basal medium healthy seedling with in vitro derived rhizome were formed within 8 weeks of culture. After the third subculture in solid medium, the healthy rooted seedlings with in vitro developed rhizome obtained were transferred to community pots
containing sand and farmyard manure (1:1) and 79% survival rate was obtained after one year of establishment.
Title: Dynamics of Organic Carbon and Nutrients after Organic Waste Addition in an Acid Soil
Abstract :

Organic waste from agricultural industries such as effluent from palm oil mills contains high organic material and can be used as a source of organic material to improve soil quality. The incubation experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of organic waste from a mixture of palm oil mill effluent with zeolite and chicken manure on pH, total organic C, labile organic C, humic acid C and nutrient in an acid soil. The treatment consisted of a control and the addition of organic waste at 5, 10, 15 and 20 t/ha arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The incubation experiment was performed for 10 weeks. The addition of organic wastes significantly increased the soil pH, total organic C, labile organic C, humic acid C and nutrients (N, P, and K) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The addition of organic waste also showed a significant decrease in the exchangeable Al, which is a toxic element found in acid soils. Changes in soil organic C, nutrients and other soil chemical properties showed different trends during incubation. Increased incubation time led to the decreasing trend in pH, total organic C, labile organic C and available P. In contrast, total N, humic acid C, exchangeable K, Al and cation exchange capacity tended to increase with increasing incubation time. The results of this study indicated that organic C, nutrients and other acid soil chemical properties could be improved by the addition of organic waste.

Title: Metallothioneins from a Hyperaccumulating Plant Prosopis juliflora Show Difference in Heavy Metal Accumulation in Transgenic Tobacco
Abstract :
Overexpression studies in plants have demonstrated the ability of metallothioneins (MTs) to hyperaccumulate heavy metals, but comparative analysis of heavy metal accumulation by different types of MTs from the same species is largely unavailable. Our previous study on three types of MTs (PjMT1, PjMT2, PjMT3) from heavy metal accumulating phreatophyte Prosopis juliflora reported that PjMT1 showed enhanced binding to cadmium, copper and zinc than other two types in E. coli. The present study, an extension of the previous work, compares the ability of PjMT1 and PjMT2 to
impart heavy metal tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants. PjMT1 and PjMT2 were cloned separately in plant transformation vector under constitutive promoter along with GUS screening marker and transformed into Nicotiana tabacum. When  subjected to 0.3 mM CdSO4, both PjMT1 and PjMT2 expressing transgenic plants demonstrated better survival and higher accumulation of Cd than wild type plants. Atomic absorption spectrometry revealed PjMT1 and PjMT2 transformed tobacco plants exhibiting nine fold and five fold higher Cd accumulation respectively, in comparison to non-transgenic plants. Measurement of chlorophyll degradation upon cadmium stress also indicated more chlorophyll retention in PjMT1
and PjMT2 transgenics compared to wild type plants. The results of the study identify PjMT1 as a better candidate gene for phytoremediation of cadmium.
Title: Identification of SSR markers for hybrid purity testing in newly released rice hybrid KRH-4
Abstract :

Microsatellite markers were used for fingerprinting of hybrid, assessing variation within parental lines and testing the hybrid purity of hybrid seed rice. In this study 25 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers were employed for fingerprinting for newly release rice hybrid (KRH- 4) and their parental lines. Polymorphic primers viz., RM202, RM204, RM219, RM216, RM1385, RM21, RM336, RM209, RM7279 and RM206 could clearly distinguish KRH-4 from its parental lines. The polymorphic primer RM216 amplified an allele size of 160bp in CRMS32A (A) and 150bp in MSN36 (R). Similarly RM204 amplified an allele size of 110bp in CRMS-32A (A) and 120bp in MSN36 (R). RM7279 amplified an allele size of 190bp in CRMS32A (A) and 1800bp in MSN36 (R). Since the bands of RM204, RM216, and RM7279 of KRH-4 hybrid rice were complement type of their parents, clear and distinct that can be utilized for purity assessment of hybrid rice KRH-4.

Title: Forms of Sulphur and Evaluation to the Sulphur Test Methods for Moongbean in Some terai Soils of Eastern India
Abstract :
Surface soil samples of some terai soils of Eastern India were collected and analysed to evaluate different forms of sulphur status and soil test methods for predicting response of moong bean crop to sulphur application. The range of water soluble, sulphate, adsorbed, organic form and total sulphur were 6.91 to 26.23 (mean 16.69), 13.73 to 30.38 (mean 20.67), 3.19 to 42.91 (mean 18.37), 150.27 to 372.73 (mean 229.57) and 178.57 to 433.09 (mean 264.63) ppm, respectively. Soil pH, organic carbon, cation exchange
capacity and total N content in soil were positively correlated to the all forms of sulphur. Although clay content was negatively correlated to water soluble and sulphate sulphur, but silt+clay content in soil was positively correlated to water soluble sulphur and negatively correlated to adsorbed sulphur content in these soils. Amongst the five chemical extractants employed, relative
suitability of the extractants for predicting available sulphur status for these soils with reference to moong bean crop were in the order: Morgan > monocalcium phosphate 500ppm P > 0.15% CaCl2 > 1 N NH4OAc > 1% NaCl. Therefore, Morgan’s extractant may be used as an index of available sulphur for moong bean (B1, Sonali) grown on acid soils of terai tract of Eastern India, the critical level being 18.0 mg kg-1.
Title: Eberhart – Russell’ and AMMI Approaches of Genotype by Environment Interaction (GEI) for Yield and Yield Component Traits in Vigna radiata L. Wilczek
Abstract :
Evaluation of genotype by environment interaction (GEI) is very important for development of crop varieties with good potential. In this study, Eberhart - Russell’ and AMMI approaches were used to analyse the pattern of stability under targeted environment. The pattern of stability parameters of seed yield indicated that two genotype viz., G2 and G36 exhibited high mean seed yield with non-significant s2di, whereas G33 showed average seed yield (mean) and nonsignificant s2di. Environmental indices indicated that environment A and environment B were most favourable for most of
the yield component traits, whereas environment C was unfavourable for almost all the yield and yield component traits.
Based on AMMI 1; G1, G2, G18, G4, G3, G24, G22 and G25 were found stable for seed yield. For seed yield; genotypes and environments were grouped into nine sectors (AMMI 2). The first sector consist of with environment B with high IPCA score for some outlier genotypes i.e. G25, G14 and G22, indicated that the environment B was better than other environments and three genotypes were found stable for SYP. The selected genotypes may be utilized in Vigna radiata improvement programme at targeted location with true type of breeding lines.
Title: Training Needs of Dairy Farmers
Abstract :

The training can be more valuable and significant when analysis of training needs prior to beginning of training programmes and imparting knowledge according to the needs of the farmers. A list of seven major dairy practices/components was prepared to know training need index (TNI) of the dairy farmers of Jammu district. Under each major component, specific and relevant training need items were collected and systematically incorporated in to the interview schedule and administered. The results revealed that even in the most popular areas of training, there was an inadequacy. According to livestock owners perceived training needs, animal health (I), followed by marketing and financial management (II), breeding and general management (III), milking hygiene practices (IV), animal nutrition (V), animal welfare management (VI) and housing and environment management (VII) respectively. Therefore, the extension agencies and training imparting agencies in border belts of Jammu district has to give special emphasis on health care, feeding and breeding during dairy farmers training for increasing the livestock productivity and improving the living standards of the farmers. The various dairy extension agencies have to re-orient their training based on these findings to reduce the existing technological and adoption gap among the dairy farmers.

Title: Price Forecasting of Mango in Lucknow Market of Uttar Pradesh
Abstract :

The production of high value commodities in India is increasing day by day which helps in developing the Indian agriculture by producing the nutritive products and generate more income through diversification towards high value commodities than earlier. The information technology sector is too important for getting some good value for the produced commodities. Thus the study confirms the need of technology for dissemination of the future prices. The present study was conducted in Lucknow market of Uttar Pradesh as the state ranks first in terms of production of mango. Monthly price data was collected for 23 years from 1993 to 2015 and analysed with E-views 7 software. ARIMA (1, 0, 6) model was found to be best for forecasting the price of mango on the basis of minimum Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Schwarz Criterion (SBC). The forecasted value of mango showed an increasing trend of prices in selected market. For more increase in prices of mango in major market of the state, Government of Uttar Pradesh should take some initiative steps to disseminate it among the farmers and reduce post-harvest losses through adopting some good practices.

Title: Response of Gadam Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) to Farmyard Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer Application
Abstract :

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Farm Yard Manure (FYM), mineral fertilizers (nitrogen and phosphorus), and their combination on the production of Gadam sorghum in a Kenya Semi-arid region of Makueni and Machakos counties. The first experiment evaluated the response of sorghum to N and P application at four levels (0, 25, 50, 75 kg ha-1) whereas the second evaluated the response of sorghum to the combined application of FYM (0, 5, and 10 tons ha-1) and N and P fertilizer (0 and 50 kg ha-1). Nitrogen application enhanced sorghum yields more than phosphorus addition. Combining N at 75 kg ha-1 and P at 50 kg ha-1 gave the highest sorghum grain yield in Kampi ya Mawe which was 135% higher than the control. In Katumani, combining 50 kg ha-1 N and 25 kg ha-1 P gave the highest mean grain yield, which was 68.3% more than the untreated control. In the follow-up experiment (Kampi ya Mawe), combining FYM with NP fertilizer (50 kg ha-1 N & P and 10 t ha-1 FYM) gave the highest yield; 13.7% more than the control. At Katumani, however, combining FYM at 10 t ha-1 and 50 kg of N and P resulted in insignificant differences in grain yield compared to the untreated control. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was optimal at 50 kg ha-1 N and declined at 75 kg N ha-1. Similarly, phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) was highest at 50 kg P ha-1. Based on the results, it’s evident that the integration of organic and inorganic nutrient sources enhances sorghum yield.

Title: Moisture Sorption Characteristics of Banana Shrikhand
Abstract :

Moisture desorption and adsorption phenomenon in banana Shirkhand were investigated at 100C, 250C and 400C. The isotherm plots obtained exhibited sigmoid shape at all the three temperatures and are classified as type-II. The equilibrium moisture content rose gradually at the lower water activities followed by a steep rise at the higher water activities. The effect of temperature was more pronounced on the desorption isotherm than an adsorption isotherm. Between the three models (GAB, BET and Caurie) tested for predicting the sorption data, GAB gave the best fit at all the three temperatures as indicated by % RMS and R2 values. Properties of sorbed water viz; number of adsorbed monolayers, density of sorbed water, bound or non-freezable water and surface area of sorption were calculated for adsorption and desorption process from Caurie equation. The isosteric heat of sorption was calculated using the Clausius-Clapyron equation. Sorption isosters for each moisture contents are also been reported.

Title: Impact of Elevated CO2 on Growth and Yield of Wheat Crop: A Review
Abstract :

In this manuscript, 19 research studies with 79 experiments from 9 countries of the world based on growth, yield and their components of Wheat (Tritium aestivum L.), under various CO2 levels was analyzed. Only the recently published research studies (excluding models and mathematical tools based research) were considered in the study. Most of the selected experiment confirmed that elevated CO2 have positive impact on growth, yield and its components. Majority of the observations confirm that the elevated CO2 improved the growth & development processes as well as the yield & yield attributes of Wheat crop. No doubt elevated CO2 have positive impact on various growth and yield parameters but when we consider the impact of climate change (elevated temperature, drought, and increasing concentration of anthropogenic gases like SO2, CO, CH4 etc.) the response of CO2 will become negative. Even though elevated levels of CO2 has potential to compensate the impact of other changes in climate and may create a path in future to meet the demand of burgeoning world population.

Title: Response of Various Yield of Sweet Sorghum Crop (Sorghum bicolour L. Moench) to Different Levels of Fertilizer in Lateritic Soil of Birbhum, West Bengal
Abstract :

Strategic management and efficient application of inputs are the primary demands for sustainable, healthy and promising bio energy cropping system. Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is identified as an industrial crop by virtue of accumulation of fermentable sugars in stem and the stalk syrup is an enriched source of bio ethanol. To make an increasing profit from cultivation of sweet sorghum in Gangetic plains of West Bengal, several agronomic practices have been proposed both in general parameters and nutrient management. This plot experiment was conducted in open pollinated field condition to evaluate the response of different N, K and P doses on growth and sugar yield of sweet sorghum in this agro climatic zone. The experiment was conducted at Visva Bharati Agriculture Farm, Birbhum during 2017 in a randomized block design (RBD) having three replications. The total number of treatment combinations were 18 (3N×2P×3K) with a total of 54 plots. Data were collected on every 30 days interval starting from 40 Days after Sowing (DAS) to 130 DAS. The results revealed that maximum plant height of 192.19 cm was observed in N3P2K2 treatment at 130 DAS. The maximum Green Biomass of 26.47 t/ha was observed with N3P1K3 treatment at 100 DAS. The maximum sugar concentration of 9.34% was observed with N3P2K3 treatment at 100 DAS and the highest sugar yield of 1717.62 kg/ha with the same ratio of fertilizer treatment. All the values of parameters statistically evaluated to identify the cost-effective status as well as the significance of the study.

Title: Principal Component and Cluster Analysis of Fibre Yield in Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)
Abstract :
Genetic diversity plays an important role in crop improvement, because the segregants between lines of diverse origin generally display an improved performance than those between closely related parental genotypes. Sixty genotypes of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) were evaluated to study genetic divergence of fibre yield contributing quantitative characters by using principal component and cluster analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified four principal components with eigen values more than one which contributed 73.859 percent of cumulative variance. The first principal component (PC1-) contributed maximum towards variability with significant loading of plant height, fibre length per plant, and fibre yield per plant. The plot of PC1and PC2 showed characters differentiation of genotypes according to their cluster membership for each cluster. The mean scores of genotypes were used as input for clustering in order to group the genotypes into
various clusters. Hierarchical clustering procedure (complete linkage dendrogram) was followed to group the genotypes into 8 clusters, the clustering pattern of genotypes was to be independent of their eco-geographical origin. The comparative study of PCA and Complete Linkage Dendrogram indicated the similarity in the clustering pattern, resulted to clustering of divergent genotypes into different clusters against the geographical origin. The genotypes REX-1, ER-1, AHS-188, AMV-5, AMV-4, AHS-161, HS-4270, AR-104, JRRM-9-2 and R-83 in the different clusters if inter crossed may generate wider variability for sustainable improvement of fibre yield.
Title: Effect of Feeding Leucaena leucocephala Leaves and Pods on Feed Intake, Digestibility, Body Weight Change and Carcass Characteristic of Central-Highland Sheep Fed Basal Diet Wheat Bran and Natural Pasture Hay in Tigray, Ethiopia
Abstract :
Feed intake, digestibility, body weight change, carcass characteristics and profitability of supplementing 20 yearling central-highland sheep (17±1.5 kg) fed basal diet of natural pasture hay (NPH) and wheat bran with dried Leucana leucocephala leaves (LLL) and pods (LLP) and their mixture were evaluated after 84 d of feeding trial followed by 7 d of fecal collection and carcass analyses. Treatment diets(partial DM basis) were: T1 (control) = 90g wheat bran +3 g salt; T2=90g wheat bran +3 g salt +207 g LLL; T3= 90g
wheat bran +3 g salt +207 g LLP; T4= 90g wheat bran +3 g salt+103.5 g LLL +103.5 g LLP with NPH offered ad libitum for all treatments. Lambs were assigned to each treatment in RCBD. The crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of LLL were 21.8, 20.2 and 9.9 %/ DM, respectively and that of LLP 18.9, 42.1 and 25.7 %/DM, respectively. The total DM intake was highest for T2, T3 and T4 as compared to the control group. However, the total CP and digestible CP intakes were highest (P<0.05) for T2 but lowest in T1, T3 and T4. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in total NDF and ADF intakes among the treatments. Coefficient of DM digestibility (P<0.05) of T2, T3 and T4 was higher than that of T1. Dressing percentage (DP) calculated onthe basis of slaughter body weight (SBW) was higher (P<0.05) for T2 and T4 than T1. Rib eye muscle area (REMA) and hot carcass weight were higher (P<0.05) for T2 followed by T4 and T3 but T1 was least. Thus, T2 (LLL supplementation) gave better nutrient digestibility, feed conversion efficiency and carcass characteristics and is recommended. However, all leucaena meal supplemented animals performed better than the control, thus can be used
as supplements.
Title: Influence of Priming Treatments on Stress Tolerance During Seed Germination of Rice
Abstract :
In many crop species, seed germination and early seedling growth are the most sensitive stages to any stress. In order to evaluate the effect of different seed priming techniques on germination of paddy under different temperatures a factorial experiment was conducted with six varieties. Seeds were primed for 12h in seven priming media (salicylic acid 50 ppm, ascorbic acid 200ppm, citric acid 200ppm, proline 0.2%, calcium chloride 2%, Na2HPO4 100ppm and distilled water) at three different temperatures (300C, 380C and 430C) to observe the germination and related parameters. Results indicated that an increase in heat stress decreased germination components such as germination percentage, speed of germination, root length, shoot length and vigour index. Ascorbic acid and salicylic acid pre-treatment @ 200ppm and 50ppm respectively results in improvement of germination properties of paddy under heat stress condition because of its antioxidant capacity.The other treatments also enhanced the germination properties. Priming treatments including hydropriming resulted in the increased activity of α-amylase which in turn has resulted in better mobilization of stored carbohydrate reserves resulted in improvement of germination and other related parameters.
Title: Molecular Characterization and virulence pattern studies of rice (Oryza Sativa) blast (Magnaporthe Oryzae) disease
Abstract :

Rice blast, major fungal pathogen attacking rice limits the yield in all major rice growing regions of the world, especially in warm, high humid and dry upland environments. The population genetics of M.oryza were analyzed in three locations i.e. Mandya (Southern dry zone), Ponnampet (Hilly zone) and Bangalore for (pathogenicity test). Disease was evaluated for their pathogenic virulence and genetic characterization using Avr gene specific markers. Isolates were classified into three groups based on pathogenicity viz., seven- severely pathogenic (isolates), 11 moderately pathogenic and three mildly pathogenic isolates. Study revealed, among 21 isolates collected, Avr genes were found in 18 isolates for gene Avr Pita, 15 for Avr-Pitz, four for Avr- Co-39, 12 in Avr-Pia and 8 in Avr- Pik gene. The isolates of Mandya were highly variable than Ponnampet (through cluster analysis). This study helps in understanding the response of different rice accessions to blast in different locations, the distribution and contribution of Avr genes for host plant resistance.

Title: Effect of Herbal Extract on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Drug Resistant Burn Wound Isolates
Abstract :
Major problems of wound management and therapy are bacterial infection and wound sepsis, which in worst case may lead to mortality. The status of infection determines the class of wound. Invasive infection is injurious to host cells. Wound healing is becoming challenging due to the emergence of antibiotic resistant microbes. The present study evaluates the use of neem,
turmeric, kuppaimeni, aleovera along with penicillin, ciprofloxacin, metrogel, cefadroxil, , gentamycin, and neomycin against pathogens isolated from burn wound. Among the isolates the predominant pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E.coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Sensitivity of the isolates to antibiotics and herbal formulations were performed by agar well
diffusion and disk diffusion method. All P. aeruginosa isolates were resistant to penicillin, metrogel, cefadroxil,, gentamycin,and neomycin but sensitive to ciprofloxacin and bacitracin. E.coli isolates were resistant to vancomycin, penicillin, metrogel and cefadroxil.
Title: An economic analysis of farm risk under water stress production environment in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu
Abstract :
Agriculture is the single largest private sector occupation and is also considered to be the riskiest business since it mostly depends on the vagaries of nature. It is important for all decision makers to
know the degree of risk involved in each activity. Once the risk corresponding to an a ainable level of expected return is known, depending on the risk taking ability, diff erent farm plans having diff erent level of risk can be taken up by diff erent farmer. In this context, the present study a empts to analyze the agricultural production risk in Namakkal district because of the availability of dry farms. In this
study, survey was conducted in four blocks of the same district. The overall objective of the study is to analyze the farm risk to derive optimal input use and optimal cropping pa ern under the conditions
of risk by an appropriate risk programming models. In the case of cost of cultivation of selected crops, total cost was high i.e. ` 62208 for banana and followed by tomato i.e. ` 38976. Banana and tomato
generated higher returns viz. ` 97976 and ` 49516 when compared to maize and groundnut. The results of quadratic production function concluded that when risk level increases, optimum quantity of inputs
used for the production was decreased. The results showed that even though decline trend in income, the resources which were used in the cultivation as an effi ciency factor
Title: Biological Efficiency of Legume Intercrops in Baby Corn (Zea Mays L.)
Abstract :

Field experiments were conducted at the Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study the effect of crop geometry, intercropping and topping on the productivity and biological efficiency of baby corn. Crop geometry (60 x 20 cm and 75 x 16 cm) and intercropping (baby corn alone, baby corn + fenugreek (greens), baby corn + fodder cowpea) were assigned to main plots. Four topping practices (detasseling alone, topping beyond 9th, 10th and 11th internodes) was allotted to sub plots. The results revealed that baby corn raised at 75 x 16 cm produced higher green cob yield over 60 x 20 cm. Intercropping systems did not have positive influence on yield of baby corn. The highest green cob yield was obtained with topping beyond 10th internode. Higher baby corn equivalent yield (BEY) was obtained with baby corn + fenugreek grown under 75 cm row spacing combined with topping beyond 10th internode. Biological use efficiency as measured by the indices like LER, AHER, LEC, MER and RNRI were higher with baby corn + fenugreek grown under 75 cm row spacing combined with topping beyond 10th internode. However, baby corn intercropped with fodder cowpea at 75 cm row spacing combined with topping beyond 10th internode registered the higher ATER than the other treatment combinations.

Title: Biodegradation of Pyrethroid-Cypermethrin using Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Detection of its Plant Growth Promoting Properties
Abstract :

Pyrethroids are the botanical origin pesticides commonly used in agriculture for fruit and vegetable protection against various pests. Cypermethrin belongs to fourth generation of pyrethroids which are effective at very low concentration. Cypermethrin has beneficial effects but at the same time shows toxicity to aquatic life, carcinogenicity to human beings. Different methods are available to remove the cypermethrin pesticides from the soil but these methods are expensive and time consuming. So, the focus of this paper is on degradation of this pesticide by using soil microorganisms. For this, microorganisms were isolated from soil and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. The isolate P. aeruginosan showed tolerance up to 200mg/lit cypermethrin concentration. COD value was found to be decreased up to 67.74% and 77.47% after 14 days of incubation and at 100mg/lit and 150mg/lit cypermethrin concentration resp. GCMS analysis showed presence of degradation metabolites indicating cypermethrin degradation capacity of P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa also showed plant growth promoting activity indicated by ability of nitrogen fixation, siderophore production, HCN production and IAA production. Thus, the isolate P. aeruginosa might have a potential in terms of cypermethrin degradation up to 200mg/lit concentration and plant growth promotion.

Title: Binding Affinity Analysis of Cinnamanilide and α-Aminophosphonic Acid Derivatives for Acetohydroxyacid Synthase through Molecular Docking
Abstract :
In the present study, the synthesized derivatives of cinnamanilide and α-aminophosphonic acid were used to analyze their binding affinity with acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) (PDB ID: 1YHY) a molecular target for development of herbicide through molecular docking. The result of present studies showed that cinnamanilide derivative 2-nitro cinnamanilide has greatest affinity toward AHAS as compared to other derivatives, which bind at amino acids residue Ile396, Arg246, Ser186 with three hydrogen bonds and -8.5 kcal/mol binding energy. α-Aminophosphonic acid 1-(2,5 dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(phenylamino) methylphosphonic acid exhibited the maximum affinity toward AHAS with four double bonds binding at amino acids Trp267, Arg109 and -5.6 kcal/mol binding energy as compared to other derivatives. This may lead to inhibition of AHAS protein. Further field trial is required to validate its efficacy and potency as herbicide for the protection of crop plants.
Title: Monitoring of Heavy Metals in Surface and Ground Water Sources Under Different Land Uses in Solan, Himachal Pradesh
Abstract :

Investigations were carried out on analysis of water samples for heavy metals viz. Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, Iron and Zinc from surface and ground water from 39 sampling sites under different land uses (agriculture, forest and urban) during different seasons (rainy, winter and summer) in adjoining to Kandaghat town of Solan District of Himachal Pradesh, India. This study had been carried out from 2011-2012 in order to elucidate the fate of heavy metals in surface and ground water. The maximum As (0.39 ppb), Cd (0.07 ppb), Pb (0.66 ppb), Fe (0.03 ppb) and Zn (0.09 ppb) of surface water was recorded under urban land use. Maximum As (0.25 ppb), Cd (0.06 ppb), Pb (0.59 ppb) and Fe (0.03 ppb) of surface water was recorded during summer season whereas Zn (0.06 ppb) was recorded during rainy season. In ground water, maximum Cd (0.06 ppb), Pb (0.02 ppb) and Fe (0.03 ppb) was recorded under urban land use, whereas As (0.15 ppb), Pb (0.02 ppb) and Zn (0.15 ppb) were recorded under agriculture land use. Maximum Cd (0.06 ppb) and Fe (0.03 ppb) of ground water were recorded during summer season, whereas As (0.06 ppb), Pb (0.02 ppb) and Zn (0.15 ppb) were maximum during rainy season.

Title: Effect of growing media, Pgrs and seasonal variability on rooting ability and survival of lemon (Citrus Limon L.) cuttings
Abstract :
The eff ect of diff erent growing media (soil, soil+FYM, soil+vermicompost, soil+cocopeat, soil+sand+FYM, soil+sand+vermicompost and soil+sand+cocopeat), hormonal treatments (Control, IBA 500 ppm, NAA 500ppm and IBA+NAA 500ppm each) and growing seasons (rainy and spring) on the number of sprout per cu ing, number of primary roots per cu ing, number of secondary roots per cu ing and survival percentage of cu ings of lemon cv. Pant Lemon-1, was evaluated. Among the diff erent growing medium, number of sprouts per cu ing (2.58) with soil+sand+vermicompost, number of primary roots per cu ing (9.03) and number of secondary roots per cu ing (16.67) with soil+sand+cocopeat and survival percentage (82.23) with soil+sand+FYM, recorded maximum. Growth hormones IBA 500 ppm resulted maximum (2.42) number of sprouts per cu ing as well as highest survival percentage (81.68). Hormonal combination of IBA 500 ppm+NAA 500 ppm were resulted maximum number of primary roots (7.74) and secondary roots (16.19) per cu ing. Over all compare between spring and rainy seasons, spring season was found superior regarding number of sprout per cu ing (2.29) and number of primary roots per cu ing (7.30). Whereas, number of secondary roots per cu ing (15.30) and survival percentage
(77.37), were more in spring season. 
Title: Role of HD-Zip transcription factors in plant development and stress responses
Abstract :

The HD-Zip transcription factors are unique to the plant kingdom. These proteins exhibit both a homeodomain with an adjacent leucine zipper motif in a single combination which is unique in all eukaryotes. They can be divided into four subfamilies, depending on some characteristic features which include their respective DNA-binding specificities, gene structures, presence of additional common motifs and physiological functions. HD-Zip proteins exist in almost all tissues and organs of higher plants. They mainly participated in plants growth, development, morphological formation, regulation of biotic and abiotic stress responses and modulate the action of hormones. Here, we make an effort to review recent experimental evidences explored for this family of transcription factors from a wide variety of plant species to unravel their pivotal function in various important aspects related to plant growth, development and adaptation to environment.

Title: Impact of Climate Change on Vegetable Cultivation - A Review
Abstract :
Vegetables are an important component of human diet as they are the only source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. They are also good remunerative to the farmer as they fetch higher price in the market. Likewise other crops, they are also being hit by the consequences of climate change such as global warming, changes in seasonal and monsoon pattern and biotic and abiotic
factors. Under changing climatic situations crop failures, shortage of yields, reduction in quality and increasing pest and disease problems are common and they render the vegetable cultivation unprofitable. As many physiological processes and enzymatic activities are temperature dependent, they are going to be largely effected. Drought and salinity are the two important consequences of increase in temperature worsening vegetable cultivation. Increase in CO2 may increase crop yields due to increased CO2
fertilization, but decreases after some extent. Anthropogenic air pollutants such as CO2, CH4 and CFC’s are contributing to the global warming and dioxides of nitrogen and sulphur are causing depletion of ozone layer and permitting the entry of harmful UV rays. These affects of climate change also influence the pest and disease occurrences, host-pathogen interactions, distribution and ecology of insects, time of appearance, migration to new places and their overwintering capacity, there by becoming major
setback to vegetable cultivation. Potato, among the all vegetables, is most vulnerable to climate change due to its exact climatic requirement for various physiological processes.
Title: Molecular characterization of six pigeonpea varieties for drought tolerance by using RAPD markers
Abstract :

Genetic diversity among six pigeonpea genotypes with the four irrigation level in split plot design analysed by using 26 RAPD primer. The molecular characterization of six pigeonpea varieties showed genetically diverge condition forming four cluster groups i.e., A, B, C and D which showed that GNP-304 and Bharboot local formed the same cluster and they are susceptible varieties showing low seed yield. The varieties AGT-2 and C-11 formed the same cluster showing comparatively higher seed yield and they are drought tolerant variety. The variety GT-102 formed another cluster showing genetically divergence from other varieties. Similarly, the variety GT-1 formed another cluster showing genetically divergence from other varieties.

Title: Underutilised Plants of Tripura used as Spices and Ethnomedicinal Purpose by Manipuri Community
Abstract :

An ethnobotanical study focused on medicinal value of plants was carried out among the Manipuri community people of Tripura, North Eastern Region of India with aims to document the aromatic wild as well as cultivated spices and traditional knowledge of the medicinal plants used in various ailments. The information was based on normal interview, discussion and conversation with local kavirajs, maibas and elderly people of Manipuri community. In this study, a total of 27 plant species in 20 genera belonging to 14 families were described which have been used in the treatment of around 30 different diseases. Lamiaceae, Amaryllidaceae and Apiaceae are the most frequently used family in context to the number of species used by the Manipuri Community.

Title: Biosynthesis of Phytohormones by Potassium Solubilising Bacteria Isolated from Banana Rhizosphere
Abstract :

Phytohormones regulate plant growth in different stages of plants and occur in very low concentrations. Phytohormones are mainly signal molecules involved in cell elongation, apical dominance, tissue differentiation and cell division. Phytohormones can induce several reactions and based on the reactions they are divided into auxin, cytokinin , gibberellin , ethylene and abscisic acid. Production of phytohormones are not only associated with plants, occurrence of phytohormones are also involved with microorganisms mainly beneficial rhizobacteria. Rhizosphere microorganisms are naturally occurring beneficial bacteria which colonize the plant roots and promotes growth by enhancing nutrient availability and producing plant growth promoting substances. Potassium solubilizing bacteria are also rhizospheric microorganisms which produce different phytohormones. The present study has taken up to investigate the production of phytohormones by the potassium solubilizing bacteria isolated from banana rhizosphere. All the six isolates showed good amount of phytohormone production. Among the six KSB isolates, isolate SAF showed highest amount of cytokinin production, whereas SAM showed maximum content of gibberelic acid and SBF showed maximum IAA production. Hence, the present study indicates that potassium solubilizing bacteria which solubilizes insoluble potassium from the soil also have the capacity to produce phytohormones which can promote plant growth.

Title: Optimisation of nitrogen level and cutting interval for growth and yield of Ipomoea reptans
Abstract :

A field experiment was carried out during summer season of 2015 at Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal to optimise different levels of nitrogen level and cutting intervals for growth and yield of Ipomoea reptans. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with four levels of nitrogen doses (i.e. 60, 80, 100, 120 kg/ha) with two cutting treatments at 20 days and 30 days intervals and four replications. Result revealed that growth and yield parameters increases with the increase dose of nitrogen and cutting frequencies. Maximum plant height of 47.87 cm obtained under 120 kg/ha nitrogen with 30 days of cutting condition. Highest weight of leaves and weight of stems per plant were recorded 116 g and 56.13g, respectively under 120 kg/ha nitrogen application with 30 days of cutting interval. The highest total green yield (52.46 ton/ha) was obtained at 120 kg/ha nitrogen application 20 days of cutting. It was found that 11.15% more yield has been obtained that the yield of 30 days of cutting. It has been noticed green yield per hectare has been increased from first cutting to second cutting whereas after second cutting the yield declined which concludes cutting management was beneficial for improving yield and yield attributing characters.

Title: Effect of Bio-fertilizers and Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Flowering, Fruit Ion Content, Yield and Fruit Quality of Strawberry
Abstract :

A study was undertaken to monitor the interactive effects of bio-fertilizers and plant growth regulators on performance of strawberry grown in open field condition at the Research Farm of Department of Agriculture, Mata Gujri Collage, kharora, Punjab during year 2016-17. Three different bio-fertilizers viz. Azotobacter (10 kg/ha), PSB (6 kg/ha) and VAM (12 kg/ha) and three plant growth regulators viz. GA3 (100 ppm), Triacontanol (5 ppm) and NAA (50 ppm) were tested individually and in combinations in a randomized block design. The treatment PSB (6 kg/ha) + GA3 (100 ppm) registered an improved plant growth with least time to produce first flower (57 days) compared to control treatment. The highest fruit length (40.7 mm), fruit width (27.2 mm), fruit weight (14.2 g) and number of fruits per plant (13) were observed in the plants treated with PSB (6 kg/ha)+ Triacontanol (5 ppm). The nitrate, ammonium, magnesium, calcium and sulphate content of strawberry fruit were found maximum in the plants treated with Azotobacter (10 kg/ha) + GA3 (100 ppm). While, the maximum phosphate and potassium contents were obtained from PSB (6 kg/ha) + Triacontanol (5 ppm) treated plants. The plants treated with PSB (6 kg/ha) + Triacontanol (5 ppm) confirmed the highest fruit yield (13.48 t/ha), TSS (11.4 ºB), ascorbic acid (63.67 mg/100g), total sugar (7.7%), reducing sugar (4.9%) and anthocyanin content (1.9). Thus, it can be concluded that an appropriate combination of bio-fertilizers and plant growth regulators may significantly improve the overall plant growth, fruit yield and quality.

Title: Plant Growth Promoting Activity and Biocontrol Potential of Soil Yeast
Abstract :

Among soil microorganisms, yeasts have received little attention as bioonoculant and biocontrol agents in comparison to bacterial, actinomycetes, and filamentous fungal antagonists. The ability of certain taxa of yeasts to multiply rapidly, to produce antibiotics and cell wall-degrading enzymes, to induce resistance of host tissues, and to produce plant growth regulators indicates the potential to exploit them as biocontrol agents and plant growth promoters. We investigated the ability of the soil yeast Rhodotorula sp. and Candida tropicalis to stimulate plant growth promoting characters and biocontrol potential. In vitro culture experiments found that Rhodotorula sp. SY3 (623.14 ug/ml with tryptophan: 150.12 ug/ml without tryptophan) and Candida tropicalis SY5 (580.25 ug/ml - with tryptophan: 120.24 ug/ml - without tryptophan) produces large quantities of indole acetic acid (IAA), but grows rapidly on aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) as a sole source of nitrogen, indicative of high ACC deaminase activity. The strain also tested positive for hydrogen cyanide production, solubilisation of phosphorus and zinc. The yeast isolates significantly inhibited the Alternaria sp. and Colletotrichum sp. pathogen with Per cent inhibition of mycelial growth over control ranging between 32% and 55%. The application of the yeast crude extract could suppress population of M. javanica under laboratory conditions. In conclusion, our data confirm that soil yeast strains can promote plant growth and control pathogens, it could be considered for the development of biological fertiliser treatments.

Title: Genetic Divergence Analysis in Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Genotypes using Molecular Markers
Abstract :

The present investigation consisting of genetic divergence of papaya genotypes was conducted during the year 2014-15 and 2015-16 at Horticultural Research farm of B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. Molecular characterization of twelve papaya genotypes was carried out by 20 RAPD primers. The highest PIC value (0.97) was obtained with primer OPE-7, while the lowest (0.28) with primer OPA-18. Highest genetic similarity (0.714) was found between Pusa Dwarf and Madhu Bindu whereas the lowest (0.113) between CO 8 and Pune Selection 3. Dendogram analysis revealed that Pune selection 3 was genetically diverse from other papaya genotypes. Over all (63.40%) polymorphism was observed among all the 12 papaya genotypes.

Title: Importance of Plants in the Restoration and Environment Development – A Case Study
Abstract :
St. Francis Assisi called sun “My brother sun” and moon “My sister moon”. This Fransican thought has come to the present day world more amplified. Now we know that we, human beings are not isolated beings. We are related to grass, trees, birds, spiders, animals, earth, air and water. Everyone is a part of universal web.
Title: Character Association and Path Analysis for Fruit Yield and it’s Contributing Traits in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Abstract :

Experiment was conducted with thirty cucumber genotypes at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh during Kharif season of 2015 with an objective to find out the contribution of nineteen important traits on yield. Results revealed that yield plant-1 had positive significant association with average fruit weight, fruit length and diameter, marketable fruits plant-1, harvest duration, vine length, primary branches plant-1, seed length, hundred seed weight, germination percentage, seed vigour index I and II, whereas, yield plant-1 had negative significant correlation with node number bearing first female flower, days to first harvest, total soluble solids and severity of four foliar diseases. Path analysis provided a clear picture that, harvest duration had maximum positive direct effect, followed by marketable fruits plant-1 while, days to first harvest had maximum negative direct effect followed by severity of downy mildew on yield plant-1. Further, harvest duration exerted maximum positive indirect effect via marketable fruits plant-1 whereas; severity of powdery mildew showed maximum negative indirect effect via harvest duration on yield plant-1. Thus, while conducting selection for yield improvement in cucumber, a breeder will have to emphasize on the early genotypes having more average fruit weight, longer fruits, more fruit diameter, more number of marketable fruits and primary branches plant-1, longer vine as well as harvest duration, more seed length, seed germination percentage, vigour index I and II with minimum severity of economically important foliar diseases.

Title: Impact of Tillage and Herbicides on the Dynamics of Broad Leaf Weeds in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Abstract :

The investigation was carried out to evaluate the influence of tillage and herbicides on broad leaf weeds (BLW) at Varanasi. The treatments consisting of four tillage practices viz. conventional tillage no-residue, conventional tillage with residue, zero tillage no residue, zero tillage with residue in main plot and six herbicidal treatments viz. weedy check, weed free, mesosulfuron (12 g ai ha-1 at 30 DAS) followed by one hand weeding at 45 DAS, metsulfuron (4 g ai ha-1 at 30 DAS) followed by one hand weeding at 45 DAS, clodinafop + metsulfuron (60+4 g ai ha-1 at 30 DAS) and mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron (12+2.4 g ai ha-1 at 30 DAS) were allocated to sub plots with three replications. In the present study, zero tillage with residue recorded the lowest density of BLW viz. Rumex dentatus, Chenopodium album, Anagallis arvensis, Melilotus indica and Vicia sativa, total weed density; and the highest WCE as compared to the conventional tillage no-residue, zero tillage no residue and conventional tillage with residue, respectively. However, conventional tillage with residue recorded significantly the highest grain yield of wheat. Among herbicidal treatments, mix application of mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron recorded significantly the lowest density of all the BLW and total weed density, highest WCE and grain yield over mesosulfuron followed byone hand weeding at 45 DAS and metsulfuron followed by one hand weeding at 45 DAS and it was statistically at par with clodinafop + metsulfuron.

Title: Exploration of Profitability in The Cultivation of Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaudich.) Fibre for Sustaining Rural Livelihood
Abstract :
Ramie or (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaudich.) is one of the most valuable bast fibre yielding crops of the world. Ramie fibre is much more superior than the other commonly used plant fibres like jute, cotton, flax, etc. in terms of bundle tenacity, wet strength, fineness, ultimate fibre length and the length to breadth ratio. It is one of the strongest but stiffest bast fibre due to its high cellulose to hemicellulose ratio which favours a high degree of cellulose crystallinity. Besides having the unique physical properties, its silklike
appearance and anti-microbial property of the fibres as well as the edicinal value and antioxidant property of the ramie leaves make the plant utmost valuable in the International market. China is the chief ramie producer followed by Brazil and Philippines. In India there is a huge scope to exploit this fibre economically to get maximum benefit. The sandy loam soil with slopping land and hot-humid weather conditions that are required for ramie cultivation is available in the North Eastern parts of India. The foothills of Himalaya and the Brahmaputra valley of Assam, along with Western Ghats and Arunachal Pradesh have great natural resource to promote ramie cultivation. There is a great demand of ramie fibre in the market but the production is not enough to meet the need. This is an opportunity for the Indian farmers to start ramie cultivation in a wide range besides the regular cultivation of jute, cotton, mesta, flax, sisal, etc. As ramie has an inherent property to tolerate a wide range of temperature, soil and climatic factors, it isn’t difficult to cultivate ramie in a large scale. Moreover, ramie being a perennial crop helps in soil conservation and can also be intercropped with other plants to get the economical benefit of both the crops. Scientific cultivation of ramie, therefore, can pave a new path for sustaining rural livelihood.
Title: Adaptation Potential of Low Chill Peach Varieties to Inter-annual Climatic Variability in the Lower Shiwalik Himalayas
Abstract :
Fruit tree production is a mid to long term investment in which only few adjustments can be done once the crop has become established. Targeting of existing varieties for expected climatic variability is therefore critical for any fruit grower. In the current studies inter-annual variability in climatic variables has been desired to be confirmed with its potential impact on variation in the
phenological, production and quality traits of peach germplasm grown under the subtropical Himalayan eco-system. Different meteorological variables were monitored and behaviour of ten peach varieties were studied for their date of first bloom, full bloom fruit maturity, yield and fruit quality parameters during the years 2006-07 to 2012-13. Higher inter-annual variability in climatic variables has been confirmed together with the variation in the phenological traits. Yield and fruit quality performance of these varieties has also been evaluated. The resilience potential of varieites to climate change was ranked (in decresing order) as: Early Grande> Shan-i-Punjab> Pratap> Florida Prince> May Fire.
Title: Traditional medicinal plants used by the Adi, Idu and Khamba tribes of Dehang-Debang Biosphere Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh
Abstract :
Arunachal Pradesh is the largest state in North Eastern India and is a centre of rich biological diversity. It is the home of tribal people belonging to 26 major tribes and over 110 sub-tribes of the Indo-Mongoloid racial stock. The Adis the Idus and Khambas are some of the dominant tribes among them. Most of these communities are ethnically similar but their geographical isolation
from each other has brought amongst them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress, and customs. They use the diverse flora in their daily life. These tribes are well versed with knowledge of edible greens, vegetables, fruits, seeds and other materials. They have good knowledge of treatment of many ailments by the local plants. 55 plant species belonging to 49 genera
and 36 families were found used for medicinal purpose by the Adis and the Idus of Dehang-Debang Biosphere Reserve (DDBR). About 93 formulations were prepared from 55 plant species. Some formulations were made from single plant; while others were of more plants and were categorized into different types as per curative properties with which they were associated. These medicinal plants have been used traditionally either by eating them as raw drugs, as vegetable or apply it directly to the affected area. The
manner in which the plants are used for the treatment of animal bite, cut, wounds, swellings, skin diseases, dental diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, pain, fever and headache, jaundice, leprosy, cholera, cancer, cough and cold, malaria, ostiological problems and others are presented in this paper.
Title: Modification and Testing of Manually Operated Rocker Sprayer
Abstract :
This study was done to modify the existing rocker sprayer. Manually operated lever was replaced with an electric motor and the speed of the motor was regulated by a voltage regulator. For determining the power requirement, the speed of the manually operated sprayer was regulated by subjects’ analysis and was found to work with an average speed of 74 rpm of the piston movement. Modification was done to get the same boom length of the sprayer. The power requirement of the sprayer was determined as 0.016 hp, but 0.25 hp motor was used due to market’s unavailability. A model of the slider crank mechanism was developed to study the effect of connecting rod length, crank angle and rpm on the piston displacement and the linear velocity for the modification of the rocker sprayer. It was found that, the piston displacement and the velocity decreases with an increase in the length of the connecting rod and vice versa. Piston linear velocity was found to be maximum at two crank angles in the range of 90-120° and 260-280°. The weight of the implement was about 4.75 kg. The sufficient pressure of 80-90 psi was obtained for the purpose of spraying, as found in the existing manually operated sprayer. The slider-crank mechanism is useful for the development of the power operated sprayer and for other agricultural machineries.
Title: Isozyme Analysis of Embryogenic and Non-Embryogenic Callus of Diploid Banana Cultivars
Abstract :

Isozyme analyses were carried out on protein extracts of embryogenic and non- embryogenic callus derived from bract meristem of four diploid Musa cultivars using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We examined the isozyme pattern of peroxidase, catalase, malate dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase for their utility as biochemical markers of banana embryogenic callus cultures. Peroxidase, catalase and alcohol dehydrogenase exhibited high intensity bands in the embryogenic samples, while the corresponding bands were either absent or faint bands were observed in the non- embryogenic callus. Malate dehydrogenase enzyme pattern exhibited homogenous bands in both the embryogenic and non- embryogenic samples.

Title: Photocatalytic Activity of Zinc Sulphate Nano Material on Phytopathogens
Abstract :
Phytopathogens cause both qualitative and quantitative loss in all areas of agricultural practices. Phytopathogens are controlled by pesticides but it is associated with side effects. Most organisms develop resistance to pesticides and high concentration of pesticide is phyto toxic. Hence the present study is aimed to assess the potential application of nano dimensional zinc sulphate
as a photo catalyst to control Xanthomonas campestris, X.malvacearum, Pseudomonas solanacearum and P.syringae. Nano material of zinc sulphate was produced by ball milling method. It was characterized by SEM and XRD. Antimicrobial activity of Zinc sulphate was evaluated by well diffusion method. 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1% and 1.0% of zinc sulphate nano material was used to study its influence on growth and death kinetics of all phytopathogens. Size of zinc sulphatenano material was 100 nm and it showed sharp peaks in XRDcorresponding to zinc sulphate. Zinc sulphate at a concentration of 100 µg/100 µl exhibited microbicidal activity with an inhibition zone of 18mm, 14mm, 12mm, 10 mm against P.solanacearum, P.syringae, X.malvacearum and X.campestris respectively.In growth kinetics study, P.solanacearum without any photocatalyst had a lag phase up to 30 minutes and the
presence of photocatalyst extended it upto 90 minutes. At 90min the cfu/ml was 38.5 x 108, 11.7 x 108, 10.73 x 108,10.22 x 108 ,1.93 x
108 in control,0.01%,0.05%,0.1% and 1.0 % respectively.1% of Zinc sulphatenano material was very effective in controlling and destroying all phytopathogens from one hour onwards. Hence the present study explores the possibility of applying zinc nano material as a photo catalyst to control phytopathogens.
Title: Weather based modeling for forecasting area and production of mango in Karnataka
Abstract :

A timely and reliable system of forecasting of mango area and production well in advance is of prime importance to farmers and other people who are dependent on horticultural sector. In this study the crop yield forecast models have been developed by considering time series dataon the area and production of mango crop in Karnataka. Daily data on weather variables and yearly data on other exogenous variables of Karnataka state are considered under this study. Weighted and unweighted indices are developed based on the considered weather variables and these indices are further used as independent variables in the regression model. In this study the stepwise regression analysis and ARIMA models were used to forecast the area and production of mango in Karnataka. The empirical study reveals that the weather based stepwise regression model performed better than the ARIMA model for forecasting area and production of mango in Karnataka.

Title: Growth, Yield and Quality of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) cv. Dolly Orange as influenced by Biofertilizers in combination with Phosphorous
Abstract :

A pot experiment was conducted in the screen-house of the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2011-12 and 2012-13 to investigate the potential effect of biofertilizers (PSB and mycorrhiza) and different levels of phosphorus (0, 10, 15 and 20 g/m2) on growth, yield and quality of chrysanthemum. The conjunctive effect of biofertilizers and different levels of phosphorus was found to be significant for both the years. The maximum plant height (31.77 and 33.33 cm), fresh weight of plant (100.90 and 96.77 g) and dry weight of plant (10.85 and 10.15 g) were recorded with PSB + phosphorus 15 g/m2 in the year 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively. The minimum number of days taken for bud initiation (61.67 and 63.33 days) and number of days to first flowering (75.00 and 75.67 days) were also obtained with PSB + phosphorus 15 g/m2 in both the years, respectively. The maximum number of buds per plant (32.33 and 32.00), number of flowers per plant (29.00 and 29.33), the longest flower stalk (6.33 and 6.33 cm) were noticed with PSB + phosphorus 15 g/m2 in the year 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively. The maximum number of days taken for bud initiation (79.00 and 80.33 days) was recorded with mycorrhiza application (alone) during both the years, respectively. The interaction effect between the biofertilizers and levels of phosphorous on number of suckers per plant was found to be non-significant during both the years of experimentation.

Title: STMS Markers Proved Effective in Establishing Identity and Determining Genetic Purity in Commercial Seed Lots of ‘Pusa Rice Hybrid 10’
Abstract :

The identification of variety has attained paramount importance in the context of plant variety protection as well as to harness the maximum yield potential of any crop. Molecular fingerprinting is one of the most important tools to authenticate the identity and purity of seed lots of crop variety/hybrids. The present investigation was undertaken to establish the identity and genetic purity of 12 commercial hybrid lots of Pusa Rice Hybrid 10 (PRH 10) procured from different public and private seed companies including a farmer’s seed through molecular fingerprinting. Ten most informative sequence tagged microsatellite markers (STMS) were employed for fingerprinting of PRH 10. These markers together produced a unique fingerprint of ‘PRH 10’, which was found to be effective in the identification of this hybrid. Variation could not be observed among the twelve commercial seed lots obtained from different sources with respect to molecular profile of PRH 10. The results indicated the practical usefulness of STMS markers in the protection and identification of hybrids and their parental lines. However, plant-to-plant allelic variation was found within hybrid plants using markers RM 206 and RM 228. These two markers revealed the homozygous pattern in one plant of PRH 10. The occurrence of inter-plant variation at unlinked marker confirmed the molecular heterogeneity. This highlighted the importance of STMS markers in maintaining the genetic purity of the parental lines and hybrids which would be quite effective in preventing the fraudulent marketing of the popular hybrid/variety.

Title: Assessment of diversity in aloe barbadensis miller using morphological and molecular markers
Abstract :
In this study, genetic diversity of 38 accessions of Aloe barbadensis, collected from diff erent parts of India were evaluated using morphological and random amplifi ed polymorphic DNA (RAPD) data. Statistical analysis showed signifi cant diff erences for all morphological characteristics among the accessions, suggesting that selection for relevant characteristics could be possible. The analysis of molecular diversity was used the RAPD technique, with 14 random primers of 10-mer oligonucleotides. RAPD analysis was performed with 14 primers chosen a er a previous screening. Signifi cant genetic variability among those 38 cultivars was obtained both at the morphological and molecular level. This study demonstrated that for determining the genetic variability among some cultivars, the molecular
markers technique is more precise than the morphological traits.
Title: Study of Growth and Antioxidant Enzymes in Andrographis paniculata (Burm f.) Wall ex Nees. as Influenced by Salinity and Alkalinity
Abstract :

An attempt was made to study the influence of salinity (100mM, 150mM, 200mM and 250mM NaCl) and alkalinity (50mM, 100mM, 150mM and 200mM NaHCO3) on Plant height, Number of Leaves, Leaf Area, Relative Water Content, Catalase and Peroxidase activity of Andrographis paniculata. Untreated plants were kept as control. The plant samples were analyzed for 100 DAS at every 20 days interval. The results indicated that the reduction in growth parameters were abrupt in Andrographis and decreased in above mentioned growth parameters at high salt concentrations (250mM NaCl and 200mM NaHCO3) were observed. Similarly, alteration in the antioxidant enzymes viz. catalase(CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activity was observed in all the treatment. The maximum increment in CAT and POD activity was recorded at 200mM NaCl and 150mM NaHCO3. The results revealed that the extent of alkaline stress induced changes was higher than saline stress and alkaline conditions impose more deleterious effect on Andrographis plant.

Title: Evaluation of Plant based Aqueous Extracts against the Major Sucking Pests of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
Abstract :

Brinjal holds a distinct place in the domain of vegetables. The production and productivity is extremely lowered by the interference of borers and sap feeders. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different botanicals on the sucking pests of brinjal viz., leaf hoppers (Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius), mealy bug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley) and red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) during March - July, 2021. The results on the evaluation of aqueous extracts revealed that the commercial formulation Azadirachtin 0.003 EC was identified as an effective treatment (46.70% -75.84%) against the infestation of sucking pests. Among the aqueous plant extracts, Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) 5% showed 63.48% reduction of leaf hoppers, 64.48 % of whitefly, 43.72 % of mealy bug, 42.68 % of red spider mite. Next effective results were obtained from Ginger, Garlic and Green chilli (3G) extract with 61.75 % population decline of leaf hopper, 57.86 % of whitefly, 41.35 % of mealy bug and 36.78 % of red spider mite. Citrullus extract 5% was found to be a moderately effective treatment with 49.20% mortality of leaf hoppers, 46.87% of whitefly, 39.20 % of mealy bug and 26.27% of red spider mite. The standard insecticide check Thiamethoxam 25 WG was found to be superior in keeping the sucking pests population under check (62.15 % - 81.16 %) than the other aqueous extracts. The hierarchy of effectiveness was in the order of Thiamethoxam 25 WG >Azadirachtin 0.003 EC > Neem Seed Kernel Extract 5% > Ginger, Garlic and Green chilli3G extract 5% > Citrullus extract 5% > 3G extract 3% > Panchakavya 5%.

Title: Effect of soil-test-based long-term fertilization on soil health and performance of rice crop in Vertisols of central Ind
Abstract :

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of soil-test-based long-term fertilization on soil health and performance of rice crop in Vertisols of Central India. The experiment was started in 2007-08 consisting six treatments viz. Control (No fertilizers), General Recommended Dose (GRD) (120-60-40), STCR based for 4 t ha-1 target, STCR based for 5.5 t ha-1 target, STCR based for 4 t ha-1 target + 5 t FYM ha-1 and STCR based for 5.5 t ha-1 target + 5t FYM ha-1 and with four replications. The crop cultivar of rice MR-219 was grown with different treatments and performance in terms of grain yield and straw yield were recorded at harvest of the crop. The soil chemical and biological properties were assessed by analyzing the soil samples after harvest of the crop collected from 0-15 cm depth. Experimental data was statistically  analyzed by the standard analysis of variance technique appropriate to randomized block design to test  the significance of treatment effects. The results of the study revealed that, balanced fertilization based on soil test recorded higher yield of rice over general recommended dose of fertilizers. Similarly, soil organic carbon, available NPK and microbial activity in terms of FDA, DHA and Phosphates enzyme were also significantly enhanced under the treatments receiving STCR based recommended dose of fertilizers along with FYM. Thus, the application of fertilizers based on soil test improved the performance of rice crop along with enhanced soil organic carbon, available macronutrients and soil microbial enzyme activities as compared to the application of general recommendation of fertilizers.

Title: Influence of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Ferrous Sulphate on Iron Status of leaves and Fruit Quality of Low Chill Peach cv. Flordaprince
Abstract :

An experiment was conducted to find out the effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens PBAP-27 along with foliar spray ferrous sulphate on low-chill peach plants suffering from iron deficiency. Leaf iron status viz. active iron, total iron and ferric iron and physico-chemical parameters of fruits viz. weight, volume, ascorbic acid, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and total sugar were recorded. The results obtained from the investigation showed significant increase in leaf iron status, fruit weight, fruit volume and ascorbic acid content in fruit with the inoculation of Pseudomonas fluorescens PBAP-27 as well as foliar spray of ferrous sulphate. The inoculation strain PBAP-27 of Pseudomonas fluorescens along with foliar spray of ferrous sulphate were noted as significant for increasing leaf iron status and ascorbic acid. Thus, inoculation of Pseudomonas fluorescens PBAP-27 and foliar spray of ferrous sulphate, can be used as strategy for iron fertilization for improving leaves iron status and fruit quality parameters namely , fruit weight, fruit volume and ascorbic acid in low chill peach.

Title: Effects of Salicylic acid (SA) and Azospirillum on growth and bulb yield of Onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Agrifound L
Abstract :

The present investigation was carried out during Rabi season of 2014-2015 and laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, J.N. Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh).The experimental material for the study was comprised of 18 novel treatments combination of Salicylic acid (SA) and Azospirillum to estimate the best treatment combination in Rabi onion under particular region. The growth parameters under present investigation noted under T17 recorded maximum plant height (cm) at 30, 60, 90,120 DAT (33.28 cm), (37.58 cm), (45.22 cm) and (48.46 cm) respectively, length of leaves (cm) at 30 DAT (32.57 cm), 60 DAT (36.29 cm) under (T17) and T11 (41.75 cm) at 60 DAT and T12 (44.15 cm) at 120 DAT respectively, maximum number of leaf at 30 DAT (8.09) in T14, 60,90 DAT (12.99,17.92) in T17 and at 120 DAT (19.37) in T11respectively, neck thickness (mm) at 120 DAT (13.71 mm) under T11, dry weight of leaf (g) at 120 DAT (3.92 g). The yield parameters also reported best under T17 as average weight of bulb (88.07g), equatorial diameter (67.38mm), polar diameter (60.37mm), double bulb(2.38%)T11, bolting per cent lowest (1.18%), A, B and C grade bulb (on weight basis) (37.22%)T5, (65.09%) and (34.19%) respectively, bulb yield polt 1(14.77kg), marketable bulb yield (26.28t/ha.) T13, total bulb yield estimated in T16 (30.47 t/ha). T11 recorded highest gross monitory return (` 450705/ha), net return (` 385020/ha) and benefit cost ratio 5.86.

Title: Integrated Nutrient Management in Baby Corn and its Residual Effect on Green Gram Under Rainfed Ecosystem of Odisha
Abstract :

Experimental results revealed that integrated application of 75% RDF + vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + mixed bio-fertilizers (Azosirillum + Azotobacter + phosphorus solubilizing bacteria) significantly augmented the baby corn yield attributes along with baby corn (1.50 t/ha) and green forage (26.03 t/ ha) yield. The conjunctive use of 75% RDF + FYM @ 5 t /ha + mixed bio fertilizers applied to preceding baby corn recorded the maximum seed yield (620 kg/ha) and stick yield (950 kg/ha) in green gram being at par with residual effect of 75% RDF + vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + mixed bio fertilizers. The system yield was enhanced with application of 75% RDF + vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + mixed bio-fertilizers applied to baby corn producing the baby corn equivalent yield (2.20 t/ha) being remained at par with 75% RDF + FYM @ 5 t /ha + mixed bio-fertilizers. Application of 75% RDF + vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + mixed bio-fertilizers registered the highest gross return (` 159131/ha) in baby corn green gram system when green gram was grown under residual fertility condition. But the combined use of 75% RDF + 5 t FYM/ha + mixed bio fertilizer in preceding baby corn incurred the maximum net return (` 102269/ha) and benefit cost ratio of 2.82 in baby corn -green gram sequence.

Title: Socio-economic Characteristics of Homegardens in Bhimtal block of Nainital District, Uttarakhand, India
Abstract :

In the present investigation was carried out to access the socio-economic characteristics of homegardens in Bhimtal block of Nainital district of Uttarakhand during 2014-15. The result show that the maximum number of respondents 34 (51.51%) were middle aged followed by 20 (30.30%) of respondents were in young age category and 12 (18.18%) respondents were in old age. The data showed that maximum number of respondents, 25 (37.87%) had education up to 12th followed by illiterate 17 (25.75%) followed by higher education above 12th respondent 14 (21.21%), whereas 10 (15.15%) had education up to 8th level. It was observed that maximum number of household families 26 (39.39%) belonged to farming which was the primary source of income followed by 22 (33.33%) belonged to service class followed by 13 (19.69%) families that were dependent in the business for their livelihood, followed by wage labourers 5 (7.57%) families. It was found that maximum number of land households 32 (48.48%) were marginal land followed by small landholding households 20 (30.30%), followed by large land holding 14 (21.21%). Almost 50% of the rural households in the hills were headed by women as the men folk migrated to augment the farm income. Data regarding awareness of the forestry programmes among the farmers revealed that majority of the farmers 49 (74.24%) were not aware of the forestry programmes and small number of farmers 17 (25.75%) were aware. About 90% of the total cultivated area is rainfed and irrigated area is only 10 per cent.

Title: Stability Performance of Bread Wheat Genotype for Grain Yield, Zinc and Iron Concentrations
Abstract :

The primary aim of plant breeding is to improve stability in yield and to obtain varieties with good quality. For this reason, a study of wheat genotypes was conducted at three different locations: Bathinda, Gurdaspur and Ludhiana during 2015-16 in Punjab (India). Grain yield and its components with quality traits were assessed in 21 wheat genotypes with 3 checks using analysis of variance and regression analysis. The combined analysis of variance for environment (E), genotype (G) and (G×E) interaction was highly significant for all studied traits, suggesting differential responses of the genotypes and the need to stability analysis. Results revealed that high yielding genotypes can also be stable. The check HD 3086 and PBW 725 and genotypes BWL 6003, BWL 6065, BWL 6066, BWL 6068 and BWL 6069 for grain yield/plot had desired performance in term of high mean, unit regression coefficient (bi) and least deviation from regression (S2d), indicating the role of linear portion of GxE interaction and average stability in the performance of these genotype. The value of regression coefficient (bi) of genotypes BWL 6008, BWL 6011 and checks HD 3086, PBW 725 for grain Fe concentration; genotypes BWL 6006, BWL 6007, BWL 6013 and BWL 6062 for grain Zn concentration were have high mean, unit regression coefficient (bi) and least deviation from regression (S2d), indicating that these genotypes were considered specially adopted to unfavorable environments

Title: Emerging Agribusiness Enterprises: the Need for Food Safety Policy in Nigeria
Abstract :
Quality standards are usually related to improving the safety of food products suitable for consumption in accordance to specifications by food regulatory bodies. This study noted that although steps have been taken in Nigeria to address an aspect of food security (increasing food production to prevent hunger) in the issue of food safety, another aspect of food security, received only little attention. Findings of this study revealed that Educational level and amount of assets owned by respondents have direct relationships with their awareness about the need for food safety regulations. The number of years spent in school also influenced the ease of adoption of technological innovations associated with food safety regulations. The negative signs of X1 and X4 (age and years of experience) means due to lack of education of most of the respondents, even as they continue growing older and stay longer in business they may not see the need to spend additional money on safety measures as it does not have much meaning to them 
Title: Tissue Specific Drought Stress Response in Different Varieties of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L Wilczek) of Rajasthan
Abstract :

Abiotic stresses such as extreme temperatures, low water availability, high salt levels, mineral deficiency and toxicity are frequently encountered by plants. These environmental stress factors negatively affect growth and productivity, and plants have evolved different mechanisms to respond to such challenges. For their survival under the stress conditions, plants respond by different molecular, cellular, biochemical and physical responses. These response mechanisms help plants to survive during the stress period as well as to recover after the stress period. Therefore, aim of the present study is to evaluate the various biochemical characteristic of six varieties of Vigna radiata (RMG-62, RMG-975, MUM-2, MSJ-118, RMG-492 and RMG-344) under different drought stress. Plants are exposed to different levels of drought stress by withdrawing water and parameters like leaf relative water content (RWC), proline content, total chlorophyll content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content & different antioxidant effect (Ascorbate peroxidase, Catalase, Guaiacol peroxidase & Superoxide dismutase ) were measured. Therefore, present study proves that, general growth, physiological and biochemical traits can be used successfully as a way to screen different sensitive and tolerant varieties of Mung bean in drought stress condition.

Title: Growth Performance and Yield of Intercrops in Agri-horti-silvi System in Hill Zone of West Bengal, India
Abstract :

The present investigation was conducted at Dalapchand Science Farm, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kalimpong, West Bengal, which aimed at analyzing the growth performance and yield of selected intercrops under one silvi, Alder (Alnus nepalensis) and two fruit trees, Mandarin and Asian pear (Citrus reticulata Blanco. and Pyrus communis) in agri-horti-silvi system. The experimental site is located at 27.06o N latitude and 88.47o E longitudes at an elevation ranging between 979.93 m. to 1257.30 m. above the mean sea level. The experiment was fitted in the randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The fruit saplings were planted at a spacing of 10m × 10m and the silvi seedlings were planted in between the two fruit trees and boundary at 2.5 m spacing during kharif season of 2011. Suitable intercrops viz. maize, rice, french bean, pea and pumpkin during kharif and potato, cabbage, cauliflower, mustard and onion during rabi season of two consecutive years (2013-2015) were grown. The result revealed that the number of plants per m2 was higher under sole crop. But, it was found reverse in case of the plant height (cm) and recorded taller plant Sunder intercropping with Alnus nepalensis + Pyrus communis followed by Alnus nepalensis + C. reticulata and in sole crop. Soil organic matter percent at (0-15cm, 15-30cm, 30-60cm) soil depth was found to significantly increase under the agri-horti-silvi situation resulting with a decrease in the soil bulk density (gmcm-3) at the end of the study. kharif and rabi intercrops yield (t/ha) were found higher in sole crop. However, in the intercropping situation higher yield were recorded when intercropped with Alnus nepalensis + C. reticulata than Alnus nepalensis + Pyrus communis.

Title: Temporal Abundance of Different Floral Visitors on Egyptian Clover (Trifolium Alexandrinum L.) and Correlation with Weather Parameters
Abstract :

The temporal abundance of different floral visitors on Egyptian clover, Trifolium alexandrinum l. and correlation with weather parameters was studied at Forage Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2012 and 2013. The mean temporal abundance of A. dorsata was the maximum (4.90/m2/5 min.) followed by A. mellifera (2.69), H. armigera (2.24), Eristalinus spp. (1.59) and A. florea (1.20/m2/5 min.) during 2012. During 2013, A. dorsata abundance decreased to and it 3.08/m2/5 min. followed by A. mellifera (2.61), P. brassicae (2.03), Eristalinus spp. (1.91), Coccinella septempunctata (1.63) and A. florea (1.62/m2/5 min.). A. cerana abundance during 2012 was 0.30/m2/5 min. but became almost negligible (0.06) in 2013. Floral visitor’s abundance was maximum at 1400 h (2.97/m2/5 min.) followed by at 1200 noon (2.66) and 1600 h (2.50) and least during the morning hours of 0600 (0.09) and 0800 h (0.42/m2/5 minutes). Abundance of A. mellifera and A. dorsata during 2012 had a highly significant positive correlation with wind speed (r=0.77 and 0.86) at 0800 h while the later was also correlated with maximum (negative) and minimum relative humidity at 1800 h (r=-0.89 and 0.85, respectively).

Title: Chemopreventive Potential of Methanolic Extract of Leucas aspera Against N-Nitrosodiethyl Amine (NDEA) Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Abstract :
N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), a chemical carcinogen present in many environmental factors. It induces oxidative stress and celluar injury due to enhanced generaion of reactive oxygen species. Free radical scavangers protect the membranes from NDEAinduced damage. Objectives:The present study was designed to evaluate the chemopreventive effect of methanolc extract of Leucas aspera (MELA) against NDEA induced liver toxicity in male wistar rats. Methods:NDEA was administered for 20 weeks.
Daily doses of (MELA) at doses 100 and 200mg and standard drug Silymarin at a dose of 50 mg/kg bodyweight were administered
one week before the onset of NDEA intoxication and continued for 20 weeks. Results:Rats intoxicated with NDEA had elevated levels of serum alpha-fetoprotin((AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA), aspartate amino tranferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GGT), bilirubin, tissue lipid peroxides (TBARS & CD) and decreased levels of serum total protein, albumin & uric acid levels whereas MELA and Silymarin treatment showed decreased
levels of AFP, CEA, uric acid, hepatic marker enzymes, lipid peroxide levels, protein and albumin to near normal. Histopathological observation also substantiated NEDA-induced hepatoxicity and the effect was significantly (p<0.05) reduced by Leucas aspera extract and Silymarin treatment. Conclusions:The study reveals that (MELA) at a dose of 200mg/kg effectively reversed the hepatotoxicity induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine in rats. Histopathological studies also confirmed that MELA reduced tumor
incidence and reversed the damaged hepatocytes to near normal.
Title: Factors Influencing Extent of Opinion Leadership of Farm Women in Himalayan Regions of Uttarakhand, India
Abstract :
The use of social network theories dates back to 1930s. With the advent of new and advanced technologies, there has been an explosion and expansion of its applications to various disciplines. The study applies social network theory and analysis to analyze agricultural knowledge exchange and decision-making network of farm women. The analysis detects farm women who occupy central and strategic positions and acts as opinion leaders in the network. It also identifies the factors which influences their extent of opinion leadership. The study was carried out in the Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand state in northern India. Descriptive research design and multi-stage sampling were adopted. Data were collected through survey sociometric method and UCINET was used for analysis and interpretations of network data. Degree centrality was used to identify opinion leaders within the network. SPSS was used to analyze the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Using network analysis, twenty four opinion leaders were identified among the farm women. Their extent of opinion leadership was influenced by age, marital status, farming experience, socio- economic status, innovativeness, achievement motivation, decision making ability, risk preference, economic motivation, information seeking behaviour,
cosmopoliteness and social participation.
Title: Sources of Growth in Rice Production in India: State Wise Component Analysis
Abstract :

The present study was taken up to estimate the influence of technology and policy on Rice production in India and its major states with objectives; measuring the magnitude of growth, estimating the instability and assessing the influence of technology and policy factors on Rice production in different states. The time series data of 25 years for the period 1990-91 to 2014-15, on area, production and yield of paddy for different states were collected from the website http://eands.dacnet.nic.in. Area and Yield variables were taken as proxy for policy and technology factors respectively. Analytical tools like Compound Growth Rate (CGR), Coefficient of Variation (C.V) and Component Analysis were employed to achieve the objectives. Results reveal that growth and instability in production were more contributed by yield than area. This indicates that growth in production should come from yield attributing factors like development of High Yielding farming system of specific varieties and improvement in input use efficiency. Immediate concern is about the transfer of technology know-how to farmer’s do-how.

Title: Effect of phosphorus and biofertilizers on phosphorus use efficiency, biological N-Fixation and yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 2013-14 and 2014-15 at the Rajola Krishi Research Farm, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Chitrakoot – Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India to study the effect of phosphorus and biofertilizers on phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) and biological N-fixation (BNF) yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) variety UPAS-120. The agronomical and physiological PUE and its recovery were found significantly higher (10.40, 44.83 and 13.09 respectively) under the lowest level of phosphorus (P30). The reserve was true in case of P90. Dual biofertilizers (Rhizobium + PSB) gave significantly higher physiological PUE over single biofertilizer; where as agronomical PUE and recovery were found identical. Application of phosphorus up to 90 kg P2O5/ha gave maximum grain yield (16.06 q/ha). The dual biofertilizers also gave maximum yield up to 15.56 q/ha. The BNF was highest in these treatments. Hence the N-balance in soil was maximum (230 kg/ha).

Title: Screening of Trichoderma spp and Pseudomonas spp. for their Biocontrol Potential against Phytopathogens of Vanilla
Abstract :
Fungal pathogens of vanilla such as Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii were isolated from naturally infected vanilla plants and an attempt were made to minimize the damage caused by the pathogen using biocontrol agents Trichoderma harzianum, and Pseudomonas fluorescens isolated from soil. The combined inoculation of of Trichoderma harzianum
with Pseudomonas fluorescens treatment showed maximum disease suppression followed by the single inoculation of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas putida, Trichoderma virens, respectively in decreasing order. The results clearly indicated that these bio-control agents suppressing the disease incidence. Concerning the interaction effect between used antagonistic microorganisms and method of treatments, there was a highly significant effect. These results suggested that
using of Trichoderma harzianum with Pseudomonas fluorescens through soil mixing plus root dipping treatment could be provided not only additional protection against crop loss due to Fusarium diseases but also significantly increased vegetative growth of vanilla. The mechanism of biocontrol involved the production of volatile and non volatile organic acids, siderophore,
chitinase, peroxidise and salicylic acid. Application of biocontrol agents for crop protection is very significant as it has several advantages such as possibility of multiple pathogen suppression, low cost and promotion of soil fertility.
Title: A Review on Comparison of Seismic Behavior of RC Structures Using Various Codes
Abstract :

The seismic design of building is made to withstand the earthquake effect without the loss of life and property. The design of structures according to provision of seismic code provides adequate safety against the seismic forces due to earthquake. Seismic codes are unique to particular region. The comparisons of the static and dynamic analysis on various types of structures using various codes are performed. It figures out the variations that occurs in parameters such as displacement, base shear, storey drift, axial and shear force, bending moments while using different codes. This paper presents a review on seismic behavior of various structures using various codal provisions as given in Indian Code, American code, European code, New Zealand code for earthquake analysis.

Title: Putative endophytic fungi from taro (Colocasia Esculenta), greater yam (Dioscorea Alata) and elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus Paeoniifolius)
Abstract :

Endophytic microorganisms which remain asymptomatically inside plants have the potential to be used widely in agricultural field and valuable for agriculture as a tool to improve crop performance. Tuber crops are the second most important group of crop plants and among them tropical root and tuber crops which include cassava, sweet potato, yams and aroids, are essential as staple food and are utmost important for world food security. Research on these crops has been neglected and regarding endophytic colonisation, some of these tuber crops have been examined. Healthy asymptomatic leaves of three tropical tuber crops viz. taro (Colocasia esculenta), greater yam (Dioscorea alata) and elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) were inoculated on potato dextrose agar media to detect endophytic colonisation. Total six different putative endophytic fungi were isolated from these crops which were found to be non-sporulating when observed under microscope. Further works are being carried out for the identification and utilisation of these organisms in tuber crops improvement. This communication is to report the presence of putative endophytic fungi in taro, yam and elephant foot yam for the first time.

Title: Cost of cultivation and price spread of chillies in guntur district of Andhra Pradesh
Abstract :

The per hectare cost of cultivation of chillies for the period from 2005 -06 to 2010-11 for Andhra Pradesh indicated that the operational costs ranged from ` 93, 332 in 2005-06 to ` 1, 84,391 in 2010-11. Similarly, the total costs varied from ` 1, 09,597 to ` 2, 21,656 for the corresponding periods. Among the operational costs the percentage of labour component in the total costs increased from 35.13 in 2005-06 to 40.00 in 2010-11. Analogously, among fixed costs, rental value of owned land as a percent of total cost rose from 12.77 in 2005-06 to 15.79 in 2010-11. During the corresponding period, net returns increased from ` 66, 403 to ` 1, 63,430 per hectare. The price spread analysis for the selected channel indicated that the producer received 64.45 per cent of consumer’s price. The share of the wholesaler and the retailer worked out to 9.85 and 8.21 per cent respectively.

Title: Bioefficacy of geographical isolates of Beauveria bassiana for the management of Paracoccus marginatus infesting tapioca under field condition
Abstract :

To evaluate the bio-efficacy of various B.bassiana local isolates against P. marginatus in tapioca, two field trials were conducted during May - June, 2013 in tapioca crop (Var: Mulvadi) at farmer holding field, Onnipalayapudhur and Mathampalayam, near Coimbatore. The experiments were conducted in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) consisting of eight treatments including an untreated control which was replicated thrice with plot size of 5×4m2. The dose of B.bassiana tested was 1×108 spore/ ml concentration. The experimental results showed that at 10 days after first round of spraying, the highest mean per cent reduction in the mealybug population was 32.20% due to the application of UPI(Bb). After second round of spraying, the mean per cent reduction of population observed in UPI(Bb) was56.98per cent at Onnipalayapudhur. Whereas the mean per cent reduction of mealybug population after first round of spraying in Mathampalayam was 41.95% observed in UPI (Bb) treated plot. After second round of application, the mean per cent reduction of mealybug was recorded 72.76% in UPI(Bb).

Title: Evaluation of basic properties of soil and major nutrient in soils of jhabua district of madhya pradesh
Abstract :

An experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2014-15 under All India Coordinated Research Project for Dry land Agriculture at College of Agriculture, Indore Madhya Pradesh to study the major nutrient and other chemical properties of sampled vertisols and associated soils of Ralyawan village of Jhabua district of western Madhya Pradesh. Results showed that the Soils of Ralyawan village in Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh were low in available nitrogen, low to medium available phosphorous and medium to high level in available potassium. Available nitrogen content in soils of Ralyawan village ranged from 152 to 298 kg ha1 with an average of 236 kg ha Nutrient index values was in low fertility class in soil of village. Thus, the overall poor and or low status of available nitrogen was observed in this soil. The status of available phosphorous varied from 7.15 to 38.8 kg ha1 with a mean value of 16.4 kg ha1. The 22.47% village soil samples from the study area can be classified as low fertility class and 64.84 % in medium fertility class. The nutrient index value for P was in medium fertility class of village. The status of available potassium varied from 179 to 826 kg ha1 with a mean value of 418 kg ha1. The 0% village soil samples under the study were classified as low fertility class, 2.30% as medium and 97.69% as high fertility class. The pH of varied from 7 to 8 with the mean value of 7.5. The electrical conductivity of soil water suspension ranged from 0.17 to 0.86 dSm1 with a mean value of 0.37 dSm1. The variation in organic carbon content in this soil was from 0.23% to 0.80% with a mean value of 0.53%. In general, the organic carbon status of Ralyawan village soils of was low to medium.

Title: Generation of DNA barcodes in Indian mottled EEL (Anguilla Bengalensis): A threatened ichthyofauna of Assam, India
Abstract :
Eels have always been a source of fascination because of their charismatic shape and size. They are good source of animal protein and bear high food values. Dwindling population of eels has meanwhile led certain species to IUCN threatened categories. In spite of these, scientifi c investigations on the only species of this genus, Anguilla bengalensis, in this region have not been reported much. Many biological questions of the catadromous fi sh are still unanswered. Quick but authentic identifi cation of threatened
species is vital to unveil such query and frame out conservation and management strategies. DNA barcodes utilising partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene and nuclear rhodopsin gene were developed in this current study. Conventional taxonomic information has also been included contemplating inevitable role of it in unambiguous species level discrimination. The study has generated novel barcode of the species from this region to decipher implications on congeneric and conspecific divergence
Title: Usability Analysis of Weather Forecast and Impact Assessment of Weather Based Agro Advisories on Rice and Groundnut
Abstract :

A study was carried out by the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS), Malkangiri, Odisha during 2020-21 to verify the usability of medium range weather forecasts along with impact of weather based agro advisories on rice and groundnut. Results of the study showed high degree of accuracy of forecast (usability) for different weather parameters (except rainfall in monsoon season, minimum temperature in winter season, morning relative humidity in winter season and afternoon relative humidity in pre-monsoon season). On other hand, those farmers followed weather based agro advisories (AAS farmers) recorded 7.94 and 14.22% more yield in rice and groundnut, respectively as compared to non-users of weather based agro advisories (non AAS farmers). AAS farmers also received more economic return from rice and groundnut. Thus, accurate weather forecasts helped the farmers in decision-making on the crop production operations and application of weather based agro advisories were useful for enhancing the production and income from rice and groundnut in studied region.

Title: Expression of MYB Transcription Factor Genes in Response to Methyl Jasmonate, Salicylic Acid and Sodium Nitropruside in Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker
Abstract :

The effects of elicitors [methyl jasmonate (MeJ), salicylic acid (SA) and sodium nitropruside (SNP)] on expression of three MYB transcription factor genes (SbMYB1, SbMYB2 and SbMYB3) and flavonoid content was studied in Selaginella bryopteris. Gene expression analysis showed that SbMYB2 was responsive to MeJ as its expression increased (1.6-2.36 fold) as compared to control between 3 to 6h. The effect of SA was most prominent on SbMYB1 and SbMYB2 as their expression level increased (11-7.9 fold for SbMYB1 and 8.35 fold for SbMYB2) as compared to control between 3 to 6h. While the effect of SNP on expression SbMYB2 and SbMYB3 was prominent as compared to their respective control. The expression level increased (2.6-4 folds for SbMYB2 and 1.15-3.16 folds for SbMYB3) between 3 to 6h. The effect of elicitors on the flavonoid production was also evident in the present study. The content of flavonoid in methanolic extract of MeJ treated sample was found to be increased (1.2 fold) after 3h but declined at 6h and 9h as compared to control. Similarly, the content of flavonoid in methanolic extract of SA treated sample was found to be higher (1.85 fold) than control at 3h and later declined at 6h and 9h.The flavonoid content in methanolic extract of SNP treated sample was higher (1.84 fold) at 3h, 6h (2.13 fold) and at 9h (1.42 fold) as compared to control. The correlation was established between the gene expression and flavonoid content in response to elicitors. Out of three MYB genes studied only SbMYB2 was found to be most responsive to elicitors.

Title: Determination and Uncertainty Analysis of Imidacloprid Residue in Flue Cured Leaf Matrix of Nicotiana Tabacum L.
Abstract :
Presence of pesticide residues in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) leaf matrix increases health risk of the consumer, and hence, determination of pesticide residues in tobacco is an issue of serious concern around the world. Present study details the sample preparation and analysis of imidacloprid residues in the Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco by highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with ultra-violet (UV) detector. The extraction method involves mechanical agitation of tobacco leaf matrix with acetone (1:10) for 45 min at 200 rpm, followed by sequential liquidliquid- partitioning and clean-up with florisil. The method provided 83.7-97.5% recovery with precision relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 10%. Matrix induced signal suppression was recorded at lower level of pesticide spike mention concentration to specify what do mean by lower level). The method provided acceptable intra-laboratory precision (HorRat ratio mostly < 0.5) and global uncertainty (11.72% at guidance residue level (GRL) of 5 µg g-1 for imidacloprid in tobacco), which complies with the international regulatory specifications. By considering efficiency of method, economics of analysis and analyst’s safety, the present method can be adopted by laboratories to monitor imidacloprid residue in FCV tobacco leaf matrix for consumers’ safety.
Title: Performance of rice varieties grown under different spacings with planting depths in system of rice intensification
Abstract :

An experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2010-11 and 2011-12 at Krishi Nagar farm, Department of Agronomy, JNKVV, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) to study to the production efficiency and monetary advantage in rice by adopting suitable planting geometry, varieties and depth of planting. The experiment comprises on 18 treatment combinations consisted of three planting geometry (20 cm × 20 cm, 25 cm × 25 cm and 30 cm × 30 cm) as main plot treatment and three varieties (MR-219, WGL-32100 and PS-3) as sub plot treatments and two depths of planting shallow (2.5cm) and normal (5.0 cm) as sub-sub plot treatments were tested in split-split plot design with three replications. Results showed that the 25 cm × 25 cm planting geometry had superiority in various yield attributing characters viz; weight of panicles, grains/panicle, test weight, healthy grains/panicle, less no. of chaffy grains/panicle, sterility percent, more, harvest index and yield in comparison to other planting geometries with MR-219 variety and shallow depth of planting.

Title: Influence of Calcium Phosphate Nano Gel Fertilizer Composite on Enzymes, Biomolecules and Yield of Abelmoschus Esculentus
Abstract :
Increase in population accompanied by decrease in the availability of cultivable lands and limited supply of water resources necessitates the urge to improve agricultural productivity in the available land. In the present study, the influence of Calcium Phosphate Nano Gel (CAPNG), urea, diammonium phosphate and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (FC) and Calcium Phosphate Nano Gel Fertilizer Composite (CAPNGFC) on germination, specific activity of amylase, protease, nitrate reductase, carbohydrates,
proteins, free aminoacids and yield performance of Abelmoschus esculentus was evaluated. CAPNG was prepared by coprecipatation method. CAPNG was characterized by SEM, FTIR and XRD. Enzyme activities were assessed by the micromoles of product formed/min/mg protein and expressed in Units/mg protein. Aggregated network of CAPNG was observed with the size of 100 nm. The most intense peaks in XRD were in the range of 30 to 35°, which coincides with the peak of the amorphous nature. FTIR
spectra showed peaks at 603.68 cm-1 corresponding to phosphate.
Title: Salicylic Acid and Trichoderma Ameliorate Salt Stress Responses in Pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Abstract :

Salinity Stress is one of the most important environmental stresses that cause adverse effects on crop productivity and agricultural sustainability. The present experiment was carried out as a pot-culture in the poly-house and identified various physiological and biochemical attributes which progressively reduced with increase in salinity level due to formation of reactive oxygen species i.e. hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide radical (O2.-). Treatment of seeds with Trichoderma asperellum (T42) and exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA), singly and in combination, ameliorated salt stress induced responses reflected by detoxification of both reactive oxygen species, H2O2 and O2.- histochemically, and also changes in several growth phenotypes and physio-biochemical attributes in terms of shoot and root dry weight, chlorophyll content, protein content, sugar content and nitrate reductase activity as compared to control of respective salinity levels. Exogenous foliar application of SA (0.25 mM), singly and in combination of Trichoderma, ameliorated the hostile effects of salinity up to the level of 8 dSm-1 which showed a significant expansion of plant phenotype as compared to the untreated stressed plants.

Title: Characterization of Sugar Binding Lectins Isolated from Different Parts of Eudrilus Eugeniae
Abstract :
Lectins occur widely in animal and plant kingdom. In animals there is wide range of reports of presence of lectin in vertebrates and invertebrates, but their function is not fully understood in invertebrates. It may either have a role in the developmental stages or in the defense mechanism by providing immunity. In earthworm species like Eudrilus eugeniae presence of lectin like proteins, were reported. The aim of this study is to isolate the sugar binding lectin like proteins from Coelomocytes (CC), muscles (MC), gut/whole body (WE) & vermicompost (VC) of earthworms and characterize them. Partially purified lectins were estimated for their protein content by Biuret method and it was observed that lectins isolated from CC have more protein content of 0.178 mg/ml as compared to any other source. Their sugar binding specificity was checked by DNS method and it was observed that CC lectins
and VC lectins have more affinity for glucose (CC glu & VC glu) while MC lectin and WE lectins have more affinity for galactose (MC gal & WE gal).
Title: Optimization of Level of Ingredients for Production of Banana-Papaya Mixed Fruit Bar Using Response Surface Methodology
Abstract :
Fruit bar is the product prepared by blending pulp from sound ripe fruit, nutritive sweeteners and other ingredients appropriate to the product and dehydrated to form sheet which can be cut to desired shape and size. The research was carried out to optimize levels of different ingredients for production of banana-papaya mixed fruit bar and its quality evaluation. Central composite design (CCD) was used to conduct experiments and optimization was carried out using response surface methodology (RSM). The effect of banana-papaya pulp ratio (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0), citric acid (0.3-1.0%), corn starch (1.0-5.0%) and pectin (0.2-0.6%) was evaluated with respect to overall acceptability scores, hardness, stickiness and ascorbic acid in dried mixed fruit bar. The best recipe was 25:75 of banana- papaya pulp ratio, 0.48% citric acid, 4% corn starch and 0.5% pectin. This resulted in acceptable product with overall acceptability score 7.31, hardness 304.06 N, stickiness 1.57382 N.mm and ascorbic acid 34.10 mg/100g.
Title: Current Health Status of Potato Crop in different Altitude Regions of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Abstract :

Indian cold arid region of Ladakh is one of the highest elevated inhabited places in the world, due to harsh environmental situation leads to low yield potential of crops and high risk of pest and pathogens which does not allow crop diversity. Total 138 fields were surveyed for assessment of disease severity, and incidence of various diseases of potato in Ladakh during two cropping seasons of 2016-2017. On the basis of visual symptoms, early blight, late blight, bacterial wilting and ring rot were found the most common prevalent diseases and leaf roll virus was uncommon except Hanley during the survey. A lot of variations were found in the percentage of diseases incidence and severity in different villages of Ladakh at different levels of altitude and humidity. Potential plant fungal pathogens Alternaria spp., Cochliobolus spp., Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Curvularia spp., and Phytophthora spp. were also identified on the basis of morphological characteristics. This study might be helpful for sound management strategies and evaluate the impact of climate changes on disease development in highly elevated regions of Ladakh.

Title: Bio efficacy and Persistence of Oxyfluorfen in Aerobic Rice
Abstract :

A field study was conducted at ZARS, V.C. Farm Mandya to determine bio efficacy and persistence of oxyfluorfen residue in soil and aerobic rice crop. Oxyfluorfen (23.5% EC) was applied (100 g a.i ha-1 and 200 g a.i ha-1) to crop (Var MAS 946-1). Soil samples were collected at 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 days after sowing and at harvest. Plant samples were collected at 60, 90 days after sowing and at harvest. Both the samples were analyzed for oxyfluorfen residues by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method with an accepted recovery of 82.6% for soil and 92.6% for plant samples at the minimum detectable concentration of 0.05 µg g-1. Higher persistence of oxyfluorfen was noticed in treatment which received oxyfluorfen at 200 g a.i ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 ranging between 0.61 µg g-1 and 0.08 µg g-1 at 0 and 60 days after treatment whereas oxyfluorfen did not persist in rice at any growth stages. A higher half life of 7.0 days and lower rate constant of 9.8 × 10-3 day-1 were also recorded in the same treatment.

Title: Bio-efficacy of Bentazon against Weeds in Direct Seeded Rice under Kymore Plateau and Satpura Hill Zone
Abstract :

The experiment was conducted at Research Farm of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India to study the “Bio-efficacy of Bentazon against Weeds in Direct Seeded Rice under Kymore Plateau and Satpura Hill zone” during kharif season of 2016 under edaphic and climatic conditions of Jabalpur (M.P.). The dominant weeds associated with direct seeded rice in the experimental field comprised of monocot like Echinochloa colona and Dinebra retroflexa, sedges like Cyperus iria and dicot weeds including Mullogo pentaphylla and Alternanthera philoxeroides. Experiment consisted of total ten treatments comprising of seven doses of Bentazon 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1600, 1800 and 2000 g/ha, 2,4-D 380 g/ha as post-emergence, hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS including weedy check, the experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 03 replications. The post-emergence application of Bentazon at 1600 g/ha was found economically best suitable for effective control of dicot weeds in direct seeded rice. This treatment also enhanced the growth parameters (viz. plant height, number of tillers/m²), yield attributes (viz. effective tillers/m², total and sound grains/panicle) and yield (grain and straw) as compared to rest of the treatments. It also produced higher benefit cost (B:C) ratio (2.2) therefore application of Bentazon 1600 g/ha was found more remunerative and productive.

Title: Genetic Divergence Analysis for Quantitative Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Abstract :

The present investigation was conducted with 64 rice germplasm to investigate the nature and magnitude of genetic divergence during Rabi 2016. The analysis of variance showed significant differences for all the characters studied among the genotypes. Based on the analysis, the genotypes were grouped into 3 clusters. Maximum number of 58, 4 and 2 genotypes was grouped under cluster II, III and I respectively. Maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster II and III (45.279) followed by cluster II and I (37.703) indicates wider the genetic diversity between genotypes. Cluster I showed highest mean for seed yield per plant (26.60 g) followed by cluster III. Milling percentage, panicle length and panicle weight (0.05%), number of productive tillers per plant and number of grains per panicle were failed to contribute significantly towards genetic diversity. Plant height (39.51%), kernel breadth after cooking (14.48%), kernel length after cooking (7.59%) were found to be the most contributing traits towards genetic diversity. Hence these traits could be focused for selection while improving grain quality and yield.

Title: Iron Fortification in Yoghurt: Methods and Processes, as well as their Influence on Physico-chemical and Sensory Qualities
Abstract :

It has been stated that anaemia affects 30% of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization. Iron fortification in food is the most efficient approach of relieving iron deficiency condition, according to research. Because iron fortification manifests itself in food in the form of colour, flavour, and general acceptability, researchers are attempting to increase the nutritional value of food without compromising the sensory aspects of iron fortified food products. A large number of researches have shown that yoghurt is the most effective vehicle for iron fortification in this approach. This study discusses the fortification techniques and diverse sources of iron utilised in the development of iron fortified yoghurt, as well as the influence of these methods and sources of iron on the physico-chemical and sensory aspects of the yoghurt. It is anticipated that the general concept of iron enrichment in yoghurt will lead to improvements in iron fortification in the near future.

Title: Effects of liming, soil moisture regimes and application of sulphur and some micronutrients on soil plant availability of nutrients and yield of rice (Oriza Sativa L) in acid laterite soil
Abstract :
The productivity of wetland rice is constrained by the reduced availability of S and micronutrients like B, Cu, and Zn in acid laterite soils of West Bengal, India. A greenhouse study was conducted using acid laterite (Ultisol, Salboni loam) to evaluate the eff ects of liming, soil moisture regime and application of sulfur, boron, copper and zinc on the availability of applied nutrients, growth and yield of rice. The eff ects of application of lime (2.0 t/ha) over no lime; alternate fl ooding and drying (AFD) over continuous fl ooding (CF) and moisture regime maintained at fi eld capacity (FC); and nutrients viz., S, B, Cu and Zn on growth and yield of rice were assessed. Rice cv. IR 36 was grown with NPK applied @ 60
mg N, 30 mg P2O5 and 30 mg K2O/kg soil. S, B, Cu, and Zn were applied @ 10, 0.5, 1.5 and 5 mg/kg of soil, respectively. Application of 22.4 kg S, 1.12 kg B, 3.36 kg Cu, and 11.2 kg Zn/ha signifi cantly enhanced the growth and yield of rice over control in acid laterite soil. Yield response of rice to the application of S, B, Cu and Zn was further improved by liming and alternate flooding and drying during the growing season.
Title: Tar and Particulate Matters Removal from Producer Gas by using Oily Organic Filter Media
Abstract :

The present study showed that the quality of producer gas obtained by thermo-chemical conversion of crop residues varied due to organic nature of biomass and the variation in operating parameters such as equivalence air fuel ratio and superficial velocity. The range of tar and particulate matters (TP) in producer gas obtained from downdraught gasifier generally varied from 110-14000 mg/Nm3, which makes it unsuitable for internal combustion (IC) engine operation. Hence, a reduction in TP below 150 mg/Nm3 is necessary for long run engine operation. Controlling operating parameters is a very sophisticated process and can be applicable only in laboratory experiments. Therefore, improvement in physical cleaning process to reduce TP and improve producer gas quality is very important for sustainable IC engine operation. The experiments were conducted by mixing jatropha oil with saw dust and wood shavings as filter media with the existing cooling and cleaning train (version 6). Result showed a reduction of TP (< 150 mg/Nm3) value in the range of 12-17 mg/Nm3, which was much below the recommended limit of TP as prescribed by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India for engine operation.

Title: G×E Effects Elucidated by AMMI, BLUP and Non-parametric Measures of Wheat Genotypes Evaluated in NEPZ
Abstract :

Highly significant variations due to G×E interactions, environments and genotypes had been observed AMMI analysis. Values of IPCA’s in the AMMI analysis indicate stability or adaptability of genotypes. G11, G1 selected by IPCA-1 and G1, G2 as per IPCA-2. Utilizing 60.6% of G×E interactions ASV identified G1, G7 and ASV1 settled for (G1, G7) genotypes. Nearly 97.8% of variations exploited by MASV1 pointed for G9, G2 whereas MASV judged G9, G8 genotypes. BLUP based HMGV RPGV HMRPGV measures identified G11 & G3. Consistent yield of G2, G3 wheat genotypes supported by the least values of standard deviation and CV measures. Biplot analysis of studied measures observed that two significant PC’s has accounted for 65.8% of the total variation with respective percent share of 40.4% & 25.5% respectively. Si2 , Si4 , Si1 , Si3 , NPi(3) , IPC5 contributed more in PC1 whereas for PC2 contributors were BLGM, RPGV, HMGV, HMRPGV NPi(2), NPi(3), NPi(4) . High degree of positive relationship expressed by NPi(2) NPi(3), NPi(4) with MASV, MASV1. Measures Si1 to Si7 clubbed with standard deviation, CV along with NPi(1). No association of ASV & ASV1 observed with NPi(2) NPi(3) , NPi(4). Clustering pattern seen BLUP based measures in separate cluster while NPi(2) seen with Si1 to Si7 along with standard deviation and CV measures.

Title: Adsorption of Two Basic Dyes Methylene Blue and Malachite Green onto Low Cost Adsorbent Rice Husk Ash: A Batch Study
Abstract :

In the present study, rice husk ash an agricultural waste material was used as a low cost adsorbent for the removal of mixture of two basic dyes, widely used in the textile industries, methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) from the aqueous solution. Batch study was conducted to investigate into the effect of different experimental parameters such as contact time, adsorbent dose, initial concentration and shaker speed for the removal of mixture of two dyes. Batch study showed that up to 90.95% removal of two dyes at dye concentration of 25mg/L and dose 48mg/L. An increase in concentration resulted in a greater dye removal from the aqueous solution. It was established from the kinetic study that the adsorption data followed the pseudo-second-order-kinetic model in a better way than the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Isotherm study was conducted by using Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm equation. Langmuir isotherm model described the experimental data quite well with high correlation coefficient and it was also supported by the five error functions. The results showed that rice husk ash has the potential to be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of mixture of two basic dyes.

Title: Vigna radiata: A Potent Phytofiltrator of Lead Grown Hydroponically in Sewage
Abstract :

Phytofiltration is an ecofriendly technique, which use plants biomass to remove toxic heavy metals from aqueous waste. Lead (Pb) present in sewage induces oxidative stress and cause deleterious effects on living organism, hence it has to be removed. The aim of the study is to evaluate efficiency of Vigna radiata as phytofiltrator of lead. The efficiency was estimated in terms of growth attributes, stress marker and accumulated lead content of V. radiata. In the present experimental design, Vigna radiata (Mungbean) plants were grown hydroponically in sewage and 50% diluted sewage for 15-days. V. radiata grown in Hoagland media served as the control. Accumulated lead content was estimated by Atomic absorption spectroscopy. It was observed that, total height, fresh and dry weight of V. radiata was not changed significantly (p>0.05) in sewage as compared to control. Reduction in total height was significant (p<0.05) and fresh and dry weight was highly significant (p<0.01) in 50% sewage. Lead accumulation was observed in V. radiata grown using sewage. Malondialdehyde (MDA), peroxidase, and proline content increased significantly (p<0.05) in sewage when compared to control. In 50% diluted sewage, malondialdehyde, peroxidase reduced significantly (p<0.05), while proline content showed a significant increase (p<0.01) when compared to undiluted sewage. It was concluded that V. radiata has potential to phytofilter lead from sewage. Increased MDA level indicates oxidative stress. Increased antioxidative stress markers; proline and peroxidase activity shows that V. radiata has tolerance to lead stress. Use of 50% diluted sewage is effective in reducing oxidative stress but it also negatively affects plant growth when compared to undiluted sewage.

Title: Estimation of Surplus for the Different Research Problems Relating to Fisheries Sector by using Economic Surplus Model and Prioritizing the Problems
Abstract :

This paper dealt with different level of surplus in the research problems relating to fisheries sector, faced by different communities and other related persons who are involved and related to fisheries. In this paper research works are categorized in different steps. First of all the collection of different type of research problems with the help of scientific and other related community was performed. Second step involved estimation of economic surplus, consumer surplus and producer surplus with the help of different variables. Then we estimated surplus for different research problems in social welfare and prioritized all the research problems in descending order. Some of more important citations are bio-diversity conservation and quarantine measures shifted from serial number 13 to 44, impact of Farakka barrage on breeding and production of Hilsa and Mahasheer, shifted from serial number 29 to 3, impact of Tehari Dam on breeding and production of fish species shifted from serial number 30 to 10 is an equally important research problem that is a concern of environmental scientist all over the country. Similarly, the priority genetic engineering for the evolution of new fish species of economic and medical importance shifted from serial number 4 to 5, which indicates nominal change on priority list showing its high importance for research.

Title: Efficiency of conservation agriculture: Evidences from wheat farms in Eastern Uttar Pradesh
Abstract :
India is the second largest producer of wheat in the world and U ar Pradesh is the largest wheatgrowing state in the country. The major challenge to wheat production in the state is the enhancing of
its productivity and profi tability. Adoption of zero tillage technique is one such step in this direction. The paper has compared the economics and effi ciency of wheat production in U ar Pradesh with zero tillage (ZT) adopters and non-adopters and assessed the contribution of technology and inputs to the increased productivity due to zero tillage for the years 2013-14. For the study, CACP cost concept and Cob-Douglas production function were used to fi nd out the economics and effi ciency of wheat in zero till system. The result indicates that the net return was found 80 % higher in case of adopters than nonadopters. The study has also observed that ZT technology has potential to provide additional income to farmers and help in conservation of scarce resources. The resource use effi ciency analysis showed that zero tillage adoption saved machine labour and seed than under conventional method.
Title: An Economic Analysis of Paddy Fodder and Livestock Management in Tunga Bhadra Project (TBP) Command Area in Karnataka
Abstract :

Livestock plays an important role in the rural economy of the country. Livestock is a key source of supplementary income and livelihood, especially for small land holdings and landless rural poor households. India generates approximately 507.8 million tons of on-field crop residues, of which 43 per cent is rice and 23 per cent is wheat, remaining 16 per cent of crop residue is burnt on the field. In Thungabhadra project (TBP) command area 54 per cent were large farmers followed by medium farmers (21 %). Four methods of residue management practices were identified in TBP command area out of which removal of straw and burning of stubble method were found to be the highest (42.45%) and the major one. The main reason behind burning of residues are low cost and labour scarcity. Total cost of cultivation of paddy per acre was found to be marginally lower in case of burning of straw and stubbles method when compared (` 37577) to incorporating straw and stubbles (` 38838) method in case of high livestock density area. Among the different residue management practices the livestock possession per respondent was found to be the highest in case of the removal of straw and burning of stubbles (1.69) followed by removal of straw and incorporation of stubbles (1.52). The least was found in case of burning of straw and stubbles (1.09). Major constraints found during paddy fodder management practices were lack of technical knowledge about residue management and non-availability of custom hire service, especially reaping binder in TBP command area.

Title: Effect of Agro-ecology on Nutrient Content, Yield and Digestibility of Forage oat (Avena sativa L.) Varieties
Abstract :

Effect of agro-ecologyon nutrient content, yield and digestibility of three oat varieties (Lamptone, CI8235 and CI8237) were evaluated. Two agro ecologies, which varied in altitude, were selected for the experiment. Gummer site was 2925 masl while Albazer was 2400masl. Representative soil samples at the depth of 20cm were collected from randomly selected spots (20 cm depth) of both the sites. The samples were then sent to the laboratory. Plots were prepared and assigned for each of the each variety randomly using RCBD design. Seeds were sown at 100 kg/ha rate on 7, July, 2015 with replication. Di-ammonium phosphate and urea were applied in the similar rate. From the two fertilizers, urea was applied in two levels. Plots were regularly weeded and supervised for the disease. At maturity, the whole plant from each plot was cut 2cm above the ground. Seed with its husk (SH) and straw were separated. Values were extrapolated to hectare. Similar to the soil sample, forge representative samples were sent to the laboratory. Soil type at Gummer was silt, acidic, with lower cation exchange capacity (CEC) and higher exchangeable acidity (EA) whereas at Albazer it was clay, alkaline with higher CEC and lower EA. Soil organic carbon (OC), dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorus (AP) were more at Gummer than Albazer. Crop maturation period was varying between the two agro ecologies. At Gummer, maturation was 161days on average but at Albazer it was141 days in average. Straw had similar DM but more OM at Gummer than Albazer. The lowest DM and OM content SH was from Lamptone but highest from CI8235 and CI8237 at Albazer. Crude protein (CP) content of oats was more at Albazer than Gummer. Highest straw CP was obtained from Lamptone at Albazer than Gummer. CI8237 at Albazer had highest EE but Lamptone at Gummer had the lowest. SH at Gummer had higher EE than at Albazer. Lamptone’s SH was lowest in NDF at Albazer but highest at Gummer. Higher DM, OM and CP yields were from Gummer than Albazer. Interaction was observed between agro-ecology and the varieties for nutrient content and yield. Albazer had better CP content whereas Gummer was efficient in yield. CI8235 at Albazer hadlowest IVDMD while CI8237 at both sites had the highest. Thus, before introducing oats to a new area, determining soil physiochemical characteristics for suitability is recommended.

Title: Isolation and characterization of nitrogen fixing burkholderia Sp.
Abstract :
The bacterium Burkholderia has been isolated from the rhizosphere soils of Mimosa, Lemon, Maize, Sugarcane, Sunfl ower, Rice, Bhendhi, Sunhemp, Co on and Chilly from the diff erent farms of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Biochemical and physiological characterization was done for the obtained isolates to screen for further studies by using starch hydrolysis, lipid hydrolysis, casein hydrolysis and catalase test, etc. The isolates were checked for their ability to fi x nitrogen by using diff erent medium like BMGM and N free BMGM medium. The isolates were also checked for nitrogenase activity by using gas chromatography. B1 and R1 isolates showed high nitrogenase activity (7.99 and 7.15 n moles of ethylene /hr./mg of cell protein respectively). Total genomic DNA was isolated and PCR with 16S rRNA gene specifi c primers carried out to yields amplicons of 1300 bp size in Burkholderia. The PCR was carried out with specifi c primers of nifH gene primer for selected isolates. It showed that selected four isolates were found to have nifH gene with 400 bp. The present study revealed that some
of the Burkholderia sp. helps in plant growth promoting activities by fi xing nitrogen to enhance the yield of crop plants that can be exploited as bioinoculant in agriculture
Title: Seed bio-priming with Trichoderma asperellum effectively modulate plant growth promotion in pea
Abstract :

Seed biopriming is an advance technique of seed treatment that involves application of beneficial microorganism on seed surface followed by seed hydration. Seed bioprimig is a ecological to control the many seed and soil-borne pathogens which provide an alternative to chemical treatment. Seed biopriming enhance the initial step of plant development by increased seed germination and provide protection before seedling emergence. Trichoderma spp. is widely used for biocontrol agent that enhance plant growth as well as inhibits phytopathogen. In the present study, effectiveness of biopriming with T. asperellum BHUT8 evaluated for plant growth promotion effect in pea. The results showed enhancement in plant growth in the treated plants as compared to control. There was increase in shoot length, root length, number of leaves, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight and root dry weight by 35.29, 96.49, 28.13, 36.10, 146.26, 30.17 and 77.20 %, respectively, as compared to the control.

Title: Accelerated Aging Affects the Germination Physiology of Wheat Seeds
Abstract :

In the present piece of work, the caryopses of two wheat varieties (HUR-468 and HUW-234) were taken to study the effects of aging during germination. Accelerated aging (artificial aging) treatments were created by keeping the seeds (with initial moisture content of 12%) at 40oC and relative humidity of 90-95% for 24, 42, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168 and 192h periods. Seeds without any ageing treatment were considered as control (T1). The parameters like germination percentage, speed of germination (N), mean germination time (MGT), shoot and root lengths, root numbers, fresh and dry weights, α-amylase activity and soluble-insoluble sugar contents were studied upto 10 days after sowing (DAS) in artificially aged and non aged seeds during germination. Result suggested that aging affects the whole process of germination of seeds. The maximum values of the studied parameters were obtained from the 24h aged seeds followed by control and 42h aged seeds in both the varieties. Among the two varieties HUW-234 showed better performance for the above studied parameters.

Title: Ratooning and Combining Ability Analysis through Line × Tester Mating Design in Interspecific Cotton Hybrids (G. hirsutum × G. barbadense)
Abstract :

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is an important fibre crop and plays a vital role as a cash crop in commerce of many countries in the world. The development of cotton hybrids which can offer the great yields and quality fibre is the current research in cotton breeding. For the first time, here we investigated the mean performance and ratooning ability of thirty novel cotton hybrids. In addition, we also analyzed the expression of general combining ability (GCA) of the parents and specific combining ability (SCA) of hybrids in order to develop high yielding and better quality cotton cultivars in both first crop and ratoon crop. L × T analysis revealed that the significant GCA and SCA effects for all the studied traits. The significant range of variability was observed in all the traits except for boll weight and elongation percentage in parents and hybrids. Based on mean performance, the evaluated hybrids varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in first crop and ratoon crop for the all studied traits. The predominance of additive gene action was estimated for the number of bolls per plant and fibre bundle strength in first crop which were found to be controlled by additive gene action due to high GCA variance. In ratoon crop, the predominance of dominant gene action was estimated for all the studied traits which were found to be controlled by non-additive gene action due to high SCA variance. Among the parents, TCH 1819 was found to be a good combiner for all the investigated traits except for boll weight. The hybrids, MCU 13 × SUVIN and TCH 1819 × TCB 209 were found to be the best specific combinations for fibre bundle strength.

Title: Physio-Morphic Characters of Different Varieties/Genotypes Against Population Fluctuation of Sucking Pests of Brinjal Solanum melongena (L.)
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during 2014-15 and 2015-16 to study different varieties/genotypes of brinjal to find out the role of physio-morphic characters of plant on the population fluctuation of sucking pests. The physio-morphic characters of brinjal plant were correlated with the population of sucking pests. The Moisture percentage, leaf area, hair density and length of hairs of different brinjal varieties/ genotypes influenced the population of sucking pests significantly. The moisture percentage in leaves and leaf area showed non-significant positive relation with the sucking insects like aphids, jassids and whiteflies. The hair density had significant negative correlation with the occurrences of jassids but non-significant negative correlation with the occurrences of aphids and whiteflies. The length of hairs had significant negative impact on jassid infestattion and non-significant negative impact on aphid and whitefly infestation.

Title: In Vivo Antioxidant Activities of Thermomyces sp Pigment in Albino Mice
Abstract :
In the present study, In vivo antioxidant activity of fungal pigment extract of Thermomyces sp was evaluated in animal model using albino mice. The pigment extract was orally administrated at doses of 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 30 days. The Enzymatic antioxidant such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) non enzymatic antioxidant Glutathione (GSH) was analyzed in kidney and liver tissues. The fungal pigment treated
groups recorded higher antioxidant activity compare to control animals.
Title: Effects of Mulching on Soil Properties and Post Harvest Quality of Mango Cv. Himsagar Grown in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal
Abstract :
An experiment was conducted to study the effect of mulching on soil properties and post harvest quality of Himsagar mango grown in new alluvial zone of West Bengal at Central Research Farm, Gayeshpur, BCKV in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 3 replications during two consecutive years from 2013 to 2015. The results revealed that mulching with different materials on 15 years old mango tree cv. Himsagar having uniform growth and vigour, significantly increased the soil moisture content, available soil N, P and K, along with increase soil microbial population. Among the different mulching treatments, black polythene showed maximum soil moisture retention with improved soil properties. This treatment also exhibited maximum physico-chemical qualities of fruits followed by paddy straw and paddy husk. Black polythene mulch gave 80% marketable fruits on the 9th day of storage while control showed minimum storage life as evident from CO2 evolution and total soluble solids content of fruit.
Title: Yield Stability and Association among Parametric and Non-parametric Stability Measures for Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes in Northern Region of India
Abstract :

Genotype environment interaction (GEI) is combination of genetic and non-genetic effects which causes differential relative performances of genotypes in different environments. The absence of GEI along with high yield indicates that the genotypes are suitable for general adaptation in those environments. Large number of parametric and non-parametric stability measures exists in literature, but the problem for plant breeder is to decide which of the stability measure is to be chosen for selecting stable genotypes. Several parametric and non-parametric stability measures were employed in the present study for identifying the stable wheat genotypes grown in north India. The measures used in this study included two parametric and eleven non-parametric stability measures. Significant positive correlation was found between all possible pairs of RS, RS2, Si(6) and grain yield, which suggested that these parameters play similar roles in determining high yielding stable genotypes. Dendrogram based on correlation coefficients between the 13 parametric and non-parametric measures including mean yield of 23 genotypes was used to group the stability measures into clusters. Among the different parametric and non-parametric stability analyzed, the Kang’s rank sum (RS) measure was found to be highly correlated with grain yield. It indicated that, use of to evaluate the stability of wheat genotypes in future selection programs would favor the simultaneous selection of a stable genotype with high yield in northern region of India. The genotypes DPW 621-50, HD 3132 and PBW 698 were found to be the high yielding and most stable genotypes in northern region of India. Genotypes TL 2995, WH 1156 and WH 1138 had very low yield and least stability.

Title: Molecular diversity study on dessert banana genotypes (Musa spp.) from Odisha using ISSR markers
Abstract :

Banana is an important fruit of India and in Odisha it is also a highly demanded fruit. Banana improvement programme mainly depends on genetic variability present in the population. The present investigation was done to assess the molecular diversity present amongst the local dessert banana genotypes of Odisha along with some national released cultivars based on Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers. For the present study ten ISSR primers were used to differentiate 22 banana genotypes. Total seventy six scorable fragments were obtained, out of which 36 (47.4%) were polymorphic and 39 (51.3%) were monomorphic. Similarity index were estimated using the Dice coefficient of similarity (Nei and Li 1979). The genetic similarity values ranged from 0.71 to 0.96. At 90 % phenon level 22 genotypes were distributed in fourteen clusters. The results revealed twenty five percent variability at genetic level based on ten ISSR markers which could be utilised for further banana improvement programme.

Title: Wilt Incidence and Cultural Variability of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. udum Collected from different Districts of Uttar Pradesh
Abstract :

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) L. Millsp. is an important legume crop widely used as food grain as it is rich source of protein, carbohydrate, essential amino acids, minerals and fibres. India is reknowned as a major pigeonpea producer country all over the world. Pigeonpea is susceptible to a number of pathogens, among which Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. udum is considered as the most important fungal pathogen causing a considerable economic loss in India and all over the world. Among different states in India, Uttar Pradesh is the major pigeon pea growing state having most of the wilt susceptible pigeonpea growing areas causing considerable yield losses. In the present study, collection of diseased samples from wilt affected areas of different districts, isolation of test fungi, test of pathogenicity in pots under wirenet house condition was conducted. Further test of wilt incidence of the selected strains of Fusarum oxysporum f.sp. udum through root dip method and soil inoculation method was undertaken in earthen pots under wirenet house to make a precise comparison between the two methods. Cultural variabilities like radial growth, growth rate and mycelia dry weight among the selected isolates were studied under laboratory conditions.

Title: Post-transcriptional gene silencing and its implication to the asian soybean rust- a review article
Abstract :

Soybean is one of the most economically important crops in the world. Soybean yield is severely affected by biotic agents, especially by Asian Soybean Rust (ASR). The causal agent of ASR is Phakopsora pachyrhizi; a biotrophic fungus that belongs to Basidiomycota. Chemical control is the most effective control method for ASR, but it is costly. In the past, many soybean varieties resistant to ASR have been developed by introgression of resistance genes (R genes) to local varieties. Since P. pachyrhizi isolates are highly diverse, the resistant varieties are vulnerable to newly evolved pathogen isolates. Until now there is no variety that is resistant to all pathogen isolates. Therefore, there is a need to develop new strategies other than R genes. Identification of new candidate genes that are crucial for fungi in pathogenicity may lead to new options for P. pachyrhizi control. Many interesting genes have been identified but their study is impaired by the biotrophic nature of rust fungi. In this regard RNAi has emerged as a reverse genetic tool. The HIGS method (Host Induced Gene Silencing) is used to down regulate fungal candidate genes in planta. This is an indirect method where the silencing signal is formed in the plant but it mediates RNAi in the fungus.

Title: Contents Vol. 14, No. 4, December 2021
Abstract :
Title: Effect of System of Crop Intensification Practices on Productivity in Greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)
Abstract :

Field experiment was conducted during three consecutive seasons (Kharif 2010, 2011 and 2012) at Wetland farms of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, to evaluate the System of Crop Intensification (SCI) practices on the growth and yield of Greengram. The experiment consisted of six treatments in the combination of maintaining two seedlings (one and two) and three spacing levels (20 × 20 cm, 25 × 25 cm, and 30 × 10 cm) which were tested in the Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Three seasons’ pooled data revealed that the maximum growth characters such as plant height, LAI and DMP at 20 DAS, 40 DAS and at harvest stages were recorded in control (30 × 10 cm with two seedlings). The yield attributes such as number of clusters hill-1, number of pods hill-1 and number of seeds pod-1 were higher in the single or the double seedlings maintained at 25 × 25 cm spacing level. Significantly higher grain yield (1091and 1060 kg ha-1) was recorded in 25 × 25 cm spacing level with both the single and the double seedling maintained plots respectively, when compared to the other combinations. The same trend was noted with Harvest index too. Haulm yield also varied significantly and a maximum of 1486 kg ha-1 was observed in the control (Double seedlings sown at 30 × 10 cm spacing level).

Title: Assessment of Rainwater Harvesting Capacity of Check Dam Reservoirs in Barkachha, a Part of Central Vindhyan Plateau of Mirzapur District, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract :
Barkachha, a part of central Vindhyan plateau is rocky and undulating land having many small rivulets and channels which quickly drain away the bounties of rainwater along with the fine crust of the top fertile soil. To overcome this situation, two check dam were constructed by the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department, during 2001. The present study was under taken to evaluate the
rainwater harvesting capacity of these reservoirs for supplementary irrigation of the cultivated crops, viz cereal, pulses and oil seeds. The runoff water accumulated from July and remains up to February/March. Maximum volume of the harvested rainwater in both the reservoirs was during September with a capacity 22550 m3 and 121170 m3 in reservoir No. 1 and reservoir No. 2,
respectively. There was no water during the month of April to June in both the reservoirs. The crop producing area under these reservoirs through supplementary irrigation for the last one decade varied from 17.5 to 26.1 ha.
Title: Cellulase from Cashew Shell Cake using Aspergillus niger Production, Purification and Potential Applications
Abstract :
The Cellulose content in the Cashew Shell Cake was utilized for the production of enzyme Cellulase CEPC-C11; induced by Aspergillus niger (MTCC- 1344) using the Solid-State Fermentation (SSF). Optimised conditions by SSF for Cellulase production were at 30ºC, pH 7.0 and 216 hours of incubation. The enzyme activity of Cellulase was found through C1 and Cx Cellulase Combined Assay. Partially Purified Cellulase was concentrated and powdered by acetone precipitation method. Purified Cellulase showed a maximum specific enzyme activity of 15.322 U/mg of protein at 50ºC, pH 5.0 and on 30 minutes of incubation. Thus cellulase enzyme yield of 20% /Kg of substrate showing Km and Vmax of 1.786 and 19.45 U/mg respectively was obtained. This enzyme which is capable of hydrolyzing native cellulose; that has functional temperature ranging from 25ºC to 70ºC and pH ranging from 3.5 to 8.0 respectively; could find various industrial applications
Title: Selection of the parental combinations through multivariate analysis in dessert banana genotypes for hybridization programme
Abstract :

In the present investigation 22 dessert banana genotypes were evaluated under coastal plain zone of Odisha during the year 2013-14 and 2104-15 in a randomized block design with three replications. Observations were recorded on growth parameters and yield attributing traits. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among the genotypes in respect of all the growth parameters and yield attributing traits. The PCV and GCV (phenotypic and genotypic coefficient variation) were higher for finger weight, bunch weight and number of fingers. Bunch girth and finger weight had very high broad sense heritability (h2). Finger weight recorded the highest genetic advance followed by bunch weight. All the genotypes, on the basis of total variability were grouped into twelve distinct clusters. Maximum number of cultivars was accommodated in Cluster 1 followed by Cluster 7. Inter cluster distance was the highest between cluster 12 and cluster 7. Bunch girth made the maximum contribution to divergence (45.02 %) followed by finger weight (39.83 %).

Title: Effect of Picking Stages on Fruit and Seed Development in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] Cultivars Kashi Pragati and Kashi Kranti
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of picking on fruit and seed development in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) cv. Kashi Pragati and Kashi Kranti. Data on fruit and seed characters were recorded from 4 to 40 days after flowering (DAF) at an interval of 2 days. Quick fruit development occurs between 4 to 8 DAF and fruits picked at this stage were of optimum fresh weight, length, diameter and free from thick pericarp thus making it consumable. Fresh weight of filled seeds was found to be maximum at 18 days after flowering in Kashi Pragati (7.61 g) whereas it was 22 days after flowering in Kashi Kranti (6.90 g), while dry weight of seeds per pod and 100 seed weight were maximum at 24 days after flowering. The physiological maturity of seeds was attained after 26 days after flowering when the germination percentage in both the cultivars was above 75%. However, to obtain optimum seed yield with optimum germination percentage and vigour, the fruits should be picked on at 38 days after flowering stage.

Title: Microsatellite based Molecular Characterization and Genetic Diversity Analysis of Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines
Abstract :

Molecular characterization of the genotypes provides reliable information about the extent of genetic diversity which aids in the development of an appropriate breeding program. In the present study, a total of seventeen polymorphic SSR markers were used across eight maize inbreds for their characterization and discrimination. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 alleles (UMC-1657) to 8 alleles (UMC-1097), with an average of 4.47 alleles across 17 loci obtained in the study. The PIC value ranged from 0.46 (UMC-1657) to 0.86 (UMC-1097) with average of 0.68. The dendogram constructed using similarity coefficient values divided 8 genotypes in three divergent clusters.

Title: Response of IBA on Rhizogenic Capacity and Shoot Characteristics of Clonal Rootstocks for Pear
Abstract :

The present experiment was conducted to study the response of IBA on pear rootstocks Quince-C and BA-29 with respect to rhizogenic capacity and shoot characteristics. The finding of experiment shows that IBA application had significant effect on these clonal rootstocks of pear. IBA application @ 1000 ppm resulted in maximum rooting and root growth. The IBA treatment @ 1000 ppm was also found to be the best in terms of all shoot characteristic parameters. Higher concentrations of IBA above 1000 ppm were found detrimental.

Title: Development and performance evaluation of rotary drum grader for tomato
Abstract :

Grading is one of the most important unit operations in packing houses by which it enables to obtain a good and appealing packing system. To standardize the tomatoes for export or marketing in local markets the rotary drum grader was developed in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. It consists of a drum in which the holes are made based on the standard size of tomatoes. It is manually operated using a handle fitted to the shaft which is mounted on the main frame using a wooden block. The performance evaluation was done to optimizing the peripheral speed, inclination angle and feed rate. As the tomatoes are fed through the hopper into the rotating drum, it gets separated according to size. It is portable and can be used in the field. By conducting different study the efficiency of grader was found to be 80% at 16º inclination angle, 175 kg.h–1 feed rate and 15 rpm peripheral speed.

Title: Effect of pre-treatment on the quality of minimally processed fresh-cut banana pseudo stem
Abstract :
The market for fresh-cut vegetables had been grown rapidly due to the changes in lifestyle pa ern and also health benefi ts associated with these foods. The pre-treatment of fresh-cut banana pseudo stem was done with two diff erent anti-browning agents (ascorbic acid, potassium meta bi-sulphite (KMS)) at 1% for 15 min to determine the eff ect of a change in color (browning). The samples pre-treated with KMS had minimum decrease in color value of ‘L’ (70.41) and ‘b’ (20.94) value whereas there was a minimum increase of ‘a’ (1.28) value in 35 days of storage at 8±2°C which is the most desired quality for reducing the browning eff ect. The optimized pre-treated fresh-cut banana pseudo stem packaged in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was stored at two diff erent storage temperatures of 27±2°C and 8±2°C. Among which minimum quality changes were seen at 8±2°C with physiological loss in weight (2.3 %), colour values such as ‘L’ (70.41), ‘a’ (3.30) and ‘b’ (17.1) and fi bre content (0.8 g/100g) remained same during its storage days. The minimum growth of bacteria and fungi was also found as 3.64 × 105CFU/g and 2.76 ×103 CFU/g in 35 days of storage. The sensory evaluation of minimally processed fresh-cut banana pseudo stem had maximum overall acceptability of 8
Title: Effect of Different Sources of Sulphur on Growth, Productivity and Oil Content of Brassica campestris var. toria in the Red Soil of Odisha
Abstract :

A field experiment of two years was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16 at Instructional Farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Nabarangpur), Umerkote, Nabarangpur, Odisha, India to study the effect of different sources with the graded doses of sulphur on growth, productivity and the oil content of Mustard (Brassica camprestris var. toria). The experiment was laid out in the randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments viz; T1 30 kg S ha-1 as SSP, T2 45 kg S ha-1 as SSP, T3 60 kg S ha-1 as SSP, T4 30 kg S ha-1 as Gypsum, T5 45 kg S ha-1 as Gypsum, T6 60 kg S ha-1 as Gypsum, T7 30 kg S ha-1 as Elemental sulphur, T8 45 kg S ha-1 as Elemental sulphur, T9 60 kg S ha-1 as Elemental sulphur along with an untreated control. Significantly highest seed yield (12. 47 qha-1) resulted under the application of sulphur @ 60 kgha-1 as Single Super Phosphate (SSP ) due to the significant increment in the yield attributes studied when compared to control (7.15 q ha-1). The sulphur application @ 45 kgha-1 as SSP which had given the seed yield 12.47 q ha-1 was at par with the seed yield of sulphur application @ 60 kgha-1 as SSP. Yield advantages due to the application of Gypsum @ 45 kgha-1, 60 kgha-1 and Elemental sulphur 45 kgha-1, 60 kgha-1 were 60.69%, 62.09% and 47.13%, 57.90%, respectively over control (7.15 q ha-1). The oil content in the seed was highest with the application of sulphur @ 60 kgha-1 (44.62%). The oil content of mustard was almost at par with both the sources of sulphur viz; SSP and Gypsum.

Title: Effect of foliar application of micronutrients on yield and economics of guava (Psidium Guajava L.) CV. L-49
Abstract :

A field study was carried out at the Fruit Research Station, Himayatbagh, Aurangabad, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, during 2014-2015. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 12 treatments and three replications. Observations were recorded on growth, physical and quality characters of guava. The maximum number of fruits per plant and B : C ratio were recorded under treatment T10 (boric acid @ 0.3% + ferrous sulphate @ 0.4% + magnesium sulphate @ 0.7% + manganese sulphate @ 0.5% + zinc sulphate @ 0.5%) while highest yield/tree kg and yield /ha (Mt), highest GMR, NMR and EIOC (`./ha), were recorded under treatment T11 (boric acid @ 0.3% + ferrous sulphate @ 0.4% + magnesium sulphate @ 0.7% + manganese sulphate @ 0.5% + zinc sulphate @ 0.5% + copper sulphate @ 0.4%).

Title: Molecular Diagnosis and Characterization of a Geminivirus Causing Leaf Curl Disease of Tomato in Mid Hills of Northern India
Abstract :

Geminiviruses are small isometric particles which contain either one or two circular single stranded DNAs. The family Geminiviridae comprises of four genera: Mastrevirus, Curtovirus, Topocuvirus and Begomovirus. Among begomoviruses, one of the most important virus is TYLCV which infects an economically important food crop i.e. tomato [Lycopersicon esculentum), all over the world. TYLCV is also prevalent in different regions of India. Five samples from different tomato growing areas of Himachal Pradesh were collected for serological detection of TYLCV using DAS-ELISA. All samples reacted positively with the antisera. In further confirmation studies, CP (coat protein) gene based specific primer pairs for TYLCV were designed and tested. CP gene was amplified from two isolates and a 771 bp long CP sequence was amplified, sequenced and submitted to NCBI database (Acc no-KC253231). TYLCV, the test virus was confirmed to be a begomovirus on the basis of phylogenetic analysis while comparing it with other geminiviruses. On comparison with other Indian tomato leaf curl viral isolates, it was found to be closely related to Dharwad isolate (GI 1160428) and not to native isolate (GI 1244840), which indicates it’s origin in other than North Indian region and evolution of a new viral strain.

Title: A Way to Deal with the Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) in Transplanted Rice of West Bengal
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted to study the management of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) in transplanted rice at Central Research Farm, Gayeshpur, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia. The results revealed that all the treatments were significantly superior over check with respect to nematode population, root knot index and yield. Soil solarization of the nursery bed with 25 μm polythene sheet for 15 days during the month of May-June followed by soil application of Carbofuran 3G @ 1kg a.i. ha-1 at the 45th day after transplanting were reported to be the best way to manage the root knot nematode in rice with minimum soil and root nematode population (354.34 per 200 cc of soil and 363.91 per 5 gram root), root knot index (1.63) and maximum yield (2.35) with peak incremental cost benefit ratio. Highest percent reduction of soil and root nematode population with 53.59% of yield increase was recorded from the treated plots. However, nursery soil treatment with carbofuran 3G @ 0.3 g a.i. /m2 and soil application @ 1 kg a.i. ha-1 at 45 DAT can also effectively control the nematode in transplanted rice.

Title: Phenological Behaviour and Reproductive Biology of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.
Abstract :

Studies on reproductive biology of Mahaneem (Ailanthus excelsa) indicated that mild defoliation started in mid of March and continued up to end of February, majority being from May 13-28. Leaf promodial started appearing after all the leaves had shed off. Within a week of new foliage appearance, the panicle with small protruding buds appeared. The floral buds took 9-13 days to come to bloom. More than 80 per cent floral buds opened between 0800-0900 h. The number of days required from panicle initiation to fruit maturity ranged from 132-140. Fruit set under open-pollination was higher as compared to the fruit set in self-pollinated and a highly significant difference in growth characters of self versus open pollinated progenies formed a strong evidence for xenogamous behavior of mahaneem.

Title: Documentation of Indigenous Knowledge of Pest Control for Paddy Cultivation in Murshidabad District of West Bengal
Abstract :

This study aims at documentation of Indigenous Knowledge of plant protection in paddy and their practice among the farmers in Mursidabad district of West Bengal. This study was conducted in sixteen Community Development Blocks in the said district. Old and experienced farmers from the villages were randomly selected and interviewed for data collection. The farmers and the villages were purposively and randomly selected and interviewed. A total number of 14 Indigenous Knowledge have been found. Mostly the old farmers still use their knowledge for pest control in paddy, while the young farmers generally rely on the chemical pesticides that are readily available in the market. They are more concerned with production and not the hazards caused by the use of pesticides. As the young generation of farmers are not interested in the traditional knowledge, they are likely to be forgotten very soon after the death of these old farmers. So, these traditional knowledge should be properly documented.

Title: Studies on removal of heavy metals by cymbopogon flexuosus
Abstract :

Heavy metals are causing serious health hazard due to its toxicity and persistence in soil and aqueous medium too. Heavy metals contamination in drinking water has become a major cause of concern for the environmentalists. Arsenic(III) and Chromium(VI) is widely distributed in aqueous medium in the Gangetic plain causing skin pigmentation and liver disorders. Fluoride is also a major pollutant of drinking water in southern part of the Ganges. Several methods of removal of heavy metals from aqueous medium e.g. precipitation, adsorption, ion exchange are in practice. But the naturally grown aquatic weeds, biomass and medicinal plants can be utilized for the removal of arsenic and chromium(VI) from aqueous medium. Medicinal plants e.g. Cymbopogon flexuosus (Lemon grass) is grown by farmers in this area due to its aroma. In the present study, medicinal plants have been put to study by taking different masses up to fixed interval of time in the synthetic solutions of As(III) and Cr(VI) . The kinetic study of adsorption of As(III) and Cr(VI) by Lemon grass has been done with a view to know the order and characteristics of the reaction.

Title: Study of population dynamics and impact of abiotic factors on thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis of chilli, Capsicum annuum and comparative bio-efficacy of few novel pesticides against it
Abstract :

Field experiment to study the population dynamics and bio-efficacy of some newer pesticides at various test concentrations against chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, on chilli crop was tested in field conditions. The highest incidence of thrips was observed during first week of October. The population of thrips showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature and negatively correlated with rainfall, relative humidity. The bio-efficacy results revealed that the mean per cent reduction in thrips population over the untreated-control in Pyridaben 20% WP 125g a.i/ha was significantly superior over other treatments; with highest per cent reduction of 74.47%; closely followed by Fenpyroximate 5% EC 20g a.i/ha (70.58%). Pyridaben 20% WP 100g a.i/ha and Propargite 57% EC both were less effective than previous two treatments and were at par with a reduction of 68.08% and 65.45% respectively. However, the lower doses of Pyridaben 20% WP 50g a.i/ha and 75g a.i/ha gave the lowest performance with a mean percent reduction of 56.66% and 59.85% respectively against control. Such studies are helpful in developing prediction models against thrips for its efficient management with combining both conventional and newer pesticides.

Title: Influence of Soil and Foliar Applied Boron on Green Gram in Calcareous Soils
Abstract :
A greenhouse experiment with green gram grown on boron (B) deficient calcareous soils was conducted for two years in Northwest India to study the influence of soil and foliar applied boron on green gram. Three soils with calcium carbonate content 0.75 (Soil I), 2.1 (Soil II) and 4.56 (Soil III) percent were collected from different sites of Ludhiana and Bhatinda districts, Punjab, India. The treatments comprised of four levels of soil applied boron viz. 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.5 mg B kg-1 and two levels of foliar applied boron viz. 0.1 and 0.2 per cent borax solution with common control. Soil applied boron has more influence on mean dry matter yield while foliar applied boron has on mean grain yield. Among all soil applied boron 0.5 mg kg-1 is best treatment while 0.1% is best foliar treatment. Soil applied boron was at the par with foliar applied boron. Among all three calcareous soils, Soil I with lower calcium carbonate was best soil in respect of mean yield and yield components in comparison to Soil II and Soil III. Combined effect of boron level and soils had a significant effect on yield and yield attributing characters. Total seed weight and leaf boron content are highly correlated with one another.
Title: Optimization of Extracellular Alkaline Protease Production From Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Soil Samples
Abstract :

Proteolytic enzymes are ubiquitous in nature present in all forms of life from viruses to animals. Among them microbial proteases secure most significant position due to their vast industrial applications. In this study 148 bacterial strains were isolated from 50 different soil samples of slaughter house, fish market and sewage wastes of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Out of which fifty six strains competent of secreting extracellular alkaline protease. In preliminary screening the isolate SSB1 showed highest ability to hydrolyzed casein and skimmed milk which was done on skim milk agar media. The isolates showed positive for casein, gelatin, oxidase, starch, and catalase test and negative for gram staining, indole, methyl red, voges proskauer, urea, hemolysis and triple sugar iron (TSI) test and found to be motile. The culture conditions were optimized for utmost enzyme production. Many physical parameters were deliberated to optimize the maximum yield of alkaline protease. The optimum conditions for the maximum protease production were when cultivated for 36 h at 37°C in a medium containing 1% glucose, 1% yeast extract, 1M NaCl, and 1mM Zn2+ at pH 9.0. Strain SSB1 with the maximum yield alkaline protease was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on nucleotide homology and phylogenetic analysis. The study revealed that the bacterial strain of P. aeruginosa is a potent source of extracellular alkaline protease and optimization of culture conditions for the maximum yield and their applications in different industries.

Title: An economic analysis of mulberry cultivation and cocoon production in non-traditional area
Abstract :

Sericulture is a farm based, labor intensive and economic activity supporting farm families and cottage and small scale sector. Being one of the important sector in Indian economy it checks poverty and migration. Sericulture involves a series of activities like mulberry cultivation, cocoon production, silk reeling and the products in different forms. Sericulture is not only limited to the few areas where it is been intensively practiced called traditional areas but also for non-traditional areas. This study aims to know the profitability of mulberry cultivation and cocoon production by using primary data collected from 120 farmers of North Karnataka, India. The cost of mulberry cultivation per acre worked out to be ` 12699.82/- for rearing 300 Disease Free Laying (DFL’s) of which 77.95 per cent is composed of variable component mainly human labour and the rest is fixed component. The gross returns on selling of mulberry leaves and stalks amounts ` 9472.91/-. So it is not profitable to cultivate mulberry for selling leaves instead one could rear the silkworm by purchasing leaves, but availability of mulberry leaves during all times is not assured. The cost of rearing 100 DFL’s is worked out to be ` 33738.84/- and returns amounts ` 38604.96/- with a marginal net returns of ` 4866.12/-. The lower net returns attributed to lower prices due to poor established markets in non-traditional areas and low productivity (cocoon yield per 100 DFL’s) i.e. 59.02 kg compared to traditional areas i.e. 90.00 kg.

Title: Evaluating the Performance of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes for Terminal Heat Tolerance
Abstract :
Terminal heat stress is a key yield-reducing factor in late sown wheat. Twenty-five bread wheat genotypes were evaluated for terminal heat tolerance by planting in normal (non-stress) and late (stress) environments. To check the tolerance level of genotypes to heat stress, indices namely mean performance of genotypes, heat susceptibility index, and heat susceptibility percent were studied. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation due to genotypes for all characters in two sowing dates except grain filling period. In heat stressed environment, genotypes DBW 107, HUW 688, UP 2883, K 1314, HD 3118, HI 1604 and HD 3159 had high per se performance for grain yield/m2. Genotypes HD 3164, GW
463, PBW 718 and CG 1015 showed low heat susceptibility index (HSI<1) for grain yield/m2 and were thus consider as heat tolerant genotypes. Reduction in grain yield/m2 (14.97%) was mainly associated with a reduction in grain filling period (16.73%).
Title: Effect of Slice Thickness on Drying Kinetics of Papaya using Food Dehydrator
Abstract :

In this study, the influence of drying air temperature and slice thickness on drying kinetics has been reported. Papaya was sliced into the different thickness of 3, 5 and 7 mm and drying experiments were performed in the food dehydrator (Ezidri Ultra Fd1000, Hydra flow Industries Limited, Newzealand) at temperatures of 45, 55 and 65 oC. The experimental moisture loss data were fitted to the seven thin layer drying models. Three statistical parameters Coefficient of determination (R2), reduced-χ2 and root mean square error (RMSE) was used to test the mathematical models. All the models gave the best fitting results, but the Page Model shows lower RMSE (0.006), reduced- χ2 (0.314x10-4) and highest R2 (1.000) value. The effective diffusivity of slices varied from 7.47751×10-09 to 5.71×10-08, effective diffusivity increased with increasing temperature and slice thickness. The activation energy of slices varied from 17.323 kJ/mol to 35.100 kJ/mol it is also increased with increasing thickness.

Title: Genetic Diversity in Quercus leucotrichophora Populations Through RAPD Markers
Abstract :

Quercus leucotrichophora is an evergreen tree which is usually twisted and has wiry branches. Genetic diversity is an essential component for the effective implementation of a tree improvement program. Four populations collected from Jhungi Suket, Taradevi Shimla, Bhatwari-Taknor Range, Nohra-Shimla) of Q. leucotrichophora were studied using RAPD markers. Ten primers were screened out of which five showed polymorphism. Five primers were used to amplify the individuals from each population. In a multi population descriptive analysis, the total diversity (Ht) in the four populations of Quercus leucotrichophora ranged from 0.1620 to 0.3215 with the mean 0.2253. The within population gene diversity (Hs) ranged from 0.0928 to 0.2204 with the mean 0.1542. The among population differentiation (Gst) ranged from 0.0304 to 0.3177 with the mean 0.3155. The gene flow observed among the populations was 7.9677, which is greater than 1 indicating higher levels of gene flow in the studied populations. Highest similarity co-efficient of 0.1793 was observed between populations Jhungi Suket and Nohra Shimla. The highest percentage of polymorphic loci (89.06%) was found in the population from Jhungi Suket. RAPD markers indicated that the frequencies of the presence of these markers correlated with the result of UPGMA analysis. The genetic diversity of all the four populations from different regions were found to be low, so if the trees of one place is damaged by any means the trees of similar genetic diversity from other places could be planted. Genetic diversity also helps us to study the general characteristics of a species and also particular species can be free from diseases. In spite of the relatively short distances between populations three clearly distinct regional groups of populations could be identified. These findings have implications for decisions on in-situ and ex-situ genetic conservation and for forest management planning and practices.

Title: Impact of elevated temperature on iron and zinc uptake in rice crop
Abstract :
Climate change associated with rise in temperature has adverse impact on global food production. Rice crop is also aff ected by this rise in atmospheric temperature. An experiment was conducted during the kharif season of year 2013 inside Temperature Gradient Tunnel (TGT) in IARI farm, to study impact of elevated temperature on uptake of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in rice crop. There were 5 diff erent temperature treatments inside the TGT. Two nitrogen (N) doses were applied in all 5 temperature treatments. Results
showed that high temperature stress signifi cantly reduced both grain and biomass yields of rice crop. Grain and biomass yield of rice reduced by 26.6% and 23.5% respectively in treatment with 100% recommended dose of nitrogen. Uptake of Fe and Zn decreased signifi cantly with rise in temperature. Uptake of Fe and Zn in rice grains reduced by 41.5% and 27.3% respectively with rise in temperature by 3.9°C. Reduced yield at higher temperature has resulted in lower micronutrient uptake of the crop. Application of N dose, reduced the harmful eff ect of temperature rise to certain extent.
Title: Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Ricebean [(Vigna umbellate) (Thunb.) Ohwi & Ohashi)] Varieties and their Narrow Leaf Cross Derivatives using RAPD Markers
Abstract :

Genetic diversity in 13 ricebean (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi & Ohashi) varieties and their 11 narrow leaf crosses was studied using in RAPD markers. A total of 147 amplicons were scored out of which 91 (61.9%) showed polymorphism indicating fair amount of variation at DNA levels. Per cent polymorphism among twenty four ricebean varieties and their crosses ranged from 38.9 per cent to 59.8 per cent, on the other hand, percent polymorphism among eleven crosses alone ranged from 40.5% to 53.0%. Cluster analysis based on UPGMA (Unweighted Pair-Group Method for Arithmetic Average) analysis with Squared Euclidean Distance revealed the patterns of relatedness among the ricebean varieties and their crosses. The polymorphism observed between the varieties and crosses were used as markers for hybrid analysis. The patterns of RAPD markers were classified into seven types according to the presence or absence of bands. The present investigation indicated that out of the seventeen RAPD primers used most of them were useful with good amount of reliability to identify ricebean crosses showing 49.5% to 68.0% shared markers with the parents (Type I, III and IV). However, Type VII markers were useful in identifying new cultivars of ricebean with 5% to 17.4% non-parental bands.

Title: Development of soy protein isolate films reinforced with titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Abstract :

Soy protein isolate film was reinforced with TiO2 nanoparticles. The effect of homogenization time and speed on mechanical and water barrier properties were tested by measuring thickness, swelling percentage, opacity, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (Eb), water vapour permeability (WVP) and oxygen transmission rate (OTR). The thickness, opacity, TS and Eb of the film increased from 0.202 mm to 0.219 mm; 58.40% to 374.31%; 1.60 MPa to 3.20 MPa and 0.60% to 3.20% respectively and swelling percent, WVP and OTR decreased from 684.39 % to 313.63%; 63.721 g/m2/day to 3.042 g/m2/day and 127.53cc/m2/day to 49.15 cc/m2/day respectively.

Title: Production and Optimization of an Alkaline Protease from Acinetobacter variabilis Isolated from Soil Samples
Abstract :

Protease enzymes have immense commercial value and play a pivotal role in application of various industrial sectors. Microbial proteases are one of the important groups of industrially and commercially produced enzymes which have several applications. In this study 148 bacterial strains were isolated from 50 different soil samples of slaughter house, fish market and sewage wastes of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Out of which thirty eight strains competent of secreting extracellular alkaline protease. In preliminary screening the isolate SSB2 showed highest ability to hydrolyzed casein and skimmed milk which was done on skim milk agar media. Based on biochemical test the isolate showed positive for casein, starch, catalase and negative for gram staining, indole, methyl red, voges proskauer, gelatin, urea, oxidase, hemolysis and triple sugar iron test and found to be non motile. Strain SSB2 with the maximum yield alkaline protease was identified as Acinetobacter variabilis based on nucleotide homology and phylogenetic analysis (16S rDNA sequencing). Protease production was enhanced by optimizing the culture conditions. Many physical parameters were studied to optimize the maximum yield of alkaline protease. The maximum enzyme activity were observed with optimum incubation time, temperature, pH, carbon, nitrogen sources, NaCl and metallic ions were determined as 36 h, 37°C, pH 11.0, 1% glucose, 1% yeast extract, 1M NaCl, and 1mM Zn2+, respectively for protease production. The study revealed that the strain of A. variabilis is a potent source of alkaline protease. In consequence, such additions can supplement alkaline protease production and their application in various industries.

Title: Bioefficacy of Certain Insecticides and Biopesticides against Spotted Pod Borer, Maruca vitrata Infesting Greengram
Abstract :

A filed study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of certain insecticides and biopesticides for the management of Maruca vitrata on greengram during Kharif 2014-15 and 2015-16. The data indicated that Spinosad 60g a.i./ha followed by Emamectin benzoate 8g a.i./ha were the most effective treatments in reducing M. vitrata larval population whereas Verticillium lecanii (1×108 Spores/g) 5g/L was observed to be the least effective treatment. Spinosad 60g a.i. /ha treatment produced maximum and Verticillium lecanii (1×108 Spores/g) 5g/L produced minimum yield during both the years of experimentation.

Title: Influence of storage temperature on decay loss and microbial quality of stored guava (Psidium Guajava L.)
Abstract :
The present investigation was carried out with the objective to find out the effect of modified atmosphere and its duration on pathological parameters of two cvs (Hisar Safeda and Lucknow- 49) of guava (psidium guajava L.). Results showed that the duration of modified atmosphere had significant effect on pathological parameters. There was no decay loss in the fruits up to 4th day of storage and there a erfruit started decaying, which increased with increase in storage period. The minimum decay loss 6% and 7.50% was recorded on 8th day of storage in the fruits stored in modifi ed atmosphere. The decay loss 20.75% and 29.93% was recorded in control fruits in cvs. Hisar safeda and L-49, respectively on
5th day of storage and it reached to 100% on 8th day of storage in both the cvs. Diff erent types of fungi i.e Phoma spp., Penicilium spp., Aspergillus spp., Colletotrichum spp. have been identifi ed throughout the storage period that caused decay loss in guava in both the cvs Hisar Safeda and L-49 (Sardar).
Title: Influence of Throat Length and Flow Parameters on a Venturi as an Aerator
Abstract :
Venturi system helps to air drawn into a flowing stream of water transferring the oxygen from air to water till they reach the water surface and burst due to Bernoulli’s principle in form of bubbles. The efficacy of venturi as an aeration device is primarily dependent on the geometry and the flow conditions prevailing inside. Presently, the diameter and placement of holes in a venturi under different flow conditions was studied to determine the performance of the venturi as an aerator. To evaluate the results, SOTR and SAE were calculated and compared for analyse their performance. The study involved selecting 5 different throat lengths each having multiple hole of 1 mm diameter. The hole distance from the start of the throat section, which has been characterised as the effective distance (ED) has been so selected that all the ED’s are different. The ED’s selected for study varied from 2 mm to 46 mm under three different discharges of 1.72 m3/h, 2.02 m3/h and 2.38 m3/h. Firstly, it was observed from the experiments that the venturi performs best when the ED is less. Secondly, it was also observed that both SOTR and SAE are more for higher discharge. Next, it was also found that increasing the throat length beyond a certain value has a negative effect on the SOTR and SAE. It was also observed that among all the possible combinations the
best was for the 10 mm throat section with the hole situated just adjacent to the start of the throat section and performing at a high discharge.
Title: Marginal and small farmers’ climate change perception and adaptation
Abstract :

Climate change refers to any change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability or/and as a result of human activity and adaptation to climate change requires that farmers first notice that the climate has changed, and then identify useful adaptations and implement them. The marginal and small farmers were highly vulnerable to climate change. The likely consequences of climate change on the water front in Tripura are decrease in total annual rainfall, change in rainfall pattern resulted in crop failure. The present research was conducted in West Tripura district of Tripura state and sample size was 150. Results suggested that perception of farmers on current climate condition ranged from bad to very bad and there were increase of crop, animal and human diseases; and also number of hot days and sun’s heat had increased too, whereas rainfall days and annual rainfall had decreased. Major identified adjustment factors by farmers were decreased use of irrigation water, change in planting date, find off-farm job and alternative livestock feed supplements. However, farmers’ perceived barriers to climate change adjustment were lack of weather information, problem with getting inputs, lack of knowledge about adaptations and lack of information about climate change.

Title: Optimization of Microbial culture for Improved Production of Secondary Metabolites
Abstract :

The present study is carried out by optimization of microbial culture for improved production of secondary metabolites. The secondary metabolites work as an antibiotics that are responsible for inhibition of growth of bacterial pathogens. In this method total 14 soil samples were collected at different – different places from Lucknow according to the geographical location. Total 13 bacterial strains were isolated after pure culturing (C1- C13) and further they were tested against E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa by disc diffusion method. Out of 13 cultures best results were obtained for 4 cultures (C1, C11, C12 and C13). Further work involved biochemical tests by Bergey’s manual for identification of bacteria and optimization of culture conditions in which the best carbon source, best nitrogen source, best pH and best temperature were observed for improved production of secondary metabolites. The best carbon source was obtained as glucose, best nitrogen source was obtained as an ammonium chloride, best pH obtained was 7 and the best temperature was 37 °C for C1, C11, C12 and C13. Identification of bacterial isolates was performed by Bergey’s manual which indicates the presence of Bacillus culture.

Title: Status of White Fly, (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) in Vindya Plateau
Abstract :

The white fly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a polyphagous insect pest and infested/ harbored on many crops/ trees/ fruits/ vegetables and cause economic damage. The studies were conducted during 2014, 2015 and 2016 using one hundred and twenty three new plant species belonging to twenty four families including forty three crops, sixteen fruits plants, twenty one vegetables, eight flowers, eleven weeds, eighteen trees, two spices and one each from ornamental, aromatic, medicinal and creeper at the College of Agriculture, Ganj Basoda (MP). The research revealed that maximum (35%) host plants were damaged from crops followed by vegetables (17.1%), tree (14.6%) fruit plant (13%), weeds (7.3%), flower (6.5%), and rest of the plant categories i.e. Spices, ornamental, aromatic plants, medicinal and creeper were the least preferred by white fly for infestation and multiplication. Maximum (34) host plants were found damaged in fabaceae family followed by cucurbitaceae (14), Malvaceae (8), Solanaceae (8), Moraceae and Euphorbeaceae (6) and Asteraceae and Brassicaceae (5). The rest of the families were found least preferred. The higher per cent of damaged crops was observed in the Fabaceae family (27.6%) followed by cucurbitaceae (11.4%), Poaceae (8.1%), Malvaceae and Solanaceae (6.5%), Asteraceae and Moraceae (4.9%). Infestation was found less than five percentage in rest of the families. The average maximum population intensity i.e. 39 individual/leaf was observed in Malvaceae family followed by Solanaceae (35.7 individual/leaf), Amaranthaceae (28.5 individual / leaf), Solanaceae (35.7 individual/leaf), Caricaceae (28.4 individual/leaf), Cucurbitaceae (23.4 individual/leaf) and Bracicaceae (21.4 individual/leaf), Compositae (19 individual/leaf), Chenopodiaceae (14.5 individual/leaf), Euphorbiaceae (12.1 individual/leaf), Lamiaceae (11.4 individual/leaf) and Poaceae (10.5 individual/leaf). The rest of families noted less than ten individual per leaf.

Title: Biplot Analysis of Advanced Wheat Genotypes in Northern Eastern Plains Zone
Abstract :

The biplot analyses methods of AMMI & GGE were applied to analyze multi-environment trials data for advanced wheat genotypes evaluated under northern eastern plains zone of the country. The combined analysis of variance showed that the interaction effect of genotypes with environment accounted for 57.3% of total variation. Genotypes PBW 693 and NW 5054 with mean yields greater than the overall mean and low IPC1 scores had a high combination of yield and stability performances. Based on the angles between environment vectors, the Patna, Coochbehar and Ranchi, Malda as well as Shillongani, Jalalgarh separated in a three groups highly correlated among themselves. The vertex genotypes in GGE biplot study were HD 3128, K 0307, NW 5054, HD 2733 and UP 2855 as these genotypes were farthest from the origin of the biplot.

Title: Study of Effective Implementation of Agricultural Technology Management Agency through Case Studies in Bihar
Abstract :
The present study was formulated to document the successful and  nsuccessful cases of implementation of Strategic Research and Extension Plan under ATMA in Bihar to identify the important lessons in terms of facilitating and hindering factors for success in agri-entrepreneurship. Study was undertaken in Patna and Muzaffarpur districts of Bihar. From these districts, two
Farmers Interest Groups and two individual farmers were purposively selected as per discussion with ATMA officials for in-depth study. The data were collected from selected farmers and farm women through personal interview and focused group discussion. Three successful and one unsuccessful case were documented. After analyzing the successful cases it was found that ‘formation of commodity specific farmers group’, ‘providing training and exposure visit to these farmers on new enterprises such as
cultivation of high value vegetable crops, mushroom cultivation and bee keeping’, ‘providing them technical as well as financial support through banks’ and ‘helping them market their produce’ were the major factors which contributed to the success of individual or farmer’s group. It was also found that linkage of farmers with KVK scientists, BTT members, ATMA officials at district level and officers of agriculture/horticulture departments were crucial to the success of individual farmers/farmers group.
Title: Effect of Nutrient Management on Soil Health and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Production in Degraded land of Chambal Ravine
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted on a degraded ravine land to evaluate the influence of inorganic and organic sources of nutrients practices on soil health and crop performance of wheat of (Triticum aestivum L.). The crop cultivar MP-1203 of wheat was grown with 120:60:60 kg ha-1 (NPK) recommended dose of fertilizers under nutrient management practices viz., seven treatments Farmer Practices (T1), 100% RDF (T2), 150% RDF (T3), STCR Based NPK Application (T4), 50% RDF + 5 tone FYM + PSB+ all deficient Micro Nutrient (T5), 75% RDF + 2.5 ton FYM/ha + PSB + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 (T6), Organics Practices FYM @10 tone ha-1 + PSB + Azotobactor (T7), in randomized block design, replicated three times. Soil reaction, organic carbon, electrical conductivity, BD, MWD, MC, straw and seed yield were analyzed during the study. It was observed that soil reaction pH -1:2.5 (8.48), electrical conductivity (0.37 dSm-1) and organic carbon (0.19%), Bulk density (1.52 Mg M-3), found significantly higher in the 150% RDF followed by 100% RDF and mean weight diameter (0.50 mm), moisture content (18.24 %), were found significantly higher in the 75% RDF + 2.5 ton FYM/ha + PSB + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 (T6) followed by 150% RDF and soil biological properties viz., Microbial Biomass Carbon (SMBC) (66.05 µgC g-1), dehydrogenase activity (DHA) (59.46 µg g-1 TPF g-1 h-1), and fluorescin diacitate (FDA) (11.24 µg g-1 h-1) were found significantly higher in the Organics Practices FYM @10tone ha-1+PSB+Azotobactor (T7) followed by 75% RDF +2 .5 ton FYM/ha + PSB + ZnSO4@ 25 kg ha-1 (T6) and 150% RDF (T3),. Very poor microbial activities were observed in farmer practices. The straw yield (4454.27 kg ha-1) and seed yield (3984.45 kg ha-1) of wheat was found highest in 75% RDF+2.5 ton FYM/ha+ PSB+ ZnSO4@ 25 kg ha-1 (T6) practices followed by 150% RDF and STCR Based NPK Application (T4), Thus, the study demonstrated that the 75% RDF + 2.5 ton FYM ha-1 + PSB+ ZnSO4@ 25 kg ha-1 (T6) practice improved soil health and performance of wheat crop.

Title: Genetic Analysis and Character Association in Different Genotypes of Onion (Allium Cepa L.)
Abstract :
studied which was highest for total bulb yield among all traits under study. High PCV and GCV higher were observed for B grade bulbs, unmarketable bulb yield (q ha-1), marketable bulb yield (q ha-1), total bulb yield and bulb yield plant-1. High heritability supplemented with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was manifested by bulb yield plant-1 and total yield (q ha-1). The association study resulted that the advantages of upgrading onion genotypes through simultaneous selection for equatorial diameter, followed by polar diameter, the number of leaves plant-1 at 90 DAT, neck thickness, plant height at 90 DAT and TSS. Path coefficient analysis revealed that polar diameter had highest positive direct effect followed by plant height at 60 DAT, TSS, plant height at 90 DAT, the number of leaves plant-1 at 90 DAT and polar:
equatorial diameter were the most important traits contributing towards bulb yield plant-1. Direct selection of equatorial diameter, neck thickness, days to maturity, the number of leaves plant-1 at 30 and 60 DAT and plant height at 30 DAT should be avoided instead of indirect selection. The highest production observed in genotype OSR-1344 and Agrifound Light Red. Low incidence percentage of
stemphyliumblight was found in genotype ON14-06 incidence percentage of thrips was found in genotype ON14-15. Considerable variability was observed among the genotypes for foliage character, bulb shape, bulb colour and bolting tendency. Foliage color in green onion and shape and colour of onion bulb are most important characteristics to help customers in choosing cultivars in the market.
Title: Farmers perception, knowledge and attitude towards Biotech (GM) crops at Agrowon AgriExpo – A survey.
Abstract :
Public including farmers perceptions about Biotech Crops (GM crops ) is infl uenced by a broad range of issues, including environmental safety, ethics, cultural diversity, political environment, educational status, religious conviction, legal repercussions, economic gain, and socioeconomic impact. The present survey was done to spread the awareness about GM crops and Agriculture Biotechnology among the farmers and to know the extent of farmer’s perception, knowledge, readiness and support for genetically
modifi ed crops and biotechnological applications. Face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted with randomly selected 173 farmer respondents. The results of the survey revealed that the farmers are ready to adopt GM crops for plantation as it off ers improved yield in low production cost and would like to promote the GM food to the consumers, but combined appropriate policies, awareness and communications strategy, eff ective regulatory system is need of time to cope with the ever-increasing misconception spread by the anti-GM lobby without any scientifi c background. GM crops concerns coined by the anti-GM crops sightseer visited to the “Agri Biotechnology and GM crop awareness” stall at Agrowon AgriExpo - 2014 were noted and satisfactory scientifically based answers were given. The finding of the study can help policymakers for designing the GM crop awareness system considering the farmers interest.
Title: Effect of Different Row Spacing, Levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers on Yield Attributes, Productivity and Economics of Tef (Eragrostis Tef)
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of three rows spacing, four levels of N and P2O5 fertilizer rates and their interaction on growth parameters, yield and yield components of tef during meher cropping season of 2015 at the research farm of Ambo University. Treatments were: three level of row spacing viz. 10cm, 20cm and 30cm and four levels of N and P2O5 fertilizer rates (50/50,60/60, 70/70 and 80/80kg of N/P2O5 ha-1) with application of DAP as basal dose and Urea after 21 days of sowing. Highest growth parameters recorded were 10.9 for effective tillers for 80/80 kg N/P2O5 ha-1 with 10cm row spacing, 111cm in plant height, 37cm in panicle length at 50% flowering, 45cm in panicle length at 90% maturity for 80/80 kg N/P2O5 ha-1 with 20cm row spacing plant-1 respectively. Highest yield and yield components recorded were 3766.7 kg ha-1, 7350 kg ha-1, 11166.7 kg ha-1 and 34% in treatment of 80/80 kg N/P2O5 ha-1 with 10cm row spacing for grain yield, straw yield, biomass yield and harvest index respectively. Yield components were affected significantly by treatments with highest results observed in their interaction effects, where increments were 41.7% kg ha-1, 113.21% kg ha-1, 35.28% kgha-1 and 55.45% kg ha-1 for grain harvest index, yield, straw yield and biomass yield respectively from 80/80kg of N/P2O5 with 10cm spacing. Economic partial budget analysis shows that with 80/80 kg of N/P2O5 ha-1 fertilizer rate at 10cm row spacing resulted in maximum relative net return of ETB 50178ha-1 followed by ETB 48017 ha-1 for 70/70 kg of N/P2O5 ha-1 and ETB 38121 ha-1for 60/60 kgN/P2O5 ha-1.

Title: Prevalence of Clinical and Subclinical Mastitis in Buffaloes of Jammu Region
Abstract :

The current study was carried out with an aim to determine the prevalence of clinical and subclinical mastitis in dairy buffaloes in both organized and unorganized farms of Jammu and RS Pura region. Screening was done on 150 and 500 randomly selected animals from organized and unorganized farms respectively. Today it can be estimated that nearly half of the dairy buffalo population is suffering from clinical and subclinical mastitis so considering its high prevalence and its economic importance, study was made with the objectives to study the prevalence of mastitis along different regions of Jammu using Modified California Mastitis test (mCMT). Overall prevalence of SCM in buffaloes on animal basis was 23.85% in buffaloes. Subclinical mastitis (SCM) prevalence on animal basis was higher in buffaloes i.e. 26.40%, in unorganized farms and 15.33%, in organized farms than clinical mastitis (CM) 8.67%, in organized farms and 9.60%, in unorganized farms. Prevalence of SCM on quarter basis in buffaloes was higher at unorganized farms (18.95%) than organized farms. Quarter-wise prevalence of SCM in buffaloes at organized dairy farms was 16.27% and 18.95% at unorganized farms with highest prevalence in RH (28.08%) followed by LH, RF and LF in organized farm and highest in RH (29.69%) followed by LH, RF and LF in unorganized farm respectively. However on the basis of severity, large number of quarters (7.80%) had 1+ mCMT score followed by 2+ and 3+ in both organized and unorganized farms

Title: Screening and Identification of Genotypes for Natural Color from Grain Amaranth (Amaranth sp.)
Abstract :

Nature exhibits a wide range of colours in the form of plant pigments that are used as dyes. Anthocyanin is one such water soluble pigment responsible for an attractive red to blue colour and is known to possess high antioxidant activity. Research on grain amaranth thus far has been focussed on production and productivity besides its nutritive quality. The present study highlights on extraction of anthocyanin from grain amaranth, an underutilized crop. Total anthocyanin content (TAC) (mg/g) in leaf, inflorescence and stem peel was estimated and evaluated statistically (1% and 5% level of significance). Leaves, stem-peel and inflorescence of grain amaranth considered as a waste material after seed extraction is apotential source of anthocyanin adds value.

Title: SDS-Page based seed protein profiling and diversity assessment of indigenous genotypes of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.)
Abstract :
Genetic diversity through SDS-PAGE was assessed among the 28 monoecious and 14 hermaphrodite lines of ridge gourd, collected from diff erent parts of the country. A total of 14 protein bands could
be resolved which distributed in 3 zones namely zone A (6 bands) with Rf value from 0.13 to 0.31, Zone B (5 bands) with Rf value from 0.54 to 0.78, and zone C (3 bands) with Rf value from 0.82 to 0.92.
Most of the protein bands were found in all the genotypes but a specifi c protein band C2 with 0.85 Rf value was absent in genotype PCPGR-7267 (monoecious) and another specifi c protein band B5 with 0.78 Rf value was absent in genotype PCPGR-7247 (hermaphrodite). Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) analysis generated by SDS-PAGE based on genetic distance of genotypes displayed dendogram grouped the genotypes initially into one major cluster I and one independent
genotype PCPGR-7267 with 65% similarity and further major cluster divided into sub-cluster to super small sub-sub clusters. The genotypes are grouped irrespective of their morphological distinctiveness indicating similarity between monoecious and hermaphrodite lines of ridge gourd at genotypic level in contrary that one monoecious genotype namely PCPGR-7267 and one hermaphrodite genotype namely PCPGR-7247 grouped into diff erent cluster. Thus, genotypes which were found diverse may be
included in ridge gourd future breeding programme to develop high yielding cultivars.
Title: Assessment of the Ambient Air Quality at the Industrial Area using the Air Quality Index Method (AQI)
Abstract :
Air quality Index (AQI) is a tool for identify the current status of air quality, as in the last few years, global issues have been brought up about the health impacts caused by deteriorating air quality mainly due to large-scale industrialization and urbanization. In order to estimate the AQI, five pollutants synergistic effect viz., PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2 and NH3 were used to assess the prevailing ambient air quality in the industrial area, the ambient air quality was continuously monitored from Jan 2014 to Dec 2016, at five different locations with sampling time of 24 hrs and AQI was calculated using ORNAQI procedure. The results put forward suggests that pollutants were found beyond the permissible limit and the relative AQI was found in severe air pollution range, as the ORNAQI value observed during months of January and December for the investigative period of 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively, were above 100 rating scale indicating dangerous/severe air pollution during that period in the area and ambient air quality standards were not attained.
Title: Integration of Trichoderma, Pseudomonas and fungicides for the control of collar rot disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Abstract :

An experiment was conducted on integration of Trichoderma, Pseudomonas and fungicides for the control of Collar rot disease of Chickpea during 2013-14 and 2014-15. Results indicated that the most effective treatment was Trichoderma harzianum @ 8q/ha–1 (Soil) + Hexaconazole @ 3ml/kg–1 seed with minimum mortality (4.30 and 2.25%) which was at par with treatment Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 8q/ha–1 (Soil) + Hexaconazole @ 3ml/kg–1 seed (5.80 and 2.59%) and Trichoderma harzianum @ 8q/ha–1 (Soil)+Tubeconazole @ 3ml/kg–1 seed (6.15 and 4.09%) whereas maximum mortality 15.70 and 12.35%) was recorded in control plot. Maximum no. of pods per plant (41.30 and 49.75) was recorded in treatment T7 = Trichoderma harzianum @ 8q/ha–1 (Soil) + Hexaconazole @ 3ml/kg–1 seed which was at par with T8 = Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 8q/ha–1 (Soil) + Hexaconazole @ 3ml/kg–1 (38.7 and 45.95) and significantly superior over rest of the treatment. In case of grain yield highest grain yield was increased in treatment T7 = Trichoderma harzianum @ 8q/ha–1 (Soil) + Hexaconazole @ 3ml/kg–1 seed (44.85%) followed by T8 = Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 8q/ha–1 (Soil) + Hexaconazole @ 3ml/kg–1 (43.61%) and T10 = Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 8q/ha–1 (Soil) + Tubeconazole @ 3ml/kg–1 seed (29.63%).

Title: Weather based Statistical Modelling for Forecasting of Yearly Spot Blotch Severity in different Growth Stages of Wheat
Abstract :

The Objective of the present study was to develop regression models for forecasting spot blotch severity in susceptible and resistant genotypes of wheat crop under Irrigated timely sown condition (ITS), Irrigated late sown condition (ILS) and Rainfed timely sown condition (RFTS). CRI, tillering, jointing, flowering, milking and dough stages of wheat were considered for studying the effect of weather parameters on yearly spot blotch severity. Yearly disease severity data and weekly weather data during the period 1975 to 2012 of North eastern plains zones of India were used for this purpose. On the basis of 37 years data, the correlation coefficients between the yearly spot blotch severity and weekly weather parameters (Maximum temperature, maximum relative humidity and their joint effects) were calculated for measuring the quantitative relationship between these variables. These values of correlation coefficients were used for developing weighted weather indices of weather parameters. Values of rTw and rTRHw were found higher and positive in between jointing stage and flowering stage in both the genotypes. The lower RMSE value of MLR models at jointing stage suggested that forecasted value at jointing stage is more precise than other stages.

Title: An Efficient Protocol for Large-Scale Plantlet Production from the Apical Meristem of Musa Paradisiaca L. cv ‘Nendran
Abstract :
Banana is the most popular commercial fruit crop grown in more than 132 countries throughout the world. India is the most productive, producing 26.2 million tons of fruits in 2008, with a yield of 3,698 kg/ha . In vitro micropropagation has played a key role in clonal propagation of banana for obtaining large numbers of homogenous plants and breeding of plantains and bananas . Regeneration via a callus phase is a less desirable for in vitro plant recovery due to high frequencies of genetic aberrations .Plant multiplication from meristems, shoot tips, and other tissues without intermediate callus formations is therefore more desirable, enabling higher frequencies of plants which are genetically stable and homogenous. Among several varieties of banana cultivated in Kerala, the Nendran variety occupies the first choice among Keralites as the fruit is in good demand in the State. The present
study was carried out to develop a rapid multiple shoot production for large scale cultivation of this variety.
Title: Resource Use Efficiency of Crops in North-Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka
Abstract :

This study is to analyze the extent of efficiency in resource use of major crops cultivated in North-Eastern Dry Zone (NEDZ) of Karnataka. The study was conducted by selecting 30 farmers each under rainfed condition, borewell irrigation and canal irrigation in Manvi and Raichur taluks of Raichur district in NEDZ of Karnataka. The resource use efficiency of crops was estimated using Cobb- Douglas production function. The result shows that the ratio of MVP to MFC was away from one, in most of the crops highlighting the inefficiency in resource use. Resources were not economic optimally utilized in most of the crops. There is great scope for use of human labour (MVP to MFC ratio was 2.13) and nitrogen (10.39) in rainfed cotton, human labour (1.79) and groundwater (8.93) irrigation in cotton crop irrigated with groundwater. The human labour (0.945) was optimally utilized and there is great scope to use of machine labour (8.57) in canal paddy. There is scope for use of human labour (2.09), bullock labour (3.28), machine labour (4.44), nitrogen (0.29) and capital cost (2.51) in rainfed redgram.

Title: Efficacy of some Medicinal Plant Oils against Cabbage Aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. On Cabbage
Abstract :

Field experiments were carried out at Vegetable Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi U.P. during the year 2016-17 to control the Bravicoryne brassicae in cabbage variety Golden acre. result revealed that Among the all the essential medicinal plant oils the maximum reduction of aphid population over control was observed in plots treated with Citronella oil (85.25%) followed by Pogostemon cablin oil (80.21%). Whereas, Mentha oil (58.48%) was found least effective in reducing the aphid population over control. The tested plant essential oils and insecticide on the basis of field efficacy in reducing aphid population are found in order of Citronella oil > Patchouli oil > O. basilicum var. saumya > Palmarosa oil > O. basilicum var. Surabhi > O. basilicum × O. tenuiflorum > Asataf > Turmeric oil > Mentha oil. The effect of different essential oils on cabbage yield was also studied under investigation; and maximum yield of cabbage heads was obtained in the plots treated with Citronella oil (233.89 qha-1) and Minimum yield obtained menthe oil (217.22 qha-1) Over the control and then The highest B/C ratio was found in the treatment of Cymbopogon martinii 0.05%(31.27:1) whereas, the lowest B:C ratio of 17.70:1 was obtained in Mentha oil treated plot followed by Curcuma longa 0.1% (22.82:1). Though the maximum yield was obtained from plots treated with Cymbopogon citrates oil. However, the highest B/C ratio was obtained from the plots treated with Cymbopogon martinii oil. This is so, because of differences in cost of essential oils.

Title: Factors Affecting Cutting of Peduncle of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Abstract :
A study of peduncle parameters were conducted inorder to find the factors affecting cutting of peduncles in the harvesting operation. The study was conducted as an initial step for designing a cutting unit for harvesting tomato. Cross section of peduncle was studied in the lab. Cutting force required to cut the peduncle was measured for tomatoes harvested on different stages, i.e. mature unripe, immature unripe and mature ripe. Also, force for cutting the peduncle with different diameters were measured. It was seen that, peduncle length is an unavoidable factor to determine the cutting portion. It decides where to make the cut, for detaching the fruit from the plant. The parameters like blade parameters, cell structure of cutting material and force for cutting directly affects the cutting operation.
Title: Performance of Improved Sulphur Formulations on Growth, Yield, and Nutrient Uptake of Rice in an Inceptisol of Uttar Pradesh
Abstract :

A field investigation was conducted on sandy loam soil of Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during kharif season of 2016, with an aim to study the effect of levels of improved sulphur (S) formulations on growth and productivity of rice grown in Gangetic alluvial of Uttar Pradesh. It was revealed that the growth parameters, yield attributes, yield, and nutrient uptake were significantly influenced by the application of improved S fertilizers. Application of improved S, Gromor Rapid Blue® @ 10 kg acre-1 produced the highest dry matter accumulation, grain weight panicle-1, test weight, and straw yield. Maximum grain yield (4.85 t ha-1) was obtained in 7.5 kg Gromor Rapid Blue® acre-1, which is about 18% higher than the control. In case of uptake of nutrients by grain, highest uptake of N and S was recorded with 10 kg Gromor Rapid Blue® acre-1, and highest uptake of P and K was obtained with 7.5 kg Gromor Rapid Blue® acre-1. According to the study, application of Gromor Rapid Blue® @ 7.5 kg acre-1 is recommended for better growth and yield of rice in soils of Varanasi.

Title: Downy Mildew Disease Severity on Different Dates of Sowing Under Variable Weather Conditions in Different Varieties of Isabgol
Abstract :
The downy mildew incited by Peronospora plantaginis Underwood is one of the economically important diseases of Isabgol. It is important to study and understand the role of different dates of sowing on the development of diseases and their eco-friendly management. The downy mildew symptoms appeared in four different varieties viz. GI-2, Niharika, H1-5, and HI-2009 sown on 28th October (1st DOS) on 74-76 DAS whereas it was 52-54 days when sown on 12th November (2nd DOS) and 51-52 days on the crop sown on 28th November (3rd DOS). The maximum disease intensity of 62.77% was observed during the second date of sowing and the least disease intensity was recorded on the third date of sowing (27.77%). The maximum average disease progression (7.50 cm) was observed on the first date of sowing and a minimum of 6.49 cm on the third date of sowing. As the disease intensity increased AUDPC values also increased and these values were almost similar for all four varieties with the date of sowing. The apparent infection rate increased to a greater extent from the first date of sowing to the second date of sowing thereafter, decreased during the third date of sowing.
Title: Livelihood security of farm households under different farming systems in Kolar district of Karnataka – An economic analysis
Abstract :

The study was undertaken in Kolar district of Karnataka state to assess the outcomes of livelihood security like Economic security, Food security, Educational security, Health security, Habitat security and Social network security. Four farming systems viz. Crop+Dairy, Crop+Sericulture, Crop+Dairy+Sericulture and Crop+Sheep were identified as major farming systems based on preliminary survey and previous studies in the area. The study based on the primary data from 120 farmers covering equal samples under major farming systems was elicited through survey method for the period 2010-11. The data was analyzed using Garrett ranking technique, Gini co-efficient and Conventional economic and simple statistical tools like ratios, percentage and indices etc. The result revealed that net annual income realized by a household was highest in C+D+S (` 3,58,880/-) farming system of which 43.78 per cent was from sericulture enterprise alone and least in C+Sh (` 46,281/-) farming system of which 59.95 per cent was from non-farm activities. When compared to Farm households of rainfed based farming systems (Crop+Sheep) irrigation based farming system (Crop+Dairy, Crop+Sericulture, Crop+Dairy+Sericulture) households are on par with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) norms in cereal consumption. Public Distribution System (PDS) playing an important role in food security of farm households of rainfed farming systems through supplying food grains at cheaper prices. The overall livelihood security is high in case of C+D+S farm households.

Title: Effect of Graded Saturation of Phosphorus Fixing Capacity of Soil on Yield and Yield Attributes of Maize (Zea mays)
Abstract :

A pot experiment was conducted during the summer season,2015 to study the effect of graded saturation of phosphorus fixing capacity of soil on yield of maize. Application of P equivalent to 100% P fixing capacity of the soil in addition to recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) significantly increased the dry matter yield (48.33, 78.33, 65.00 g pot-1) and yield attributes i.e. plant height (122.66, 131.44, 133.89 cm) and fresh yield (185.33, 319.67, 226.67 g pot-1) of maize over the control in all the three different soils (loamy sand, clay loam and clayey). The significant highest nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur content and uptake by plants were obtained through saturating the 100% phosphorus fixing capacity of the soil in addition to RDF in all the three different soils. Likewise, highest productivity of maize was obtained from clay loam textured soil.

Title: Status of Magnaporthe oryzae Infection in Different Districts of Karnataka, India and Establishment of Monoconidial Cultures for Understanding Genetic Diversity
Abstract :

Blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae B.C. Couch is one of the major production constraints and main pathological threats to rice crop around the world. A total of 171 places were visited and samples were collected from 101 diseased plots from different geographical regions of Karnataka, India during 2012-2014. Different parameters like locations, variety name, age of the crop, type of infection and severity of the disease were recorded. Among the total infection types, leaf blast was found to dominate followed by neck, collar, node and panicle blast. Disease incidence of 64.44%, 68.75%, 60.71% and 55.55% was recorded from major rice growing districts of South Karnataka viz., Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, Mandya and Mysuru districts respectively. Varieties MTU-1001, Jyothi and Sona Masuri remained highly susceptible in these four districts. This was followed by Minilong, IR64, Jaya, KCP-1, Rajamudi, Rajbhoga and KRH-4 varieties from different districts of Karnataka. Newly developed blast resistant varieties namely Rasi, KRH 4, Raksha and Mugad Siri 1253 were also found to be susceptible in some of the regions of Karnataka indicating breakdown of resistance. Thus, the emerging pathogenic variants among fungal populations trigger serious and incessant threat to the newly released resistant varieties. Seventy two monoconidial M. oryzae isolates were obtained and pure cultures were established for understanding molecular diversity of the pathogen.

Title: An Economic Analysis of Net Returns from Major Crops in Central Dry Zone of Karnataka under Different Valuation Approaches
Abstract :

The economic distortions introduced by systems of subsidies, incentives for inputs, products, services, mis-allocation of resources and inefficiency can affect the economically optimal crop pattern. Present study explored the analysis of net returns under different valuation approaches viz., market price approach, economic price approach and natural resource valuation approach in central dry zone of Karnataka. A total of 90 structured questionnaires were used to gather the data necessary for analysis. Results reveal that, net returns were positive based on all the three approaches of market prices, economic prices and natural resources valuation without inclusion of cost of water, except in ragi. The more reduction in the net returns at economic prices was observed in case of paddy under borewell irrigation, indicating that the distortion was more due to subsidies on fertilizers (` 8883 per crop) and energy for pumping irrigation water (` 7930 per crop). The net returns from groundnut under natural resource valuation was higher (` 10,450) without considering the value of ground water, when compared to the net returns at economic prices because of inclusion of nitrogen value in net returns from the crop (` 1107). The net returns were negative with inclusion of water cost in all the crops except irrigated groundnut. This shows that, due to prohibitive cost of groundwater, the net returns are not remunerative for crops like paddy, maize and ragi.

Title: Effect of Drip Irrigation Frequency and Lateral Spacing on Kharif Onion Crop
Abstract :

Irrigating crops based on evapotranspiration deficit and irrigating after a particular time interval provide scope for optimizing irrigation. Studying the effect of different irrigation frequency on water productivity, is important to develop irrigation schedules under micro irrigation. In this study, effect of different spacing between drip lateral (45 cm and 60 cm) and irrigation frequency (One, Two, Three and Four days) on onion crop (Allium cepa L.) under drip irrigation system during kharif season 2018 in micro plots (2 m × 2 m) filled with sandy loam soil was evaluated. Irrigation was applied using drip irrigation for different irrigation frequency using same volume. During the experiment different observations like soil physical and chemical properties, different growth and yield parameter were recorded. Highest water productivity (10.1 kg/m3) and total bulb yield (169.4 q/ha) was observed in two days irrigation frequency with 45 cm lateral spacing. Available moisture depth (cm) in the root zone (0-60 cm) at 90 DAT, for one day irrigation interval with 45 cm lateral spacing was 11.6 cm at the middle of two laterals which was 9.4 % higher than with 60 cm lateral spacing where available moisture was 10.6 cm. More distantly placed laterals may show poor water distribution and with a few of plants at the midpoint between the rows being water stressed. Studying the effect of different irrigation frequency and design parameter like lateral spacing hence becomes important to develop irrigation schedules and practices that can be used for better irrigation water management.

Title: Screening and characterization of newly isolated thermotolerant and ethanogenic strain of Pichia kudriavzevii
Abstract :

Screening and characterization of thermotolerant and ethanogenic yeast with improved economics for ethanol production was attempted in present study. Eight thermotolerant and ethanogenic isolates of yeast were isolated from the diverge ecosystem. All the isolates grew at 40°C but EM12 and ST1 showed better growth than other six. Evaluation of ethanol tolerance showed that five isolates tolerate up to 12% ethanol. Enzyme profiling of these isolates revealed that they were found to possess β-galactosidase. The EM12 isolate was found to produce maximum of 49.21 IU/ml β-galactosidase amongst all. Isolate EM12 was most potential ethanogenic amongst all, with yield of 44.4% and fermentation efficiency of 86.38%. This isolate found to produce 38 g/l of ethanol. This thermotolerant and ethanogenic strain EM12 showed better economic for ethanol fermentation at elevated temperature in laboratory experiment. Therefore, it was selected for further thorough characterization. Based on the morphological, cultural and biochemical characterization followed by molecular analysis of 18S rDNA, EM12 isolate was identified as the strain of Pichia kudriavzevii.

Title: Genetic Variability Study for Yield and Yield Components in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Abstract :

Sixty five rice germplasms were evaluated for variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation coefficient and path correlation in different yield and yield contributing traits. The data was recorded on five randomly selected plants for eleven quantitative characters. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences for the characters under study, indicating the presence of high genetic variability among the genotypes. The estimates of GCV were lower than the respective PCV, indicating the influence of environmental factors on the expression of the traits studied. Characters like days to maturity, days to 50% flowering and panicle weight showed high heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance as percent of mean, suggesting that selection for the improvement of these characters may be rewarding. Grain yield had high positive and significant association with panicle weight, filled grains per panicle, total grains per panicle and panicle length. Path coefficient analysis showed maximum direct contribution towards grain yield per plant with panicle weight followed by numbers of effective tillers per plant.

Title: Molecular characterization of mannose specific lectin gene, ASAL1 from Garlic leaf (Allium sativum L.)
Abstract :

Plant lectins, especially monocot mannose-binding lectins (MMBLs) play significant roles in plant defense against sap sucking insects. In the present study, lectin gene (ASAL1) from garlic leaves (Allium sativum L. leaf agglutinin) was isolated, sequenced and characterized using various bioinformatics tools. Full-length cDNA of naturally occurring MMBLs was synthesized from garlic leaf RNA (leaf agglutinin, ASAL1) using RT-PCR and was amplified with gene specific primers designed corresponding to the conserved regions of the nucleotide sequences of garlic lectin sequences already available at NCBI. The amplified cDNA was sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed 369bp ORF including C- terminal stop codon, encoding a putative polypeptide of 122 amino acids (13kD) in ASAL1. The candidate gene sequence (ASAL1) was 33 nucleotides more and showed eight nucleotide changes than the previously reported garlic leaf lectin gene sequence of 339bp with accession number EU252577. ASAL1 gene sequence showed maximum (98%) identity with Allium sativum lectin mRNA complete cds having accession number DQ525625.1. In ASAL1 nine amino acid residues were glycosylated (both N and O linked). A putative conserved domain (4-113) was detected in the deduced amino acid sequence. ASAL1 gene is bulb type mannose binding lectin (β- lectin). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ASAL1 falls in close relation with ACA.

Title: Diagnosis of Brucellosis using Molecular Techniques from Various Clinical Samples
Abstract :

Brucellosis is an important zoonosis and a significant cause of reproductive losses in animals Abortion .In presence study 115 clinical samples were collected from cattle and buffalo, it all sample were analyzed with genus specific PCR bcsp31gene, those samples give positive result in genus PCR analyzed with species specific IS711gene PCR, 11 samples give positive result out of 115 samples in genus and species specific PCR. Highest percentage of positive result showed in Cotyledon (40%), Placenta (25%) and Vaginal discharge (20%) when the blood and Vaginal swab showed only 6% and 5.12% positive result in genus and species specific PCR, those all infected cattle and buffalo detected Brucella abortus positive. it means the cotyledon of aborted animal was more reliable clinical sample for molecular diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle and buffalo.

Title: Heterosis studies for yield & yield traits in rice (Oryza Sativa L.) under rainfed condition
Abstract :

Recognising the potential of hybrid rice to increase the productivity, the present investigation was conducted using three WA CMS lines (Pusa 6A, IR79156A and IR 68897A) and 31 male genotypes. The results manifested that the magnitude of heterosis for grain yield over better parent was significantly superior in eight hybrids with highest value of 60.83% in Pusa 6A x HUR-105. Sixteen hybrids showed significant positive heterosis over standard variety (NDR-97) with highest value of 116.48% in Pusa 6A x HUR-105. Twelve hybrids showed significant positive heterosis over standard hybrid (Arize-6444) with highest value of 85.69% in Pusa 6A x HUR-105. The top two high yielding heterotic crosses over the standard variety (NDR-97) were Pusa-6A x HUR-105 (116.48%) and Pusa-6A x Pantdhan-12 (114.74%). These two hybrids also exhibited significant positive heterosis for yield over standard hybrid (Arize 6444 Gold) i.e. 85.69% and 84.19% respectively. Hybrids Pusa-6A x HUR-105 and Pusa-6A x Pantdhan-12 showed significant positive standard heterosis for almost all the desirable yield attributing traits, apart from this Pusa-6A x Pantdhan-12 also showed significant negative standard heterosis over SH (Arize-6444) for days to 1st flowering, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. The top heterotic crosses viz., Pusa-6A x HUR-105, Pusa-6A x Pantdhan-12, Pusa-6A x URG-30, IR-79156A x Akshaydhan and Pusa-6A x NDR-359 and others which expressed higher standard heterosis for grain yield along with other desirable yield components should be tested in large scale under rainfed condition.

Title: A Study on the Level of Awareness and Knowledge on Carcasses and Animal Waste Disposal among Farmers in Puducherry Region
Abstract :

Carcass and animal waste disposal are a vital part of livestock and poultry rearing and its improper disposal can cause the spread of diseases among animals and from animals to humans. A structured, pre-tested and peer-reviewed questionnaire containing both open and close ended questions on various aspects of zoonotic diseases, i.e., awareness, knowledge, risks, animal waste disposal, personal hygiene etc., were was used to interview 250 respondents from Puducherry. The attitude towards disposal of aborted foetus and retained placenta was 60.8% of the farmers tie to tree, which they consider as a belief followed from generation to generation implicating that tying the retained placenta to the branches of the milk secreting tree, will indirectly increase the milk secretion of the lactating cow or does. Although 31.3% of the farmers buried their aborted foetus and retained placenta, it indirectly indicated the awareness towards zoonosis in them. And the rest 10% of the people were disposing the placenta improperly. In diarrhoeic animals’ cases, about 40.9% of the livestock owners used water as a cleaning agent to clean their shed. With respect to dead animal carcass disposal, 67.6% of the farmers were burying their animals due to the knowledge toward zoonosis among livestock owners. About 28.4% sell their dead animal carcass for slaughtering for meat which is an offence and 4% were improperly disposing the carcass. From our present study it is concluded that the farmers need proper education towards the importance of waste disposal and its impact, both on their health and their animal health. The government requires better enforcement of existing policies aimed at environmental preservation and a lookout on the zoonotic diseases as a one health aspect.

Title: Growth, Export Performance and Competitiveness of Basmati and Non-Basmati Rice of India-an Markov Chain Approach
Abstract :

Rice is one of the most important staple food crops of more than 60 per cent of the world population with a significant contribution to Agriculture. India is the one of the largest producer of rice and emerged as major player in the worlds rice exports. Factors like introduction of high yielding and quality varieties along with suitable rice production technologies during the Green Revolution period has enhanced the Indian rice production and also trade liberalization is positively influenced the Indian rice export. The value of exports of basmati rice has increased from ` 3.30 Crores to ` 51.29 Crores between 2003-04 to 2013-14, meanwhile the value of exports of non basmati rice has increased from ` 3.28 Crores ` 25.19 Crores. In this paper, the trend and stability of rice production, dynamics of changes in terms of value of exports of basmati and non basmati rice from India to different export markets have been measured by employing the Markov-Chain model. The results revealed that the rice area, production and productivity have seen a significant improvement during study period (1955-2014). Iran and Saudi Arab are found to be stable destinations for Indian basmati rice exports from Markov-Chain results. Whereas, Benin, Bangladesh and Senegal are found to be major destinations for non basmati rice exports. The most unstable markets among the non basmati rice importing countries were South Africa and Liberia with the zero per cent retention. So the policies should aim at developing good trade relations with the stable destinations to benefit from it.

Title: Evaluation of Essential and Toxic Metals in Selected Underutilized Fruits of Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Kerala
Abstract :

Fruits are significant constituents of diet providing micronutrients and the knowledge of elemental composition of fruits is essential for the evaluation of consumption and development of new food products. The present study analysed the elemental composition of ten underutilized edible fruits viz., Aporosa cardiosperma (Gaertn.) Merr., Baccaurea courtallensis (Wight) Muell. Arg., Elaeocarpus serratus L., Flacourtia montana Graham., Phoenix pusilla Gaertn., Psidium guineense Sw., Spondias pinnata (L. f.) Kurz., Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, Syzygium gardneri Thwaites and Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) DC. from the Kerala part of Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. Sodium, potassium and calcium were estimated flame photometrically while the remaining metals viz., magnesium, strontium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, cadmium and lead by inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry and the results were recorded as mg 100g-1 fresh weight. All the fruits analysed are characterised by high nutritious metallic elements and very low concentrations of metallic contaminants and sufficient to fulfill the recommended dietary allowance by Indian Council of Medical Research. Hence, they are safe for human consumption and need to be popularised and recommended for commercial exploitation.

Title: Effect Off Moisture Regimes and Phosphogypsum Levels on Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Soil Nutrient Balance of Rabi Groundnut
Abstract :

The field experiment was conducted at College farm, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (now Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during rabi 2013-14 to study the influence of three moisture regimes viz., 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 IW/CPE ratios and five phosphogypsum levels viz., Control (500 kg ha-1 gypsum at flower initiation), Phosphogypsum @ 250 kg ha-1 at flower initiation, Phosphogypsum @ 250 kg ha-1 (½ as basal and ½ at flower initiation), Phosphogypsum @ 500 kg ha-1 (½ as basal and ½ at flower initiation) and Phosphogypsum @ 500 kg ha-1 at flower initiation and was replicated thrice. Among moisture regimes highest yield, nutrient uptakes were obtained with I3 (1.0 IW/CPE) moisture regime but highest available nutrients in soil after harvest of groundnut were recorded with I1 (0.6 IW/CPE) moisture regime. Among phosphogypsum levels highest yield, nutrients uptake and available nutrients in soil after harvest of groundnut were obtained with Pg5: Phosphogypsum @ 500 kg ha-1 at flower initiation.

Title: Effect of plant growth regulators and chemicals on yield and quality of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) under foothill condition of Arunachal Pradesh
Abstract :

An experiment to study the effect of plant growth regulators and chemicals on acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) was carried out in the year 2014 in the Experimental Farm, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments were T1 (control – water spray), T2 (GA 50 ppm), T3 (GA 100 ppm), T4 (Cycocel 1000 ppm), T5 (KNO3 one percent), T6 (GA3 50 ppm + Cycocel 1000ppm), T7 (GA3 100 ppm + Cycocel 1000 ppm), T8 (GA3 100 + Cycocel 1000ppm +KNO3 1 per cent. The experimental results indicate that the acid lime trees sprayed with GA3 100 ppm + Cycocel 1000ppm + KNO3 1 per cent showed better performance in delaying of flowering, increase the number of flower/shoot (6.62), number of fruits /tree (149) and average fruit yield (4.64 kg / tree) of the crop. Effect of growth regulators and chemicals on quality characters however was not found significant for most of the parameters except TSS, ascorbic acid and titrable acidity. The higher results were obtained in T8 i.e. GA3 100 ppm + Cycocel 1000ppm + KNO3 1 per cent (8.27%) for titrable acidity and ascorbic acid (41.21 mg). Control with water spray alone registered the lowest values for both quantitative and qualititative parameters.

Title: Contents VOL. 11, NO. 3, JUNE 2018
Abstract :
Title: Effect of Silver Nitrate on Leaf Abscission in Culture during Establishment of Explants of Custard Apple (Annona squamosa l.) cv. Balanagar
Abstract :

The present investigation was carried out on “Micropropagation in custard apple (Annona squamosa L.)” with objective to develop commercially feasible and economically viable protocol for micropropagation technique of custard apple. While standardization of micropropagation in custard apple, Effect of silver nitrate on leaf abscission in culture during establishment of explants of custard apple cv. Balanagar were examined. In order to control leaf abscission silver nitrate at concentrations of 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/l was tested to medium MS + 0.5 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l KIN + 100mg/l CH. The results revealed that Silver nitrate significantly reduced leaf abscission in both shoot tip and axillary bud explants. The least leaf abscission was reported in treatment N3 (5 mg/l) followed by treatment N4 (10 mg/l) and N1 (2.5mg/l) in both shoot tip and axillary bud explants. Whereas, in treatment N1 (without silver nitrate) more than 80% leaf abscission was observed. The number of leaves produced by the explants was maximum in treatment N3 (5 mg/l) in both shoot tip (7.5) and axillary bud (8.5) explants. Whereas, when silver nitrate was applied at 10 mg/l (Treatment N4) this was phytotoxic and inhibited leaf production.

Title: Temporal Dynamics of Leaf Litter Components during Decomposition of an Aromatic Shrub Cistus Monspeliensis L.
Abstract :

Litter decomposition in shrubland ecosystems is relatively not well understood, yet they cover significant proportion of the earth surface. The aim of the study is to understand the litter decomposition process of shrubland leaf litter under controlled conditions using litter bag technique over 360 days period. Destructive sampling was done at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 270 and 360 days after the incubation and accumulated mass loss (AML) was calculated. We also examined release, retention or accumulation of the various nutrients, change in soluble compound, hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin concentrations in the residual litter. AML displayed a bi-phasic pattern with initial rapid phase, followed by a steady phase. AML best fitted to a double exponential decay model and decay constant for the rapid phase was approximately 130 times higher than the slower phase. Among the nutrients rapid release of P and K was observed. Soluble component concentrations decreased rapidly whereas hemicellulose concentrations slowly decreased. Conversely, lignin concentrations increased throughout the study; however cellulose concentrations are broadly stable. Litter AML best correlated to the temporal dynamics of Lignin-to-N ratio during the decomposition. Overall, 44% of the litter remain in the soil after 360 d of incubation period. Our results suggest that Cistus leaf litter contributes 8.3 kg ha-1d-1 C to below ground. However, details of Cistus species distribution and phenology need to be considered before these results are extrapolated to shrubland ecosystem.

Title: Study on quality of white bread enriched with finger millet flour
Abstract :

White bread prepared from white flour is a rich source of carbohydrate, protein and energy. But it has poor nutritional qualities in terms of quality protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber as germ and bran are removed while preparing white flour. Finger Millet is a rich source of calcium, fiber, minerals and good quality protein. White bread was fortified with Finger Millet Flour (FMF) by blending in the proportion of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% with the white flour. The enriched bread was evaluated for its physical, nutritional and rheological properties viz. loaf weight, loaf volume, specific loaf volume, carbohydrate, protein, fat, crude fiber, ash, calcium, physiological energy and crumb hardness and were found to be 431 to 470 g, 1166.37 to 1166.37 cc, 2.02 to 2.71 cc/g, 59.92 to 60.08 %, 5.10 to 6.22 %, 4.42 to 4.64%, 0.52 to 1.57 %, 0.70 to 1.50 %, 32.52 to 110.6 %mg, 299.80 to 306.90 kcal/g and 124.5 to 150g. Sensory score based on appearance, crust colour, crumb colour, taste, texture and overall acceptability was highest in the white bread fortified with 20 % FMF. Based on the physical acceptance, superior nutritional quality with the acceptable physical properties and rheological property, significant fortification was found by incorporating the FMF up to 20% to the white flour.

Title: Changes in total N in a waterlogged acid soil cropped with rice and subjected to different drying phases
Abstract :
An investigation was carried out to monitor the changes in total N in a waterlogged acid soil subjected to a drying phase at diff erent growth stages (pre-tillering and pre-fl owering) of the rice crop. Total N was estimated by the method of Bremner (1996). Results revealed that irrespective of cropping, drying at pre-blowering stage decreased the loss of total N in acid soil which is not treated with inorganic N. However, in presence of N-fertilizer, the decrease in the amount of total N increased in acid soil. The acid soils that are subjected to a drying phase at pre-fl owering stage of rice crop decreased the total N content in cropped over the uncropped acid soil.
Title: Antivirulence activity of essential oils against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae causing bacterial blight of Oryza sativa
Abstract :

The majority of bacterial diseases currently being treated use the traditional antibiotic therapy which gives way to the development of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The seriousness further increases in the microbes which form resilient biofilms. Therefore, researchers around the globe are working towards the development of new bactericides which do not impose the above conditions. The present investigation was thus carried out with the aim to screen natural essential oils from different plant parts against Xanthomonas oryzae, causal organism of leaf blight disease in rice. The results revealed decrement in biofilm formation at 1000 ppm in 9 oils out of 15 without considerable decrease in total colony forming units. However, the motility traits viz. swimming was maximally reduced in case of calamous and cajeput oil while swarming was decreased significantly in jatamansi and costus root oil. The other virulence traits like protease and exopolysaccharide responsible for the pathogenecity of the bacterium was maximally reduced in calamous and jatamansi oils. However, maximum decrease in lipase was observed in case of costus root oil. Overall, the results highlight potential anti virulence property of calamous, costus and jatamansi oil which can be in future used for the development of potential bactericide against X. oryzae.

Title: Improvement in Storage and Thermal Stability of Micro- structures of Amylase Entrapped in the Pectin Gel
Abstract :

Mathematical models concerning the synthesis of micro structures, having amylase entrapped in pectin gel was established with response surface methodology. Pectin concentration, pH, temperature and incubation period were selected as the process variables for optimum entrapment of amylase. Sonication and calcium ions enhanced the residual activity of particles. Pectin entrapped amylase exhibited maximum catalysis at pH 6.5 and temperature 60ËšC. The kinetics of amylase in free and micro particles form was compatible. SEM micrographs showed spherical particles with an average size of 6.9 μm. Storage stability of pectin loaded amylase was enhanced in liquid medium when compared to free enzyme.

Title: Adventitious Shoot Regeneration from in vitro Leaf Explants of Ophiorrhiza mungos L. var. angustifolia (Thw.) Hook. F.
Abstract :

Ophiorrhiza mungos var. angustifolia is a herbaceous medicinal plant belonging to the family Rubiaceae. It is a rich source of potent anticancer compound camptothecin (CPT). Massive uprooting of the species from its natural habitat for the extraction of CPT along with poor seed viability has led to the destruction of its population. At this context, the present study was proposed to develop in vitro protocol from leaf explant for the propagation and production of CPT from the species. In vitro multiple shoot cultures maintained in half strength Murashige and Skoog medium with 3% sucrose and 0.8% agar supplemented with 8.88 μM Benzyl Amino purine (BA) were served as the explant source. Multiple shoots were induced on leaf explant cultures on half strength MS solid medium fortified with different concentrations of (4.44- 22.19 μM BA, 4.67- 23.23 μM Kinetin, 0.49- 2.45 μM 2 isopentanyladinine, 4.57- 22.85 μM Zeatin) either individually or in a combination. Medium supplemented with 13.31 μM BA showed the best result with 52.33±3.06 shoots/explant. The synergic effect of BA with other cytokinins also favoured shoot induction in a higher rate but they were very minute in nature. The shoot buds initiated were repeatedly sub cultured and multiple shoot cultures were developed. The CPT content of thus produced multiple shoots were checked (0.13 ± 0.1 mg/g DW) and found comparable with that of the field grown plants (0.14 ± 0.1 mg/g DW). The authenticity of CPT was checked with HPLC analysis. Protocol developed in the present study can be used for the regeneration of adventitious shoots from leaf explant of O. mungos var. angustifolia.

Title: Grain Yield Components Analysis in Locally Adapted Rice Varieties
Abstract :

Analysis of variance of eighteen locally adapted rice varieties indicated that all the varieties were significantly different with respect to all the sixteen quantitative characters which were studied. Biological yield plant-1, grain yield plant-1, number of effective tillers plant-1 and 100-grain weight had recorded high PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean. Grain yield plant-1 had a significant and positive association with biological yield plant-1, days to maturity, days to 50% flowering, leaf blade width, flag leaf width, number of effective tillers plant-1, leaf blade length and panicle length both at phenotypic and genotypic level. The path analysis revealed that 100-grain weight, number of effective tillers plant-1, leaf blade width, days to maturity, harvest index, days to 50% flowering, plant height and flag leaf length shows positive and direct effect on grain yield plant-1 at genetic level. Present study suggest that leaf blade width, number of effective tillers plant-1, days to maturity and 100-grain weight should be given more emphasis during selection of parental lines for high yielding variety.

Title: Analysis of factors affecting the performance of exports in India
Abstract :

Exports is the engine of economic growth of the country that introduce new technologies, stimulate demand, encourage savings and accumulates capital. Further the performance of this sector it depends on factors both in domestic and international. Hence both domestic and international economic policies have a bearing on the overall export performance of India. In this regard, present study has carried out to determine the factors which influence the export performance of India. The outcomes of the study are the Inflation Rate, Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) were negative related with value of Export.

Title: Probability analysis of rainfall and crop water requirement using CROPWAT model for crop planning in a canal command of upper Bhima Basin of Maharashtra
Abstract :

Rainfall is the most important climatic parameters influencing agriculture in Pune district of Maharashtra. Rainfall of this region is highly variable with respect to space and time and about 80-90% of precipitation falls in monsoon period from June to October resulting in drought and flood situation in the upper Bhima basin of Maharashtra. Therefore, for efficient water resources management, optimal crop planning and also for better understanding of rainfall behavior (i.e., distribution and minimum expected amount during crop growing period) probability analysis of rainfall was conducted. Probability analysis (at 50% and 80%) of monthly rainfall data of 13 raingauge stations of the left bank canal of upper Bhima basin viz., Urali, Loni Karbol, Kasurdi, Tajuproject, Yewat, Dahitane, Bhigwan, Madanwadi, Pondewadi, Kedgaon, Patas, Pimplegaon and Daund for the period from 1975 to 2002 was conducted. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) has been calculated using climatic parameters like sun shine hour, wind speed, maximum & minimum temperature and rainfall humidity for the period from years 1993-2005 by CROPWAT model. It was found that ETo is maximum (7.72 mm/day) during April and low in December (3.10 mm/day). Effective rainfall of existing rain gauge stations falling in different sub-basins, BM48, BM49, BM50, BM51 and BM68 have been estimated using the CROPWAT model. Finally net irrigation requirement of crops Kharif Cotton, Summer Cotton, Sugarcane and Rabi Sorghum have been find out for all the sub-basin. From this study it has been concluded that, the crop planning in the area, represented by Pimplegoan and Urali stations should be done keeping in mind maximum deficit of 187 mm and 113 mm of water respectively during July. Similarly in other stations maximum deficit of water was observed during September which indicate that while selection of crops for the areas represented by these stations the crops requiring less water during September should be selected.

Title: Standardization of Glycerinisation for Leaves of Silver Oak (Grevillea robusta), Kanchan (Bauhinia purpurea) and Pipal (Ficus religiosa)
Abstract :

Studies were carried out to standardize the dehydration technology for leaves of kanchan, pipal and silver oak under laboratory conditions in the Department of Post Harvest Technology of Horticultural Crops, Faculty of Horticulture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal during 2012-13. The foliages were subjected to four treatments replicated four times containing five foliage per replication. An experiment was carried out by placing only the stems or dipping the foliages in the glycerine solution, which were harvested at matured stage. The parameters like change in fresh weight and change in leaf area. Other quality parameters like texture, shape, brittleness, colour retention and over all acceptance were also recorded. Findings of results revealed that best results were obtain terms of texture, shape, brittleness, over-all acceptability was maximum in glycerine (20%) by uptake method for silver oak with high flexibility and glossiness. However, in case of kanchan glycerine (20%) by uptake method gave best result with similar attributes followed by glycerine (40%). In Pipal leaves, glycerine (40%) by dip method showed best results with maximum retention of colour.

Title: Effect of Sulphur and different Irrigation Regimes on PAR Distribution, Canopy Temperature, Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Abstract :

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels of irrigation and sulphur on leaf area index, on distribution pattern of photosynthetically active radiation, consumptive use, water use efficiency, Canopy-Air Temperature Difference as well as yield attributes and yield of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) during two consecutive years (2009 and 2010) at the ‘C’ block farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal during pre-kharif season in a sandy loam soil with 24 treatment combinations (eight irrigation level in main plot and three level of sulphur in sub-plot) in a split plot design replicated thrice. The study revealed that both the levels of irrigation and sulphur significantly influenced all the yield attributing characters and the kernel yield. The highest values of yield attributing characters and kernel yield were recorded when sulphur applied @ 15 kg ha-1. The highest consumptive use, and water use efficiency were recorded under three irrigations applied at flowering, pegging and pod filling stage followed by two irrigations at pegging and pod filling stage. No irrigation treatment recorded lower photosynthetically active radiation absorption percentage value but higher photosynthetically active radiation extinction coefficient and Canopy-Air Temperature Difference value as compare to irrigation treatments, respectively.

Title: Influence of Biofertilizers on Microbial Count and Nutrient uptake of kharif onion (Allium cepa L.)
Abstract :
The experiment comprised of fifteen combinations of biofertilizers, organic manures and chemical fertilizers was conducted in RBD replicated thrice. The biofertilizers improved the microbial content and nutrient uptake of onion stover as compared to control and recommended chemical fertilizers. Highest Bulb dry mass (45.7 q/ha) and stover dry mass (27.9 q/ha) was observed in Azospirillum along with recommended fertilizer dose (T3) followed by Azotobacter along with recommended fertilizer dose (T1).
Application of Azospirillum along with recommended fertilizer dose (T3) resulted in significantly higher nitrogen uptake (210.3 Kg ha-1) over all the treatments except Azotobacter along with recommended fertilizer dose (T1). The highest phosphorus uptake (21.5 Kg ha-1) was attained with application of Azotobacter along with Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizae and recommended fertilizer dose (T9) over all the treatments. Organic manures improved the organic carbon status of soil and highest organic carbon of soil was observed in treatment where FYM @ 20 t/ha (T12) and FYM @ 20 t/ha along with Azotobacter and Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (0.4%) was applied. While, highest bacteria (27.2 × 106) and actinomyctes (34.0 × 104) count was observed in FYM @ 20 t/ha treatment (T12). Azotobacter along with recommended fertilizer dose (28.2 × 103) had highest fungal count at the time of harvesting. The present study highlights the need of use
of biofertilizers along with organic and inorganic manures/fertilizer to enhance the nutrient availability and improve soil health.
Title: Performance Assessment of Solar Reflector Supported Steam Generator for Cooking of Meals under Different Climatic Conditions
Abstract :

Solar energy is gaining enormous attention from researchers, environmentalists, government agencies and stake holders due to its inexhaustible availability, environmental friendly and easy to tap. This experiment was designed to evaluate the efficiency and cooking performance of a solar reflector with steam generator under different climatic conditions and the results were compared with the traditional method of cooking. In summer season, the temperature of concentrated light beam on receiver was observed to be 460 ± 31 oC and generated maximum steam pressure of 7.4 kg/cm2 followed by 353 ± 13 oC and 5.1 kg/cm2, respectively in post winter and 311 ± 26 oC and 4 kg/cm2, respectively in rainy season. The reflector efficiency was calculated to be 30 ± 1% during whole experiment. High specific energy in steam at 1.5 kg/cm2 pressure resulted in excellent cooking and consumed only 7 min to prepare 1 kg of rice, which was significantly lower as compared to the time consumed (27 min) in traditional system. The whole assembly would be free of cost after 8.7 years of operation and therefore it is imperative to state that this cutting edge technology would uplift the social economy along with conserving the basic structure of environment.

Title: Carbon footprinting: a tool for environmental management
Abstract :

The term ‘carbon footprint’ has become tremendously popular over the last few years and is now widely used in educational institutes, government, business and the media. Although the term has been extensively used in the public domain, there is an apparent lack of academic definitions of what exactly a ‘carbon footprint’ is meant to be. Considering the fact of climate change, the term carbon footprint is in strong demand. It is concerned with a less rigorous, consumer oriented, popularised concept of greenhouse gas reductions for the purpose of marketing the benefits of less emission intensive products and services to the public. Numerous approaches have been proposed to provide estimates, ranging from basic online calculators to sophisticated life-cycle analysis or input-output-based methods and tools. By the time elapse, there has been growing concern for issues related to climate change by describing interpretation of greenhouse gas measurement and reduction. The purpose of this paper is to define “carbon footprint” and to provide an insight into the terminologies and approaches included within this concept.

Title: Physiological Responses of Drought stress in Tomato:A Review
Abstract :

Tomato has important role in food and commercial utilization in the whole world. It is an undetached part of food due to its taste and nutritional value. It is full of minerals, vitamin and antibiotic characteristics. Climate change produces so many natural hazards such as abiotic and biotic stress in the plant. Drought is an important natural phenomenon which affects morphological, physiological, biochemical and yield attributes of plants leading to death. During water stress many physiological and molecular processes are disturbed such as root-shoot growth, water relation, mineral absorption, leaf expansion and orientation, stometal behavior, transpiration rate, photosynthesis and respiration rate, solute translocation, etc. Toxic elements such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during stress period create oxidative damage to the cellular organization. Plants have its antioxidant system to scavenge such harmful element and accumulate osmoprotectants such as proline, glycien betaine, etc to maintain osmotic adjustment. All these and many more aspects have been discussed in case of tomato plants in this review.

Title: Transformation of Tomato with Cry2ax1 by Biolistic Gun Method for Fruit Borer Resistance
Abstract :
Tomato ( Solanum esculentumL.) is an important vegetable crop cultivated throughout India. The crop is extensively damaged by alepidopteran insect, Helicoverpa armigeraHubner (fruit borer). To mitigate this problem, an attempt was made to generate transgenic tomato plants resistant to fruit borer. The regeneration protocol being pre-requisite for any transformation studies, 1.0 mg L-1 BAP (Benzyl amino purine) in combination with 0.2 mg L-1 IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid) was standardized as shoot regeneration media for tomato cv. Pusa Ruby using leaf explant. The highest callus initiation (100%) and an average number of shoots (3.9) were obtained in the above media. Rooting was observed at 2.0 mg L-1 of IBA(Indole-3-butyric acid) with a highest average number of roots (1.06). The transformation system has been established by Biolistic Gun method using plant binary vector pCAMBIA2300 mobilized into the Agrobacteriumstrain LBA4404 carrying cry2AX1under the control of CaMV 35S promoter. The callus of tomato was bombarded twice from three different distances between tissue and macro carrier assembly. The highest transformation efficiency (75%) was obtained at distance 9 cm and transformants were screened using 50 mg L-1 of kanamycin. Out of 72 explants bombarded, only six explants developed completely but only two putative transformed plants were successfully hardened in the greenhouse. The integration and expression of the cry2AX1 gene in transformed plants were confirmed by PCR and Quantitative ELISA. The cry2AX1 protein accumulated in leaf quantified by ELISA has recorded 38.9 and 79.9 ng ml-1 respectively compared to 129 ng ml-1 of protein sample in positive control. 
Title: Ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) mediated changes in callus growth of clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) raised under saline conditions
Abstract :

Soil salinity is the major biotic stress, which restricts the distribution and productivity of the crops. Agricultural production in the future will increasingly rely on our ability to grow plants on salt affected and marginal lands using saline water. Ethyl methane sulphonate is the most commonly used chemical mutagen to increase genetic variability in crop plants and could be useful in increased plant tolerance to salinity. Clusterbean is one of the most important summer annual legume. In the present study, aseptically grown7-day old seedling explants of clusterbean viz. cotyledon, cotyledonary node, hypocotyl and the embryo axis (cut on radical side) were cultured on MS medium + B5 vitamins (MSB5 medium) supplemented with various growth regulators. Among various explant tried, cotyledonary node gave good response in terms of callus growth which was further selected for future experimentation. The best medium for callus growth was MSB5 with 2 mgl-1 2,4-D and 1 mgl-1 BAP. All the calli produced were compact and their color changed with increase of salt concentration from greenish to brownish green, dark brownish and finally blackish at 200 mM NaCl. Further, calli pieces dipped in sterile liquid MS medium adjuncted with aqueous filter sterilized solution of 0.5% EMS for a range of time duration (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 h) were raised on MSB5 medium without NaCl. These calli were subcultured on the above medium with or without 200 mM NaCl. EMS treatment of 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5h duration improved callus growth on salt-amended medium; growth being maximum after 3.0h EMS treatment. It seems that exposing mutagen treated calli to salinity/ salt stress, forces these to face stress doubly-ionic toxicity and toxic effects of mutagen. The survival and regeneration of the putative variant calli is suppressed under such circumstances.

Title: Simultaneous Removal of Hazardous Contaminants Using Polyvinyl Alcohol Coated Phanerochaete chrysosporium
Abstract :

Currently, the water pollution has become menace across the globe due to anthropogenic activities. The present study was designed to overcome the problem of water pollution wherein free cells of Phanerochaete chrysosporium were coated with polyvinyl alcohol and activated for the removal of heavy metals, azo dyes and phenolic compounds. Individual metal removal study suggested that activated PVA@PC has the capacity to remove Pb (98.5%), Al (91.24%), As (82.78%), Cd (64.5%) and Cr (53.56%) metals within 24 h. Activated PVA@PC proved to be efficient in removing different reactive dyes and phenolic compounds within 24 h. Simulated water effluent was prepared to observe simultaneous removal of hazardous contaminants. Studies revealed that activated PVA@PC is efficient to remove these contaminants within 36 h and remains efficient till 5 cycles. Microbial toxicity drastically reduced in activated PVA@PC than simulated effluent, depicting the fungi used in the present study can be a potent option for the waste water treatment plant.

Title: Effect of soil compaction and fertilizer placement depth on growth, yield, nutrient uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) and soil properties in tarai soils of Uttarakhand
Abstract :

Soil compaction and placing of fertilizer in undesirable depth in soil are the most serious threat under intensive cultivation system in poorly drained heavy textured soil. In view of this, a field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2014-15 to understand the effect of soil compaction and fertilizer placement depth on performance of maize crop, nutrient uptake and soil properties. The soil was heavy textured i.e. silty clay loam with poor drainage and receiving about >1400 mm rainfall annually. Root length and root length density of plants in compacted plots (1.54 and 1.63 Mg/m3) decreased remarkably from 1.50-4.60 cm and 0.06-0.11 cm/cm3, respectively, compared with non-compacted soil (1.34 Mg/m3) however root dry weight did not exhibit response against soil compaction. Maximum grain yield of 5613.4 and 5593.0 kg/ha was recorded with non-compacted soil (1.34 Mg/m3) and 0-10 cm fertilizer placement depth, respectively, however at par yields were obtained between 1.54 and 1.63 Mg/m3 compaction levels. Compaction and fertilizer placement depth showed highest adverse effect on Zn uptake (14.70-20.42%) whereas least on P uptake (6.23-11.0%). Non compacted soil (1.34 Mg/m3) and placing fertilizer at 0-10 cm depth maintained favourable oxidizable organic carbon and hydraulic conductivity but reduced with increase in compaction and placement depth. In general, strong negative and non-significant relationships of the compaction and fertilizer placement depth with growth and yield parameters, yields, nutrient uptake and soil properties were estimated.

Title: Evaluation of Certain New Insecticides for the Management of Tea Mosquito Bug, Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse (Hemiptera: Miridae) in Tea
Abstract :

The tea mosquito bug is one of a major pest in tea. The promising and effective insecticides are limited for the control of TMB and repeated use of similar pesticides for a prolonged period leads to the development of resistance in TMB. In this view, a study was done on finding new and effective pesticides for the control of TMB. Overall fifteen synthetic insecticides were evaluated with 50 treatments against TMB under laboratory conditions. Based on the laboratory evaluation, the effective insecticides were selected for further field evaluation from 2020 to 2021 in Valparai, Coimbatore. TMB reduction percentage, yield analysis and phytotoxicity studies were undertaken during the study period. In the laboratory, seven treatments achieved 100% adult mortality on TMB after 24 hours of application. From the field evaluations, four treatments Viz., Beta-cyfluthrin + Imidacloprid @ 625 mL/ha, Sulfoxaflor @ 250 g/ha, Tolfenpyrad @ 1000 ml/ha and Flupyradifurone 1000 ml/ha were showed 87, 84, 83 and 83% of TMB reduction respectively over the control. Similarly, the above-mentioned treatments also achieved 140, 201, 220 and 208% of increased yield, respectively over the control. From the study, new pesticides produced superior results in the reduction of TMB percentage as well as increase the crop yield.

Title: Growth and instability in area, production and productivity of different crops in Bengaluru division
Abstract :
Karnataka State has a typical composition having a large share of its area under highly diversified agricultural crops, higher growth in agriculture assumes great importance and is a matter of concern for policy planners and research scholars in recent times. In view of this the present study was aimed to analyse the growth and instability in area, production and productivity of different crops in Bengaluru Division. The results revealed that Bengaluru urban had the highest CAGR which was 24.26% in productivity in avare was significant at 5% level. In Bengaluru Rural the highest CAGR was 22.26% in productivity of avare (significant at 1%). Production of chrysanthemum had growth of 22.36% was the highest annual growth and 4% (area of tamarind) was found to be lowest instability for selected crops in Chitradurga, In Davanagere the highest CAGR was observed in productivity of tomato (9.12%). In Kolar district, 19.65% instability observed in production of avare & was significant at one %. In Shivamogga district highest CAGR observed in production of sunflower to an extent 29.57%. In Tumkuru area under green chillies was growing at rate of 34.46% per annum.
Title: In Vitro Regeneration Studies in Brassica Napus with Response to Callus Induction Frequency and Regeneration Frequency
Abstract :

The present study entitled “In vitro Regeneration Studies in Brassica napus, variety GSL- 1 and DGS-1 was carried out in the Biotechnology Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding SKUAST-J. Brassica napus, variety GSL 1 and DGS-1 were cultured on MS Media supplemented with different concentrations of growth regulators. The sterilization treatment with HgCl2 (0.1%) for 3 minutes resulted in highest per cent of aseptic seeds and survival of seedlings. Highest callus induction was observed in GSL-1. MS medium augmented with 2,4-D at 2-2.5 mg/l. Different concentrations of growth regulators in media showed a significant difference in the callus induction frequency (CIF) and regeneration frequency (RF) for both the genotypes tested. MS medium supplemented with BAP (5.0 mg/l) and 2, 4-D (0.5 mg/l) showed highest shoot regeneration frequency in GSL-1.

Title: Moisture Dependent Engineering Properties of Wild Apricot ( prunus armeniaca L.) Pits
Abstract :
The physical and mechanical properties of apricot pit are the most important parameters for designing and development of handling, grading, sizing, processing, decorticating, oil expression and packaging equipments. Such as dimensions, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, bulk density, true density, porosity, thousand pit volume, thousand pit weights, angle of repose, angle
of internal friction and cracking strength at two conditions of moisture content (wb) of wild apricot pits at 12 % and 16 %. The mean length, width and thickness at moisture content of 12 % (wb) and 16 % (wb) were found to be 22.60 mm, 17.71 mm, 10.55 mm and 22.61 mm, 17.73 mm, and 10.58 mm, respectively. Similarly, equivalent diameter 16.16 mm, 16.18 mm, spherisity 0.71 and 0.72, angle of repose 32.98º and 33.23º, angle of internal friction 30.25º and 30.35º, bulk density 0.5512g/mm3 and 0.5389 mm3, true density
1.0282 g/mm3 and 1.169 g/mm3, porosity 46.34 % and 48.23 %, thousand pit volume 2534 mm3 and 2957 mm3, thousand pit weight 1572.5 g and 1594 g, cracking strength 594.78 N and 568.96 N, respectively at 12 % (wb) M.C and 16 % (wb) M.C of pit. ANOVA indicated that length, width, thickness, equivalent diameter, sphericity, angle of repose and angle of internal friction of wild apricot pit were not significantly dependent on moisture content. But true density, bulk density, thousand kernel weight, thousand kernel volume and cracking strength varied significantly with moisture content at 5% level of significance.
Title: Influence of combined use of organic, inorganic and biological sources of nutrients on fruit quality in lemon
Abstract :

The use of high analysis chemical fertilizers results in the deficiency of nutrients other than the applied. Chemical fertilizers besides being costly are also injurious to plants, ground water and environment. However, in recent years organic sources have emerged as promising components of nutrient supply system. These organic sources when used along with inorganic sources under the concept of integrated nutrient management are known to improve nutrient status of plants either by way of fixation or by making fixed nutrients available to plants. To obtain superior quality of fruit, thus it is a pre-requisite to study the integrated nutrient management in lemon. An experiment was conducted at “Punjab Government Progeny Orchard & Nursery, Attari, Amritsar” during the fruiting years 2005 and 2006 with a view to harvest good quality lemon fruit. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with five treatments replicated four times. Different treatments involved application of FYM, inorganic fertilizer and biofertilizer (Azotobacter) in various combinations. The present experiment shows that the substantial improvement in fruit quality could be achieved with the combined application of these three classes of nutrient sources.

Title: Potential applications of nanotechnology in major agriculture divisions - A Review
Abstract :
Nanotechnology, a promising interdisciplinary science has already been adopted by various sectors like medicine, pharmaceuticals, electronics and energy. But, recently, agriculture and food science door has been opened up for allowing nanoscience and technology to revolutionize them. Due to small size, large surface to volume ratio, chemical reactivity, enhanced solubility and unique magnetic and optical properties of nanoparticles, the long term positive eff ects on agriculture production including enhanced germination percentage, rapid and accurate gene delivery system, timely and controlled agrochemicals delivery system for be er plant growth and eff ective monitoring of pest and disease occurrence by using nanosensor can be achieved. Additionally, this nanotechnology also helps to increase the span of life, freshness and quality of food by resisting the gas penetration, increasing the tensile strength and enhancing micronutrient and antioxidant absorption through food packaging and preserving nanomaterials. In this paper, recent research, development and potential applications of nanotechnology in major agricultural divisions like crop improvement, crop management, crop protection and food science have been reviewed.
Title: Flubendiamide: Residues and Risk Assessment in Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
Abstract :

Flubendiamide belongs to a new chemical class, the phthalic acid diamides, widely used on tomato in India for the management of fruit borers. Flubendiamide is registered for use in India on tomato, but Maximum Residue Limits are not available as per Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. A research project was taken to study the dissipation pattern of flubendiamide on tomato cv. Nirupama in both open fields and poly-houses, when applied twice @ 48 g a.i. ha-1, first spray was given 50 days after planting (fruit initiation) followed by the second spray at 10 days interval as per the farmers practice. Flubendiamide residues were quantified through regular sampling till the residues are below the determination level (BDL) of 0.05 mg kg-1 following the validated QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of flubendiamide were performed on HPLC-PDA and LC-MS/MS. Initial deposits of 1.23 mg kg-1 were detected in the tomato samples collected from poly-house, which dissipated to BDL at the 10th day with half-life of 6.18 days. In open fields, deposits of 0.90 mg kg-1dissipated to BDL at the 7th day with half-life of 6.07 days, and indicated that dissipation was slow in poly-house when compared to the open fields due to various factors. MRL of 3 mg kg-1in poly-house tomato and 2 mg kg-1 in open field tomato is recommended based on the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) calculator and chronic hazard exposure assessment taking into consideration of average body weight, national per capita tomato consumption and acceptable daily intake (ADI) of flubendiamide. Among the various decontamination methods tested, veggy wash was found very effective in removing flubendiamide residues to the extent of 65.39 % which can be recommended as risk mitigation method for food safety, followed by 4%acetic acid solution (61.63%) and tap water wash was least effective (17.71%) in removing flubendiamide residues from tomato.

Title: Genetic Variability Studies in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) for Yield and Quality Traits
Abstract :

The present study was carried out to investigate yield and quality traits in tomato, in order to generate information regarding the extent of genetic variability, heritability and genetic gain. The experiment was laid out during 2014-2015 in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) at an experimental farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan. Genetic variability was estimated among 56 genotypes of tomato which were replicated thrice. Analysis of coefficient of variation revealed that, the magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation was slightly higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation for all the studied traits. Further, high estimates of heritability and genetic gain were recorded for number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, locular wall thickness and lycopene content. Thereby, suggesting that straight selection for these traits may bring worthwhile improvement in identifying superior genotypes in tomato.

Title: Effect of zinc and organic matter on nutritional composition of seeded rice
Abstract :
A fi eld experiment was conducted to assess the eff ect on nutritional composition of Rice crop and zinc content in plant and post harvest soils a er the application of zinc alone and zinc in combination with
organic ma ers i.e farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM) and piggery manure (PiM). Zinc was applied at the rate of 1.25, 2.5 and 5 kg ha-1 with 10 t FYM, 5 t PM and 5 t PiM ha-1.
Title: Effectiveness index of expert system applications in agriculture
Abstract :

This research paper focuses on the assessment of the effectiveness index of expert system applications in agriculture with special reference to ‘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. Based on the relevant review of literature and discussion with experts effectiveness index of agri-expert system was developed and standardized using the applications such as quick availability and opportunity of the expert system to programme itself, expert systems ability to exploit a considerable amount of knowledge, reliability, scalability, pedagogy, expert systems ability on preservation and improvement of knowledge and expert systems ability to address the new areas neglected by conventional computing. These applications were ranked based on their mean scores in decreasing order of importance and effectiveness index was calculated to distribute the respondents in different categories. Results showed that the effectiveness index of expert system application in agriculture was generally medium. In order to improve the effectiveness index of agri-expert system applications in agriculture, it is necessary to augment the attributes of expert systems such as accuracy, timeliness, format clarity and relevancy of the information from agri-expert systems.

Title: An overview of bacterial blight disease: A serious threat to pomegranate production
Abstract :

Bacterial blight of pomegranate is among the most devastating natural calamity that inflicted huge losses to pomegranate crop productivity especially in India during the last 24 years. The dilemma of bacterial blight is still under discussion among the researchers since its appearance in 1952. Symptoms of the disease manifested as numerous, small, segregated, depressed, discoloured and typically water-soaked spots. The epidemiology of the disease remains prevalent in mild to moderate form throughout the year at higher temperature ranged between 20.0-43.0o C during April-July and become severe under highly humid conditions (>80 %) and moderate temperature (25-35o C) during rainy season. None of the genotypes exhibited resistant against bacterial blight. Some genotypes found moderately susceptible against bacterial blight of pomegranate. Management of the disease is only by various chemicals.

Title: Mitigation of the influence of PEG-6000 imposed water stress on germination of halo primed rice seeds
Abstract :

In the present investigation studies were made to see the effect of water stress, induced with the help of different concentrations (150 to 225 g/kg PEG-6000 equivalent to osmotic potential of -0.30 to -0.60MPa) of PEG-6000 in germinating rice varieties viz., HUR-3022 and Sahabhagi dhan. The results showed that osmotic potential from -0.30 to -0.49MPa, the inhibition in germination percentage was started as compared to control set but at -0.60MPa osmotic potential no germination was observed. When the Mg(NO3)2 and K2SO4 primed seeds were used with the osmotic potential of -0.30 to -0.49MPa the inhibitory effect of stress was found to overcome by the germinating seeds of rice. In the primed seeds the percentage of germination, vigor index, germination index and absolute water content (%) were increased in presence of imposed stress in respect to non-primed seeds germinating under the same situation except mean time germination.

Title: Prevalence of Campylobacter species in raw meat samples sold in open markets of Kolkata city
Abstract :

Campylobacteriosis is a zoonosis, caused by the infection with Campylobacter. Raw meat contaminated by Campylobacter from faeces of animals during evisceration and by spillage of intestinal content. In recent times, Campylobacter has emerged as an important food borne pathogen of both human and animals, and regarded as one of the most important zoonotic pathogen worldwide. Chicken and mutton meat have repeatedly been implicated as a source of food borne infections for humans, as both these meat are amongst most consumed meat in India. In this study, four Campylobacter spp. viz C. jejuni, C. coli, C. lari and C. fetus were isolated from raw meat samples. This study was therefore conducted to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. from raw meat samples in Kolkata, India. A total of 200 raw meat samples, chicken (n = 100) & Mutton (n = 100) were collected randomly from open meat markets in Kolkata, India and were tested for the presence of Campylobacter. Campylobacter spp. was isolated from 136 of 200 (68%) raw meat samples examined. The highest prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was found in Chicken meat (72%), followed by mutton meat (64%). The most prevalence Campylobacter species isolated from raw meat samples were Campylobacter jejuni (58.82%), followed by Campylobacter coli (26.47%), Campylobacter lari (8.82%) & Campylobacter fetus (5.89%). It was concluded that a high proportion of raw meat sold in open market in Kolkata, India, was contaminated by Campylobacter spp. and the consumption of undercooked meat possess a possible health risk for consumers.

Title: Population dynamics of major insect pest of blackgram [Vigna Mungo (L.) Hepper] in relation to weather parameters
Abstract :

The experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2014. Population dynamics of major insect pests of blackgram highly affected by weather parameters like; temperature (maximum and minimum), relative humidity (maximum and minimum), rainfall, and sunshine hours. The result revealed that the highest population of whiteflies 8.07 adult/cage/plant and jassids 1.43 nymph and adult/ cage/ plant was recorded during 37th standard week. The population of whitefly and jassid showed non significant negatively correlation with maximum and minimum temperature and sunshine hours while significant positively correlation with maximum humidity whereas non significant positively correlation showed with total rainfall and minimum humidity. The highest population of spotted pod borer 2.13 larvae/plant was record during 38th standard week and flower thrips 3.47 nymph and adult/10 flowers was record during 37th standard week and spotted pod borer population showed significant positively correlation with sunshine hours while flower thrips and spotted pod borer population showed non significant positively correlation with maximum and minimum relative humidity and non significant negatively correlation with maximum and minimum temperature whereas population of spotted pod borer showed non significant negatively correlation with total rainfall, while population of thrips showed non significant positively correlation with total rainfall while sunshine hours showed non significant negatively correlation.

Title: Genetic analysis of yield attributes in ricebean (Vigna Umbellata Thunb.) under hot and humid climatic conditions
Abstract :

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

Title: EDITORIAL
Abstract :
Title: Gibberellins production by fluorescent Pseudomonas isolated from Rhizospheric soil of Malus and Pyrus
Abstract :

Little is known about the gibberellins producing fluorescent Pseudomonas (FP) diversity associated with rhizosphere of Malus (apple) and Pyrus (pear). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate gibberellins production by Pseudomonas sp., a major component of rhizobacteria with multiform and diverse activities, which alter the structure or life processes of plants to improve quality, increase yields and facilitate harvesting. In the present investigations, thirty Pseudomonas isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere of Pyrus and Malus and were screened for gibberellins production (25-60 µg/ml). Four strains viz PN-4-SAN, PN-10-SAN, AN-2-NAG and AN-4-NAG were selected on the basis of their higher gibberellins production. The maximum production of gibberellins was observed at 72 h incubation period in nutrient broth at pH 7.0 under shaken condition at 28oC. Gibberellins were extracted, purified and evaluated by thin layer chromatography and specific bioassay method.

Title: Optimization of Process Parameters for Osmotic Dehydration of Chayote Cubes by Response Surface Methodology
Abstract :

Chayote is a rich source of vitamin C and vitamin B-6 as well as folate. It also contains dietary fiber and is high in potassium and very low in sodium, a combination which makes it ideal for supporting healthy blood pressure. The response surface methodology (RSM) of central composite rotatable design (CCRD) with 30 experimental runs were used for the optimization of process parameters during the osmotic dehydration of chayote cubes (1 cm3) using brine solution of salt for maximizing water loss (WL), minimizing solid gain (SG) and maximizing rehydration ratio (RR) of the dehydrated product. The independent process variables with four factors and five levels included solution temperature (25-45ºC), immersion time (140-220 min), concentration (5-15%) and sample to solution ratio (1:6-1:14 w/w). Osmotically pretreated chayote cubes were further dehydrated in hot air oven at the desired temperature of 60°C and later it was analyzed for rehydration ratio of the dried samples by placing it into water for 16-17 hours at ambient temperature. The results were obtained at the optimum operating conditions to be the solution temperature of 35.61ºC, immersion time of 186.56 min, concentration of 9.02% and STSR of 1:11.23 (w/w). Under these conditions, the WL SG and RR were evaluated as 29.79% (wb), 5.47% (wb) and 21.14, respectively.

Title: A Simple and efficient protocol for isolation of RNA from different tissues of chickpea and pea
Abstract :

A simple and efficient protocol is developed for isolation of high quality RNA from roots and leaves of chickpea and pea. The procedure is based on use of SDS, sodium acetate and EDTA in an extraction buffer in order to eliminate polysaccharides and prevent oxidation of phenolic compounds. The current method is modification of a method described for RNA isolation from pea leaves only, and yields excess amount of high-quality RNA suitable for cDNA based gene expression analysis. The protocol requires only three disposable micro centrifuge tubes during extraction, single phenol extraction step and a single precipitation step to yield high-quality RNA. RNA extracted with this method was free from protein and phenolic contaminants as evident from gel electrophoresis analysis. This method is applicable not only for leaves but also for roots and shoots and equally applicable to both chickpea and pea. cDNA is prepared and PCR amplification have been done with universal ubiqutin primer to check the integrity of RNA and absence of inhibitory compounds in RNA samples, which proves the suitability of samples towards qRTPCR.

Title: Response of Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L. Var. Grossum) to Different Levels of Spacing and Training Systems under foot hills of Arunachal Pradesh
Abstract :

The present investigation entitled “Response of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum) to different levels of spacing and training system under foot hills of Arunachal Pradesh”. The experiment was laid out in two factorial RBD using three replications with three levels of spacing and training. The standard cultural practices were done regular interval for better crop growth and good yields. The closer spacing resulted in maximum plant height, LAI, and total yield per plot and wider spacing recorded maximum number of branches, number of leaf, earliness in fruit flowering and fruit set and yield per plant. Among all levels, two shoot training showed maximum plant height, minimum days required to first flowering, first fruit set, days to first harvest and size of fruit and four shoots resulted in maximum number of branches, number of leaf, LAI, fruits per plant (10.06), yield per plant (0.54 kg) and yield (0.75 Kg/m2). Among all interactions, closer spacing with four shoot training produced more number of branches and leaves per plant resulted in maximum of per plant and per plot yield due to more number of shoots contributed in producing more number of fruits. In contrast, wider spacing with two shoot training produced highest plant height, early flowering and fruit set. The quality parameters and fruiting percentage had not significant to interaction of both training and spacing. It is concluded that for higher yield of capsicum under polyhouse conditions, the closer spacing with four shoots training maybe suggested for foot hills of Himalayas.

Title: Physico-chemical Analysis of Fruit Juices by Using Self-Made Low Cost Portable Ohmic Heater
Abstract :

The conventional methods of preservation like refrigeration, adding preservatives etc. are some of the methods but they might have side effects on environment like refrigeration on ozone layer, and on consumers like preservatives affects the health. In this experiment firstly ohmic heater was constructed having 3 ltrs and then 2 ltrs of capacity and finally they were discarded because they need large surface area and require large quantity of juice. Finally we prepared heater of 1.5 ltrs capacity which gave good electrical conductivity and it was economical also. The juices were stored in PET bottles at refrigeration temperature and physico+chemical analysis was done at weekly intervals over a period of 21 days. In parallel study, another spicemen of juices was stored at ambient temperature and checked at regular intervals. TSS, pH, Titrable acidity and Vitamin C content were checked after heating. The juices were heated for the 5 minutes, 10 minutes and 15 minutes respectively and then their TSS, pH, Titrable acidity, Vitamin C , sensory analysis were checked at weekly interval stored in both refrigerated and ambient conditions. Significant difference in pH,of sweet orange and pomegranate juice refrigerated and ambient condition were observed. It was noticed that TSS, and Titrable acidity Pomegranate and sweet orange juice under ambient and refrigerated increased significantly, whereas vitamin C showed the decreasing pattern in both the conditions.

Title: Arduino Based Smart Chicken Farming Using Temperature Sensor
Abstract :

In the field of agriculture in India, an automatic poultry farm is a device that allows efficient use of resources in a poultry farm. In India, a significant portion of the population depends heavily on primary industries for revenue. Either of them, a poultry farm or the poultry industry is a primary source of income for many families. The poultry industry is essential to India’s food supply. The production of automatic poultry farm feeding machines may be needed to expand this industry in India’s rural areas. In today’s system, a poultry farm needs manpower. The chickens are fed manually by manpower. This automated feeding device solves the manpower shortage while also lowering manpower costs. This automated feeding system can be used in both large and small poultry farms, as well as the agricultural sector. Food is fed into a food jar or feeder by this method. This device also uses an automated Fogger system to keep the farm temperature consistent. This automated fogging device can also be used to keep the room at a constant temperature. This automated fogging device can also be used to keep the Livestock Farm’s air at a comfortable temperature. This device is simple to use and affordable. Small poultry farms in India can use it. It can be controlled using an Android phone.

Title: Effect of Industrial Fly Ash on the Growth of Some Crop Field Soil Fungi Adapted with Ash Content
Abstract :

The study area of Chhattisgarh, known as rice bowl of India is rich in mineral resource. This has made cultivation of rice and coal-based iron and power industries run simultaneously. The industrial release fly ash comes to the cultivated soil. The microorganisms especially decomposers are very important with regard to the fertility of the soil. The present study therefore, focuses only to understand the effect of fly as on growth of some soil fungi. These fungi were isolated from crop field affected with the fly ash, while pure fly ash was added as media supplement obtained from power industry located in Korba. Simpson diversity index with 0.090 indicates a low diversity of fungi in the study area. P. chrysogenum has maximum growth (142.13%) in the low concentration (10 mg L-1) of fly ash followed by C. lunata and A. niger, while increased concentration showed mixed findings that support and also suppress the growth of some fungi. The ANOVA comparison (P = 0.035) therefore indicates the different effect of fly ash on fungi. From the findings it is concluded that the affected crop field soil has a low diversity of fungi but the still surviving may adopt it and be showing enhancement in growth while adding fly ash as nutrient.

Title: Comparative efficacy of eighteen essential Oil against Rhyzopertha dominica (F.)
Abstract :

Plants are known to be a potential source of chemicals affecting feeding, breeding and survival of insects. Present study was conducted to study the fumigant toxicity of essential oils against major insect pest of stored grain Rhizopertha dominica. The bio-efficacy of essential oils extracted from eighteen plants, namely, Aegle marmelos, Cinnamomum camphora, Citrus sp., Eucalyptus globules, Psidium guajava, Thuja orientalis, Cymbopogon flexuosus, Bidens pilosa, Ageratum conyzoides, Saraca asoca, Cannabis sativa, Murraya koenigii, Tagetes erecta, Citrus limetta, Artemisia annua, Callistemon citrinus, Ocimum gratissimum and Citrus limon was studied against R. domanica at 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.025, and 0.012 % concentration (v/w).The study revealed that most of the essential oils inhibited the development of the test insect. However, the level of inhibition was highly correlated with the dose at which oils were used for treatment. Among eighteen essential oils, A. marmelos, C. camphora E. globulus and T. orientalis were most effective against R. dominica because no insect developed from the grain treated with it even at lower concentration of 0.05 %. All the essential oils were found highly effective at 0.2 and 0.1 % concentration except A. conyzoides, S. asoca, C. sativa, O. gratissimum and Citrus sp, which permitted adult emergence during test. None of the oil was found highly effective against R. domanica at 0.025 and 0.012 % concentration. The essential oil of E. globulus and T. orientalis were found moderately effective at 0.025% concentrations at which they caused 83.92 and 87.17 % inhibition, respectively. Rests of the treatments were found less effective against R. dominica due to less than 70 % inhibition of progeny production

Title: Genetic Divergence of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) Genotypes in India
Abstract :

Genetic divergence of 12 Cape gooseberry Indian genotypes for morphological parameters was estimated using Mahanalobis D2-analysis. The genotypes were grouped into four clusters, the cluster-II was the largest with 5 genotypes followed by cluster I and cluster IV with 3 genotypes, and cluster III with 1 genotype. Clustering pattern indicated no association between geographical distribution of genotypes and genetic divergence. The inter-cluster distances were higher than the intra-cluster distance suggesting wider genetic diversity among the genotypes of different groups. The intra-cluster value was maximum in cluster I and II and minimum cluster III and IV. The inter-cluster D2-values indicated maximum distance between cluster I and IV followed by between I and III, and between I and II, showing wide diversity between the groups. Fruit diameters, duration of fruit set to maturity, number of flower per branch, fruit weight and inter-nodal length showed maximum contribution towards total divergence among the genotypes. Thus, the genetically diverged genotypes identified in this study, could be used as parents in hybridization programme for getting desirable segregants.

Title: PCR amplification and bioinformatics assessment of promoters of PBF-DOF (DNA binding with one finger) genes of finger millet
Abstract :

The Dof (DNA binding with one finger) family is a plant specific transcription factor known to be involved with regulating diverse functions in plants and have been extensively studied in many crops. The Dof transcription factor regulating gene expression by interacting with Cis-regulatory elements namely prolamin box (P box), GCN4, AACA and ACGT motifs present in the promoters of seed storage protein genes is known as PBF (Prolamin-box Binding Factor) Dof transcription factor. A set of 15 primers were designed by considering approximately 1.5 kb upstream and 500bp downstream sequences of full length Dof genes from TSS of cereals like rice, wheat and sorghum available in databases. These primers were used for PCR amplification of putative promoters of Dof genes of finger millet along with few cereals and millets. Furthermore, based on the presence of expected size amplicon with different sets of primers tested, a total of 6 bands of expected size representing putative promoters of PBF-Dof genes of rice, sorghum, barnyard, finger millets (PRM-1 PRM-801, PRM-701) were eluted, sequenced and subjected to in silico investigation. The bioinformatics based characterization revealed uniform presence TSS and numerous seed storage protein specific motifs like DPBF motif, RY element, SKN1 motif, GCN4 motif, E-Box confirming the promoters of respective PBF-Dof genes of cereals and millets. Further, validation by cloning in promoter probe vector is required for confirmation of temporal and spatial expression associated with seed storage protein genes.

Title: Regional Variation in Agricultural Water Demand and Water Availability in Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract :

Water is one of the important and scarce natural resource that triggers the growth of crop production. But water availability varies from the region to region depending upon the rainfall, geological formation etc. Due to growing demand of water for various uses and erratic rainfall,the water availability for crop production declining very fast in different regions of Uttar Pradesh. Water scarcity is becoming a serious challenge for government, researchers, economist and policy makers. Much effort is being made to reduce water use by crops and produce ‘more crop per drop’. Present study was an attempt to find out region-wise consumptive water demand for crop production and water availability. The study was based on secondary data. The CropWat model was used to find out the crop water requirement. Results suggests that total water demand for Eastern region, Central region, Bundelkhand region and Western region and it was found to be 70478, 38366,13790, 64703 MCM, respectively. Out of total crop water requirement, the highest share comes from wheat, rice and sugarcane in Eastern and Central region. In the Eastern region the share of crop water requirement for wheat, rice (k) and sugarcane was estimated to be 92.93 per cent of the total crop water requirement, whereas in case of Central region it was 87.64 per cent to total crop water demand. In Western region share of water requirement for growing wheat, sugarcane and rice (k) to total crop water requirement was estimated to be 88.79 per cent. During 2013-14, the annual water availability was found more than the crop water demand for Eastern, Central and Bundelkhand region, whereas in case of Western region water demand for crop production was more than the water supply from all the sources.

Title: Off-season performance evaluation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum l.) genotypes in coastal plain zone of odisha
Abstract :

Tomato grown during the rainy season fetches a premium price. But high temperature, rainfall and humidity hinder the success of rainy season tomato crop in coastal plain zone of Odisha. Therefore, a preliminary evaluation was done to predict the performance of twenty five advanced breeding lines along with five state released and two national tomato varieties during off-season in order to identify promising genotypes. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with two replications during the year 2012-13. Overall performances of the genotypes in respect of growth characters and fruit characters were expressed in terms of growth index (GI) and fruit index (FI) and selection was done following metroglyph analysis. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among the genotypes for plant height, number of branches/plant, plant girth, fruit girth, fruit weight, total soluble solids, bacterial wilt incidence (%) and fruit yield except fruit length. From the results of preliminary evaluation it could be suggested that the advanced breeding lines BT 18, BT 101, BT 106, BT 213, BT 317 and BT 433-3-2 are the elite genotypes for off-season cultivation in coastal plain zone of Odisha.

Title: Contents
Abstract :

Contents 

Title: Optimization and Storage Study of Banana Choco
Abstract :

Optimization of the process was done by using response surface methodology (RSM) for the development of banana chocolate. Sensory evaluation was performed by a semi-trained panel of 9 members on the basis of product’s color, body and texture and flavor. Statistical analysis showed that all the responses were significantly affected by independent variables. The banana chocolate was developed using the derived optimum processing conditions to check the validity of the quadratic model. The recommended optimum range for the development of banana chocolate is banana, cocoa powder and milk powder as 15-30g, 5-10g and 20-40g, respectively. Storage study of banana chocolate was performed at 2οC, 10οC and 25οC; storage at 2οC proved to be the best optimized storage condition.

Title: Distribution of different forms of potassium under temperature conditions of Kashmir
Abstract :

A study was conducted in temperate conditions of Kashmir valley to study the distribution of different form of potassium. Surface soil samples were collected from two different agro-climatic zones of district Anantnag i.e. High altitude zone (1965-1850 msl) and low altitude zone ( 1540-1695 msl). Surface soils were fine textured ranging from clay loam to silty clay loam with organic carbon content varying from 0.61-1.73%. Water soluble K ranged from 0.010-0.038 [cmol(p+)kg-1], available K ranged from 0.134-0.313 [cmol(p+)kg-1], Exchangeable K ranged from 0.124-0.275 [cmol(p+)kg-1], Boiling HNO3 K ranged from 1.568-2.938 [cmol(p+)kg-1], Non exchangeable K ranged from 1.434-2.625 [cmol(p+)kg-1] and Lattice K ranged from 29.730-51.859 [cmol(p+)kg-1]. The total potassium content in these soils varied from 31.60-54.50 [cmol(p+)kg-1]. Available potassium was positively and significantly correlated with organic carbon (r=0.960)*, cation exchangeable capacity (r=0.874)* and clay (r=0.642**) and was negatively correlated with CaCo3 (r=0.740*), sand (r=-0.365*) and silt (r=-0.734*).

Title: Effect of essential oils on mortality, hatching and multiplication of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita and its Impact on plant growth parameters
Abstract :

Essential oil from aromatic plants showed strong nematicidal activity in vitro experiments. Among six tested essential oils, percent juvenile mortality was observed in lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), 89, 51 as well as in palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), 80 and 44 at the doses of 500 and 250 ppm respectively at 12 hour of exposure time. However, maximum mortality percentage was observed in C. citratus oil and it registered cent percent mortality at 500 ppm at 24 hours of exposure time. The hatching in both treatments started by 8th day and steeply increased in 10th day. Essential oils at 5 concentrations drastically reduced the total number of J2, as both essential oils showed more than 50 % reduction in hatching over control. The minimum cumulative hatching was observed in 1000 ppm in C. citrates oil. The effect of root-dip treatments of tomato seedlings with C. citratus and C. martini significantly reduced total number of root knot galls/per plant, per cent galled area and soil population as compared to control. The minimum number of M. incognita galls was found in C. citratus at 500 ppm it was significantly different from carbosulfan as well as C. martini treatments. The maximum shoot length was found in C. martini followed by C. citratus and carbosulfan at 500 ppm. All the treatments significantly improved the root length than the inoculated plants but they were not significantly different among themselves.

Title: Genetic study in URD bean (Vigna Mungo (L.) Hepper) for inheritance of mungbean yellow mosaic virus resistance
Abstract :

Goodness of fit test pertaining to MYMV resistance confirmed that all the F1cross combinations viz., MDU 1 x Mash-114, MDU 1 x VBN (Bg) 6, MDU x PU 31, MDU 1 x Uttara, LPG- 752 x Mash-114, LPG – 752 x VBN (Bg) 6 and CO 6 x VBN (Bg) 6 and BC2 were resistance to MYMV, showed that YMV resistance were controlled by dominant gene. Resistance nature of F1 of all the crosses indicated clearly the resistance was dominant over susceptibility. Goodness of fit test pertaining to test the deviation of observed ratio to Mendelian segregation ratio for MYMV (resistance: susceptible) in the segregating population shows that, except ‘MDU 1 x PU 31’, F2 of all crosses fitted well with 15: 1 (resistance: susceptible), exhibited the presence of duplicate dominant gene interaction. Whereas ‘MDU 1 x PU 31; was confined well with 9:7 (resistance: susceptible), showed that the presence of complementary or duplicate recessive type of epistatic gene interaction. The inheritance ratio of 3:1(resistance: susceptible) in BC1 and all resistance in BC2 showed that the male parents taken for crossing were resistance, while female parents susceptible. The putative gene symbol for MYMV resistance assigned for female parents are r1r1r2r2, whereas for male parents viz., Uttara, VBN (Bg) 6 Mash-114 and PU 31 the symbol is R1R1R2R2. Hence, presence of complex nature of inheritance, it may appropriate to suggest the recombination breeding accompanied with one or two cycles of recurrent selection should be effective to enhance the YMV resistance in blackgram.

Title: Biochemical mechanisms of resistance to stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum
Abstract :

Data of the experiments revealed the status of winter wheat genotypes with respect to resistance against stripe rust at adult stage. Among the twenty five genotypes evaluated, China 84-40022, Drina, Drina NS 720, Joss Cambier, Mega, Saptadhara and WW-27 were resistant; Bolal, Centruck, Golden valley, WW-23, WW-24 and WW-25 were moderately resistant and PBW-343 and Agra local were highly susceptible to stripe rust under field conditions. The proline content and total phenols maintained a highly significant negative correlation with final rust severity (FRS) in field across the wheat genotypes. Proline content and total phenols were found maximum in Mega followed by Bolal whereas minimum values for these traits were found in PBW-343 followed by Agra local.

Title: Efficacy of different Fungicide against Alternaria solani Caused Early Blight Disease of Tomato under in vitro Condition
Abstract :

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most popular vegetable crops. It is affected by several diseases among them early blight caused by Alternaria solani is most destructive foliar diseases of tomato, the present study was conducted to evaluate in vitro efficacy of different fungicides with four different concentrations (250, 500, 750 &1000 ppm). Among them highest percent inhibition was found in Propiconazole (90.19%) at 1000 ppm concentration after 120 hrs followed by Tebuconazole ( 86.52%), Mancozeb ( 80.63%) and Captan + Hexaconazole (79.40%) against A. solani. and Moderately growth was found in Hexaconazole (78.17%), Thiram (76.64%) Captan (74.73%) and Carbendazim ( 65.54%). Lowest percent inhibition was observed in Copper oxychloride (42.65%) against control (65.30mm).

Title: Effect of Hydro and Hormonal Priming on Seedling Vigour during Initial Vegetative Growth of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Abstract :

In the present piece of work, rice seeds were primed with distilled water and different concentrations of kinetin (0 to 30 ppm) T2 to T11, whereas; seeds without any treatment referred as control (non-primed) (T1). Various physio-morphological (shoot and root lengths, root number, fresh and dry weights) and biochemical (proline content, total chlorophyll content and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD at 20 days after sowing)) parameters were studied in the seedlings, obtained from 10, 15 and 20 DAS old primed and non-primed plants. Among treatments, 2.5 ppm treatment (T3) was found to perform best and the T1 was the poorest.

Title: Modulating Effect of Salicylic Acid in Tomato Plants in Response to Waterlogging Stress
Abstract :

The present investigation to investigate ameliorative effect of salicylic acid (SA) on waterlogged situation was carried out as pot culture experiment in tomato variety H-86 (Kashi Vishesh) in poly house with nine treatments including control in three replications under short term stress. The response of various morphological and biochemical attributes progressively reduced with the increased duration of waterlogged condition. Seeds treated with SA (50 and 100 ppm) or without SA, and foliar application of SA were given alone or in combination. Treated seeds significantly promoted seedling growth and ameliorated waterlogged stress induced responses as confirmed by the changes in growth pattern and several morphological and biochemical attributes. Among treatments, SA (50 ppm seed treatment combined with100 ppm foliar spray) produced better results in terms of shoot length, leaf number, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, sugar and protein content, number of flower, number of fruits and fruit weight per plant as compared to waterlogging control plant.

Title: Growth Performance of Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br. Cuttings in different Media Combinations
Abstract :

Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br. is widely distributed as a beach plant and associated with mangroves. I. pes-caprae possesses ornamental and medicinal potential. This plant is used as folk and tribal medicine as well as in traditional system of medicine. Cuttings of I. pes-caprae were raised in different media combinations like soil, sand, cocopeat, soil+sand (1:1), soil+cocopeat (1:1) and soil+compost (1:1) under fresh water condition. Two replicates of each combination were prepared. One set of Ipomoea cuttings in each media was placed under direct sunlight condition and another set was placed under shadenet condition. Growth performance was studied by using various media. The cuttings of I. pes-caprae were found to be growing successfully in fresh water. Growth performance was better in soil+compost media in shadenet condition as compared to cuttings raised in direct sunlight condition. Increment in height (71.53 cm), number of leaves (27.67) and the survival percentage (96%) were observed. Ipomoea cuttings raised in soil +compost media under shade net condition. Similarly, increment in the height (49.2 cm), number of leaves (25.66) and survival percentage (88%) was observed for Ipomoea cuttings raised in soil +compost media under direct sunlight condition. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done (P≤0.05) and t-Test was used for comparing treatments.

Title: Techniques for Breaking Seed Dormancy and its Efficacy on Seed Germination of Six Important Medicinal Plant Species
Abstract :

Present study deals the effectiveness of traditional and recent techniques of seed treatment on germination of fresh and year old seed of Abelmoschus moschatus, Asparagus racemosus, Bixa orellana, Cassia angustifolia, Operculina turpethum and Psoralea corylifolia under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Result indicates that seed treatments had significant positive impact on germination; however the effectiveness of the treatments varied among different medicinal species. There was 3 to 15 folds increment in percent germination due to seed treatments. Seed treatment with H2SO4, seed coat scarification by sand paper and seed soaking in normal water for 24 h rendered maximum germination, both in in vitro and in vivo conditions in most of the species under studied. Mean seed germination increased maximum 64.28%, 1460.0%, 115.40% and 274.94% in A. moschatus, B. orellana, C. angustifolia and P. corylifolia respectively over control. Seeds treated with hot water at 70°C for 1 h rendered 365% more germination in A. racemosus under in vivo, while O. turpethum seeds germinated maximum with H2SO4 95% under both in vitro and in vivo conditions.

Title: Assessment of irrigation water quality collected from different sources and effect of seasonal variation in canning block, 24 south parganas, West Bengal
Abstract :

The present work aimed to classify the irrigation water quality of surface water (Pond) and groundwater (shallow), Collected from different sources and different seasons in Canning Block, 24 South Parganas, West Bengal. Thirty water samples were collected in Pre-monsoon and post- monsoon for analysis of physico - chemical parameters like pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Chloride (Cl-), Carbonate (CO3--). Bicarbonate (HCO3--), Sulphate (SO4-), Calcium (Ca++), magnesium (Mg++), Sodium (Na++), Potassium (K+), Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Residual sodium carbonate ( RSC) . Analysed water samples of shallow tube well were found in pre- monsoon rated as 73.33 % (C3-S1) under high salinity and 23.66% (C4-S1) under very high salinity water, but after post- monsoon were found of shallow tube well were 46.66% (C2-S1) water samples converted in under medium range and 53.33% (C3-S1) water under high range found. In respect of Pond water samples were found in pre monsoon 93.33% (C3-S1) samples under high salinity water and 6.66 % (C2-S1) under medium range. After post monsoon of pond samples found 73.33 % (C2-S1) in medium range and 26.66 % (C3-S1) in high range.

Title: Effect of Calcium and Shrink Film on Post-Harvest Behavior of Cold Stored Plum Fruits
Abstract :
Effect of post-harvest treatments of calcium and shrink film packaging on plum cv. Satluj Purple was studied. Uniform and healthy fruits were selected and treated with aqueous solutions of calcium chloride (1%, 2% and 3%) and calcium nitrate (2%) for 5 minutes. After drying, treated fruits from treatment no. T4, T5, T6, T8 and T9were packed in trays with shrink film and fruits from treatment no. T1, T2, T3, T7 and T10 were kept unpacked in corrugated fiber board (CFB) boxes (5% perforation) and stored at low temperature (0-1oC with 90-95% RH) for 40 days. Observations on palatability rating, spoilage, TSS: acid, reducing sugars and non- reducing were recorded after 10, 20, 30 and 40 days of storage. Results revealed that fruits treated with CaCl2 @ 2% + shrink film tray packaging exhibited best fruit quality by maintaining palatability rating, reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars and lowering spoilage and TSS: acid during 40 days of storage
Title: Response of Segregating and Non Segregating Generations of Four Tomato Crosses to Environmental Variations for Physiological Attributes Related to Heat Tolerance
Abstract :

Six generations obtained from each of the four tomato crosses viz. Cross-I (H7997 x CLN 1621 E), Cross- II (H7997 x BL 337), Cross - III (H7997 x Nagcarlan) and Cross- IV (H7997 x CLN 2366A) were evaluated over four environments. The analysis of variance exhibited significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters except for saturation deficit. The G x E interaction (linear) component was significant for all the characters except for relative stress injury. Pooled deviation was found to be significant for senescence index, membrane stability percentage, relative water content and saturation deficit. From stability analysis it was seen that hybrids H7997 x CLN 1621E, H7997 x Nagcarlan and H7997 x CLN2366A , F2 of cross H7997 x CLN 2366A together with B2 generation of cross H7997 x BL337 exhibited average stability for fruit yield per plant.

Title: Microsatellite Based Genotyping of the Helianthus annuus L.
Abstract :

Genetic diversity among 35 genotypes of sunflower was determined using microsatellites (SSR markers) in the present study. Thirty five genotypes (3 CMS A lines and 32 R lines) were subjected to 34 SSR markers. Thirty four primers revealed 72 alleles with average 2.20 alleles per locus. PIC value for the primer pairs varied from 0.12 (ORS 591) to 0.71 (ORS 317) with average PIC value of 0.42. The phylogenetic tree divided genotypes into two main clusters viz. cluster 1 and cluster 2, which further are divided into four sub-clusters. Range of genetic distances based on SSR marker analysis varied from 0.32 (6A × P188R) - 0.73 (11A × P174R). The distances measured based on SSR primers showed that the CMS 11A was most divergent genotype with a mean genetic dissimilarity coefficient of 0.59. Immense genetic diversity was observed in the present study, which can be used for further designing hybridization programme.

Title: Effect of packaging on quality of enriched fruit bars from aonla (Emblicaofficinalis G.) during storage
Abstract :

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the packaging materials to maintain quality of enriched fruit bars during storage. The experiment was laid out in CRD with 10 treatments. Blending of aonla pulp with pulp of provitaminA rich fruits viz. mango, papaya and jackfruit in different ratios was carried out and its effect on the quality of resultant fruit bars in different packaging materials was evaluated during storage for a period of 6 months. A declining trend in moisture, acidity, non-reducing sugars and ascorbic acid and total carotenoids was observed whereas Total Soluble Solids, total sugars, reducing sugars and non-enzymatic browning showed an upward trend. Enrichment of aonla pulp with fruit pulp of provitaminA rich fruits like mango, papaya and jackfruit showed a rise in total carotenoids and reduced astringency and acidity, thereby resulting in fruit bars with altered palatability and enhanced nutrition. Packaging materials did not reveal any significant variation in sugar retention of fruit bars during storage. High Impact Polystyrene boxes were found to be more effective in reduction of non-enzymatic browning as compared to LDPE and areca plate overwrapped with cling film. Enriched fruit bars contained three vital antioxidants viz. Vitamin C, carotenoids and polyphenols.

Title: Genetic analysis over environments in rice (Oryza Sativa L.) under temperate agroecology
Abstract :

Rice is one of the crucial staple food crops and holds two third of world population. In order improve its production and productivity a diallel study was carried out over two diverse environments in 2012 by generating 36 F1hybrids using 9 parents. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes together with significant G x E interaction for most of the characters studied. Estimates of 2ˆg and 2ˆs revealed that, the latter component of variance wasgreater in maginitude for most of the traits for pooled data obver environments. The maginitude of 2ˆD was higher than corresponding, 2ˆA indicating non- additive gene action was of greater importance. Significant and positive estimates of GCA over pooled data for grain yield/plant identified the parents, SKAU-389, Jhelum, SKAU-382, and SR-1as promising. Likewise 15 potential hybrid combinations for grain yield/plant were observed on the basis of high and significant SCA effects. The hybrids, Jhelum x K-08-60, SKAU-389 x K-08-60, SR-1 x K-08-60, K-08-59 x PS-5 and China-988 x SR-1 were prospective combinations for grain yield/plant and other desirable characters. Results would indicate that the parental lines are genetically diverse and could contribute to the improvement of hybrid rice productivity.

Title: Fate of 15N labeled nitrogen in maize grown with nutriseed pack using tracer technique
Abstract :

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

Title: Identification of a Calliphorid Fly, Pollenia Rudis (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Based on its Fragments through DNA Barcoding
Abstract :
A bottle was received from a pharmaceutical company containing fragments of insect species like antennae, two leg pieces, a portion of the abdomen and two intact wing pieces at ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bangalore, India, for the possible identification of the insect specimen. The wing pieces given to the taxonomists suggested that the wing fragments belonged to a calyptrate dipteran - Sarcophagidae/Calliphoridae relative. Furthermore, DNA barcoding based identification was employed to determine the identity by amplifying COX1 mitochondrial gene, which was 658 bp size and GenBank accession number and barcode were generated, viz., KT368817 and VETIP006-15, respectively. Our sequence matched 100% with GenBank accession nos. GQ409351 and JF439551 and identity were determined as Pollenia rudis (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The present work highlights that DNA barcoding based identification tool a powerful and imperative in determining the identity of insect, even if a part or fragment of the specimen is available. This method can be used for insect identification wherever fragments are available, which can lead to preventive measures.
Title: Manipulation of source sink relationship for management of fruit drop in kinnow mandarin
Abstract :

A field experiment to study the effect of plant growth regulators and mineral nutrients as foliar application on source-sink relationship during fruit drop was carried out in Kinnow mandarin during 2013-2014. The plant growth regulators viz., 2,4 - D and gibberellic acid (@ 20µg/ml each) and mineral nutrients viz., FeSO4, MnSO4, ZnSO4 (@ 3.0 % each), CaSO4, MgSO4 (@ 0.6 % each), combination of FeSO4 +MnSO4 + ZnSO4 (@ 0.3 % each), MnSO4 + ZnSO4( @ 0.1 % each), KNO3 +2,4-D ( @ 2.5 % + 20µg/ml), KNO3 + 2,4- D (@ 5 % + 20µg/ml ) were tested as foliar application on eight year old Kinnow fruit plants at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The results revealed that there was a significant reduction in fruit drop and increase in fruit yield with the tested plant growth regulators and mineral nutrients by strengthening the sink capacity. The metabolites viz. total soluble proteins, free amino acids, total soluble sugars and starch were more in the leaves as compared to fruits at both the stages of fruit drop, ie., May and August. KNO3 +2,4D ( @ 2.5 % + 20µg/ml) application resulted in maximum metabolic content in the fruits at the two diagnostic stages.

Title: Effect of Cultivar, Growth Regulators and CaCl2 on In Vitro Culture of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Abstract :
The investigation was carried out aiming to develop a technique for rapid in vitro micropropagation of potato with three different popular cultivars in middle Gujarat. Different surface sterilization treatments were carried out and axenic cultures were established on agar solidified (0.8%) Murashige and Skoog’s (1962) medium containing 2% sucrose and 10 mgl-1 GA3. The axenic culture of different cultivar reported the difference among them and concluded that a higher concentration is good for vegetative growth whereas the lower concentration favors the root growth in the presence of 2.0 mgl-1 calcium pantothenate. Effect of CaCl2 on the growth of in vitro cultures was evaluated and it was found that Ca nutrition is one of the most important factors for growth. The produced in vitro cultures were used for further production of microtuberisation study.
Title: Combining ability and heterosis in maize (Zea mays L.) for grain yield and yield components
Abstract :

An investigation was carried out to assess the combibing ability and heterosis for nine characters viz., days to 50% tasseling, days to 50% silking, days to maturity, plant height, cob length, kernel rows per cob, 100-seed weight, protein content and grain yield per plant in 29 genotypes (twenty one hybrids, their seven parents along with a check). Combining ability studies revealed that, the line DHK-12-2091 found to be good combiner for the traits, grain yield per plant, kernel rows per cob, 100-seed weight and protein content while another line DHK-12-2003 also found to be good combiner for 100-seed weight, protein content, days to 50% tasseling and days to 50% silking. Therefore these lines can be utilized in improvement of the respective traits in any breeding programme where hybridization is involved. Among all the crosses, based on average heterosis, heterobeltiosis, standard heterosis, sca effects and per se performance, the cross DHK-12-2141 × DHK-12-2047 was identified as a promising hybrid for majority of characters studied. However it has not recorded significant standard heterosis for grain yield per plant.

Title: Molecular characterization of Aspergillus niger isolates inciting black mould rot of onion through RAPD
Abstract :

Genetic diversity in black mould rot pathogen (Aspergillus niger Van Tieghem) was analyzed using ten isolates collected from different regions of India. The genomic DNA extracted from each isolates of Aspergillus niger was subjected to polymerase chain reaction using 40 random decamer primers from OPA and OPC series. Only six primers showed amplifications and selected for the analysis. Out of these, all six primers showed 100 per cent polymorphism. The total number of amplified fragments was 159, with a range of 10 to 38 fragments per primer. Dendrogram generated by pooled molecular data of six RAPD primers formed two clusters namely ‘A’ and ‘B’. The cluster ‘A’ was divided into AN-1 and AN-4 isolates, Cluster B was divided into two sub-clusters B1 and B2. Sub-cluster B1 included B11 and B12 cluster. Cluster B11 included isolates viz., AN-02, AN-03, AN-05 and AN-06. Cluster B12 included isolate AN-09. Sub-cluster B2 included B21 and B22 cluster. B21 cluster included isolate AN-07 and B22 cluster included isolates AN-08 and AN-10. The similarity coefficient ranged from 0.037 to 0.56 with all the six primers. Highest similarity (0.56) was observed between AN-5 and AN-6 isolates, while lowest similarity (0.037) was observed between AN-1 and AN-2 isolates. Thus, the molecular characterization of ten isolates of A. niger by RAPD revealed existence of variations.

Title: Quality Attributes of North-East Himalayan Soil for Cultivation of Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaudich.
Abstract :
Ramie ( Boehmeria nivea L. Gaudich.) is one of the most valuable and oldest fibre crop grown in the world. China is the chief producer of ramie in the international market. Being a perennial crop, ramie
cultivation helps in soil conservation and due to its unique properties its demand is always higher than production. In this scenario, ramie cultivation in India is utmost important to the farmers. This plant has a wide adaptation power and can survive at any place. But for commercial production of cultivated varities of ramie, some specific soil and climatic factors are required. The North Eastern parts of India, especially, Assam is noted for ramie cultivation in wide scale. The soil from Ramie Research Station (RRS), Sorbhog, Assam was considered as standard soil for ramie cultivation. The chemical and physical properties of this soil was studied carefully and the fibre samples from plants grown in this soil was analyzed. It was found that the quality of fibre depends on available nutrient status of soil. The best quality of fibre was available when the quantity of available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the pre-existing plots were 460.60 – 474.05 kg/ha, 140.36 – 143.88 kg/ha and 49.72 – 63.16 kg/ha respectively.
Title: Effect of Certain Chemicals on Post Harvest Life of Some Cut Foliages
Abstract :

Evaluations on post harvest senescence of ornamental cut foliages are deficient in contrast to cut flowers although they enact adequate prospective roles in floriculture industry. In this juncture, present investigation being employed fronds of Asparagus plumosus, A. densiflorus and Nephrolepis exaltata of uniform length congregated from the greenhouse of National Library, Kolkata during early hours of the day executed in the laboratory of Dept. of Horticulture, University of Calcutta under ambient temperature while GA and NAA@50 and 100ppm, AgNO3@20 and 40ppm, sucrose@4 and 8% and tap water as control utilized as vase solution and pulsing treatment duo for 24hrs. Here, experimental findings revealed that AgNO3@20ppm for both A. plumosus and A. densiflorus and GA@100ppm for Nephrolepis exaltata were ample competent to protract the vase-life of 20.66, 10.66 and 40.33 days respectively while effective vase-life after pulsing treatment of 25.66, 17.33 and 20.66 days for same aforesaid species were obtained by GA@100 and 50ppm and AgNO3@20ppm. The fresh weight of all foliages remained almost unchanged upto 120hrs in both treatments. GA@100ppm as vase-solution evidently enhanced pigment intensity irrespective of entire species but upgradation of the same regarding Nephrolepis exaltata was obtained by AgNO3@20ppm after pulsing. AgNO3@20 and 40ppm and GA@50ppm facilitated also total water uptake upto 96hrs in all species but surprisingly NAA@50ppm exhibited its potency for Nephrolepis exaltata by 11.8ml of total water uptake. Everywhere sucrose yielded disappointed outcomes. Hence, this survey pinpointed that GA@100ppm and AgNO3@20 and 40ppm as both holding solution and pulsing treatment could protract the vase-life of aforementioned irreplaceable cut foliages.

Title: Soil microbial biomass dynamics in grassland and agroecosystem receiving varying resource quality soil inputs in dry tropics
Abstract :

A two year field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of land use conversion and management strategies variation through addition of varying resource quality soil inputs on soil microbial biomass dynamics, under rice-wheat-summer fallow crop sequence in tropical dryland agroecosystem. The treatments involved addition of equivalent amount of N through chemical fertilizer (CF) and three organic inputs, viz. Sesbania shoot (high quality resource, HQR), wheat straw (low quality resource, LQR) and Sesbania+wheat straw (mixed quality, MQR) besides control (CO) and grassland (GF). On annual mean basis, cultivation of grassland decreased the MBC (-51%) and MBN (-52%) level in soil. Relative to control, application of WS+SS considerably increased the level of MBC (+77%) and MBN (+87%) in soil, instead of SS, WS and CF. In all cultivated plots, a distinct seasonal and temporal variation in microbial biomass C and N were found contrary to GF. Both soil MBC and MBN level increased from rice to wheat period and reached maximum during summer fallow; during rice, the pattern in decreasing order was HQR>MQR>LQR>CF>CO; wheat period, MQR>LQR>HQR>CF>CO; summer fallow, MQR>LQR>HQR>CF>CO. It is concluded that cultivation exerts negative effects on the concentration of soil microbial biomass. Application of varying resource quality exogenous soil inputs maintains the microbial biomass level in soil, differentially. Addition of MOR was most effective for sustained build-up of microbial biomass in soil throughout the cycle, rather than HQR, LQR or CF. The fertility of soil in term of soil microbial biomass can be maintained by regulating the resource quality of exogenous inputs, and these results will help in designing the management strategies for sustaining long-term soil fertility in these tropical dryland agroecosystem.

Title: Determination of Soil Water Stress Coefficient by different Methods for Computing Crop Transpiration Under Bed Planted Pigeon Pea
Abstract :

To achieve the potential crop yield, time and amount of irrigation required for a particular crop under field condition should be quantified. Since soil water stress occurs after few days of irrigation, it affects root water uptake and hence transpiration rate. This stress effect can be quantified by soil water stress coefficient (Ks). Whenever, total available water (TAW) and readily available water (RAW) data are available, a simple Ks calculation can be done. To present a more realistic scenario, Ks can also be computed from simulated root water uptake (RWU) using HYDRUS-2D model. To check the reliability of model, our study was conducted under permanent raised bed with residue (PBB+R) and conventional tillage (CT) system in a pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system with the objective to compare actual measured transpiration rate with those simulated from model and calculated from FAO method. Soil water balance simulated (100-125 DAS) from HYDRUS-2D model showed higher cumulative root water uptake (CRWU) (1.72 cm), lower cumulative evaporation (CE) (0.34 cm) and higher soil water retention in PBB+R than in CT. Ks calculated from both the methods showed that under low soil moisture condition in root zone, Ks significantly reduced RWU whereas when root zone is sufficiently wet, Ks have very negligible effect. Model simulated actual transpiration rates were comparable with observed values whereas values computed from FAO method showed substantial deviation. Thus Ks obtained from model output showed the better soil moisture stress condition of the profile as it takes into account root growth parameters, radiation interception and crop canopy conditions. So, this model may be adopted for evaluating different management practices in terms of improvement in soil water use.

Title: Effect of Low Sprinkling Distribution Uniformity on Yield of Wheat using Set Sprinklers
Abstract :

Uniformity of soil moisture under sprinkler irrigation is important for plant quality; however, sprinkler systems are typically gauged by the uniformity of application above the crop canopy as stated by Dukes et al. (2006). The uniformity with which an irrigation system applies water has an effect on the efficiency of the system. The uniformity of an irrigation system needs to be high to ensure that the majority of the crop receives an adequate amount of water. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Low sprinkling distribution uniformity on the yield of Wheat. This study revealed that low distribution uniformity will result in low yield. It also reveals that to maximize the yield of wheat the depth of irrigation should be doubled when irrigating using sprinkler irrigation on daily basis.

Title: Stability Analysis of High Yielding Varieties of Black Gram (Vigna Mungo L. Hepper)
Abstract :

Most of the varieties show great degree of genotype x environment interactions for highlydesirable characters. Field experiment was conducted using fourteen genotypes of black gram during kharif season, 2009 and 2010. The data were analyzed according to the stability model as suggested by Eberhart and Russell (1966). The pooled analysis of variance due to genotypes was found highly significant for all the characters indicating genetic variability among the genotypes. Highly significant pooled deviation for all the characters except 100 seed weight was observed in all the genotypes that fluctuated significantly from their respective linear path of response to environments.From the estimated parameters of stability in the present study, genotypes RBU1012 and Pant U-19 were considered to be the most stable genotypes. Environments 6 was the best for yield and its components while environment 1 was the lowest for yield and its components.

Title: Management interventions to enhance water productivity in dry-seeded rice (Oryza Sativa L.)
Abstract :

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is grown in alluvial irrigated tract of north-west India due to high productivity and profitability. Rice is the major source of calories for half the world’spopulation as well as in our country (Roy and Bisht, 2012).However, large amount of water input in rice culture has led to over-exploitation of groundwater as indicated by alarming fall in water table. Average fall in water table in Punjab and Haryana state has been more than 0.75 m year-1 in the last decade (Minhas et al. and Humphreys et al. 2010). Thus, there is a need to explore alternate techniques that can sustain rice production and are resource conservative. On the face of global water scarcity and escalating labour rates, when the future of rice production is under threat, direct seeded rice offers an attractive alternative. In this regard, dry-seeded rice (DSR) is one option that can help in saving water, energy, labor and time. Management interventions that reduce irrigation water and increase water productivity (WP) are required in dry-seeded rice. Irrigation scheduling, tillage and short duration cultivars are some of the interventions in this regard. Irrigation scheduling aimed at eliminating over or under irrigation and ensures optimum yields with high water productivity. Tillage affects crop growth by altering soil edaphic environment. Rice plants are unable to utilize soil water in the deeper layers because of shallow root system. Deep tillage has emerged as a better option to improve deep root growth (advantageous for water extraction during drought in upland rice) of rice cultivars. Based on the existing evidence, present paper reviews the management interventions to enhance water productivity in dry-seeded rice.

Title: Effect of Inherent Soil Nutrients on Yield and Quality of Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) Fibre
Abstract :

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) is one of the most valuable sources of natural fibre known to human civilization from ancient times. The yield and fiber quality of ramie are affected by soil nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Variation in organic carbon content of soil influences the fibre quality as it acts as a natural buffer. In the present study, we aimed to correlate the influence of inherent soil nutrients on yield and fiber quality of ramie fibre. Six ramie lines (R-1424, R-1415, R-67-34, R-1411, R-1418, R-1427) were grown in North Eastern hilly regions of India, under normal fertilizer dose was studied to evaluate for differences in plant height, stem diameter, filament length, yield and fiber quality of ramie. It was found that available nitrogen and potassium had significant effect on plant growth, yield, and fiber quality, whereas available phosphorous had strong positive correlation with fineness, strength and length of fibre.

Title: Heterosis Studies for Yield and Yield Component Characters in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Abstract :

21 F1s obtained by crossing seven inbred lines in diallel fashion (without reciprocals) over parents and standard check were evaluated for grain yield and its component characters to study the heterosis over better parent and standard check. Thirteen crosses registered significant positive heterosis over both mid and better parents for grain yield per plant. The crosses, DHK-12-2002 × DHK-12-2036, DHK-12-2002 × DHK-12-2035 and DHK-12-2003 × DHK-12-2068, recorded highest significant relative heterosis and heterobeltiosis for grain yield per plant. The cross, DHK-12-2003 × DHK-12-2068, registered significant positive heterosis over standard check (DHM 117) for grain yield per plant indicating that the cross may be exploited for commercial release.

Title: An Economic Analysis of Yield Gap and Sustainability of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Assam
Abstract :
Since green revolution wave didn’t touch the state of Assam there is scope to increase production by 3-4 folds through implementation of improved technology with conservation of natural resources. Being a rice cultivating state, System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a very good options for the farmers of Assam, as it provides higher yields with lesser inputs and intensive management practices. The study carried out to find the sources of yield gap between SRI and conventional method of rice cultivation in Assam.
The study revealed that cultural practices contributed highest (32.63%) to the yield gap followed by FYM (10.76%) and human labour (7.46%). Seed (-33%) and irrigation (-2.24%) contributed negatively which implied that farmers growing SRI method paddy obtained higher output per hectare than that obtained by the farmers of Conventional method of paddy by spending less on those inputs. SRI was found to be sustainable with sustainability indices ranged from 78.09 to 129.5. It is estimated to be 56% that implies that SRI can thrive in the conditions of the study area and farmers can avail greater output and ultimately higher income by practicing this method of rice cultivation.
Title: Predatory potential of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Peterson) against Planococcus citri Risso and Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara De Willink Infesting Cocoa, Theobroma Cacao Linnaeus
Abstract :

Laboratory experiment was conducted to record predatory potential of different larval stages of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi against first, second, third instar nymphs of Planococcus citri and ovisacs, second instar nymphs and adults of Paracoccus marginatus. The larvae of C. zastrowi sillemi fed 709.80±84.56, 220.40±40.76 and 162±38.57 first, second and third instar nymphs of P. citri to complete their life stages, respectively. The first instar larvae of C. zastrowi sillemi fed 158.00±5.24, 35.00±2.73 and 23.60±2.87 first, second and third instar nymphs of P. citri, respectively. Among various instars of the predator, second and third instars were voracious feeder than other stages. Larvae of C. zastrowi sillemi fed 7.20±1.11, 410±73.14 and 58.60±7.80 ovisacs, nymphs and adults of P. marginatus to complete their life stages. Consumption by the first instar larvae of C. zastrowi sillemi was 1.40±0.55, 68.20±3.11 and 11.80±1.79 ovisacs, nymphs and adults, respectively. Among various instars of C. z. sillemi, second and third instars were voracious feeders. There is a greater scope for utilization of this macro entomophage in the development of integrated pest management module against sucking pests of cocoa.

Title: Comparative analysis of various organic amendments on tree growth and nut yield of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)
Abstract :

An experimentwas carried out on “Comparative analysis of various organic amendments on tree growth and nut yield of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)” var. BPP8 (H 2/16) at Cashew Research Station under AICRP on Cashew,Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during 2013-14 and 2014-15 adapting randomized block design (RBD) having eight treatments replicated thrice. The treatments wereT1-100 per cent N as FYM, T2 -100 per cent N as FYM + Biofertilizers (Azotobacter + Azospirillum + PSB) 200 g, T3-50 per cent N as FYM + Biofertilizers (200g), T4-100 per cent N as Vermicompost + Biofertilizers (200g), T5- Recycling of organic residue with the addition of 20 per cent cow dung slurry, T6- In situ green manuring to meet 100 per cent N, T7 - 25 per cent N as FYM + recycling of organic residue + in situ green manuring/green leaf manuring + Biofertilizers (200g) and T8- RDF + 10 kg FYM (Control).Biometrical observations on vegetative characters, were recorded during 2013-14 and 2014-15. Application of RDF along with 10 kg FYM recorded maximum value in plant height (5.05 m), canopy spread (7.88 m), production of laterals (26.91) and flowering laterals (22.48) and nut yield (14.06 q/ha). The recommended dose of fertilizer and an addition of 10 kg FYM is most beneficial and economical, but 25 per cent N as FYM, recycling of organic residue, in situ green manuring/green leaf manuring  and biofertilizers must be recommended from the view point of environmental sustainability and equity.

Title: Molecular marker based genetic diversity analysis in rice (Oryza sativa L.) using SSR markers
Abstract :

Assessment of genetic diversity is very important in rice breeding from the standpoint of selection, conservation and proper utilization. The role of a broad genetic base and systematically characterized germplasm in the crop improvement of cultivated plants has been well recognized. To meet the continuously expanding needs of varietal improvements, the evaluation and characterization of all existing germplasm are required. Genetic variability studies are important in selection of parents for hybridization as sound crop improvement depends upon the magnitude of variability in the base population. In the present investigation 36 rice genotypes were studied for diversity studies using polymorphic SSR markers. These rice genotypes were grouped into two main clusters that is cluster I and II with similarity coefficient (0.00). Cluster I can be sub divided into two minor sub-groups IA, IB, and with similarity coefficient (0.15). Cluster IA consisted of 12 genotypes, whereas cluster IB consisted of 13 genotypes. The second main cluster can be also sub divided into two minor sub-groups that is IIA and IIB (0.25). This indicated presence of considerable diversity in the genotypes studied. Through diversity analysis, highest similarity was observed between cultivar URG-5 and URG-8 followed by NDR-359 and Pusa-6-B. The most diverse cultivars were Akshaya dhan and URG-24.

Title: Comparative study on ecofriendly management of chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis hood in mungbean by using different bio- and chemicals pesticides
Abstract :

Effect of certain ecofriendly insecticides against thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) was studied at Varansi, Uttar Pradesh on mungbean. Ten different treatments (including control) of microbial and chemical insecticides were taken in different combinations and used at different crop stages. Among various insecticidal treatments, the combination of seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens and spraying of Beuvaria bassiana gave better responses and was found most effective against thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) followed by seed treatment of P. florescens was found effective to minimise the infestation of thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood).

Title: Phylogenetic analysis of S1 gene of infectious bronchitis virus reveals emergence of new genotype
Abstract :

In India the most common vaccine strain against infectious  bronchitis  (IB)   virus  (IBV) is Mass strain (M41). Most of the organized and unorganized poultry farms use Mass strain for vaccination of parent stock. But even after taking all precautions the incidences of IB outbreak are common in poultry population. IBV, a major pathogen of poultry flocks, circulates in the form of several genotypes and serotypes. Only a few amino acid changes in the S1 subunit of wild type proteins may results in mutants unaffected by current vaccine. In the year 2008 one strains of  IBV was isolated from vaccinated chicken flocks. The results from sequencing of S1 gene showed that this strain was distinct from classic IBV strains of H120, M41 etc. Compared to H120 and M41 vaccine strain, point mutation occurred at many positions in the  S1  protein of this field strain. The homology of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the  S1  gene  of this isolate  was 79.0%-99.6% and 74.5%-98.8%, respectively with relation to major vaccine strains used worldwide. The results from this study indicate that different IBV strains cocirculate in the chicken population in India.

Title: Effects of vermicompost and boron on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Pusa ruby) flowering, fruit ripening, yield and soil fertility in acid soils
Abstract :

It was evident from a two year experiment that among the combination between vermicompost and boron, the application of minimum dose of boron (B1=10Kg/ha) with maximum dose of vermicompost (V3=20q/ha) i.e. B1V3 application reduced the number of days taken to flowering, 50% of flowering, ripening, 50% of ripening as compared to the other treatments and found superior in increasing the available N, P2O5, K2O, and Organic carbon in soil. The highest fruit yield was recorded with the combined application of 10 kg borax and 20 q vermicompost (1% N) / ha. The same treatment i.e. B1V3, was also found to be superior in increasing the better results regarding most of the parameters. Moreover the application B1V3 increased availability of N,P,K and Organic Carbon, which exerts positive effect on growth, development and yield of tomato.

Title: Effect of Medicinal Plant Extracts on Growth and Development of Tobacco Caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)
Abstract :

The present investigation was undertaken with the objective to evaluate the potential of different medicinal plants to explore their effect on growth and development of S. litura. Five medicinal plants species viz., Tulsi, O. sanctum; Tejpatra, C. tamala; Dalchini, C. zeylanicum; Eucalyptus, E. citriodora; Karanj, P. pinnata were tested at the conc. of 15 mg of acetone powder/ml of water. Preference index calculations at 15 mg/ml indicated that, C. tamala, C. zeylanicum and P. pinnata extracts exhibited ‘extreme antifeedant’ reaction while O. sanctum and E. citrodora extracts exhibited ‘strong antifeedant’ reaction. The acetone powder of O. sanctum at this concentration had no significant impact on the larval weight however C. tamala, C. zeylanicum, E. citrodora and P. pinnata could significantly reduce the weight gain in the larvae of S.litura. All the plant extracts caused a significant reduction in pupal weight over control. O.sanctum (15 mg/ml) could favour growth and development parameters of S.litura non significantly over control whereas other plant extracts C. tamala, C. zeylanicum, E. citriodora and P. pinnata proved detrimental to the larvae showing lethal effects at later developmental stages. Maximum larval mortality, lowest pupation and lowest adult emergence were observed in P. Pinnata

Title: Synthetic resins and their properties in respect of development of jute based composite boards
Abstract :

Synthetic resins play an important role for preparation and sustenance of composite industry. Preparation of synthetic resins in standard protocol is readily available in literature. However, the standardization and stability of both urea formaldehyde and phenol formaldehyde resins has the paramount importance to develop suitable composite board. An attempt therefore made to synthesis these resins through a rational approach. The developed resins were subjected to preparation of medium density particle board and it has been revealed that higher resin viscosity causes ball formation with fibrous mass at the time of blending; however resin viscosity of 250 – 300(cP) is found suitable for making fibreboard. 0.75 board density can meet the BIS specification for fiberboards (IS 12406). In this experiment the fibreboards need to have a density of 0.74 g/cc and a resin content of about 12% to produce boards conforming to BIS specification. It is also observed that the dry process generated fibres have a better l/b ratio compared to wet-process generated fibres.

Title: Contents Vol. 11, No. 2, April 2018
Abstract :
Contents Vol. 11, No. 2, April 2018
Title: Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of Pesticides and their Global Significance
Abstract :

Pesticides are a critical input in agriculture and have become a social need since they help to maintain food production and combat vector-borne diseases. In India, pesticide usage is 0.27 kg ha-1, however non-compliance with waiting periods and pre-marketing treatment of food products has resulted in a huge residue problem in food products, which has hampered international trade. MRLs are established based on supervised agronomic field trials and toxicological research with the parent chemical and its primary metabolite. Food commodities are regulated in India by the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA) of 1954 (now the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) of 2006), the insecticide act of 1968, and the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR), and the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR), among others. Other countries have their own agencies in charge of pesticide regulation and setting MRLs. MRL values for 213 pesticides have been set in India through 2021. The European Union, the United States, and Japan are India’s main agricultural trading partners. Because developed countries are more concerned about food safety, they implement stringent regulatory measures that can operate as trade barriers. As a result, numerous Indian and other developing-country export shipments have been denied. The issues frequently occur as a result of the large variance in food quality requirements that exporters must achieve in home and international markets. Due to a lack of financial resources and knowledge, developing countries are unable to meet these requirements. To lessen the challenges encountered in international trade, appropriate agricultural practises must be promoted, as well as international collaboration on food safety standards harmonisation.

Title: Field screening of different rice entries against different insect-pests of rice during kharif season
Abstract :

The different rice entries were screened out against stem borer, leaf folder and whorl maggot of rice during kharif, 2014 at Rice Research Station, Chinsurah, Hooghly, West Bengal. The experiment was carried out to note the reaction of promising advanced cultures with four check varieties viz. DRRH 2, Surakha, IR 64 and Taichung Native 1 (TN 1) against insect-pests of rice with a view to identify multiple resistant varieties. The lowest dead heart infestation was recorded in RP 5163-200-5-4-2 (0.70%) followed by RNT 14-1-1-2-2 (0.83%), IR 64 (0.49%) and RP 5588-B-B-B-B-76 (1.08%). Lowest white heads was observed in CR 1898-32-69-CN-12-2 (0.90%) followed by RP Bio 4918-142 (1.45%) and RP 2068-18-3-5 (1.60%). The lowest leaf folder infestation was noticed in RP 5588 (0.57%) followed by DRRH 2 (0.76%), CR 2274-2-3-3-1 (0.88%) and RP 5588-B-B-B-B-116 (0.93%). The minimum whorl maggot incidence was observed in RP 5587-B-B-B-267-1 (4.78%) followed by RP 5588-B-B-B-B-76 (5.09%), RP 5588-B-B-B-258-1 (5.16%) and RP 5588-B-B-B-133 (5.29%) entries. This experiment resulted that CN 2008-3-2, CN 2017-3-2 and W 1263 are the multiple resistant entries against all the test insect-pests, CR 2274-2-3-3-1, RP 5587-B-B-B-305-13, CN 2015-5-4, IET 23148 and CN 1233-33-9 against stem borer and leaf folder and RP 2068-18-3-5, RP 5588-B-B-B-B-76 and RNT 14-1-1-2-2 against stem borer and whorl maggot.

Title: Estimating the efficiency of different explants for direct in Vitro multiple shoots development in chrysanthemum
Abstract :

Different explants of local chrysanthemum cultivars available in West Bengal including leaf, shoot tip and ray floret were employed to compare their efficiency for direct in vitro regeneration system. The explants were inoculated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with varied combinations of indole acetic acid (IAA), benzylaminopurine (BAP). The auxins indole -3-butyric acid (IBA) was used to induce rooting. Maximum multiple shoots production occurred at 1.0 mg/L BAP and 0.1 mg/L NAA for leaf explants, 2.0 mg/L BAP and 0.2 mg/L NAA combination for shoot tip explants and BAP (4.0 mg/L) + NAA (0.1 mg/l) for ray floret explants. Among the treatments, IBA 1.0 mg /L for both leaf and shoot tip regenerated plants and 0.5 mg /L for ray floret regenerates proved to be the best for promoting root regeneration as compared to the other treatments tried. Among the various carrier substrates tested for acclimatization, soil + sand + FYM (1:2:1) fortified with ½ strength MS plant salt mixture proved to be ideal substrate as maximum plant survived and a maximum of 82.3 % survivability was obtained from shoot tip derived plantlets. Therefore, shoot tip explants are the most suitable type of explants for plant regeneration of chrysanthemum through direct somatic embryogenesis. However, direct plant regeneration through ray floret explants will also be useful to recover the flower colour mutants.

Title: Molecular characterisation in tomato (solanum lycopersicum L.) - A review
Abstract :

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is most important fruit vegetable grown worldwide for its high nutritive value. Traditional genetic markers and breeding methods have several defects that reduce the ability to estimate genetic diversity in plants as it highly dependent on the environment for expression. Among the available genetic rnarkers viz., morphological, cytological, biochemical and molecular (DNA), Molecular markers are an effective tool for efficient selection of desired agronomic traits because they are based on the plant genotypes and also are independent of environmental variations. Researchers have been calculated genetic variation in tomato landrace and cultivar collections using several molecular techniques including AFLP, RAPD, ISSR, SSR and SNP. An overview is conducted considering some useful above mentioned molecular markers to initiate systematic breeding programme on tomato improvement.

Title: Productivity, agronomic efficiency and quality of bread wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.)] cultivars in relation to nitrogen
Abstract :

Nitrogen (N) occupies a conspicuous place in plant metabolism because adequate supply of this nutrient associated with high photosynthetic activity, vigorous vegetative growth and a dark green color among cereal crops. In view of this, the field experiments were conducted during 2011-12 and 2012-13 to evaluate the effect of nitrogen with different wheat cultivars on growth and productivity. The soil was low in organic carbon and available nitrogen. The leaf area index and photo synthetically active radiation interception was higher in variety PBW 621. The 1000-grain weight and grains per ear were significantly higher in variety PBW 550 than other varieties. The variety DBW 17 had significantly higher tiller density. The variety PBW 550 gave significantly higher grain yield but statistically on par with variety PBW 621. The yield attributes, grain yield and quality parameters were highest under 150 kg N/ha. With increase in nitrogen level upto 120 kg N/ha, there was significantly increase in grain yield which was statistically on par with 150 kg N/ha. Agronomic use efficiency was significantly similar at 120 and 150 kg N/ha than other nitrogen levels. Therefore, there is need to save nitrogen fertilizers on soils low in nitrogen availability for wheat cultivars.

Title: Social Media Activity of Agriculture Extension Graduate Students in India
Abstract :
An increasingly important channel of communication, social media has made its presence in every sphere of our life: social, economic, physical, human and political. It has great potential for sharing news, communicating new technologies, and making available of products and services. However,
several questions have emerged about this new media with respect to agricultural extension education, research, and extension services. Given the expanding scope and enormity of use of social media, the researchers sought to identify the activities and the level of their use related to extension education that are being shared in this platform. The objective of our research was to determine the types and extent of social media use in relation to students’ subject discipline. The study was conducted at four Indian agricultural universities. Information from students on communication techniques and activities related to agricultural extension was collected through a stratified random sampling, and data were analyzed using mean, SD, chi-square and correlations. It was revealed that the students of extension education were engaged in eighteen activities on social media. In addition, the three activities which majority of Indian extension students performed in social media were creating, strengthening and debating on extension forums (98%), writing blogs related to extension education (74%), and videoconferencing (61%). The evidence shows that in the future social media will increase its role in educating students, as well as training farmers and other agriculture stake holders in India.
Title: Growth of rice affected by different treatment applied in SRI method
Abstract :

Field investigations were conducted at research farm JNKVV Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) during kharif season of 2010-11 and 2011-12 to study to the growth,development and production efficiency in rice by adopting suitable planting geometry, varieties and planting depth. The study revealed that the 30 cm × 30 cm planting geometry had superiority in parameters viz., plant height, and functional leaves/hill the 30 cm × 30 cm planting geometry had superiority in various parameters were significantly in plant geometry. Rice variety MR-219 with shallow depth of planting (2.5 cm) recorded better growth parameters viz., plant height, Number of tillers/m2 and functional leaves/hill were markedly superior in growth parameters. Grain and straw yields were superior with the MR-219 variety and 25 cm × 25 cm planting geometry with shallow depth of planting.

Title: Evaluation of Genetic Variation, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Various Traits in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] under north Gangetic Plains of Uttar Pradesh
Abstract :

An experiment was undertaken on twenty genotypes and fifteen characters of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] to evaluate variability, genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV), heritability and genetic advance in all genotypes. The wide range of variability was observedamong fifteen characters of all genotypes. The (PCV) were generally higher than their respective genotypic coefficient of variance, thus revealing the role of environmental factors. High PCV was exhibited by plant height (14.92 %), first branching node (37.38 %), number of branches per plant (36.06 %), number of seeds per fruit (22.43 %), first fruiting node (19.07 %), first flowering node (18.03 %) and yield (16.65 %) per hectare. High GCV were observed for number of branches per plant (29.80 %), first branching node(29.75 %), number of seeds per fruit(17.30 %), first fruiting node (15.27 %) and plant height (14.51 %). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for plant height (94.0 and 29.05 %), stem diameter (94.0 and 27.81 %), fruit weight (94.0 and 21.64 %), number of branches per plant (68.0 and 50.74) and first branching node (63.0 and 48.76 %).

Title: G X E Interaction and stability analysis in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Abstract :

G X E interaction and stability analysis were carried out in four environments comprised of two different dates of sowing with two different locations for 10 diverse genotypes. Analysis of variance for genotype x environment interaction and stability analysis suggested that the variance for G x E interaction was significant for number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant, 100-seed weight, harvest index and protein content. The genotypes IC-269273, IC-269295 and three cultivars i.e., GG-1, GJG-3 and Dahod Yellow were stable across environments. Out of these five genotypes, Dahod Yellow having the highest average seed yield per plant was found most stable over environments. Thus, any of the germplasm entry under study was not found superior with respect to seed yield per plant against the three cultivated varieties.

Title: Cost-effective and eco-friendly management of Oligonychus coffeae, Calacarus carinatus and Acaphylla theae on tea with a pyridazinone molecule fenpyroximate 5% EC
Abstract :

The hazardous environmental effect, non-selectivity with non-target toxicity and longer residual persistence of conventional synthetic pesticides leads to resistance development and secondary pest outbreak opened the new modern era of bio-rational eco-friendly chemicals having novel mode of action with higher bio-efficacy on insects and mites control as an approach of integrated pest management. Field bio-effectiveness of a METI acaricide fenpyroximate 5% EC along with traditional acaricides as foliar spray against tea red spider mite, purple mite and pink mite was undertaken at Sukna Tea Estate and Kamalpur Tea Estate, West Bengal respectively with a 20+ years old plantation (TV-29) during 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. The treatments at higher dosages (30 and 60 g a.i. ha-1) were superior over standard checks propargite 57% EC and fenazaquin 10% EC. Mean percent reduction of red spider mite, purple mite and pink mite was minimum in treatments with higher dosages with mean value ranging from 73.83%-81.17%, 83.87%-91.66% and 83.90%-90.15% respectively. The test chemistry was relatively safe to important predatory fauna like Cheilomenes sexmaculata and Amblyseius ovalis. Highest yield was obtained in case of higher dosages (637.9 and 648.3 kg made tea ha-1), but fenpyroximate 5% EC at 30 g a.i. ha-1 (600 ml ha-1) proved most economic with the cost: benefit ratio of 1: 18.22, in the management of different mite pests infesting tea.

Title: Growth, Yield and Economics of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) as Influenced by Organic and Inorganic Nutrients
Abstract :
An experiment entitled “Growth, yield and economics of broccoli( Brassica oleracea) as influenced by organic and inorganic nutrients” was carried out at the site for “Network project on Bio fertilizer” in the campus of College of Agriculture, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during Rabi 2008-09 and 2009-10. Results revealed that out of ten treatments tried, the T10 i.e. 75% NP+ 100% K+
bio inoculants+ VC (5t/ha) proved to be the best on account of growth factor such as plant height, leaf area and curd diameter. The plant height, leaf area and curd diameter in T10 was 41.58 cm, 363.32 cm2 and 46.91 cm respectively. The yield was also highest in T10 i.e. 149.43 q/ha. Similarly, the highest net return was also obtained from T10 i.e. ` 95,455 with benefit cost ratio of 3.45.
Title: Studies on effect of various levels of ethephon on ripening of sapodilla fruits (Manilkara achras (Mill) Fosberg
Abstract :

Studies on the effect of various levels of ethephon on ripening of sapodilla (Manilkara achras (Mill) Fosberg) fruits under north Indian conditions was carried out on cultivars Kalipatti and Cricket Ball. The fruits were dipped in solution of ethephon @500ppm, 750ppm and 1000ppm for two minutes to induce ripening of fruits followed by drying and packing of fruits in corrugated fiber board boxes at ambient temperature. It was observed that fruits dipped in ethephon 1000ppm resulted in better ripening of fruits after three days with pleasant flavor, high TSS, lower acidity and acceptable sensory quality as compared to other treatments. The control fruits showed uneven ripening and were hard in texture with poor quality attributes

Title: Performance of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes in Kolhapur Region
Abstract :

The mean performance and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was studied in a set of 40 genotypes on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with three replications during Rabi 2013-14 at Post Graduate Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Kolhapur. It is of great interest to consider the per se performance of different genotypes in respect of different quantitative characters of economic importance particularly earliness, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight and grain yield. The genotype IC-83429 and IC-83327 were found to be the earliest to flower. For secondary branches per plant IC-83340, Vijay, IC-83465 and Vishal had the maximum number of branches. The genotypes which had born the maximum number of pods per plant were IC-83429, IC-83321, Vishal and IC-83348. Highest yielding genotypes were Vijay, Vishal, IC-83429, IC-83348 and IC-83391. The analysis of variance for all the characters of forty genotypes revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes studied, indicating sufficient amount of variability present among the material genotypes tested.

Title: Standardization of Linear Model for Leaf Area Measurement for Medicinally Important Plants: Balanites aegyptiaca L. and Gymnosporia montana (Roth.)
Abstract :

Leaf area measurement is a key parameter for physiological, agronomical, and ecological studies. India has covered the 38 percent geographical area of the arid and semi-arid region. This region is very rich in plants biodiversity. In this work the medicinal plants of semi-arid region was selected for the linear model development for the leaf area. In the present study different sizes of healthy leaves of Balanites aegyptiaca and Gymnosporia montana were collected and the fresh and dry weights, water content, chlorophyll content, and leaf area were measured. Further, the dry weight and water content were considered for the development of the linear model for these plant species which showed a highly statistically significant relationship with leaf area. It was observed that fresh and dry weights, water content gradually increased with leaf size. The best correlation was represented by regression coefficient R2 and correlation coefficient r. The results concluded that dry and fresh weights and water content either one, can be selected as a parameter for developing the linear model for leaf area in both these plants. The probable role of these parameters with leaf size and their application in the herbal formulation is discussed.

Title: Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Associated with Long Term Wastewater Irrigation in the Peri-urban Soil of Varanasi
Abstract :

Heavy metals introduced into soil by irrigating with sewage effluent can influence the soil’s microflora and, in particular, the profusion, miscellany, and activity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. This study focused on the spore density, species abundance and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the heavy metal affected soil in the peri-urban areas of Varanasi, on inceptisol after long-term irrigation. Identification through spore morphology showed existence of three species in the rhizosphere of fifteen crop species widely grown in the region. The physico-chemical analysis of the native soils revealed that they were neutral to alkali pH ranging from 7.3 to 8.9 and habituated three different species of AM fungi including Glomus mosseae, Glomus fasciculatum and Glomus intraradices. Spore density in samples ranged from 56 to 330 spores 100 g-1 soil. Species richness of AMF ranged from 2 to 3. Shannon–Weiner diversity index ranged from 0.497 to 1.053.

Title: Biodegradation of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid by Delftia Acidovorans and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated from Marine Environment
Abstract :
Cashew Nut Shell Liquid or CNSL is a versatile byproduct of the Cashew Industry. CNSL is widely used in paints, varnishes, enamels, laminating resins, rubber compounding resins, cashew cement, polyurethane based polymers and epoxy resins. Biodegradation of paints is a threat to the marine paint industry. CNSL is an eco-friendly antifouling agent widely used in marine paints that prevents fouling of microorganisms to the hull of the ships and boats. Our aim was to isolate, identify and optimize the
effectiveorganism that degrade CNSL and phenol, which would be helpful in developing new paint products that resists these organisms. By enrichment culture technique, a mixed population of
microorganisms was obtained. By screening all the plants, it was found that Delftia acidovorans and Pseudomonas aeruginosaplay a significant role in the degradation of CNSL. Degradation of CNSL was estimated spectrophotometrically by Folins-Ciocalteau method at 650 nm. These strains can also be used for bioremediation purposes in CNSL contaminated soils in cashew industries.
Title: Inheritance of sheath blight disease resistance in submergence rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Abstract :

Sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn is one of the important diseases of rice, resulting in heavy yield loss in rice every year. Genetic nature of sheath blight has been found to be complex and controversial issue in the earlier studies. There were some reports about the major gene conferring resistance to sheath blight. Non allelic dominant major resistance gene was also reported in resistant cultivars. A total of 50 QTL associated with sheath blight resistance located on all 12 rice chromosomes have been reported, with 10 of these co-localizing with QTL for morphological attributes, especially plant height, or for heading date. The objective of this paper was to see inheritance pattern of sheaath blight. All the plant in the F1 shown resistant reaction with 22.25% disease severity, and in F2 population the resistant or moderately resistant, and susceptible in the ratio of 3R / MR: 1S which is mainly due to presence of dominant effects of resistant QTL/genes qSBR11-1. The F3 populations were classified into resistant, moderately resistant and susceptible in the ratio of 3:2:3. Further, the F3 populations were classified in only two groups as resistant and susceptible then their ratio was 5Resistance/Moderatily Resistance: 3Susceptible.

Title: Paclobutrazol and Summer Pruning Influences Fruit Quality of Red Delicious Apple
Abstract :
Paclobutrazol and summer pruning can restrict vegetative growth and improve productivity and fruit quality in apple. The present experiment was carried out during two successive seasons on Red Delicious cultivar of apple. The study was carried out in a randomized block design with sixteen treatments and three replications. The trees were > 15 years old grown in experimental orchard of Division of Fruit Science, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, spaced at 5.49 × 5.49 metre distance. The study was aimed to show the effect of different concentrations of paclobutrazol along with different levels of pruning on fruit quality. With increase in paclobutrazol concentration and pruning levels, an increase in TSS, TSS/acid ratio, anthocyanin, sugars, fruit calcium and improvement in fruit grade was observed with decrease in fruit acidity.
Title: Detection of salt gene expression in resistant rice lines to brown spot disease
Abstract :

Brown spot is one of the most common and damaging rice diseases and it has been reported to occur in all the rice growing countries. This disease infects the coleoptile, leaves, leaf sheath, panicle branches, glumes, and spikelets. It occurs at all crop stages, but infection is more severe during maximum tillering up to the ripening stages of the crop. In South and Southeast Asia, this disease causes 5% yield loss across all lowland rice production. In this study, 611 rice germplasm lines were evaluated for identification of resistant line against leaf brown spot disease at field level. Among them, 52 lines were resistant, 157 lines were moderately resistant and 408 rice lines were susceptible. In gene expression analysis, strong expression of SalT gene linked with Abscisic acid (ABA) signalling pathway was found in resistant and moderately resistant rice lines. Thus selected resistant rice lines will be useful in breeding programme to improve rice cultivars against brown spot disease.

Title: Genetic diversity associated with nutritive and grain quality traits using microsatellite markers in traditional land races and improved cultivars in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Abstract :
Genetic diversity underlies the improvement of crops by plant breeding. Land races of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
can contain some valuable alleles not common in modern germplasm. The aim here was to measure genetic diversity and its effect on nutritive and grain quality traits among rice land-race genotypes grown in Tamil nadu and Kerala. The experimental material consists of six high yielding ruling rice varieties viz., IR 72, ADT 43, ADT 45, ASD 16, TPS 4 and ADT 39 were utilized as female parent. Four nutritive and medicinal landraces in rice consumed by the people in different parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala viz., Veeradangan, Kavuni, Kathanellu and Navara were collected and used as male parents. In molecular marker diversity analysis using SSR markers, the similarity indices for all the pair wise combinations among the 10 parents were computed. The similarity index was highest (0.93) between ADT 39 and ADT 43 along with TPS 4 and IR 72. The least similarity index (0.37) was observed between Kavuni and Veeradangan. On the basis of cluster analysis the 10 parents were grouped in to 5 clusters at 71 per cent similarity levels. Cluster 1 was constituted by Navara, Kathanellu, ADT 39 and ADT 43. Cluster 2 was constituted by IR 72, ASD 16 and TPS 4. Cluster 3, cluster 4 and cluster 5 consisted of single genotype viz., Veeradangan, ADT 45 and Kavuni respectively. It inferred that landraces have diverse genetic bases and can be utilized in future breeding programs. The results showed the potential of SSR markers for genetic diversity assessment.
Title: Molecular characterization for salinity tolerance in rice using microsatellite markers
Abstract :

A set of six rice cultivars including salt tolerant Narendra Usar Dhan-3 and CSR-30, moderately salt tolerant BPT-5204 and MTU-7029 and salt sensitive Rajendra Bhagwati and Pusa Basmati-1 along with their controlled callus and salt-stressed callus were characterized using a panel of fourteen salt tolerance related microsatellite markers distributed amongst seven chromosomes of rice. The largest amplicon was produced by marker RM242 and the smallest by RM253. A total of 100 allelic products were generated at 22 microsatellite loci with an average of 4.54 alleles per locus. The polymorphism information content values varied from 0.376 (RM4) to 0.827 (RM242) with an average 0.677. A similarity coefficient based dendrogram was constructed using un-weighted paired group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) for entries classification. The first cluster accommodated salt tolerant cultivars CSR-30, Narendra Usar Dhan-3 and moderately tolerant cultivar MTU-7029, the second salt sensitive cultivar Rajendra Bhagwati, whereas the third moderately salt tolerant cultivar BPT-5204 and salt sensitive cultivar Pusa Basmati-1. Molecular marker based analysis confirmed the induction of salt tolerant calluses in three cultivars MTU-7029, Rajendra Bhagwati and BPT-5204. The work showed the utility of microsatellite markers in ascertaining the status of rice plants with respect to salinity stress tolerance.

Title: Impact of nitrate salt hardened seeds and sowing dates on seedling stand, growth, yield attributes, nitrogen and stress metabolism of rice
Abstract :

Impact of seed hardening (hydration followed by dehydration-a kind of seed priming) with water and nitrate salts were evaluated in the present piece of work in timely and late sown rice variety HUBR 2-1. Crops raised from distilled water(hydro)/Mg(NO3)2 and KNO3(osmo)hardened seeds showed an increment in fresh and dry weights, RWC(%),plant height, no of leaves ,LA,LAI,CGR,RGR,NAR, effective tillers, nitrogen, proline and chlorophyll contents, nitrate reductase and super oxide dismutase activities in leaves over control set(representing non-hardened seeds). The hardening treatments resulted a reduction in membrane leakage, shortened the days from sowing to 50% flowering , increased days to plant maturity after sowing and flowering and improved the yield attributes. Best performance was resulted from Mg (NO3)2 hardened set and that was followed by KNO3 and distilled water hardened sets but control was always found inferior in timely and late sown crops.a

Title: Trend Analysis of Stream Flow of Ramganga River Catchment
Abstract :
Stream flow is a principal element of the hydrological cycle and its temporal variability is important from both the scientific and practical point of view. In the present study the monthly stream flow trends of 3 gauging stations viz. Kedar, Naula and Sarpdully in Ramganga river catchment were detected using the Mann–Kendall (MK) non parametric test and Sen’s slope estimator. For the trend detection of Kedar and Naula gauging stations stream flow data for the period 1973-2012 was used and for Sarpdully the
data for the period 1986-2012 was used. Trend estimation with Mann-Kendall non parametric test at 5% level of significance and Sen’s slope magnitude were determined for each months. The trend result for Kedar gauging station was found to be negative from January to July and December whereas positive trend was observed during August to November. At Naula gauging station a negative trend was noted in all months whereas at Sarpdully station there was positive trend in all months. Sen’s slope estimator indicated increasing and decreasing magnitude of slope during different months.
Title: Impact of integrated farming system in ramanagara district: An analysis
Abstract :

An attempt was made to assess the impact of technological interventions initiated by KVK, Ramanagara under Integrated Farming System (IFS) among farmers. A great majority of the stakeholders lacked knowledge about improved varieties of ragi, redgram, horse gram, cowpea & foxtail millet. In order to increase the yield and productivity of these crops, improved varieties were inducted to farmers. Farmers were stimulated to go for cultivation of different vegetables in their backyards primarily for house consumption through introduction of nutrition kit developed by Indian Institute of Horticulture Research, Bangalore. Farmers expressed that this intervention reduced the drudgery of going out and buying the vegetables to the extent of 20 % and on an average each family produced about 80 kg of vegetables generating average revenue of ` 1026 per season. Improved giriraja chicks were introduced to farmers wherein there was 67 % increase in the number of birds after three years while each family could earn on an average of ` 6200/- from chicken. Considering egg production, each family could earn average net income of ` 6800/- at the end of three years. Out of one sheep inducted, it is worthy to note that each family could maintain an average of 5 sheep’s per family after three years. At this rate it could be articulated that ` 13,750/- was the average net income gained by each family from the sheep meat. The wilt incidence in redgram could be controlled to the extent of 75 % through introduction of trichoderma subsequent to which there was additional increase in income of ` 4300/- per ha. Promotion of improved fodder crops namely CO-3 & CO-4 resulted in 6.6 % increase in milk yield.

Title: Variation in total polyamine content in some native rice cultivars of North Kerala, India in response to salinity stress
Abstract :

Phytohormone like low molecular weightaliphatic polycationic compounds known as polyamines have an essential role inplant growth and development and they respond to various environmental stress factors. Maintaining crop yields under adverse environmental stresses is a major challenge facing modern agriculture where polyamines play an important role. The total polyamine content in some native rice cultivars of North Kerala under salinity stress has been analysed presently and the results show that the total polyamine content in all the cultivars got increased in relation to the increase in the salt concentration applied. The highest total polyamine content was noted in the cultivar Orkazhama followed by Kuttusan and Kuthiru which were collected from a traditional saline rice tract of North Kerala. The highest percentage of increase in total polyamines was noted in the cultivar Kunhutty followed by Kuttusan and Veliyan. Kunhutty and Veliyan are cultivars collected from a non saline rice tract. In all the cultivars the total polyamine content got increased starting from the 10mM NaCl treatment itself. Among the cultivars studied, Orthadian showed the lowest amount of total polyamine content and Kuthiru showed the lowest percentage of increase in relation to increase in salinity. This result shows that salinity induces the accumulation of polyamines in rice plants and this may be a mechanism to contribute tolerance and resistance to salt stress. The rate of variation is cultivar specific. Identification of suitable genotypes and their improvement can be used as a potential method to evolve salinity resistant rice genotypesfor different geographical zones.

Title: Stability analysis in bush type Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris l.) under temperate Kashmir conditions
Abstract :

Present investigation was undertaken during 2012-2014 to generate information through evaluation of a set of material at the farmers’ field along with the farmers’ variety as a check through stability using Eberhart and Russel model. The yield and yield attributing traits of all genotypes was recorded on ten competitive plants of both grandmother and mother trial. The genotypes were evaluated for stability analysis and revealed divergence across locations. The mean squares of all the traits were significant reflecting that the material was genetically divergent. The pooled deviation was significant and the variance due to variety × environment was significant for various traits indicating that the variation in the performance of the genotypes is both unpredictable and predictable. Most of the genotypes were having higher mean than the average, bi less than unity indicating that the varieties were more specifically adapted to the unfavorable environments than favourable ones. Some of the genotypes having higher mean yield, bi > 1 and Sdi2 tending to zero were specifically adapted to favourable environments. On the basis of stability parameters genotypes WB-185, WB-195, WB-966 and Shalimar Rajmash-1 were identified as the most stable genotypes for seed yield per plot across all locations on the basis of high mean performance and non-significant estimates of bi and Sdi2 from unit and zero respectively, however latter genotype showed sensitivity to better environments for biological yield on the basis of significant bi estimates. Similarly these genotypes were identified as consistent for early flowering for all the locations

Title: Regeneration of plantlets from in vitro Root and Leaf culture of Vandaceous orchid, Ascocentrum ampullaceum (Roxb.) Schl
Abstract :

The paper describes in vitro culture protocol of commercially important Vandaceous orchid from North East India, Ascocentrum ampullaceum using leaves and roots as explants. Leaves and roots of in vitro raised 5-6 months old Ascocentrum ampullaceum were inoculated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with additive growth hormone (15%) Coconut milk and growth regulators such as NAA, IAA, BAP and Kn (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5 mgl-1), both singly and in combination. Leaf culture produced highest protocorm like bodies (Plbs) (40%) in the medium supplemented with 0.5 mgl-1 BAP, followed by 30% Plbs supplemented with 15% CM and BAP 2.0 mgl-1, whereas the highest (60%) multiple shoot bud formation was noticed in MS medium supplemented with 15% CM and 0.5 mgl-1 BAP, followed by 30% in ½MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mgl-1 Kn; Callus formation (30%) was observed in ½MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mgl-1 NAA. Roots when cultured in ½ MS, only elongation was observed, but in full strength MS medium, it produced both Plbs and shoot buds. The highest Plbs and shoot buds (40%) was observed in the media supplemented in combination of CM (15%) + BAP (0.5 mgl-1) followed by 25% in CM (15%) + BAP (1.0 mgl-1).

Title: Economic Efficiency of Pecan Nut Production: An Application of Output Oriented DEA Model
Abstract :

The economics of pecan nut production in Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir state was assessed using output oriented DEA model. The NPV and profitability index were positive and the internal rate of return (IRR) was 14% which shows that investing in pecan nut orchard will be a profitable venture until the market interest rate remain below 14%. The results of output oriented model revealed that growers were efficient in terms of pecan nut production at given level of inputs, with mean overall technical efficiency of 0.922, mean pure technical efficiency of 0.949 and mean scale efficiency of 0.972. The real output obtained was 40.65 quintals per acre which was 4.97% less than the optimum output (42.68 quintals/acre) at used level of inputs. Although, the difference in actual and targeted output was less, the percentage of farmers obtaining less than the optimum output was quite high i.e. 44%.

Title: High Frequency In Vitro Cloning of Banana (Musa acuminata) cv. Grande Naine
Abstract :
A study was carried out at the Biotechnology-cum-Tissue Culture Centre, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, India, to standardise a viable protocol for the “High frequency in vitro cloning of Banana ( Musa acuminata) cv. Grande Naine” during the year 2014. This has helped to determine the best media compositions for shoot multiplication and rooting of the variety Grande Naine, so as to get optimum results with a minimized cost of production. The result revealed that MS medium supplemented with 5.0 mg/l BAP and 1.0 mg/l IAA was found to be a most potent combination and produced a significantly higher number of shoots/explants (4.47) after 30 days of culturing. The same combination recorded significantly higher number of shoots/explants, i.e., 5.97 and 6.13 in 1st and 2nd sub-culturing respectively.MS medium fortified with 2.0 mg/l BAP and 1.0 mg/l IBA was found to be ideal for the early shoot elongation attending height of 3.52 cm with more number of leaves/plants (4.2) and produced more number (5.4) of longer roots (4.47 cm) roots after 30 days of inoculation. Approximately 1308 number of Tissue culture plantlets/explant can be produced by following this protocol.
Title: Genetics of marker assisted backcross progenies of the cross HUR-105 X Swarna-SUB1
Abstract :

The Marker Assisted backcross progenies of the cross HUR-105 x Swarna-Sub1 along with their parental lines were evaluated under submergence condition for 14 days at 35 days after sowing. Total 53 BC2F1 progenies were subjected to complete submergence out of which twenty lines recovered after desubmergence. The survival percentages of BC2F1 plants was observed to be 47.62 per cent. Mean performance for BC2F1 generation in submerged condition was found lower for most of the yield traits viz., productive tiller per plants, length of panicle, weight of panicle, spikelet per panicle, test weight, yield per plant, in comparison to all six generations in normal irrigated condition. Amylose content and gel consistency was found comparable to normal irrigated condition for segregating generations. Under submerged condition BC2F1 generation showed reduced height and medium to late maturity. The yield of the BC2F1 plants under submergence varied from 4.64 g to 14.32 g per plant. On the basis of field test under submergence condition the four lines namely HUR-105-Sub1-6, HUR-105-Sub1-23, HUR-105-Sub1-25 and HUR-105-Sub1-28 were found better in respect to grain yield and other related traits. The level of submergence tolerance in backcross progenies were similar as tolerant parent Swarna Sub-1, revealed that submergence tolerance in HUR 105-Sub-1 is governed by single dominant gene.

Title: An Overview of Indian Vegetable: Production Trends and Related Health Hazards
Abstract :

Agriculture has been regarded as one of the most drudgery-prone occupations in the unorganized sector. In vegetable production system both men and women play important role in the entire process from land preparation to harvesting of crops. Vegetable cultivators actively participate in various farm operations such as a ploughing, uprooting, sowing, transplanting, weeding, hoeing,harvesting. They are exposed to number of health hazards the most prevalent of which are musculoskeletal issued like a like strains, low back pain, lower and upper extremity discomfort and so on. It was observed that farmworker generally adopt awkward posture during various activity of vegetable production system. In order to minimize the adverse effect of these postural discomfort and hazard an ergonomic evaluation of farm activity need to be conducted. Ergonomic measures were accomplished by making modification on the task/tool used or by workers moreover training and extension activities will also improve their work productivity and efficiency.

Title: Genetic Diversity Analysis in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Accessions using SSR Markers
Abstract :

Sixty-five rice accessions were analyzed to evaluated the genetic polymorphism and identification of diverse parents using simple sequences repeat (SSR) markers. These accessions showed significant phenotypic variation for all the characters studied. A total of 52 alleles were detected by 19 polymorphic markers showing highly polymorphic across all accessions with an average of 2.7 alleles per polymorphic marker. The marker RM-84 and RM- 481 produced maximum 4 alleles. The PIC value ranged from 0.032 to 0.588 and marker RM231 was found to be the most appropriate marker to discriminate among the rice genotypes owing to the highest PIC value of 0.588. The cluster analysis showed that these accessions grouped in to nine clusters in which cluster IB-1a had maximum thirty-one genotypes followed by cluster IB-1b and cluster V. While highest dissimilarity coefficient value was observed between the cultivar LC-4 and IR-82635-B-B-47- and between OR-1946-2-1 and UPLRI-7 showing highly diverse genotypes. These accessions were showing wide genetic divergence among the constituent in it and may be directly utilized in hybridization programme for improvement of yield related traits.

Title: Study of various characteristics of composite flour prepared from the blend of wheat flour and gorgon nut flour
Abstract :

The composite flour was prepared by mixing wheat flour and popped gorgon nut flour in different ratios. The composite flour was evaluated for different properties i.e. physical, functional, pasting and thermal properties. Bulk density and true density decreased wherever water absorption index and water solubility index increased with increase in percentage of popped gorgon nut flour in composite flour. In functional properties, water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity increased but foaming capacity decreased with increase in blending proportion of popped gorgon nut flour in composite flour. Pasting temperature of composite flour ranged from 67.75°C to 67.85°C. Final viscosity of different composite flour samples ranged between 3042 to 3651 cp. Peak temperature and conclusion temperature of composite flour decreased with increase in proportion of popped gorgon nut flour.

Title: Assessment of genetic diversity in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) for yield and yellow vein mosaic virus incidence
Abstract :

Thirteen diverse genotypes were evaluated to assess the genetic diversity in a randomized block design during 2013-14 for yield and yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) incidence in Okra. On the basis of D2 values, the 30 genotypes were clustered into six groups. Cluster II constituted the largest group (11 genotypes) followed by cluster III and cluster VI (5 genotypes each). The cluster IV and V contain 4 genotypes each, whereas only 1 genotypes present in cluster I. The character coefficient of infection alone contributes highest percentage (51%) toward divergence, followed by number of branches per plant (24%), percentage disease incidence (12%). The first six principal components have accounted 84.00% of total variation and percent variation expected were 24.00% (PC1), 19.50% (PC2), 14.30% (PC3), 11.48% (PC4), 7.97% (PC5) and 6.80% (PC6), respectively. The PC1 has positive association with days to first picking, followed by days to first flowering and days to 50% flowering. However, PC1 has negative association for fruits per plant and fruit weight. Therefore, the traits viz., days to first picking, first flowering node and days to first flowering should be given top priority in diverse parent selection for attempting high yielding along with YVMV tolerant hybrids in okra.

Title: Standardization of dehydration techniques of some ornamental foliages
Abstract :

The eco-friendly dehydrated foliages and plant parts secured much popularity among users and becoming key components in floriculture industry. Foliages with highly variable keeping quality are used as filler element in flower-vase. Dehydration of foliages has not been studied at large. This investigation was carried out with ornamental foliage’s of three species viz. Araucaria cunninghamii, Thuja orientalis and Juniperus chinensis. White sand, silica gel and boric acid were used as embedding materials and two drying conditions of microwave oven and room drying were adopted for three durational treatments of viz. 10, 20 and 30 seconds and 4, 8 and 16 days respectively. In both Araucaria and Thuja orientalis, silica gel + microwave oven combination for 30 and 20 seconds respectively exhibited best results in respect of moisture loss (49.23 and 58.33 per cent) and quality concern. White sand + room condition also caused 61.41per cent moisture loss in Thuja orientalis while treated for 16 days. In Juniperus chinensis, white sand + microwave oven and silica gel + room condition for 20 seconds and 16 days respectively showed moisture loss of 44.26 and 50.16 per cent respectively. Boric acid as embedding materials also found effective in dehydration of these species. All the three species were treated with glycerin : water solution of 1:1 and 1:3 (vol/vol) for 24, 48 and 96 hours followed by drying with aid of hot air oven at 70-80o C for 5 hours and open air of room condition for 24 hours. Significant moisture loss of 60.56 to 62.56 per cent was recorded in Thuja orientalis while dehydrated in hot-air-oven for 96 hours.

Title: Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Four Brassica Species using Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA Markers
Abstract :
This investigation was aimed to explore the genetic diversity and relationship among the 30 Brassica varieties of four different species such as Brassica juncea, Brassica rapa, Brassica napusand Brassica carinatausing RAPD markers. Forty primers were tested in this study, out of which 33 revealed clear and repeatable RAPD polymorphisms. They produced 530 total loci and the total bands were 6041. Out of the 530 loci produced, 511 were polymorphic and hence the total polymorphism percentage was found to be 95.96 %. Nineteen primers out of 33 analyzed successfully produced 100% polymorphism. The average PIC value for RAPD was 0.92. The highest PIC value obtained was 0.94 for S-70 marker and lowest PIC value was 0.77 for S-40. The number of amplicons produced per primer varied from 9 to 26 with a mean of 16.56 bands per primer. The molecular size of the amplified PCR products ranged from 130 to 3100 bp. On the basis of dendrogram, thirty accessions were categorized mostly according to their species. Cultivar specific RAPD markers for fifteen accessions were also detected. The study revealed that the diversity exhibited by genotypes belonging to various Brassicaspecies can be further utilized for crop improvement programme.
Title: Effects of diseases on milk production and body weight of cattle in Uttar Pradesh
Abstract :

To analyze the effects of various diseases on productive traits of cattle a study has been undertaken by using data collected from 504 livestock owners in Agra division of Uttar Pradesh, India. The analysis of the data (ANOVA) on milk reduction revealed the significant difference (p<0.01) in milk reduction due to various diseases. Over all milk reduction due to different diseases was 46.56%. Among all the diseases, FMD caused significantly higher milk reduction (63.40 %) followed by Milk fever (52.65%) and H.S. (52.22%). But the effect of blot/tympani was lowest (23.61%) as compared to other diseases. The analysis of the data (ANOVA) on weight reduction also revealed the significant difference (p<0.05) in weight reduction due to diseases. Over all weight reduction (%) in cattle due to both diseases diarrhea and pneumonia was (8.70%). Diarrhea had higher effect on weight reduction ((11.78%) as compared to weight reduction due to pneumonia (5.12%).

Title: Biodegradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminated Wastes: A Review
Abstract :

In industrialized countries petroleum effluents, oily sludge and oil spills are the biggest threat to the environment as they produce toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic substances and contaminating soil and groundwater affecting flora and fauna adversely. Management of this waste material is the biggest challenge to the petroleum industry through conventional methods (pit formation). Petroleum is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and related compounds generally classified into four fractions: aliphatic, aromatic, polars or resins and asphaltenes. Aromatics and polars are considered as less degradable than aliphatics while asphaltene is classified as non biodegradable. Biodegradation is complete mineralization of organic constituents of wastes into harmless CO2, water and inorganic components through enzymatic action of microbial populations in environment friendly manner. Moving forward in this direction TERI (Tata Energy and Resources Institute) and IOCL (Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.) successfully invented a group of microbial consortia named “Oilzapper” and OiliVorous” respectively, which can degrade oily wastes completely. This paper will provide an overview of biodegradation of petroleum wastes by microbial consortia which can be proved beneficial for the students, researchers and industries for their respective innovations.

Title: Optimization of anjeer, chicory and oats concentration for the preparation of prebiotic burfi
Abstract :

The present research work was carried to prepare a special anjeer, chicory, oat Burfi with improved product characteristics and consumer acceptability. Levels of different component were optimized using response surface methodology. Besides that, physico-chemical properties such as moisture, fat, carbohydrate, protein, ash and energy content were also analysed. Sensory evaluation of product was done on a 9 point hedonic scale by a panel of experts for color, body and texture, flavor, sweetness and overall acceptability. Fat, Protein, carbohydrate and ash content was respectively 16.6%, 11.55%, 57.86% and 3.06%. Per gram of Burfi provides 317kcal of energy. The color, body and texture, flavor, sweetness and overall acceptability of product was respectively 81.25%, 82.5%, 80.00%, 86.25% and81.25%.

Title: Contents
Abstract :

Contents

Title: Season wise analysis of productivity of maize hybrid COHM (5) with the influence of seed and crop management techniques
Abstract :

The Studies were initiated to evaluate the influence of seed priming technique (15 per cent Azospirillum + 15 per cent phosphobacteria, 10per cent P. fluorescens + 20per cent Humic acid, 15 per cent Azophos + 10 per cent P. fluorescens and hydro priming technique) in conjunction with crop management techniques viz., nutrient supplementation as basal (humic acid @ 10kg ha-1, micronutrient 5kg ha-1) and foliar (diammonium phosphate 2 per cent, humic acid 0.1per cent, sea weed extract 0.5per cent) along with NPK application. The results revealed that seeds primed with 20 per cent humic acid + 10 per cent P. flurescense, applied with humic acid @ 10 kg ha-1 as basal application and sprayed with 0.5% sea weed extract improved the productivity of maize and the grain recovery. On comparison of seed and crop management techniques the contribution of seed management technique was higher than crop management techniques. The evaluated seed and crop management techniques were further test verified at Bhavanisagar both during Kharif and Rabi season, which confirmed the influence of identified seed and crop management techniques on enhanced productivity and nutrient status of the grain, recommending it as package for commercial hybrid production irrespective of season and location.

Title: Effects of Various Carbohydrates on the in vitro Pollen Germination of Vinca rosea and Cucumis melo var. utilissimus
Abstract :

Pollen germination is a crucial stage of plant development that significantly depends on the presence of carbohydrates as a primary energy source. In this study, we analysed the differential effects of four sugars (Glucose, Sucrose, Galactose, Fructose) with varying concentrations on the pollen germination of Vinca rosea Linn. and Cucumis melo var. utilissimus Duth and Fuller using Brewbaker and Kwack medium as germination medium and hanging drop method after incubation of an hour. Sucrose and glucose aided the pollen germination but galactose and fructose significantly inhibited the pollen germination of Vinca rosea. In Cucumis melo var. utilissimus, all four types of sugars supported pollen germination. The study suggests that 15% sucrose, for Vinca rosea, and 12% galactose, for Cucumis melo var. utilissimus, depict the highest pollen germination percentage when used in the pollen germination medium.

Title: Effect of Industrial Processing on HMF Generation in Sucrose-Milk Protein Model Systems
Abstract :

An investigation was carried out to estimate the HMF concentration at different heat treatments equivalent to industrial processing of milk and dairy beverages. Model systems of sucrose and milk proteins (whey protein and casein) were given heat treatments to generate Maillard reaction products. HMF concentration (mg/100g) was determined at different time intervals. One of the methods is 5-(Hydroxymethyl)-2- furfuraldehyde (HMF) estimation. This could provide information not only on the overall health protecting potential of milk products but also on the stability of complex foods containing milk. In this research, simulated milk beverages were prepared to get an idea of HMF generation during industrial processing of dairy products. The results revealed that temperature and duration both have a significant effect on generation of HMF which directly correlation with generation of antioxidative maillard reaction products.

Title: Effect of Integrated Nitrogen Management on Soil Physico-chemical Properties, Growth, Yield Attributes, Yield and Quality of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Abstract :

A field experiment conducted during five consecutive rabi seasons (2016-17 to 2020-21) at research farm of R.K. (P.G.) College, Shamli (U.P.), with three replications under split-split plot design. FYM levels (0, 5, 10 t FYM/ ha) were taken as main plot, three N levels (40, 80, 120 kg N/ ha) as sub plot and four biofertilizer treatments (Control, Azotobactor, Azospirillum, Azotobactor + Azospirillum) as sub-sub plot. 10 t FYM/ ha resulted decrease in bulk density from 1.23 Mg/M3 to 1.18 Mg/M3. Highest WHC (0.35 Kg/Kg soil), organic carbon (0.91%), CEC {10.59 Cmol (P+)/ Kg soil} and available N (225.3 Kg N/ ha) noticed with 10 t FYM/ ha. The plots receiving 10 t FYM/ ha maintained 24.78, 24.76, 54.61 and 67.56 percent higher effective tillers, grain yield per spike, biological and grain yield/ ha, respectively. The plants with 120 kg N/ ha, produced 31.83 % higher biomass and 31.46 % higher grain yield over 40 kg N/ ha. Highest protein content (13.25%) and protein yield (785.72 kg protein/ ha) was registered with 10 t/ ha FYM. Inoculation with Azotobactor + Azospirillum had 7.06 % higher protein in their grains over uninoculated control. Application of 10 ton FYM/ ha resulted 46.35 and 24.56 % higher net return over 0 ton and 5 ton FYM/ ha, respectively. Highest gross return (` 112091/ ha), net return (` 76343/ ha), output: input (3.14) and benefit: cost ratio (2.14) was analyzed with 120 kg N/ ha. Azotobactor + Azospirillum resulted, 34.85% higher net return over no inoculation.

Title: Evaluation of maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines Primed with Salicylic Acid under Low Temperature Stress
Abstract :
An experiment was conducted in controlled lab condition with 20 maize ( Zea maysL.) inbred lines to find out tolerant and sensitive genotypes under low temperature stress (10oC). Seeds were primed with salicylic acid (SA) @ 20ppm, 40ppm and 50ppm along with hydro (water) priming for overnight and sown in plastic trays (size 18×12 cm) filled with well mixed fertilized soil. Dry seeds were considered as control. Low temperature exposure was given in Plant Growth Chamber upto10 days. Morphophysiological observations were taken and found that hydro primed and salicylic acid treatments (20ppm, 40ppm and 50ppm) reduced time taken to 50% emergence (in days), mean emergence time (in days) and emergence index (%) and increased shoot length(cm), root length(cm) and relative water content (%) in all maize genotypes as compared to dry treatment (non-primed seeds). However, salicylic acid @ 20ppm, 40ppm and 50ppm treatments significantly increased the response of above parameters in genotypes HUZM-185 at parHKI-164-4 (1-3)2 as compared to dry and hydro primed treatments, while these values were found minimum in genotypes HUZM-80-1at par HUZM-36. Interestingly, among all SA treatments
20ppm performed best on aforesaid parameters in genotypes HUZM-185 and HKI-164-4 (1-3)2 while least in genotypes HUZM-80-1 and HUZM-36 as compared to dry, hydro, 40ppm and 50ppm of SA treatments.
Title: Enhanced antioxidant system reprogrammes oxidative stress through hypersensitive response in leaves of rice plant challenged with Aspergillus species
Abstract :

Nitric Oxide (NO) is involved in diverse physiological processes in plants. As a developmental regulator, it promotes germination, leaf extension and root growth, and also delays leaf senescence and fruit maturation. As modulator of disease resistance, it triggers hypersensitive cell death or Hypersensitivity Response (HR) and activates the expression of several defense genes. This wide variety of effects reflects the basic signaling mechanisms that are utilized by virtually all living organisms. The ubiquity of NO reactions as well as the finding that the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying many physiological processes are well conserved between diverse species has opened the exploration of NO chemistry in different organisms. Experiments were conducted in Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University to study the NO mediated HR during interaction of Aspergillus sp. with rice plants. The pathogen (Aspergillus sp) was infiltrated in leaves of rice plants (Oryza sativa), and the responses were observed after 6, 12, 24 and 48 h of infection. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Complete Randomized Design which consisted of 8 treatments, 3 replications. Different biochemical parameters like Nitrite content, Proline, H2O2, SOD, Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), Total Phenol Content (TPC), Phenyl ammonia lyase (PAL) were measured. PAL and TPC measures the quantity of Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) developed in plants against pathogen attack. Among the above mentioned parameters except nitrite, proline and H2O2, all other parameters showed maximum activity at 48 h treatment. The results indicate that HR was developed during rice-Aspergillus interaction through enhanced anti-oxidant system, possibly mediated through NO, thereby restricting pathogen’s spread after 12 to 48 h of infection of rice leaves with Aspergillus sp.

Title: Present status of production and marketing of papaya for unripe consumption in Northeastern Thailand
Abstract :

A questionnaire-based survey was made of 800 papaya growers in 8 provinces in northeastern Thailand in January to December 2014. The results showed that most of the growers were female, aged over 30, and educated to primary school level. They had an average of 11-15 years experience growing papaya. Most (72%) grew papaya on mixed plantations. Larger monocrop plantations were found mainly in Kalasin and Mukdahan Provinces. Both household and hired labor was used. The most popular cultivars were ‘Khaeg Nuan’ and ‘Yellow Krang.’ Most farmers saved their own seed and propagated papaya by seed, starting in plastic bag containers. A planting space of 1.7 x 1.7 m was commonly used on large plantations while on some of the mixed farms a wider planting space of 2 x 2 to 3 x 3 m was used. Most farmers used both chemical and organic fertilizer and over 75% relied on rain water for irrigation. They used both mechanical and chemical methods for weed control and pest control. The pest problems reported were red spider mites, aphids, mealy bugs, coccids, worms and snails. The most serious disease problem was Papaya Ring Spot Virus. As for production costs, in the pre-harvest period land rental accounted for the greatest proportion of costs for small-scale farmers and labor accounted for the least proportion of costs. During the harvest period, the highest costs for small-scale farmers were for the irrigation system, and the lowest were for chemical fertilizer. The large-scale farmers had the highest overall costs for chemical fertilizer. In all 8 provinces surveyed, the majority of growers (88%) sold their papaya in unripe form and none of them sold papaya to factories for processing. The prices paid to farmers for papaya were the highest in January, April and November and the lowest in July, February and August. Farm gate prices were higher in Kalasin and Nakhon Ratchasima than in the other provinces.

Title: Profile distribution of micronutrient cations in citrus orchard of Ukhrul district, Manipur (India)
Abstract :

Profile distribution of DTPA-extractable micronutrient cations (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) and their relationship with various soil properties were studied in eighteen profiles of citrus orchard of Ukhrul district of Manipur. The content of DTPA-extractable Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn were higher in surface horizons and decreased with depth in most of the profiles and ranged from 0.08 to 0.76, 0.01 to 0.34, 8.0 to 54.0 and 1.6 to 20.4 mg Kg-1, respectively. Surface horizons contain sufficient amount of DTPA-extractable micronutrient cations except Zn. Distribution of Mn was influenced positively with EC in the first (0-20 cm) and second layer (20-40 cm), Cu was influenced inversely by organic carbon and positively by EC, Zn was influenced positively with CEC and Fe was influenced by clay content of the soils. Multiple regression analysis indicated that DTPA-extractable Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn were influenced by CEC, EC, clay and EC to the level of 0.25, 0.63, 0.25 and 0.41, respectively. However, only clay and EC contributed significantly towards these nutrient cations.

Title: Transformation of Tomato with Cry2ax1 by Biolistic Gun Method for Fruit Borer Resistance
Abstract :
Tomato ( Solanum esculentumL.) is an important vegetable crop cultivated throughout India. The crop is extensively damaged by alepidopteran insect, Helicoverpa armigeraHubner (fruit borer). To mitigate this problem, an attempt was made to generate transgenic tomato plants resistant to fruit borer. The regeneration protocol being pre-requisite for any transformation studies, 1.0 mg L-1 BAP (Benzyl amino purine) in combination with 0.2 mg L-1 IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid) was standardized as shoot regeneration media for tomato cv. Pusa Ruby using leaf explant. The highest callus initiation (100%) and an average number of shoots (3.9) were obtained in the above media. Rooting was observed at 2.0 mg L-1 of IBA(Indole-3-butyric acid) with a highest average number of roots (1.06). The transformation system has been established by Biolistic Gun method using plant binary vector pCAMBIA2300 mobilized into the Agrobacteriumstrain LBA4404 carrying cry2AX1under the control of CaMV 35S promoter. The callus of tomato was bombarded twice from three different distances between tissue and macro carrier assembly. The highest transformation efficiency (75%) was obtained at distance 9 cm and transformants were screened using 50 mg L-1 of kanamycin. Out of 72 explants bombarded, only six explants developed completely but only two putative transformed plants were successfully hardened in the greenhouse. The integration and expression of the cry2AX1 gene in transformed plants were confirmed by PCR and Quantitative ELISA. The cry2AX1 protein accumulated in leaf quantified by ELISA has recorded 38.9 and 79.9 ng ml-1 respectively compared to 129 ng ml-1 of protein sample in positive control.
Title: Impact of integrated nutrient management on tomato yield under farmers field conditions
Abstract :

Field trials were conducted in farmer’s field of Kandhamal district of Odisha, India to assess the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the performance of tomato crop during rabi (2014) and kharif (2015) season. Before conducting trials technological gap between actual and potential productivity were analyzed by interviewing growers to find out the major causes for low yield. Overall gap in use of fertilizers was recorded 64.90% whereas overall mean gap in technology was 43.83%. On farm experiments on INM were conducted by applying FYM (10t ha–1) (NPK) (150:80:60 kg ha-2) followed by dipping seedling roots in 1% Azotobacter solution for 15 min and foliar spray with 20 ppm ferrous ammonium sulphate after 30, 45 and 75 days of transplantation. The plant height, root length, number of primary branches, average fruit weight increased in INM plots as compared to farm practice. The increment in yield was found to be 28.84 and 33.86 % during rabi and kharif season respectively. The maximum marketable yield obtained in INM plot during kharif and rabl seasons was 1025 q ha–1 and 955 q ha–1 respectively, whereas as farm practice yielded 740 q ha–1 and 713 q ha–1 during the same seasons. The percent loss from total production was recorded 8.5% and 8.8% in control plot and only 4.9% and 5.7% in INM plot durmg rabi and kharif season respectively. The higher fruit weight and lower incidence of disease and pest were observed in INM field in comparison to farm practice. The benefit cost ratio with INM treatment was recorded 4.39 and 4.29 in rabi and kharif season respectively against the benefit cost ratio of 3.10 and 2.94 in control plot during the same respective seasons.

Title: Effect of different inoculum levels of Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc on plant growth, biochemical and nutrient parameters of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)
Abstract :

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of root rot fungus Fusarium solani on the growth of the plant, number of pods, chlorophyll, carotenoid, nitrogen and phosphorus content and nitrate reductase activity on an important pulse crop lentil by inoculating the plants with variable inoculum levels from 0.25 g to 4.00 g fungal mycelial mat per kg soil. A reduction was observed in all the plant growth, biochemical and nutrient parameters as the inoculum level increased, with a significant reduction taking place at and above the inoculum level of 1.00 g mycelial mat per kg soil. Maximum damage to the plant was recorded at the highest inoculum level i.e. 4.00 g mycelial mat per kg soil. The percentage of root rot was directly proportional to the inoculum level, highest being on 4.00g mycelial mat per kg soil.

Title: Nutraceutical Potential of Sweetened chips Prepared by Gluten-Free Composite Flour
Abstract :

Gluten free composite flour based chips was evaluated in this study for their nutritional, phytochemical and antioxidant properties of all ratios. The composite flour is made up of the mix of proso millet flour (PF), adzuki bean flour (AF) and basil seeds flour (BF). The composite flour is prepared in three ratios that are, A being (PF:AF:BF=50:45:5), B being (PF:AF:BF=60:35:5) and C being (PF:AF:BF=70:25:5) respectively. The macronutrients such as moisture, ash, fat, fiber, protein and carbohydrate were analyzed along with the assessment of micronutrients calcium, iron, phosphorus and zinc. The result of macronutrient and micronutrient of C ratio were moisture (6.21±0.2), ash (3.9±0.0), protein (12.0±0.0), fat (9.0±0.0), fiber (4.2±0.1) and carbohydrate (69.5±0.1g/100g) respectively. Calcium (218.0±0.1), iron (4.9±0.0), zinc (3.3±0.2) and phosphorus (312.0±0.4 mg/100g) were as follows. The present study was evident the presence of various macro and micro nutrients in gluten free chips. In the developed products, phytochemicals like flavonoids, saponins, tannin, glycocides, alkaloids and steroids are also there. The study revealed that gluten free sweetened chips also possess antioxidant activity. In the A ratio, overall all nutrients are found. It was found by the sensory evaluation of sweetened chips on a 9 point hedonic scale that A ratio was more acceptable than the B and C ratio. Therefore, this product can be suggestive for people suffering from celiac disease and the diseases like hypertension and anemia.

Title: Contents Volume 10 Issue 2
Abstract :

Contents Volume 10 Issue 2

Title: Studies on In situ Net N Mineralization in Soils from Mathura Tea Garden and Cultivated Land of North Bengal
Abstract :

Organic matter is one of the sources of nitrogen in the soil. Nitrogen mineralization depends on application method, kind of organic matter, microbial activity, aeration and moisture. Soil samples were taken from Mathura tea garden and Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya cultivated field, West Bengal. Nitrogen mineralization was studied on tea soil and cultivated soil. Seven organic matters were collected for this study. Vermicompost (VC), farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM) were decomposed, whereas, raw cow dung (RCD), fish meal (FM), tannery waste (TW) and mustard cake (MC) were undecomposed. The mean maximum and minimum soil temperature for the entire in situ incubation period were respectively 26.33°C and 16.03°C. Net mineralization data (mg N/kg soil) showed that over the period of 84 days it varied from 26.43 to 62.19 for VC, , 7.77 to 31.09 for FYM, 36.86 to 72.62 for PM, 32.65 to 76.19 for RCD, 59.08 to 106.51 for FM, 76.96 to 119.72 for TW and 29.54 to 108.06 for MC. The average of the weekly mineralized nitrogen from organic matter was in the decreasing order of TW >FM>MC >PM>RCD>VC>FYM.

Title: Financial feasibility of drip irrigation system in grape cultivation
Abstract :

This study was undertaken to assess the financial feasibility of drip irrigation system in grape cultivation in Bijapur district of Karnataka. Primary data were collected from 120 grape cultivators in Bijapur and Indi taluks. The Total investment on drip irrigation system amounted to ` 61,050/ha and annual working cost was worked at ` 17,141/ha. Total cost in production of grape under drip and furrow irrigation was ` 5,01,297/ha and ` 5,48,708/ha, respectively. Additional returns in drip irrigation over furrow irrigation method were worked out at ` 56,829/ha. At 11.75 per cent discount rate, the NPV of investment on drip irrigation system was ` 1,15,433.10, BC ratio, IRR and Pay Back Period were 1.89, 46.87 per cent and 1.07 years, respectively. Other than these there was savings in labour and material costs. These indicators showed the financial feasibility of the drip irrigation system. Delay in sanctioning of loans and approval of subsidy; improper disbursement of subsidy, lack of technical support were some problems faced by farmers in adoption of drip irrigation system. Since there are high dividends from micro irrigation, there is a need for larger quantum of subsidy especially for the small and marginal farmers. Procedures for approval and subsidy disbursement need to be simplified in terms of number of documents, number of days required for approval etc with the help of modern information and communication technology tools.

Title: Utilization of Dietary Fibre in Meat Products as Functional Foods
Abstract :

Today nutritional disorders like gut related problems, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer and obesity are a major public health problem worldwide. These are believed to be caused by the rapid change in overall lifestyle due to impact of globalization. Meat consumption and demands for processed meat products is increasing rapidly with the increasing urbanization. Although meat means an important source of nutrients, it is also evident that a great consumption of this source of proteins has also a negative health impact due to its poor fibre content. It has been proclaimed that regular intake of dietary fibre prevents many of the above mentioned diseases. Various fibre rich sources have been attempted in different meat products attributed to their technological and health benefits. Therefore this review reflects the use of various dietary fibre sources in meat products with respect to their functional properties.

Title: Study on Scope of Roof Top Water Harvesting for Recharging Ground Water for Combating Excess Ground Water Withdrawal for Rice Cultivation in the District of Nadia in West Bengal
Abstract :

Investigation was conducted for all the blocks in the district of Nadia, West Bengal to estimate the over exploitation of ground water and to examine the possibility of mitigation of it through artificial ground water recharge. There were approximately 1.16 × 109 m3 irrigation water requirement except monsoon month (June to September) for rice cultivation. The estimated ground water recharge was found approximately 0.82 × 109 m3. Thus, approximately 0.34 × 109 m3 of ground water was found over exploited every year if irrigation demands entirely satisfied through ground water. This 0.34 × 109 m3 of overexploitation could be mitigated if approximately 3.88 × 108 m2 roof top water harvesting structure along with the recharge facilities were created. The estimated cost for this purpose was approximately ` 666.488 billion. The creation of this facility may also contribute to large extent in domestic water supply along with the improvement of arsenic contaminated ground water of this district.

Title: Genetic Variability Analysis in F3 Populations of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L
Abstract :
Nine crosses involving foliar diseases viz., late leaf spot and rust susceptible (as female) and resistant (as male) parents in F3 generation were studied for mean performance and variability parameters. Susceptible female parents viz., CO 7, ICGV 00350, TMV 2, TMV Gn 13, VRI 2 and resistant male parents viz., COG 0437, GPBD 4, VRI Gn 6 were involved in these crosses. Among the crosses, the cross VRI 2 × GPBD 4 recorded higher mean performance for yield characters viz., pod yield per plant (g) and kernel yield per plant (g), and lower mean performance for disease score viz., late leaf spot and rust. It also recorded high PCV and GCV values coupled with high heritability and high genetic advance as per cent of the mean for all the traits studied. Hence based on low performance, variability, heritability and genetic advance (as a
per cent of mean) for pod yield, kernel yield and foliar disease resistance, the cross VRI 2 × GPBD 4 is adjudged as superior. Considering the progeny wise performance, the progeny #1 and #2 of the cross VRI 2 × GPBD 4 could be selected due to the superior mean performance for yield characters along with disease resistance. These progenies recorded high or moderate coefficient of variation for the entire characters understudy. Hence, these progenies need to be advanced further till the attainment of homogeneity to obtain high yield in conjugation with resistance to foliar diseases.
Title: Evaluation of Heliconia Species Based on Agro-Morphological Traits
Abstract :
Wide variation was observed among the ten genotypes of Heliconiafor vegetative and floral characteristics. An investigation on ‘Floral biology’ was carried with the objective of studying the floral biology of these ten Heliconia species and varieties for thirteen floral characters. The study revealed that under hot and humid situation prevailing over West-Bengal there was no uniformity in flowering behaviour of different
species and varieties. Heliconia rostrata, Heliconia stricta, Heliconia wagneriana, Heliconia humilis, Heliconia psittacorumvar. ‘Lady di’, Heliconia psittacorumvar. ‘Choconiana’ observed to be ideal as cut
flowers. Cultivar Heliconia psittacorum var. ‘Golden Torch’ was observed to flower profusely and exhibited perpetual blooming and hence ideal for the landscaping
Title: Nutritional Evaluation of Squash (Sechium Edule) Germplasms Collected from Garo Hills of Meghalaya – North East India
Abstract :
The present investigation analysed the fruits of 10 accessions of Sechiumedule(Squash) for different physico-chemical parameters. The parameters analysed included physical characteristics such as fruit color, fruit size, pulp ratio and nutritional parameters such as total sugar, reducing sugar, non reducing sugar, protein content, ascorbic acid content and crude fibre. Results indicated that the germplasm collected are rich in important nutritional parameters. The fruits analysed have very high moisture content ranging from 89.3-94.2% but are not a good source of protein which ranged from 0.77-1.05% in the fruits. The juice extracted from the fruits was rich in Vitamin C content and the Germplasm GH10 had the highest Vitamin C content (22.3%). Fruits of Sechiumedule also have significant amount of carbohydrate (4.12-4.98%), crude fibre (4.88-5.89 %) and Mineral Ash (0.245-0.321%).
Title: A Review on Prospects of Pre-harvest Application of Bioagents in Managing Post-Harvest Diseases of Horticultural Crops
Abstract :
The reduction of post-harvest food losses is a critical component of ensuring future global food security. For controlling post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables biocontrol measures play an important role in ensuring an effective and safe alternatives to synthetic chemicals. Biological control of pre- and postharvest diseases has been one of the most extensively studied alternatives and appears to be a viable technology. Post-harvest application of biocontrol agents has been reported since very early to control
post-harvest diseases, but it has one major limitation that it cannot control the latent infection that starts from the field itself during the flowering stage, fruit maturity stage, wounds develop at harvesting and transporting the produce. For these pre-harvest applications of biocontrol agents can be an appropriate strategy for fruits and vegetables that subject to several ways of damage in post-harvest handling till storage.
Title: Effects of social computing on students of agricultural sciences
Abstract :

With the advance of internet and web technologies, the increasing accessibility of computing resources and mobile devices, the prevalence of rich media contents, and the ensuing social, economic, and cultural changes, computing technology and applications have evolved quickly over the past decade. They now go beyond personal computing, facilitating collaboration and social interactions in general. As such, social computing, a new paradigm of computing and technology development, has become a central theme across a number of information and communication technology (ICT) fields. It has become a hot topic attracting broad interest from not only researchers but also technologists, software and online game vendors, web entrepreneurs, business strategists, political analysis, and digital government practitioners, to name a few. This research study explores the aftereffects or consequences of using the Internet sources of information as perceived by the students in their academic as well as social life. To answer the question, ‘What are the aftereffects of social computing on the students?’ a study was conducted with the specific objective to analyze the effects of social computing as perceived by the students of agricultural sciences. The study was conducted in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. One university, two colleges and 210 agricultural students, pursuing UG, PG and PhD, doing social computing formed the sample of the study. It was found that the students made new contacts, learnt new study techniques and had more reliance on self-study through social computing without having less contact with teachers or offline friends and less time for physical exercises.

Title: Evaluating the Effect of Substrate Type and Concentration in the Biodegradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Abstract :
Remediation of contaminated soil has been considered as an important environmental issue. Biological methods are widely acknowledged and used to alleviate the environmental problems associated with contaminated soil. Biodegradation involves a series of metabolic processes that decompose organic compounds into smaller and simpler subunits by the aid of microorganisms. Biodegradation has a great potential to treat soil and groundwater contaminated by a variety of hazardous chemicals such as
refractory organics, oils, benzene, styrene, vinyl chloride, pentachlorophenol, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), toluene, xylene, phenols, etc. The present study focuses on the biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). The study was carried out to understand the effect of substrate concentration and type on the biodegradation rate and efficiency. Three sets of bioreactors were considered for the study, each set had 24 bioreactors. They were contaminated with different substrates i.e. diesel, lubricatingoil and waste oil at different concentrations to attain different initial hydrocarbon concentration. These bioreactors had no maintenance of any of the environmental parameters influencing bioremediation throughout the study period of 60 days. The performance and efficiency of the bio-treatment were evaluated for all the bioreactors. Maximum degradation was observed in lighter fraction of petroleum i.e. diesel and minimum degradation was observed in heavier fraction of petroleum i.e. waste oil, as lighter hydrocarbons evaporate in normal conditions.
Title: Elemental analysis of chelant induced phytoextraction by pteris vittata using WD-XRF spectrometry
Abstract :

Soil pollution due to heavy metals derived from anthropogenic activities is one of the major global issues of our times. Detrimental effects of the heavy metals to the environment and human health are well understood now. Direct and multi-elemental quantitative analysis of soil and plant samples in chelant induced phytoaccumulation in Pteris vittata with the application of XRF spectrometry is the main aim of the present study. The chelant treatment of EDTA was effective for enhancing the arsenic (As) absorption in the pot experiments. Bioaccumulation factor for primary macronutrients P and K slightly decreased in roots but it increased considerably in fronds after the treatment. High increase in the bioaccumulation factor and translocation factor was recorded for As. At the end of this work, it can be clearly concluded that Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF) spectrometry can be successfully used in phytoremediation studies for getting good results in less time.

Title: In Vitro Antioxidant Evaluation of Root Methanol Extract of Naregamia Alata W&A
Abstract :
The present research work was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant potential and phytochemical analysis of methanol root extract of Naregamia alata. Standard methods were adopted to screen antioxidant and phytochemical nature of the plant. Antioxidant and radical scavenging activity were determined by using different in vitro assays including DPPH (2, 2 –diphenyl -1-picryl hydrazyl radical) free radical scavenging assay, Hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, Nitric oxide scavenging assay, reducing
power and superoxide free radical scavenging assay. Ascorbic acid was used as standard. The methanol root extract of the plant at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 µg/mL were studied. The root extract of Naregamia alata showed significant antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner in all these assays. In Vitroantioxidant activity of the methanolic root extract showed good antioxidant power in DPPH assay (91.39%), Hydroxyl radical (76.90%) and Superoxide free radical scavenging assay (80.00%)
with IC50 values 7.5µg/ml, 45µg/ml, and 20µg/ml respectively which is almost comparable to standard antioxidant ascorbic acid. The other two assays such as Nitric oxide scavenging (55.44%) with IC50 82.5 µg/ml and Ferric reducing power (0.618) showed moderate scavenging activity. Results of phytochemical screening of the extract showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, phenols, tannin, flavanoids and coumarin.
Title: Genotypic Variations in Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill.) for Acquired Thermotolerance to Temperature Induction Response
Abstract :

Thirty genotypes of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were evaluated for acquired thermotolerance in seedlings based on temperature induction response (TIR) technique. The study showed that all the genotypes exhibited better growth and survival after temperature induction treatment. Out of thirty on exposure to direct challenging temperature nineteen genotypes were found to be susceptible, five moderately tolerant, three tolerant and four dead whereas after induction five were found to be susceptible, eight were found to be moderately tolerant and seventeen genotypes found to be tolerant with better seedling survival percentages. Growth during recovery was also found to be increased in maximum number of genotypes under induction treatment. Genotype GT showed 25.3% of survival when exposed directly to challenging temperature whereas it showed 100% of survival after induction treatment. The GDR of genotype EC-520061 was found to be maximum (4.15 cm) but with lower survival percentage (27.6%) after challenging treatment. SDS-PAGE leaf protein profiling confirmed the presence of additional protein bands as a result of induction. Hence, TIR serves to be a better tool to identify tolerant and susceptible genotypes for acquired thermotolerance even at seedling stage.

Title: Productivity of Soil Amended with Rice Mill Wastes and Sawdust in Abakaliki, Nigeria
Abstract :
Rice mill wastes and sawdust were used to amendsoil in Abakaliki Southeast, Nigeria to study its immediate and residualproductivity for three cropping seasons. Randomized Complete Block Design
was used in laying out the field with four treatments replicated five times. Results showed that soil texture remained sandy loam after cropping for three seasons. Grain yield of maize was significantly
(P<0.05) higher in Burnt Rice Mill Waste (BRMW), Unburnt Rice Mill Waste (URMW) and Sawdust (SD) amended plots relative to control for the three seasons. The grain yield of maize in BRMW amended plot was 8, 11 and 11% higher when compared to control for the studied seasons. Total porosity, macroporosity, micro-porosity and cation exchange capacity (CEC) had r = 0.90, r = 0.86, r = 0.74 and r=0.80 with grain yield of maize. There were r2 =0.82 and r2 = 0.73 for total porosity and macro-porosity with grain yield of maize. Organic carbon (r=0.57), available phosphorus (r=0.63), exchangeable magnesium (r= 0.59), base saturation (r= 0.51) and aluminum saturation (r = 0.58) and micro-porosity (r2 = 0.55), CEC
(r2 = 0.64) were significantly related to grain yield of maize. Burnt rice mill waste was more superior to improving soil productivity compared to others.
Title: Composting of organic wastes using newly developed cellulolytic microbial consortium
Abstract :

Experiment under glass house conditions was conducted to see the efficacy of newly developed microbial consortium for composting different organic substrates. During experiment period, in all the treatments, increase in temperature was recorded from the first week of composting. In majority of the substrates temperature increase was recorded upto fourth week of composting, and thereafter a gradual decline was recorded. Within 30 days there was steep increase in the bacterial and fungal population in all the treatments which continued to increase upto 120 days and thereafter a gradual decrease was recorded. While the population of actinomycetes increased in later stage and reached at peak between 120 and 150 days of composting. Test consortium was found significantly superior in reducing the decomposition time of substrates over other treatments. The reduction in composting time over control ranged from 9.65 to 23.36% in different substrates. Vegetable waste decomposed at the fastest rate (48.7 to 59.3 days) while saw dust required maximum time (179.7 to 214.3 days) for decomposition. Reduction in C:N ratio over initial was recorded in all the treatments at maturity while pH of all substrates shifted towards normal. The treatment with test consortium on different substrates recorded numerically higher mineral content over MPKV consortium and uninoculated control. Results indicated that the use of test consortium reduced the overall time required for composting besides producing the nutrient enriched compost product.

Title: Fodder Diversity, Availability and Utilization Pattern in Western Himalayas
Abstract :

Trees have been used for centuries for fodder globally. Tree foliage is substantial source of feed for livestock. As in many other regions of the world, farmers in the Himalaya region depend largely on this for sustaining their livestock during winter and summer season for almost half of the year. Himalayas are remote and inaccessible; people’s dependency relies mainly on forests resources to fulfill livelihood services. Fodder availability in hill villages of Uttarakhand Himalayan region is insufficient and a part of it is supplemented through lopping of tree foliage. The dependency is very high (>70%) during the period, beginning from October to February. Owing to changing climatic conditions, a farmer’s preference for a particular tree species is also variable, according to the low, mid and high hill regions depending on where he lives. For the present study, a Questionnaire survey was conducted in different districts of Kumaon and Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.

Title: Analysis of anthocyanins and carotenoids in two varieties of calendula officinalis L. flowers
Abstract :

Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) is an annual erect herb with hispidly pubescent, corymbosely branched stem cultivated in lawns. The present investigation was carried out to study the dye yielding potential of the two varieties of Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis L. var. Gitana Orange and Gitana Yellow) of Kashmir valley. The stability and color quality of pigments (anthocyanins and carotenoids) were assessed by quantifying the pigments and recording their color quality at 10 days interval at 0, 10, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 days after collection under ambient and refrigerated storage conditions. Results revealed that Pot marigold (var. Gitana Orange) had higher carotenoid content (288.33 mg/100g) than the Pot marigold (var. Gitana Yellow) (205.50 mg/100g). Highest pigment content was recorded during 0 days of storage in both the varieties. With increase in days of storage pigment content decreased in both plant material as well as extract under both storage conditions. Pigments in the plant material and extract stored under refrigerated conditions lasted longer than those stored under ambient conditions. Pigment degradation was more in the plant material as compared to the plant extract. Color quality of the plant species changed with increase in days of storage. From the present study it was concluded that both varieties of Pot Marigold have good levels of total carotenoids, thus petals of both varieties can be used as a raw material for extraction of yellow to orange natural dyes.

Title: Removal of a cationic dye, methylene blue, from water by cotton stem ash as a novel adsorbent
Abstract :

In search of an efficient and no-cost adsorbent for removal of methylene blue (MB) from water, cotton stem ash (CSA) was evaluated. The effect of process variables, namely, contact time, solution pH and adsorbent dose on adsorption of MB onto CSA were investigated. The adsorption kinetics and mechanism were tested with pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order model, and with intraparticle diffusion model, respectively. Based on error analysis (chi-square and percent sum of error) the suitability order of adsorption isotherms was Langmuir>Temkin>Freundlich>Jovanoic. The maximum adsorption capacity of CSA was 20.42 mg g-1. The feasibility parameter and free energy change were also calculated. The present study demonstrated that the CSA could be used as a potential, efficient, low-cost, and easily available adsorbent for the treatment of MB containing industrial wastewater.

Title: Utilization of Dietary Fibre in Meat Products as Functional Foods
Abstract :

Today nutritional disorders like gut related problems, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer and obesity are a major public health problem worldwide. These are believed to be caused by the rapid change in overall lifestyle due to impact of globalization. Meat consumption and demands for processed meat products is increasing rapidly with the increasing urbanization. Although meat means an important source of nutrients, it is also evident that a great consumption of this source of proteins has also a negative health impact due to its poor fibre content. It has been proclaimed that regular intake of dietary fibre prevents many of the above mentioned diseases. Various fibre rich sources have been attempted in different meat products attributed to their technological and health benefits. Therefore this review reflects the use of various dietary fibre sources in meat products with respect to their functional properties.

Title: Environmental health analysis of pollution in a River-source water supply in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria
Abstract :

The Edagberi/Betterland Communities have been without a good source of water supply. The local population has lived over the years by drinking water from the Taylor Rivers without the due process of water treatment. However, a surface water scheme has never been favoured and sunken boreholes have never been brought to function. The former is however a surer means since both options require water treatment. Special design implications were the avoidance of all ‘unnecessary’ cost components and to take precautionary steps against possible oil spillage, which is considered as occupying the top layer of an element of flow.

Title: Response of Boron and Zinc Fertilization to Productivity of Rice in Piedmont Soil of Arunachal Pradesh
Abstract :
A field experiment was conducted in Piedmont plain soil of East Siang of Arunachal, India to predict the responses of rice ( Oryza sativa) to different levels of boron (B) andzinc (Zn) application. The result showed significance increase in grain and straw yield due to B fertilization. The highest yield response to the tune of 39.25 q/ha grain and 41.25 q/ha straw was recorded with 15 kg level of borax per hectare. Percent increase of grain and straw yield due to 15 kg borax alone over control was found to be 24.52 % and 17.78 % respectively. The soil also showed positive response to different levels of Zn fertilization but maximum response was observed upto 20 kg ZnSO4/ha. Boron and Zn interacted synergistically to boost yield of rice crop resulting in additional yield of 7.1 q/ha of grain and 6.28 q/ha of straw. The increased percent of grain and straw yield of rice with Zn and interaction between B × Zn were 24.87 %, 17.67 % and 47.04, 35.72 %, respectively. The boron concentration and uptake in grain and straw of rice also significantly increases with increase in level of borax upto 15 kg/ha and ZnSO4 10 kg/ha. However, a negative response was also observed in both grain and straw yield at level of 20kg/ha of borax and 30kg/ha of ZnSO4.
Title: Study of cutting management on proximate analysis in wheat, oat and barley crops
Abstract :

An experiment were conducted in rabi season during 2012-2013 to find out the effect of cereal crops (Wheat, Oat, Barley) and cutting schedule on forage and grain yield. The study revealed the maximum chlorophyll accumulation in Barley and wheat during the initial stage at 95 DAS and wheat and barley during reproductive stage at 30 DAS. Cutting at 50 DAS is proved beneficial on chlorophyll accumulation. Photosynthetic rate were maximum in wheat at 90 DAS. However cutting did not affect photosynthesis rate stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. Barley gave maximum fodder yield (fresh/day). Cutting at 50 DAS was beneficial in producing maximum fodder yield without sacrificing grain yield of cereal crops.

Title: Nilambur- Genotypically A Unique Teak Population in Ind
Abstract :
Gene diversity and population structure were analyzed in 14 natural teak ( Tectona grandisL.f.) populations in India belonging to Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Orissa using microsatellite markers. The data collected through microsatellite marker studies from 550 trees of the natural teak populations in different geographic areas indicate that it has different genetic structure forming separate genetic clusters. Populations from Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat form the first cluster while Orissa is in the second cluster and Kerala populations except Nilambur fall in the third cluster. Phenotypically Nilambur teak stands are quite distinct among Kerala populations were reported earlier but this is the first report proving the uniqueness of Nilambur teak through DNA analysis. The results of this study using molecular markers also support and confirm that gene diversity within teak populations of teak are in higher percentage than the gene diversity among populations. 
Title: Cotton Productivity, Profitability and Changes in Soil Properties under Different Nutrient Management Practices
Abstract :
Cotton is an important fibre crop of global significance, which is, cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions of more than seventy countries the world over. A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2013 to evaluate the nutrient requirement of Bt cotton vis-a-vis fertilizer practices in vogue. At different growth stages, except control, all other treatments recorded higher number of monopodial 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. Kapas yield increased with increasing fertilizer dose from 100 to 150% but was on par with the yield realized in 100% NPK and soil test based
fertilizer application. Quality parameters like seed index, lint index and ginning out turn were not influenced by the fertilizer treatments. Availability nitrogen was lowest in control and highest in farmers’
practice. Availability phosphorus and potassium was lowest in control and highest in soil test based fertilizer application. Available sulphur content in soil was lowest in control and highest in 150% RDF + S @ 30 kg ha-1. Micronutrient status in soil at flowering and harvest stages was not significantly influenced by the fertilizer treatments. Economic analysis also indicated that application of very high doses of fertilizers did not help in getting higher net returns or higher benefit cost ratio. It is logical to resortof soil test based fertilizer application or to adopt the present recommendation of 150:60:60 kg NPK ha-1 for profitable cultivation of Bt cotton in Warangal district of Telangana state. 
Title: Effect of Hot Water and H2SO4 on Physical Dormancy in the Seeds of Sponge Gourd
Abstract :

Luffa sponge gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca Mill.; also L. cylindrica) is a major cucurbit crop, affected by the physical dormancy, which is caused by the hardness of the seed coat. In the present study, luffa seeds were treated with H2SO4 and hot water. This experiment is conduct as seeds of sponge gourd were socked in hot water (100oC) for 2, 5, 10 and 15 minutes durations and in various concentration of H2SO4 (0.5, 1 and 2%) for 1, 3 and 5 minutes durations in each concentration along with control. The highest germination percentage (92.33 ±0.8) was recorded with hot water treatment for 2 min. H2SO4 Treatment had no effect in breaking physical dormancy, but it showed variability in the germination of sponge gourd. But it can not be considered as an effective method.

Title: Improved Protocol of RNA Isolation for Transcriptome Analysis of Poaceae Plants
Abstract :

The existence of metabolites that interfere with isolation procedures and downstream applications makes plant RNA extraction difficult. The current research used a standardized RNA extraction protocol from maize (Zea mays L.). We developed a protocol for extracting pure RNA from plant tissues using both extraction buffer and the TRIzol reagent, and show that this RNA extraction method works not only at Low temperatures but also at room temperatures, making it the easiest and most efficient method for extracting pure and undegraded RNA directly from tropical plants in the field. RNA isolation methods based on our modified protocol yielded good results in maize leaf, seed, flowers and other grass species. The isolated RNA was found to be suitable for both PCR and RT-PCR amplification and transcriptome analysis. The method is repeatable and can be used to isolate high-quality RNA and conduct gene expression studies. RNA extraction paves the way for deciphering the complex regulatory network involved in multiple stress responses by studying gene-environment interactions at the transcriptome level.

Title: Effect of Foliar Application of Zinc and Copper on Growth and Post-Harvest Life of Lilium (Asiatic hybrid) cv. Albedo
Abstract :
An experiment was carried out in the field and Post-harvest Laboratory of Department of Horticulture, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India during 2013-2014 to see the effect of zinc and copper on growth characteristics and post-harvest life in lilium grown under polyhouse condition. The treatments used were Zn 0.2%, Zn 0.4%, Cu 0.2%, Cu 0.4%, Zn 0.2% + Cu 0.2%, Zn 0.2% + Cu 0.4%, Zn 0.4% + Cu 0.2%, Zn 0.4% + Cu 0.4% along with control (distilled water). Foliar application of zinc and copper was done at 30 days after planting. Spraying of nutrients was done to run-off stage and control plants were treated in the same manner with distilled water. Experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) and replicated thrice. A significant result was observed in all the parameters studied. Among the growth parameter, treatment Zn 0.4% + Cu 0.4% showed significant increase in the leaf area followed by Zn 0.2% + Cu 0.4% whereas, Zn 0.2% + Cu 0.2% recorded maximum chlorophyll content followed by Zn 0.4% + Cu 0.2%. Maximum fresh weight and dry weight of leaves were observed with Zn 0.2% + Cu 0.2%. Among post-harvest parameters maximum weight of cut stem at 2nd, 4th and 6th day was noticed in Zn 0.4% followed by Zn 0.2% + Cu 0.4%. Treatment Zn 0.2% + Cu 0.4% extended the days to opening of 1st and 2nd flower followed by Zn 0.4% + Cu 0.2% and Zn 0.2% + Cu 0.2% while, Zn 0.4% recorded maximum diameter of flower which was statistically at par with Zn 0.2% + Cu 0.4% whereas, longevity of 1st and 2nd flower was maximum with Zn 0.2% + Cu 0.4% followed by Zn 0.4% + Cu 0.2%. Maximum solution uptake and vase life was observed with Zn 0.4% + Cu 0.2% followed by Zn 0.2% + Cu 0.4%
Title: Sorghum Yield and Nutrient Uptake under Long Term Nutrient Management Practices in Sorghum-Sunflower Cropping System in an Alfisol
Abstract :
The long term fertilizer experiment which was initiated in 1999, was monitored during kharif 2013 to study the effect of different nutrient management practices under sorghum-sunflower cropping system
in an Alfisol to study the sorghum yields and nutrient uptake by sorghum. Integrated nutrient management practice by applying optimum NPK fertilizers along with FYM (NPK+FYM) or crop residues (NPK+CR) increased the sorghum grain yield significantly over application of only fertilizers (100% NPK). The sorghum yield significantly increased with increasing levels of NPK only up to 100% NPK. Super optima dose of fertilizers (150% NPK) did not increase the yield. Continuous application of only nitrogen resulted in reduced yields due to the imbalanced use of fertilizers. Additional application of phosphorus significantly increased the yield while there was no significant yield increase with application of potassium, sulphur, boron or zinc. Application of phosphorus, potassium and zinc significantly increased their uptake by the crop but application of nitrogen or sulphur did not increase their uptake.
Title: Evaluation of some soil test methods in acid soils for available phosphorus for pea of Senapati district of Manipur (India)
Abstract :

In an field experiment conducted on pea (Pisum sativum L.) during rabi season of 2013-14 in acid soil of Senapati district, Manipur, India phosphorus was given in the form of single super phosphate and levels of P2O5 kg ha-1 (0, 40 and 60) had significant influence on total dry matter yield, phosphorus concentration in plants and phosphorus uptake by plant. Six extractants were tried viz. Bray 1, Bray 2, Mehlich 1, Mehlich 3, Troug and Olsen to assess the available phosphorus status of the acid soils. The suitability of these extractants was in the descending order: Bray 1> Troug> Bray 2> Mehlich 3> Olsen (pH-8.5)> Mehlich 1. Bray’s P 1 extractable phosphorus showed the highest and positive correlations with dry matter yield (control) phosphorus content (control), phosphorus uptake (control), Bray’s percent yield and uptake. Therefore this extractant may be used as an index of available phosphorus for pea (Arkel) grown on acid soils of Senapati district, Manipur, the critical level being 14 ppm (mg /kg). The critical limit of phosphorus concentration in plant at 40 days of planting was 0.42% according to the graphical procedure of Cate and Nelson (1965) using a scattered diagram.

Title: Trichoderma spp. of West Bengal Tea Cropping System: Study on Cultural Characteristics and Conidia Production Potency
Abstract :

Fungi belonging to the genus Trichoderma possess a tremendous antagonism in managing the pathogens causing various diseases in crops. The rate of mycelial growth and the number of spores of antagonists have a direct impact on the control of phytopathogens. Six Trichoderma strains developed at Tea Research Association, North Bengal Regional Research and Development Centre, Nagrakata were evaluated for their rate of mycelial growth and sporulation under laboratory conditions through test tube and Petriplate culture methods. Investigations revealed that all the isolates were fast-growing, they started to grow after 6 hours of inoculation on an artificial medium (Potato dextrose agar). Isolates exhibited small variation in their growth rate, initiation of conidiation, and color of conidia. The mycelial growth rate of isolate KBN-24 and KBN-34 was very fast, however, it was slower in isolate KBN-29 and KBN-32. They produced light yellow, light green, and dark green conidia. Diffusion of yellow pigment was also noticed in isolate KBN-33. The earliest conidiation was observed in isolate KBN-33. Isolate KBN-32 and KBN-24 could produce conidia after 72 hours, however; isolate KBN-34, KBN-29 and KBN-35 produced after 96 hours of inoculation. In Petri plates, isolates produced dull-white, light cream, and white-colored mycelia and also showed variations in the number of concentric rings of conidia. Three isolates were found to be fast-growing and covered the entire surface area of the plate within 72 hours. All the isolates produced 78.6 to 310.7 × 108/ mL conidia after a month of inoculation indicating their suitability as promising antagonists.

Title: Seasonal Variation and Genotypic Variability Studies on Bottle Gourd for Yield and it’s Attributing Traits
Abstract :
A field study on seasonal variability bottle gourd was conducted at Vegetable Research Farm, BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India during early winter season and early summer season, 2013 and summer season, 2014 to know the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for eleven yield and its contributing traits in nine bottle gourd genotypes. Highly significant treatment differences for all traits in the three environments viz., E1, E2 and E3 except for fruit circumference in E2 and vine length in E3, represent inherent genetic difference among the genotypes. The field condition revealed that PCV was higher than the GCV in all environments and pooled for most of traits. The moderate to high heritability in broad sense (51% – 80%) in the different environments and pooled coupled with high genetic advance in per cent of mean (23.11% – 30.72%) in all environments and pooled for number of fruits per vine, that indicates the preponderance of additive gene action and better scope for improvement of these characters
would be effective through selection of genotype. The promising genotypes identified in order to merit of fruit yield per plant were Pusa Naveen and HZP-RC-1 for early maturity and high yielding in all environments and polled.
Title: A Rapid Micro-method for the Isolation of Total DNA from Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Tissues
Abstract :
The high yielding and reproducible micro-method of barley total DNA isolation was developed. A strong buffer was used for the maximum yield of DNA. RNA was removed by treating DNA with DNase-free pancreatic RNase A and polysaccharide contamination was removed by ethanol precipitation. DNA isolated from callus or leaf tissue was proved enough for restriction enzyme digestion and Southern
blotting.
Title: Changes in Antioxidant and Biochemical Constituents in Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Fruit cv. Apple Colour during Development and Ripening
Abstract :
Changes in antioxidant and biochemical constituents were studied in guava fruit cv. Apple colour to determine the optimum time of harvest. Fruits were analysed at 15 days interval at 30, 45, 60, 90, 105,120, 135 and 150 days after fruit set. Continous increase in TSS content was observed in guava cv. Apple Colour at different growth intervals (30 to 150 days) . Ascorbic acid content in guava varieties exhibited peculiarity, which firstly, increased from up to 120 days and then decreased at 150 days while titratable acidity in guava varieties increased from 30 days to 150 days and then decreased from 120 days to 150 days. Total sugars, reducing sugars and total carotenoid showed continous increasing trend from fruit development till ripening in guava cultivar. While anthocyanin content increased from 105 days to 150 days only.
Title: Studies on the effect of foliar application of calcium on post-harvest, corm and cormel production in gladiolus CV. summer sunshine
Abstract :

The experiment was conducted during the year 2011-2013 in Mondouri Horticultural research farm, BCKVV, Mohanpur, West Bengal to study the role of calcium and to identify its effective source and application time on the post-harvest, corm and cormel parameters of gladiolus with foliar application of calcium nitrate and calcium carbonate at different days (3-4, 6 leaf and spike emergence) after plantingand was conducted in Randomized Block Design with three replications.Analysis of variance study indicated that most of the treatments differed significantly among themselves except for days taken for basal floret open, no of corms per plot, corm weight and no of cormels per corm in both the years. The results obtained revealed that foliar spray of calcium favored most of the post-harvest, corm and cormel characters. Calcium nitrate was found superior to calcium carbonate in promoting various post-harvest, corm and cormelcharacters under study. Spraying of calcium nitrate at 6 leaves stage and spike emergence stage to gladiolus plant was most effective to influence the post-harvest, corm and cormelparameters and was found on par with calcium nitrate 300 ppm at 6 leaves stage for maximum characters like vase life, cumulative water uptake, days to incipient senescence, fresh weight of spike, days to senescence, corm diameter, corm thickness and cormel weight per plot.

Title: Evaluation of Physico-chemical and organoleptic quality of Papaya Cv. Taiwan and Banana Cv. Grand naine based mixed fruit bar during storage
Abstract :

The experiment was conducted at Dept. of Post-Harvest Technology, Navsari Agriculture University, Navsari in the year 2012-13 and comprised seven treatments of fruit bar prepared from different pulp ratio of papaya cv. Taiwan and banana cv. Grand Naine viz., 0:100, 20:80, 40:60, 50:50, 60:40, 80:20 and 100:0 in the storage condition at room temperature in polyethylene bag was laid out in completely randomized design along with three repetitions. The physico-chemical parameters viz., TSS (°B), acidity, total sugars (per cent), ascorbic acid (mg/100g) and organoleptic quality (9 point Hedonic) with respect to colour, texture, taste and overall acceptability were evaluated at initial and up to 6 months of storage. TSS, total sugars and ascorbic acid content of fruit bar was found decrease while acidity increased during storage period of six months in all treatments. Considering the organoleptic evaluation of fruit bar with respect to colour, flavour, texture, taste and overall acceptability the treatment T4 (50:50, papaya:banana) was found higher organoleptic score with better consumer acceptability during storage.

Title: Crop Diversification for Increasing Productivity and Profitability under Mid-hill Sub-humid Conditions of Himachal Pradesh
Abstract :
Eight cropping sequences viz.maize – wheat, maize (green cob) + frenchbean (pole type) – pea – summer squash, maize + soybean – garlic, maize (green cob) – broccoli – potato, maize (green cob) +
asparagus bean – radish – onion, maize (green cob) + mash – cauliflower – frenchbean, maize (green cob) + ricebean – cauliflower – buckwheat, maize (green cob) + asparagus bean – broccoli – radish were evaluated for their production potential and economic feasibility under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh.After completion of the experiment maize (green cob) + asparagus bean – radish – onion and maize (green cob) + frenchbean (pole type) – pea – summer squash sequences resulted in significantly higher maize equivalent yield (36.9 and 35.0t ha-1), production efficiency (119.4 and 112.5 kg ha-1 day-1), net returns (` 223568.6 and ` 225468.9 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.5 and 1.5), respectively than other crop sequences.While, maize - wheat sequence was superior over all crop sequences in terms of carbohydrate yield and protein yield (3,556.7 and 590.5, respectively). Maize – broccoli – potato resulted in higher cost of cultivation than other crop sequences due to the labour intensive nature of potato crop.
Title: Evaluation of Host Plant Resitance in Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes for Leaf miner (Chromatomyia horticola Gaur.) and Pod Borers
Abstract :
Different genotypes of Rajmash were sown at Agricultural Research Farm of Banaras Hindu University during Rabi season of 2013-14 and 2014-15 for the evaluation of resistance to leaf miner and pod borers. During 2013-14 genotype 405 showed comparative resistance reaction to leaf miner damage (33.52%), whereas genotypes HUR 15 (51.74 %) and 180 (51.10 %) showed susceptible reaction with higher leaf miner damage. Maximum pod damage was recorded in genotype VL63 (11.00 %) and minimum in HUR 203 (1.93 %). Genotype M8 produced higher yields as compared to other genotypes (13.88 q ha-1), while genotype 180 (5.86 q ha-1) produced minimum yield. During 2014-15, genotype 405 (26.16 %) showed less leaf miner damage and genotype HUR 15 (45.12 %) was more infested by leaf miner. Genotype VL63 (11.67 %) showed maximum pod damage and genotype 405 (3.94 %) showed less damage.Maximum yield obtained from genotype 214 (13.36 q ha-1) and minimum from genotypes HUR15 and HUR 146 (6.48 q ha-1).
Title: Contents VOL. 15, NO. 1, MARCH 2022
Abstract :
Title: Technology Application for Sustainable Environment Management in Disadvantageous Terrains: Shifting Thrust of Public Agricultural Extension System in North Eastern Region of India
Abstract :
The North Eastern region of India is generally featured by enormous biodiversity, forest cover and clean environment. But, in the recent past the region has encountered numerous environment related issues,mainly due to encroachment, deforestation and indiscriminate jhuming. To contain the degraded environment a centrally planned and strategic change in farm practices considering natural resource management, recycling and environmental protection had been increasingly felt essential. The present study aimed at finding out whether the public agricultural extension system in the region while applying technologies in the farmers’ fields for transfer and wider dissemination, had been taking into due consideration the environmental issues or not, and if so, then what was the pattern of shift. A technology application index (TAI), comprising of six different indicators, was developed for the same purpose and the required data were extracted from relevant secondary sources. The findings of the study indicate that there has been a visible shift in thrust in agricultural technology application from field crop production oriented technologies to resource management and horticultural production technologies. Although a
shift in relative thrust has been observed in technologies related to small scale enterprises, some more emphasis is required to integrate the small scale enterprises to farm based livelihood options, exploiting natural resources in a sustainable manner and following scientific soil health management practices. 
Title: Relative Resistance in Soybean Germplasms against White Fly, (Bemisia Tabaci Gennadius) and Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus Spread in Field
Abstract :
Absence of resistance against diseases and insect pests in soybean is one of the main reasons for their low yield. During the kharif season, yellow mosaic epidemic damages the crop in most of the soybean growing areas of Uttarakhand. A field experiment was conducted during kharifseason of 2012-13 at N. E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) for the purpose of identifying resistance in soybean germplasms, a disease screening plot, comprising of 41 test entries, was developed. Despite being highly susceptible, some test entries produced good yield and showed tolerance to yellow vein mosaic disease. Screening of forty one genotypes of soybean against White fly, Bemisia tabaci(Genn.) revealed that the soybean genotypes (1.11 per 3 plants) SL- 900 with 67.49% disease spread was found the least susceptible, followed by AMSMB- 5-18, AMS-243, AMS-MB-5-19, DS-12-5, DS-2708, DSb-16, DSb-20, JS-20-29, JS-20-34, KDS-8, KS-103, MACS-1336, MACS-504, PS-1476, PS-1477, RVS -2001-18 germplasms were found resistant to White fly infestation as well as Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV) damage. 
Title: Effect of Gamma Rays on Flowering, Post-harvest Life and Morphological Changes in Gladiolus Varieties
Abstract :

Present investigation was carried out for three years (2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020) at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India to find out effect of various gamma doses i.e., 20 Gy, 30 Gy, 40 Gy and 50 Gy along with control (untreated plants) in nine gladiolus varieties such as Gulal, Jyotsna, Mohini, Pusa Kiran, Pusa Srijana, Pusa Vidushi, Swarnima, Pusa Shubham and Urvashi. Lower dose of gamma (20 Gy) registered late withering of last floret, maximum length of spike and water uptake on 3rd day in vase during 1st year and 2nd year. Maximum length of 5th floret was observed with 20 Gy during 1st year and it was maximum with 40 Gy during 2nd year. Among varieties, late withering of 5th floret was registered with cv. Jyotsna and maximum water uptake on 3rd day was recorded with cv. Pusa Shubham. Late withering of 5th floret was obtained with 30 Gy in field condition and in vase it was maximum with 20 Gy gamma dose. Various morphological abnormalities and deformities were observed at higher gamma doses (40 and 50 Gy) in all three years of experimentation. Anomalous change in flower shape, size and colour was identified in irradiated plants when compared to parents.

Title: Forage Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Seed Yield and Seed Quality Response to Foliar Application of Bio-regula
Abstract :
Heat stress could be one of the major constraints for limiting yield and quality of legumes in many parts of the world. Foliage applied bio-regulators induce thermo-tolerance and flowering in plants under temperature stress conditions. So, we assessed the effectiveness of four foliage applied bio-regulators starting from flower initiation on growth, seed yield and germination parameters on two cultivars of forage cowpea ( cv. CL 367 and Cowpea 88) with different doses viz. sodium benzoate (100 and 150 µg mL-1), salicylic acid (50 and 100 µg mL-1), CaCl2 (0.5 and1.0%) and KNO3 (1.0 and 2.0%). Cultivar CL 367 recorded significantly higher SPAD value, pods plant-1, seed yield, harvest index, and seed germination parameters than Cowpea 88. Bio-regulators sprays on crop improved the seed yield by 12.9-32.7%. Salicylic acid (50 µg mL-1), KNO3 (2.0%) and CaCl2 (1.0%) foliar sprays increased seed yield by 32.7%, 27.5% and 26.7%, respectively, over control. Seeds produced from 50 µg mL-1 salicylic acid treatment were of better quality with improved germination, shoot length, root length and seedling vigor index. Our results suggest that three foliar sprays of 50 µg mL-1 of salicylic acid starting from flowering at weekly interval can increase the seed yield and quality of cowpea. Improvement in seed yield and its quality with foliar bio-regulators will certainly increase the area under this fodder crop and will be helpful in sustaining livestock production in developing countries.
Title: Screening of Certain Promising Germplasm of Brassica spp. Against Lipaphis erysimi Kalt
Abstract :
Cultivation of resistant or tolerant varieties is the easiest way to protect the mustard crop from insect pests. Varietal screening for aphid resistance and stability of seed yield under aphid-infested and protected environment would help in identifying the tolerant varieties for aphid attack. The present investigations were therefore carried out with the objectives to study the evaluation of 240 B. juncea accessions for resistance/tolerance against mustard aphid. Under field conditions, the experiment was conducted with 240 accessions (germplasm) of Brassica junceaat Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre (CRC), Pantnagar, during 2010-2011 to evaluate their differential response on the infestation of Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach). Accessions 491128 491176, 491123, 491144 were highly resistant, and 491041, 320648,426401, 491042 were highly susceptible against mustard aphid based on its population. On the basis of mustard aphid infestation index (AII) the mustard germplasm, 339589 (0.46), 33957, 399816 were found highly resistant, whereas 296703, 491028, 248993, 296690 were highly susceptible 
Title: Gene Expression Programming For Forest Fire Risk Modeling In Western Himalayas
Abstract :

Western Himalayas are mainly prone to chir pine forest fires, which are predominantly governed by climatic factors. Forest fire is one of the main reasons for forest degradation and has a hazardous impact on the environment, economy, and human health. Therefore, the present investigation aimed to develop forest fire risk models based on climatic parameters using gene expression programming (GEP) for Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. Climatic parameters viz., maximum temperature (Tx), minimum temperature (Tn), mean temperature (Ta), soil temperature (Ts), maximum relative humidity (RHx), minimum relative humidity (RHn), mean relative humidity (RHa), rainfall (RF), sunshine hours (SS) and wind speed (WS), for the past fifteen years was randomly divided into a training set (75%) and validation set (25%). Training data was used to construct eight models, which had different combinations of ten weather parameters, and the models were validated using validation data. Several statistical criteria, viz., coefficient of determination (R2), Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), and statistical errors were used for the evaluation of the performance of Models. Model 2, Model 5, and Model 8 showed better performance in both the training and validation stage; however, among these models, Model 2 (R2 = 1.00%; r = 1.00) was selected and described. Model 2 was generated using temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall as input data. This model can be exploited to predict and prevent forest fire hazards in the study area.

Title: Effect of Nitrogen Levels on Growth and Yields of Wheat Varieties under Saline Water Irrigation Conditions
Abstract :

The field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the Rabi season of 2015-16. The experiment consisted of twenty treatment combinations comprising four wheat varieties i.e. KRL 210, WH 1105, HD 3086 and DBW 88 as main plots of treatment and five nitrogen levels i.e. 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha-1 as sub-plots treatment, were tested in a split-plot design with three replications. The growth parameters i.e. dry matter accumulation, number of tillers meter-1 row length and leaf area index, grain yield and straw yield were recorded significantly higher in the wheat variety WH 1105. However, it was at par with varieties HD 3086 and DBW 88 for dry matter accumulation and leaf area index. Whereas, plant height was recorded significantly higher in the wheat variety HD 3086. The incremental N levels significantly increased for plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of tillers meter-1 row length, LAI grain yield, straw yield and harvest index up to 150 kg N ha-1 but was at par with 200 kg N ha-1.

Title: Qualitative Assessment of Guava and Wood Apple Blended Jelly Cubes
Abstract :

Wood Apple (Limonia acidissima) and Guava (Psidium guajava L.) are the most prominent fruit crops in India. An experiment, “Qualitative Assessment of Guava and Wood Apple Blended Jelly Cubes” conducted during the year 2021 visualized the effect of different and suitable pulp combinations of guava and wood apple juice for blended jelly preparation. The experiment was laid out in RBD with nine treatments. Jelly cubes were prepared using various proportions (100:0, 95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20, 75:25, 70:30, 65:35, and 60:40) of wood apple and guava fruit juice and were evaluated for quality parameters. Significant variation was observed among different fruit juice combinations. Treatment T6 [wood apple (75 %): guava (25 %)] recorded superiority in TSS, pH, moisture, acidity, ascorbic acid, and total sugars, while treatment T2 [wood apple (95 %): guava (5 %)] showed minimum values. Sensory evaluation of jelly cubes from treatment T6 [wood apple (75 %): guava (25 %)] achieved better organoleptic properties.

Title: Performance of Little Millet (Panicum sumatrense) Varieties Under Different Fertility Level in Rainfed Conditions of Uttarakhand Hills
Abstract :

A field experiment on little millet was conducted during kharif season (June-October )of 2020‒21 at College of Forestry, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India to study the effect of fertility levels on different high yielding cultivars of little millet under rainfed conditions of hills of Uttarakhand. The experiment was consisted of sixteen treatment combinations. The experiment was executed in split plot design along with three replications. The different levels of fertility viz. control (without RDF), 50% RDF, 100% RDF and 150% RDF were laid out in main plots, while four cultivars of little millet viz. LMV 528, LMV 536, BL 9 and JK 8 were laid out in sub plot. It was observed that little millet crop can be grown successfully in the mid hills of Uttarakhand. The significantly higher grain and straw yield was recorded in 150% RDF than 100% and 50% RDF. Higher B:C ratio was also recorded in 150% RDF. Among the tested varieties LMV 528 recorded significantly higher grain and straw yield along with maximum harvest index. Though crop can be grown successfully in mid hills but it was not economical viable as B: C ratio is lower. Therefore, there is need to develop location specific package of practices to make crop more economical for farmers.

Title: Bulking Rate of Pro-Vitamin A Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Genotypes and the Effect of Locations on Root Yield Parameters at Southern Guinea Savannah and Forest Transition Agroecological Zone of Nigeria
Abstract :

Human population is increasing at an alarming rate, so also the need for food production which necessitates clearing up new lands for cultivation. For most farmers, because of the existing land tenure system, manage to cultivate their existing farmlands most times in mixed cropping. Cassava farmers engage in piecemeal harvesting ultimately to make room for cultivation of other crop but the underlying reasons for doing this is as a result of longer time it takes for Cassava roots to achieve marketable root size and the problem of bush fires that affect their farms during the long stay of the crop on the farm in a bit to attain maturity. Hence, the need to provide farmers with cassava genotypes that bulks early so that they can be sure of reasonable marketable root sizes before the usual maturing time. This study evaluated cassava genotypes at different harvesting months of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after planting (MAP) to evaluate their bulking rate at different agroecology of Mokwa and Ubiaja. Data were collected on Fresh Storage Root Yield (FSRY), Harvest Index (HI), and Dry Matter (DM) content. This study show that location was not significant on the fresh root yield and fresh root yield either decreases or increases after 3 months after planting (MAP) until 12MAP where it had the highest size. The genotypes with highest root yield across the months (IKN120036 and IBA090581) showed discontinuity in their root yield during their growth stage and the onset of rainfall reduces dry matter accumulation. Genotypes IBA090525, IBA070593, IBA141092, IKN120016 and IKN120036 maintained higher root yield at 6MAP when there was no rainfall than at 9MAP when there was rainfall. Root yield generally reduces at the onset of rainfall with corresponding reduction in dry matter. There was variability among the genotypes for yield related traits as fresh storage root yield (FSRY), harvest index (HI), and dry matter (DM) were significant at P<0.001, P<0.001 and P<0.01 respectively and MAP was significant for FSRY and DM. Early bulking may not necessarily be high yielding as shown in the study but may be exploited via selection and breeding for higher yields and this is because cassava genotypes vary in terms of dry matter accumulation at different months with environment (location) and dry matter accumulation reduced at 9MAP during the onset of rainfall while rainfall was higher in Ubiaja with higher root yield.

Title: Augmentation of Developmental Competence of Immature Cattle Oocytes Supplemented with Growth Factors in Culture Media
Abstract :

The aim of the present study was to produce cattle embryos through in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture by supplementing culture media with insulin-like growth factor-1 individually and in combination with epidermal growth factor. Cattle ovaries were collected from the abattoir and carried to the laboratory within 3-4 h in normal saline, maintaining 30-35 °C. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from visible surface follicles and matured in-vitro in maturation media supplemented with (i) insulin-like growth factor-1 and (ii) in combination with epidermal growth factor at 38.5 °C in CO2 incubator with maximum humidity. After 24 h matured, oocytes were allowed for fertilization with capacitated sperms in Fert-BO media at 38.5 °C in CO2 incubator. After 15-18 h, oocytes were cultured in 100 µl droplets of mCR2aa medium supplemented with growth factor. After 48 h, cleavage was checked and further co-cultured with oviductal cells for development. In the first experiment, the cleavage rate (63.27±2.17a) and morula formation rate (20.09±2.57a) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the treatment group @ 50 ng/ml of IGF-1 as compared to the control group. In contrast, in the second experiment the cleavage rate (70.00±2.16a) and morula formation rate (25.30±1.45a) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the treatment group @ 50 + 10 ng/ml of IGF-1+ EGF, as compared to control group. From the present study, it could be concluded that insulin-like growth factor-1 may have induced cleavage after fertilization and helps in early embryo developmental growth.

Title: Attitude of Rural Hisar towards Swachh Bharat Mission- A Training Approach
Abstract :

Swachh Bharat Mission that has been marked as the largest ever cleanliness drive in the country that was started by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at Rajghat, New Delhi on 2nd of October 2014. The current study presents a small insight into the cleanliness situation of the rural areas. The present study was conducted in Hisar district of Haryana state. Two villages; Mangali and Aryanagar from Hisar I and Hisar II (blocks) were selected randomly by selecting 20 females, 20 males and 10 field functionaries from each village which made total sample to be 100. Information sources used by respondents for obtaining information about Swachh Bharat Mission and their attitude towards the mission were assessed. Television and peers were the most utilized source for obtaining information. Attitude was found to be unfavourable. A training session of three days was organized in each village to impart knowledge on various aspects of the mission. 10 males and 10 females from each village were selected whose attitude scores were recorded low. Attitude of the respondents after the training witnessed a significant change (‘t’ value was 7.20* for females and 5.87* for the males).

Title: Contents VOL. 15, NO. 2, JUNE 2022
Abstract :
Title: Application of Nanomaterials in Agriculture and their Impact on Environment
Abstract :

Nanoparticles are a particle with at least one dimensions in nano range (1-100 nm). Nowadays, more than 1000 consumer products are available on the market. However, researchers have developed nanoparticles as nanofertilizers and nanopesticides due to largest share of conventional bulk products in the field of agriculture. These nanomaterials are prepared through top down and bottom-up approaches. Despite of several advantages due to its small size, high porosity, high specific surface area and less required application dose, few researchers indicates its harmful effects in certain cases due to bioaccumulation. The farmers may suffer most due to application of nano based fertilizers and pesticides in long term. Therefore, proper guidelines with proper protective measures should be followed during application of nanoparticles particularly nanofertilizers and nanopesticides in the field conditions.

Title: A Study on the Agricultural Practices Around the Loktak Lake, Manipur, India Before and After the Commissioning of the Ithai Barrage
Abstract :

The present study compares the agricultural practices of the people living in and around the Loktak lake, Manipur before and after the commissioning of Ithai barrage. The study was conducted in five villages namely Nongmaikhong, Phoubakchao, Laphupat Tera, Karang and Ithing which are located in and around the lake using research schedule, household survey and focus group interviews. Before the commissioning of the Ithai barrage people were found to practiced traditional methods of agricultural practices and modern methods of agricultural practices were found to practiced after its commissioning. In the modern practices of agriculture the tools and the methods used in traditional agriculture were found replaced by some modern tools and methods. It was observed that the traditional agricultural practices does not cause any harm to the surrounding environment or human health as compared to modern agriculture practices. The study also noted that the traditional methods of agriculture are still practiced in the villages by some people. The traditional knowledge of the communities used in agriculture need to be documented, revived or conserved which will help in the conservation of not only the surrounding environment but also for maintaining healthy human body. As compared to modern agricultural practices the traditional practices was also found cheap.

Title: Symptomatological Study in Different Wheat Varieties in Response to Puccinia graminis tritici
Abstract :

Wheat is one of the essential cereals and is highest produced grain in the world after corn and rice. It is the second most important crop in India, next to rice. Wheat stem rust is the primary biotic constraint to wheat production, and it is essential to understand and analyse the disease in terms of pathological and biochemical responses. Formation of white flecks on the leaf surface seven to eight days post-inoculation was the first symptom of disease initiation. Number of pustules and uredia per centimeter square increased as time progressed along with the disease. The A-9-30-1, with a mean number of pustules and uredia of 25.25 and 6.45 × 104 per centimeter square, respectively, was highly susceptible to recording higher values during the entire study period, followed by Agra local (28.93 mean no. of pustules and 7.25 × 104 uredia per centimeter square) and Kharachia (31.55 mean no. of pustules and 7.4 × 104 uredia per centimeter square). No flecking, pustules, or uredia were observed in the three varieties viz., GDW 1255, GW 496, and GW 451.

Title: Statistical Modeling and Trend Analysis of Jackfruit Production in the Districts of Kerala in India
Abstract :

The present paper examines growth and trend pattern analysis of jackfruit production in some selected districts of Kerala in India. The analysis is carried out by fitting statistical models, viz. linear and exponential models. The time series data on jackfruit during 2009-2018 is used for the analysis. The trend values have been obtained by fitting the respective models, and the validity of the models has been tested by using the Chi-square test statistic. It is revealed from the study that both models are valid for analyzing the growth and trend patterns of jackfruit production in the concerned districts. Moreover, the coefficient of determination is also computed to judge the suitability of the concerned models.

Title: The Distinctive Endophytic Bacterial Isolates Obtained from Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) RCRS, Thandigudi
Abstract :

The study aimed to identify and determine the endophytic bacteria of coffee leaves (Coffea arabica L.) having multifunctional plant growth-promoting traits. Coffee leaves were obtained from the plants grown at the Regional Coffee Research Station of Lower Pulney hills, Thandigudi. Examination of seven distinct endophytic bacterial isolates was characterized morphologically and biochemically. Endophytic bacterial isolates have shown various levels of resistance in recent research. Plant growth-promoting traits include nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and potassium mobilization. Also, the endophytic microbiota were the potential plant symbionts for conferring biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Based on the results, the two efficient isolates had undergone 16S rRNA sequencing, and the results showed that the SE4 was Chryseobacterium indologeness, IMP2 was Pseudomonas putida. It has been found that both possessed a high range of antagonistic activity in terms of percent growth inhibition (GI%) against Pythium spp. Macrophomina spp. and Fusarium spp. And the developed module could be recommended as an effective biocontrol agent against disease-causing pathogens and an excellent plant growth regulator for sustainable production of various crops, without hamperingsoil health and fertility.

Title: Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Surface Seeding Technology in Wheat
Abstract :

With the advent of green revolution technology, Rice-wheat cropping system emerged as prominent system in the Indo-Gangetic plains. Conventional agriculture based on mechanized tillage system is responsible for increased crop production but same time deteriorating natural resource base. To address the sustainability issue, conservation agriculture was evolved. Various resource conservation technologies (RCTs) were adopted by the farming community in Indo-Gangetic plains, one of which was surface seeding technology (SST). In Eastern Uttar Pradesh this technology has been economically as well as environmentally beneficial to the farmers in wheat crop. SST-adopters earned net income of ` 30268.18 per hectare in comparison to non-adopters (` 17736.31 per hectare) in the study area. Adoption of SST benefits the environment also as it reduces the carbon emission by 22.46 kg/ha. The major constraint faced by the SST-adopters was inability to use mechanical harvesting for paddy crop which increases the cost of cultivation. The major issue that obstructs the non-adopters from adopting the technology was unsuitability of the soil type. Thus, SST proves to be an economic boon that maintains the sustainability.

Title: Contents Volume 8 Issue Special
Abstract :

Contents Volume 8 Issue Special

Title: Scope of Energy Harvesting from Agricultural Biomasses in India
Abstract :

Agricultural residue constitutes an important part of the larger discussion about the environmental costs of development, covering a range of concerns from green energy harvesting to residual waste management. Research into the potential uses of agricultural waste is aimed at solving two problems at once, viz., waste disposal and the need to create useful products from waste materials. As agricultural turnover increases with each passing year, so does the volume of agricultural residue generation. The use of biomass in recyclable format is the latest adapted method among all. Nutrient recyclability, biogas plants, multiple bioenergy forms are some of the needs of the hour in the sector of biomass energy. The government of India is taking initiatives to promote the use of biomass both in the fields of energy as well as for composite material production. From issuing low-interest loans to providing back-end subsidies, everything is being done at the moment to promote and empower clean-energy startups that aim to contribute to the process of utilizing residual agrowaste for real, tangible profit, both in environmental and monetary terms. The objective of our research has been to accelerate that process through the exploration of new and innovative solutions.

Title: Performance of Rice Varieties under Rainfed Upland Condition in South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha
Abstract :

Rice production from upland areas has an important contribution in total rice production and it is mainly cultivated in rainfed condition in rainy season. The present study was conducted during kharif season of 2021 in Malkangiri district of South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha to evaluate the performance of different upland varieties (Mandakini, CR Dhan 202 and CR Dhan 200) in relation to existing variety (Sahabhagi dhan). Rice variety Sahabhagi dhan was considered as local check (farmer’s practice). Performance of CR Dhan 200 was better in terms of plant height (122.5 cm), number of tillers/m2 (299.8), panicle length (22.3 cm), number of grains/panicle (141.2), test weight (22.5 g) with highest yield (43.5 q/ha). In terms of yield, it was 7.1-13.0% more with CR Dhan 200 as compared to others varieties. Highest economic return with more B: C ratio (1.99) was also recorded with CR Dhan 200. So, rice variety Sahabhagi dhan can be replaced with CR Dhan 200 for more yield and higher economic return in rainfed upland ecosystem of South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha.

Title: Structure Analysis and Molecular Simulation Study of ACC Deaminase Mutants from Pseudomonas sp., an Endophyte in Reducing Abiotic Stress in Plants
Abstract :

Cellular stressors are abiotic or biotic conditions, such as drought, salinity, acidity, and infections, that induce plant damage or disease, as well as an increase in ROS and ethylene production. Endophytes are microorganisms that reside within plants and share an endosymbiotic relationship with their host to protect the plant from cellular stress. The bacterial endophytes under stress conditions produce ACC deaminase from the acdS gene to break down ACC, an ethylene precursor, which, in high concentrations, hinder and retard the plant’s growth. ACC deaminase from Pseudomonas sp. (PDB ID: 1TYZ) was used for the mutation study to determine the possible effect of single amino acid substitutions using the Predict SNP tool. The mutant E295G (glutamic acid convert to glycine at position 295) was considered, and a simulation for 100ns was run on the E295G mutated ACCD docked with ACC (Compound CID: 535) using GROMACS 2019 version. The average values of the molecular simulation analysis were: MM-PSBA = -8.9047 kcal/mol, RMSD = 0.2093058013 nm, RMSF = 0.1089223565 nm, SASA = 149.3414 nm2, RG = 1.961965 nm. This work indicates that enhancing the activity of the ACC deaminase enzyme from the bacterial endophytes would aid in mitigating stress in the plants.

Title: Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of Sweet Sorghum Varieties and Hybrids
Abstract :

The present investigation entitled, “Biochemical and molecular characterization of sweet sorghum varieties and hybrids” was undertaken to study the sugar and juice quality parameters of promising sweet sorghum varieties and hybrids for the ultimate ethanol production. Genetic diversity of these varieties and hybrids were also studied using ISSR primers. Fifteen promising sweet sorghum varieties and three hybrids were grown in Kharif 2017 at All India Co-ordinated Sorghum Improvement Project, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The juice from stalks of each variety and hybrid was extracted and analyzed for 0brix, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, total sugar, and juice yield. The juice yield ranged from 4011-10661 l/ha with highest 10661 l/ha in sweet sorghum hybrid RSSH 50. The total sugar content in the stem juice of sweet sorghum varieties and hybrids varied from 11.01 to 13.47, with a mean value of 12.18 percent. Seven ISSR primers were used for the genetic diversity studies of sweet sorghum varieties and hybrids. The consensus tree divided ten varieties into three major clusters. One sub-cluster included five sweet sorghum varieties namely RSSV 517, RSSV 520, RSSV 542, CSV 19 SS, SSV 84 and one hybrid CSH 22 SS, while another sub cluster included three varieties viz., RSSV 527, RSSV 533 and RSSV 540.

Title: Effect of Sowing Methods and Seed Rates on Phenological, Physiological and Yield Parameters of Chandrasur (Lepidium sativum L.)
Abstract :

The present experiment was conducted in the department of Plantation, Spice, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Horticulture, RVSKVV, Mandsaur (M.P.) during 2019-20 in factorial RBD design with replicated thrice with two sowing methods and five seed rates as treatments. All the parameters were recorded at a fixed interval of 30 days from 30 days after sowing to harvest. The results revealed that line sowing exhibited early germination, flowering, maturity, and higher leaf area, leaf area index, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, chlorophyll content, and seed yield compared to broadcast. Among the seed rates, medium seed rate @8 kg ha-1 is shown early in all the phenological and superior in physiological parameters. During interactions, line sowing with @ 8 kg seed ha-1 was also early in germination, flowering, maturity, leaf area, leaf area index, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, chlorophyll content, and seed yield. On the other hand, the maximum harvest index was noted in the broadcast with 12 kg seed rate.

Title: Performance of Native Trichoderma spp. and Copper Enriched Fermented Whey Preparation for Management of Tomato Damping-off Disease
Abstract :

Tomato is an economically crucial nutritious vegetable crop grown in various states of our country, including Haryana. Its nursery is raised to get seedlings for transplanting in the main field. The nursery seedlings are adversely affected by damping off disease which is caused by several fungal species. In the present investigation, the evaluation of native Trichoderma spp. and copper-enriched fermented whey preparation was studied in the laboratory, as well as nursery conditions for the management of fungal pathogen responsible for damping off disease. The associated pathogen was isolated from diseased tomato seedlings and identified as F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici on the basis of cultural and morphological characters as well as through pathogenicity. Out of forty-three soil samples, five samples showed the presence of Trichoderma sp. These isolates were identified as T. harzianum, T. viride and Trichoderma sp. based on cultural and morphological characteristics. The antagonists could inhibit the mycelia growth of the pathogen in the range of 52.89 to 61.17%, and copper-enriched fermented whey preparation showed 42.28% inhibition. Among Trichoderma isolates, T. harzianum exhibited higher inhibition as compared to T. viride. Native T. harzianum was assessed through soil application, seed treatment, drenching, enrichment of farmyard manure as well as vermicompost. Copper-enriched fermented whey preparation was also taken as one of the treatments. The results showed that the antagonist was efficient in managing the disease in terms of lower disease incidence than the control. Damping-off incidence ranged from 4.35 to 9.76 percent in antagonist applied treatments, which was lower than in control (20.48%). The second preparation was also better than control, where the incidence of disease was 10.47%.

Title: Senile Orchard Management System in Tropical Fruit Production
Abstract :

For orchardists, traders, and scientists alike, the falling productivity of large, thick orchards that are abundant in recent years has become a serious worry. Due to an unsuitable location and climate, intercropping, insufficient nutrient levels, improper planting techniques, the use of unattractive planting materials, the occurrence of pests and diseases, and other biotic and abiotic challenges, orchards age prematurely. The use of rejuvenation technology, which includes top-working, reiterative pruning, and canopy rebuilding to increase production, may be a viable strategy for restoring the health and vigour of the trees and ensuring the profitability of orchards. There are two rejuvenation tenets: (1) Trees have dormant buds that, when they grow back, activate to form new branches and fruiting zones. (2) Branch heading back creates an unbalanced root to shoot ratio which is balanced by the tree by producing more branches. It was discovered that the fundamental reason of the guava’s fall in terms of production and productivity was an overcrowded, ageing orchard planted in an ad hoc fashion that supports lower photosynthetic phenomenon and provides a suitable environment to house pests and illnesses. One of the causes of the low productivity in the mango industry is the vast number of ancient mango orchards that are 30-60 years old and older and have either stopped producing or have experienced a significant reduction in production. Sapota orchards grow senile and produce quality and quantity start to diminish over time as a result of irregular canopy management procedures. Timely broad spectrum fungicide spraying should accompany pruning activities.

Title: EDITORIAL
Abstract :
Title: Development and Comparison of Regression Models for Determination of Starch in Chickpea Using NIR Spectroscopy
Abstract :

Crop quality characteristics are rapidly and efficiently assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy. Over the last several decades, NIR spectroscopy’s advent and broad application have been an enormous success story in analytical technology development. NIR spectroscopy is frequently used in agricultural and food goods to identify and quantify an unlimited number of analytes. The near-infrared area has a wavelength range of 800 to 2500 nm. Machine learning approaches have proven to be highly successful at predicting various agricultural crop components. The concentration of the starch component in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) whole-grain flour was determined using NIR spectroscopy data and machine language algorithms. Starch prediction models are developed using Linear Regression (LR), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Decision Tree Regression (DTR) algorithms. Performance of the models is evaluated using measures, namely, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Residual Standard Error (RSE), Coefficient of Determination (R2 ), and Adjusted Coefficient of Determination (adjusted R2). It was observed that LR outperformed all other models in terms of accuracy for predicting starch components from preprocessed spectra, with RMSE, RSE, R2 and adjusted R2 values of 0.03, 0.04, 0.98, and 0.97, respectively. The accuracy of the ANN model is similar to that of the LR, with minor differences in RMSE, RSE, R2 and adjusted R2, values of 0.03, 0.04, 0.97, and 0.97, respectively.

Title: Evaluating the Effects of Borax as Priming Agent on Germination and Seedling Parameter
Abstract :

In agriculture, the seed is the most important and primary input, and it must be of excellent quality. One dependable and affordable method for improving seed germination and seedling establishment in crops is seed priming. This investigation was done to ascertain the results of seed priming with borax on seedling germination and growth in two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) types i.e., HUW-468 and HUW510.The seeds used for experimentation were pre-soaked in different borax concentrations for seed treatment. The treatments included B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6 (control, hydro-primed, seeds primed with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mM concentrations of borax, respectively) for variety HUW-468, and D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 and D6 (control, hydro-primed, seeds primed with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mM concentration of borax, respectively) for variety HUW-510. Parameters like germination percentage, radicle length, plumule length, seedling length, fresh and dry weights of radicle and plumule, and seedling vigor index I and II were observed and calculated 10 days after sowing. Among all the parameters, primed sets performed better, followed by hydro-primed and control. However, HUW-510 performed slightly better than variety HW-468 after nutripriming with borax salt.

Title: Growth Rate and Instability Analysis of Sugarcane in Selected States of India
Abstract :

The present paper deals with the analysis of growth and instability in production, area and yield of sugarcane for some selected states of India by estimating compound growth rate (CGR) and Cuddy-Della Valle (CDV) instability index on the basis of time series data on production, area and yield of sugarcane pertaining to the period 2010-2019 for the concerned states. The statistical measures viz. percentage change and percentage share have also been incorporated in the study. The percentage change is used for exploring the trend pattern of sugarcane during the concerned period by considering the base year as 2010. Moreover, the values of statistical coefficients viz. coefficient of variation (CV) and coefficient of determination ( R2) have been obtained for the production, area and yield of sugarcane in the concerned states. The values of R2 have been computed by fitting linear models to the respective time series data on production, area and yield of sugarcane in the concerned states.

Title: An Overview of the Adaptive Variations in Mangroves
Abstract :

Mangrove species grow on saline soils of the tropical and subtropical coasts, which are permanently or periodically flooded. The mangroves are halophytes having certain traits which help them to survive in differing levels of salinity, drought, inundation and extreme temperatures. They can remarkably normalize ion homeostasis in brackish conditions by salt secretion, ultra filtration and ion appropriation. These plants have different developmental, physiological and anatomical adaptations as compared to a normal tree, which allow their survival in high stress habitat. This review is focused on those features of the mangroves that help them to adjust and grow extensively in the saline rich coastal regions, which make mangrove species physiologically different from other trees.

Title: Anti-staphylococcal Potential of Active Fraction from Methanol Extract of Polyalthia longifolia var. Pendula
Abstract :

The aim of this study was to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of active fraction isolated from methanol extract of Polyalthia longifolia against 70 clinically isolated Staphylococcus strains. Two different fractions (Fraction 1 and fraction 2) were isolated from methanol extract of P. longifolia and studied for anti-staphylococcal activity by agar well diffusion method. Fraction 2 showed considerable anti-staphylococcal activity; hence it was selected for MIC and MBC studies by 96 well microtitre plates. Rifampicin was used as positive control. Fraction 2 was highly active against most of the strains studied which was comparable with standard drug rifampicin. Our results confer the utility of this plant fraction in developing a novel broad spectrum anti-Staphylococcus agent.

Title: Awareness, Cultivation and Consumption Practices of Microgreens among Urban Women of Varanasi: An Interventional Study
Abstract :

Globally significant parts of the population consume substantially less nutritious foods than recommended levels. People have been encouraged to find alternative food sources due to growing public health concerns. Microgreens are young, immature plants that are a new type of vegetable that have just been developed, adapting their production at the micro-scale. In diets that support good health, microgreens are becoming more and more important. They are regarded as excellent providers of nutrients and bioactive substances, and they have promise in preventing chronic illnesses and undernutrition. This study is basically focused on assessment of awareness, cultivation, and consumption practices regarding microgreens among urban women of Varanasi. The cross-sectional study was carried out in which samples were selected randomly, and the total sample size was 110 subjects. Educational intervention program was also conducted after the survey. Results demonstrated that the majority of respondents (97.22%) hadn’t any knowledge about microgreens before the intervention, but they were willing to know about growing methods of microgreens. After intervention (73.14%), subjects had knowledge about microgreens. In which (65.74%) subjects started to grow and consumption of microgreens after 3rd month of follow-up. Therefore, it is essential to develop more and more community awareness-building initiatives and campaigns in the locals so that it can as soon as possible, become a regular part of people’s diets.

Title: Influence of Climatic Change on Pests and Diseases of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) Tobacco in India- Need for Potential Strategies
Abstract :

Increased greenhouse gases are a severe issue world over. Climate change is likely to influence the epidemiology of diseases and pests. A change in climate in the recent past has influenced disease and pest cycle and their epiphytotic in many crops. Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco grown in Andhra Pradesh (A.P) and Karnataka, India, in an area of about 2.2 lakh ha produces around 230 M.Kg annually. The crop is a major commercial crop with a lot of export potentiality and farm economy. FCV tobacco is grown in Karnataka as rainfed, while it is an irrigated crop in Andhra Pradesh (AP), which suffers due to many pests and diseases in nursery and field crops resulting in economic loss. Though, suitable crop protection strategies have been in practice hitherto, minor diseases and pests have evolved as a major concern due to changes in climate over a period. Crop protection strategies are needed to cope-up with the changed climatic conditions like temperature rise and periodical droughts.

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Title: Effect of Mulching on Growth, Yield and Economics of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) under Subtropical Conditions of Uttarakhand
Abstract :

Present experimental research was conducted during the year 2020-21 in the Horticulture Research Block, Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture Sciences, SGRR University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India to study the effect of mulching on growth, yield and economics of strawberry. The runners of strawberry cv. Chandler were planted in the first week of November. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three treatments and three replications. The treatments were comprised with different mulching materials viz. control as without mulching (T1), straw mulching (T2) and polythene mulching (T3). The various parameters of growth, yield and economics were recorded at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 DAT and at final harvest. Significant results were obtained for different attributes of growth, yield as well as in terms of economics under black polythene mulching (T3). The black polythene mulching results in maximum number of leaves per plant (26.95), number of flower per plant (24.08), leaf area (955.99 cm2), number of runners per plant (16.00), number of fruits per plant (15.5), fruit weight (15.10 g), total yield per plot (2.82 kg/plot), total yield per hectare (20.34 q/ha) and B:C ratio (1:2.73). From this we can say that black polythene mulching is more suitable for growth and yield attributes of strawberry cultivation.

Title: Combination of Halo Priming Accompanied with Hormonal Priming on Papaya Seed Development
Abstract :

The study was carried out to find out the effect of halo and hormonal priming on papaya seeds. The experiment was laid down in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and was replicated thrice with nine different treatments namely T1 (sodium chloride 600 PPM for 10 hours and gibberellic acid 50 PPM for 4 hours), T2 (sodium chloride 600 PPM for 10 hours and gibberellic acid 100 PPM for 4 hours), T3 (sodium chloride 900 PPM for 10 hours and gibberellic acid 50 PPM), T4 (sodium chloride 900 PPM for 10 hours and gibberellic acid 100 PPM for 4 hours), T5 (sodium chloride 600 PPM for 10 hours and benzyl adenine 50 PPM for 4 hours), T6 (sodium chloride 600 PPM for 10 hours and benzyl adenine 100 PPM for 4 hours), T7 (sodium chloride 900 PPM for 10 hours and benzyl adenine 50 PPM for 4 hours), T8 (sodium chloride 900 PPM for 10 hours and benzyl adenine 100 PPM for 4 hours) and T9 (control: distilled water for 10 hours). Various attributes were observed for the study. From the entire experiment the results showed that priming with Sodium chloride 600 PPM for 10 hours and gibberellic acid 50 PPM for 4 hours (T1) was the best seed priming technique as it gave the maximum final germination percentage and which performed better than other treatments.

Title: Effect of Solid Matrix Priming Combined with Plant Extracts on Seedling Studies of Papaya
Abstract :

This study aims to determine the effects of solid matrix priming combined with plant extracts on seedling studies of papaya for 48 hrs. Different treatments were T1; sawdust + 5% neem extracts, T2; sawdust + 5% tea extracts, T3; sawdust + 5% turmeric extracts, T4; sawdust + 5% marigold extracts, T5 ; sawdust + 5% amaranthus extracts and T6; sawdust + 5% water. The solid matrix priming of papaya seed significantly influenced on the germination rate growth and development of papaya seedlings. Overall, from the study it was found that T3 (sawdust + 5% turmeric extract), T4 (sawdust + 5% marigold extract) and T5 (sawdust + 5% amaranthus extract) performed better than other treatments.

Title: Effect of Some Plant Growth Hormones on the Performance of Artemisia vulgaris L. Cuttings
Abstract :
In the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many plant material such as artemisia (Artemisia vulgaris L) have received renewed attention as cheap, easy-to-make treatment for many infections. However, the proliferation of artemisia from seeds is often a lengthy process. Here we investigated the role of commercial (Indol-3-butyric acid - IBA, Natural Rooting Hormone Powder - NRHP, Apple Cider Vinegar – ACV) and cottage-made (coconut water - CW and aloe vera gel - AVG) rooting hormone, and water as control (CONT) on the proliferation of artemisia cuttings in a greenhouse experiment in 2021. The survival of artemisia cuttings did not differ significantly (P > .05) across the treatments. The highest number of stems (19) and plant height (138.0 cm) was observed from CW + AVG, and the differed significantly from the others (P < .05) from the others. AVG produced the highest number of leaves per plant (1466), followed by CW (1317), CW + AVG (1278), and IBA (1241). The leaf dry weight was highest in CW + AVG, followed by those of CW and IBA. A similar pettern was observed for the root dry weight. The findings from this study showed that cottage-made plant based (coconut water and aloe vera gel) growth hormone has comparable effect to commercially available IBA on overall performance of artemisia cuttings. This study has great implications for low-tech proliferation of artemisia.
Title: Phylogenetic and Sequence Analysis of a Putative Powdery Mildew Resistance Protein from Cucumis melo L.
Abstract :
Cucumis melo L. is a widely cultivated horticultural crop for its delicious fruits. Melon crop is highly susceptible to various fungal diseases. Powdery mildew is one of the common fungal diseases that severely affects the plant growth thereby compromises the fruit yield and quality. Currently applying chemical fungicides by farmers poses serious threat to human health in the long-term use and also impacts the soil quality as well as leads to adaptation of the causative agent, Podosphaera xanthii into fungicide resistant variants. Therefore, at present, numerous studies are being conducted worldwide to develop the melon cultivars resistant to fungal diseases by the use of various resistance breeding approaches as well as stimulating the plant innate immune response pathways. In order to target the plant’s innate immunity, prior knowledge on functions of such disease resistance proteins is paramount. Therefore, in this study, here we analyzed the known powdery mildew resistance protein sequence from wheat in order to predict the putative disease resistance candidate protein encoded by C. melo genome. We predicted a putative disease resistance protein available in NCBI GenBank database as a putative powdery mildew disease resistance protein based on its sequence similarity to the characterized powdery mildew resistance protein from wheat. We performed its phylogenetic and sequence analysis in relation to the homologous disease resistance proteins from other members of the Cucurbitaceae family and found its evolutionary relationship and high conservation. In addition, its homology model built with the SWISSMODEL program revealed the presence of a protein fold called Leucine-Rich Repeat (LRR), which is a signature property of proteins conferring innate immunity in plants. Altogether, this study provides valuable insights into the understanding of the conservation of powdery mildew resistance proteins in
melon and would help future studies aimed at exploration of the powdery mildew disease resistance mechanisms in melon.
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Contents

Title: EDITORIAL
Abstract :

The increase in MSP for Rabi Crops for 2023-24 is in line with the Union Budget announcement of fixing the MSP at a level of at lease 1.5 times of the All-India weighted average cost of Production, aiming at reasonably fair remuneration for the farmers.

Title: Editorial
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Editorial

Title: Conservation of Bolen Springshed, Biological Diversity and Traditional Knowledge under the EB Project Nature Initiative
Abstract :

The unique initiative undertaken by EB project nature led to revival of Bolen spring in to perennial flow in 2017 which had completely dried up. Soi Village where the project was started gets sufficient potable water throughout the year, community water tank is sufficiently stored, revival of agriculture in abandoned paddy fields. A key outcome has been 27 Ha of spring shed is restored to medium dense forest. Above 100 Ha of forest has been protected from any kind of deforestation activities and 3 sacred grooves at various locations by the project. About 5000 number of native or wild fruit bearing plants and medicinal plants has been conserved at spring shed forest. Above 70 species of native orchids are conserved which includes very rare and threatened species. The EB project nature is one of the central attractions during Basar Confluence Festival of Tourism Department under State Govt. since 2019. People of Soi and Gori village are making handsome income from tourism, homestays, forest trek guides etc. Due to banning of hunting inside the project area various wild animals like barking deer, Asiatic wild dog, Asiatic black bear, wild boar, porcupine and birds such as crested serpent eagle, chestnut breasted partridge etc. have been spotted due to revival of forest and Spring shed.

Title: Study on Estimation of Nadia District’s Ground Water Recharge
Abstract :
The Nadia district is known for its rice cultivation. Either less land must be used for boro agriculture, or artificial ground water replenishment must be encouraged. Using the annual net groundwater draught and the annual utilisable groundwater resources, the stage of groundwater development for the block was determined. The total groundwater recharge, which accounts for two major sources of groundwater recharge, namely rainfall and irrigation return flow, was estimated to be 873.79 MCM. The net annual groundwater draught of the study region was calculated to be 1265.76 million cubic metres (MCM). The projected groundwater development stage for the block was 144.90%, which is greater than 100%, and denotes an overexploited area.
Title: Effect of Tillage and Weed Management Practices on Yield And Economics of Soybean-Chickpea Cropping System
Abstract :
The field experiment was conducted at Department of Agronomy, V.N.M.K.V. Parbhani (MS) India during 2017-18 to study the effect of tillage and weed management practices of soybean-chickpea cropping system in vertisol”. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with fifteen treatment combinations replicated threes. The result of the study revealed that CT-CT recorded significantly highest seed yield, straw yield and economic yield of soybean-chickpea cropping system compared to other treatments. But at par with CT-ROT practices. Among the weed management practices weed free recorded significantly highest GMR, NMR and B:C ratio but it was at par with adoption pre and post emergence herbicide.
Title: Evaluation of Seed Vigour Tests to Predict Field Emergence Potential of Finger Millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] and Barnyard Millet [Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb.) Link.] Varieties
Abstract :
The present study was conducted to evaluate seed vigour tests to predict the field emergence potential of finger millet and barnyard millet varieties. The three varieties each of finger millet and barnyard millet were evaluated in laboratory by different physical, physiological and biochemical vigour tests. The laboratory experiments were laid out in complete randomized design and the field emergence evaluation was carried out in randomized block design with four replications. The variety PRM-2 of finger millet and PRB-903 of barnyard millet were assessed as more vigorous than other varieties. PRM-2 of finger millet and PRB-903 of barnyard millet recorded significantly higher field emergence than other varieties. The correlation coefficient of test weight, final count, standard germination, seedling vigour index I and relative growth index were found significantly correlated with field emergence in both finger millet and barnyard millet. The correlation coefficient of test weight (r = 0.859** in finger millet and r = 0.807** in barnyard millet) and seedling vigour index I (r = 0.990** in finger millet and r = 0.999** in barnyard millet) were recorded highly significant with field emergence. Therefore, test weight and seedling vigour index I were able to predict field emergence potential of finger millet and barnyard millet.
Title: Role of Ten Cent Fodder Plot in Small Dairy Farmer’s Income in Tiruchirappalli District
Abstract :
Ten cent fodder plot, an effective fodder cultivation technique of Tami Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) was demonstrated in the farmer’s field at Tiruchirappalli district. Farmers adopted this technique to cultivate fodder in Ten cent fodder plot method and the average yield of Co - 5, Fodder sorghum, cow pea, stylosanthes, Agathi and fodder maize were observed as 1053, 227.45, 159.8, 66.2, 83 and 151.4 kg respectively. Farmers in the field realised their returns get increased by reducing the feed cost. It is observed that the cost of production per litre was about to ` 4 to ` 6. It is concluded that, small to medium farmers could adopt this ten cent fodder plot method to get maximum fodder production in minimal land resource. This method is not only improves the farmers’ return, it also improves the animal health, reproduction and milk production by supplying green fodder to animal.
Title: A Review on Agroforestry Systems Prevailing in Garhwal Himalayas
Abstract :
The North Western Himalayan frontier encompasses a rich flora and fauna biodiversity. It is considered as hub of numerous medicinal and aromatic plants which are of prime importance for the local peoples and industries. The Garhwal region of this frontier particularly consists of numerous agroforestry systems. Systems like agri-silviculture, silvi-pastoral, horti-silvi systems are prominently followed in this region. Temperate fruit crops like citrus, apple, peach and plum are major crops with forest crops. The crop productivity is reported to be higher in different agroforestry systems as soil nutrients get enriched at regular intervals in comparison to monoculture. The average land holding of farmers is though less (0.5 ha) but productivity is supplemented by other forest tree species in this region. The multipurpose tree species grown on boundaries not only enriches biodiversity but also enhances farmer’s income of the region. The recognition of various agroforestry systems in recent times have increased worldwide as it paves way for efficient land use planning and sustainability of food security.
Title: Comparative Evaluation of Developmental Competence of Immature Cattle Oocytes in Three Different Culture Media
Abstract :
The present study evaluates the effect of different embryo culture media on early embryonic developmental competence in cattle. In vitro techniques for the development of cattle embryo involves in vitro maturation of oocytes, in vitro fertilization, and culture of presumptive zygotes for early embryonic development. The cattle ovaries were collected from Kolkata slaughterhouse and immature oocytes were aspirated by follicular aspiration technique. After collection, these COCs were thoroughly washed in washing media before transferring them into IVM media droplets where they were cultured for 24 hours in CO2 incubator at 5% level of CO2 and at 38.5 °C with the maximum humidity. The in vitro matured oocytes were coincubated with processed and capacitated sperm for 14-18 hr. After fertilization, presumptive zygotes were washed to remove the cumulus layer surrounding the zygotes, and cultured in IVC media. Three different culture media i.e. (TCM-199, BO-IVF and mCR2aa) were used for early embryonic development.
The cleavage rate was higher in TCM-199 (74.47±9.63a) and mCR2aa (71.64±10.03a) medium as compared to BO-IVF medium (53.56±3.64b). Morula development rate was significantly higher in TCM-199 (35.39±1.467c) and BO-IVF (26.83±2.18d) medium as compared to mCR2aa (22.83±2.9d) medium. Blastocyst formation rate was observed significantly higher (P<0.05) in BO-IVF medium (14.17±2.85f) compared to TCM-199 (4.63±0.6301e) but not with mCR2aa (10.72±5.42f) culture medium. From the present study it could be concluded that all three culture media are able to produce blastocyst, but BO-IVF and mCR2aa media showed higher potential to produce blastocyst in contrast to TCM-199 media. 
Title: A Review on Characterization of Zein Multigene Family and its Regulatory Elements
Abstract :
Maize (Zea mays) is one of the most productive crops in the world. Corn seeds, in particular, are attractive for a variety of reasons, including ease of storage and transportation, and the ability to store proteins stably for a long time and are easy to process (Howard and Hood, 2005). Maize is also a common food source for humans and animals, making it a convenient container for biopharmaceuticals that contain orally administered products. The growing prevalence of transgenes in crop improvement and biopharmaceuticals requires the exploration of ways to regulate transgene expression. Regulation can occur indifferent stages of gene expression and may be particularly important during transcription. Promoters that drive transgene expression provide this control. Promoters are regions of DNA upstream of the coding region of the gene which contains specific sequences recognized by proteins involved in transcription initiation. Transcription initiation for most protein-coding genes involves the binding and activation of RNA polymerase II. Variation in gene expression occur when other distinct, semi-conserved sequence elements are present in the regulatory regions of the gene, usually upstream or 5’ of the RNA polymerase binding site. These elements bind to protein factors involved in controlling the level and pattern of gene expression. The availability of a wide range of promoters that differ in their ability to regulate the temporal and spatial patterns of transgene expression could significant increase in the success of the application of transgenic technology. Studies on the regulatory elements of genes encoding key regulatory enzymes in the starch biosynthetic pathway and genes encoding storage proteins will be useful to find promoters and highly expressed compounds.
Title: Application of Ampellomyces quisqualis and some Non- Chemical Measures for Managing Powdery Mildew Disease: A Review
Abstract :
Powdery mildew is one of the economically important diseases. It causes huge crop losses by adversely affecting quantity as well as quality of several cereals, pulses, vegetable, ornamental, fruit crops. There are certain genera of fungal domain namely species of Erysiphe, Microsphaera, Phyllactinia, Podosphaera, Sphaerotheca, Uncinula etc. The disease primarily infects the aerial plant parts and poses a negative impact on physiological activities. It can effectively be managed through the application of antagonists especially Ampellomyces quisqualis and some other means of on non-chemical nature like milk, natural sulfur, potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, metal salts, oils, neem oil, sesame oil, compost tea, and involvement of genes in disease resistance event. This review paper limelight in a precise way the various aspects related to the pathogenic and its antagonist fungi. It deals with updated information of powdery mildew genera with peculiar characteristics. History, biology, infection
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Contents

Title: A Deep Insight into Physiological Disorders of Mango (Mangifera indica L.)- A Review
Abstract :
In recent years, Indian mango orchards have experienced falling growth, which has decreased production and yield. Physiological disorders are one of the main challenges to the fruit industry that cause economic losses globally, along with insects, pests and diseases. Mango growers are attempting to switch their cultivation methods from mango to other crops as a result of losing hope in and interest in mango farms. Physiological disorders include abnormal exterior or interior circumstances as well as atypical fruit growth patterns brought on by abiotic causes such as high or low temperature, moisture content, nutritional and hormonal imbalance, faulty pollination or fertilisation etc. The majority of disorders include multiple contributing causes, such as nutrition and environment, however some disorders are primarily brought on by one component. Therefore, it is important to comprehend the origin of a given problem and how to solve it using a particular management strategy. This review not only explains the physiological problems that affect fruit crops and cause significant losses for fruit growers, but it also discusses the management strategies that will undoubtedly aid the farmers in quickly resolving this issue so that they are able to obtain satisfactory financial rewards from mango cultivation.
Title: Milling Qualities of Some Local Varieties of Paddy
Abstract :
The milling studies provide important information for the research associated with rice breeding and post-harvest technology of paddy and rice. It reflects varietal character, harvesting conditions and effect of pre-processing treatments. The milling studies were conducted in the laboratory and the results obtained were compared with the data collected from the rice mill test. The objective was to determine
the milling quality of paddy varieties locally grown; BPT 5204, BPT 1768, 2716, NLR 28523, NLR 9672.
Title: Effect of Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Abstract :
The experiment was conducted at Research Farm of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Dr. RPCAU, Bihar during kharif 2019 on sandy loam soil. The soil of the experimental field was calcareous in nature, testing low in Organic carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. The experiment was done by the layout of Randomized Block Design with three replications comprising of eight treatments i.e. T1: Weedy check, T2: Hand weeding at 30 DAS, T3: Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1000 g ha-1, T4: Post-emergence application of quizalofop-p-ethyl 50 g ha-1 at 25 DAS, T5: Post-emergence application of imazethapyr 67.5g ha-1 at 25 DAS, T6: Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1000 g ha-1 + hand weeding at 30 DAS, T7: Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1000 g ha-1 + post-emergence application of quizalofop-p-ethyl 50 g ha-1 at 25 DAS, T8: Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin
@1000g/ha + post-emergence application of imazethapyr 67.5 g ha-1 at 25 DAS. The data revealed that significant increase of plant height was recorded under pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1000 g ha-1 + post-emergence application of quizalofop-p-ethyl 50 g ha-1 at 25 DAS (T7). However, application of pendimethalin 1000 g ha-1 in pre-emergence + hand weeding at 30 DAS (T6) resulted higher Plant dry weight, Crop growth rate, Number of capsules per plant, Grain yield, Straw yield and Harvest index.
Title: Green Economy Challenges and Feasible Opportunities of the Mountainous state Uttrakhand in India
Abstract :
The mountainous regions of Uttarakhand are home to unique ecosystems and indigenous communities. However, they also confront low capacity to cope with environmental and socioeconomic changes, resulting in increased poverty, vulnerability to hazards, and other challenges. Limited access to finance, inadequate policies, and a lack of awareness hinder the transition to a green economy. Despite these challenges, there are significant feasible opportunities to promote sustainability in Uttarakhand. Renewable energy transition, including the hydro power, can contribute to reduced carbon emissions and enhanced energy security. Emphasizing energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industries can lead to substantial energy savings. Sustainable agriculture practices, nature conservation, and responsible tourism can protect the region’s rich biodiversity and create economic opportunities. Present study provides an overview of the green economy challenges and feasible opportunities based on pair wise ranking preference in Uttarakhand. By embracing these feasible opportunities, the state can achieve sustainable development, preserve its natural heritage, and improve the well-being of its mountain communities.
Title: Contents
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Content

Title: Assessment of Avoidable Losses due to Insect-pests in Staggered Sown Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench Crop
Abstract :
Investigation on Assessment of avoidable losses due to insect-pests in staggered sown okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench crop was carried out at Agronomy Farm, N.M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat during summer season 2021. The experiment was laid out in split plot design, with five different time of sowing ((S1- 12th February, S2- 22th February, S3- 8th March, S4- 22th March and S5- 8th April) as a main plot treatments and two levels of protection (P0 – Unprotected and P1- Protected) as a sub plot treatment with three replications using okra cultivar, GAO-5 . Protected condition registered higher yield (2260 to 12431 kg/ha) as compared to unprotected condition (1550 to 6500 kg/ha) in crop sown during different time. Avoidable loss due to insect pests was maximum (56.29%) when okra crop sown during 4th week of February (S2) whereas it was lowest (31.41%) in late sown crop i.e. 2nd week of April (S5). Hence, it is advisable to grow okra crop during the end of February month to get maximum advantage from insect pest.
Title: Development and Process Standardization of Functional Spread Using Sesame Seeds (Sesamum indicum L.), Pumpkin Seeds (Cucurbita maxima) and Sunflower Seeds (Helianthus annuus) and Storage Stability
Abstract :
The present investigation entitled “Development and process standardization of functional spread from multi-seeds” was carried out in the Department of Food Technology, Parul University of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara, India. The functional spread was developed from multi-seeds like sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds and evaluated for their quality and storage stability. The developed product was analyzed for various physico-chemical attributes including, FT-IR technique used for ascertaining functional groups and morphology of spread. FT-IR spectra showed 3621.87 cm-1 which represent OH group, 3585.98 cm-1 are observed which showed NH2 groups present in product. 2934.21 cm-1 in which indicates the presence of aromatic carbon group present and 1639.29 cm-1 shows the presence of CO group present in the product. The developed functional spread was stored for 30 days at refrigeration (4oC) and ambient condition (18-38oC) in air-tight containers. The moisture content, ash, fat and protein was found to be 40.8 per cent, 1.5 percent, 23.46 per cent and 18.36 per cent respectively. At ambient temperature, the functional spread showed significant rise in its moisture content to 41.0 per cent. The ash content, fat and protein showed decreasing trend to 1.43 per cent, 23.40 per cent and 18.30 per cent respectively. The increase in moisture was less at refrigeration temperature i.e., 40.93 per cent. Also the fat, protein and ash content were decreased to 23.42 per cent, 18.33 and 1.45 per cent respectively. Thus refrigeration temperature could be regarded as better storage temperature as it could retain maximum amount of nutrients. The spread was best for consumption up to 30 and 15 days at refrigeration and ambient condition, respectively. The cost of production of spread was found to be cheaper than the spreads available in the market. The particular spread contains healthier ingredients without any animal fats in it. Therefore, it is recommended that the spread definitely have enhanced
nutraceutical and anti-oxidant properties and the consumption of these food items could tackle the issues related to CVD, obesity and Vitamin-E deficiency. 
Title: Editorial
Abstract :
Agriculture remains the principal rhythm of the Indian economy and is at the center of the socio-economic development of the country accounting around 19 per cent of the GDP and about 67 per cent of the population is reliant on the sector. With a vibrant and proactive government at the centre, India’s agriculture sector has been witnessing forceful growth with an average yearly growth rate of 4.6 per cent over the last six years. This has facilitated the agriculture and allied activities sector to put in significantly towards the country overall growth, development and food security.
Title: A Study on Constraints Faced by Rural Community in Implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission in Hadoti Region of Rajasthan
Abstract :
This study aims to investigate the constraints faced by the rural community in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan, India, regarding the implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission). The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched in 2014 with the objective of achieving universal sanitation and cleanliness across the country. However, the effectiveness of its implementation in rural areas, particularly in the Hadoti region, has been influenced by various constraints. The study identifies key obstacles
including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to sanitation facilities, cultural and social norms, financial constraints, and inadequate awareness and education. The research utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to gather data from a representative sample of rural households in the Hadoti region. The study identified several key constraints that hinder the successful implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The study found that the majority of the farmers were under constraints faced through the personal problems section most of the respondents answered with Lack of information (53.44%), Under constraints faced through social problems section most of respondents answered with Change in people’s mindset or behavior (57.19%) and Under constraints faced through administrative problems, the respondent’s data was mostly received in the lack of encouragement (42.50%). The study also revealed that the farming community of the research area faced various challenges including low education level, insufficient agricultural resources and lack of knowledge of new technology etc.
Title: Optimization of Process Parameters for Quick Cooking Rice
Abstract :
Instant rice is prepared by soaking followed by precooking and dehydration. Instant rice is rice that has been fully cooked and then dried down to below 12% moisture. Instant rice can then be recooked by the consumer in 2-5 min compared to 20 min required to cook the polished raw rice. The present research is carried out with soaking time (5, 10, 15 and 20 min) and soaking temperature (45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70o C), cooking methods (electric cooker and pressure cooker), cooking duration (4, 8 and 12 min) and drying methods (microwave oven and hot air oven) on the three varieties of long-grain, medium-grain and short grain rice. The cooking is being carried out by pressure cooker, electric for 3, 5 and 8 min and  dried by microwave oven. The cooked rice is dried by hot air oven and by microwave in such a way as to leave the desired degree of porosity and fissuring in the final product. It was observed that the rice samples of short grain variety (BPT 5204) were cooked for 8 min by both electric cooker and pressure
cooker and the reconstitution time varying from 7 min- 8 min were found to be having good texture compared to other samples. The long grain rice cooked for 8 min was comparatively of better quality when compared to the rice samples at other cooking durations of 4 and 12 min. But the reconstitution time of instant rice was observed to be more compared to other two varieties. The best quality of instant rice was found in Short grain rice (BPT 5204) followed by Medium grain rice (Sona Masuri 1768) and then Long Grain rice (NLR 145).
Title: Industry 4.0 Concepts in Pest Management
Abstract :
Industry 4.0 otherwise called as Fourth Industrial Revolution, is the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies, including cyber physical systems, the internet of things, cloud computing and cresting the smart factory. In the earlier three industrial revolutions, introduction of steam powered engines, steel and electricity, electronics and computers, and conversion of analoguemechanical technology to digital-automation software happened. In this fourth industrial revolution, emphasis on integration of digital technology with the new level of interconnectivity through IOT devices, cloud computing, robotics etc. is envisioned. As this Industry 4.0 concept overwhelms all walks of life, its role in modern agriculture in general and pest management in particular draws admirable attention. IOT devices in traps and other material will give an accurate data of collected pest up to date
and enhance the pest management practices as integrated in Picusan trap for managing Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. In another example, based on the wing beat frequency, optical sensor differentiates Ceratitis capitata and Bactrocera oleae with 99 per cent accuracy. Automatic count system to monitor the dynamics of Bactrocera dorsalis in field level is also developed. Similarly, to monitor and trap various lepidopteran and dipteran insects, Trap view, Trap view Aura, Spensa z trap and Spensa sentinal traps are developed. GUPSY (Global Urban Positioning and Sensor system) bedbug monitoring system and RADAR (Rodent Activated Detection and Riddance) developed by Rentokil successfully embraced Industry 4.0 in pest management. Use of autonomous robots in pest monitoring and detection will give real time data there by achieving effective pest management. AI based neural networks used for image processing as done in Asian citrus psyllid monitoring and termite identification highlights the importance and practical use of this technology. 3D printed pod bug developed to release Rhinoncomimus latipes, a biocontrol agent
of Mile – minute weed using unmanned Ariel Vehicle is successfully attempted. Cloud computing is mandatory for implementing such Industry 4.0 concepts, as it involves storage and retrieval of big data for further processing by different algorithms. This seminar highlights various components of Industry 4.0 in pest management and their successful utilization with the help of salient case studies. 
Title: Biofertilizer – A Key Player in Enhancing Soil Fertility and Agricultural Sustainability
Abstract :
The overuse of chemical fertilisers has devastating effects on agricultural systems and the environment. Thus, environmentally friendly substitutes for chemical fertilisers are needed. The potential contribution of biofertilizer to food security and environmentally sound practises has increased its profile in the agricultural sector. Soil fertility may be improved by the use of biofertilizers, which contain
microorganisms like fungus, bacteria, and protozoa that can fix nitrogen, dissolve phosphorus, and sequester iron. Biofertilizers are made up of microorganisms that are both living and dormant and supply nutrients for plant development. Nitrogen-fixing microbes, phosphorus-mobilising and phosphorussolubilizing microbes, potassium-solubilizing microbes, blue-green algae, and azolla were just some of the biofertilizers discussed in this review, along with their applications in crop production, production processes, and examples of helpful microbes used in biofertilizer industries.
Title: Effect of Major Fertilizers and Organic Manure Levels on Growth, Yield and Economic of Nigella (Nigella sativa L.)
Abstract :
The main objective of the integrated nutrient management is to maintain economic yield for a long period with little effect on native soil fertility and environmental pollution, making some changes in farmer’s awareness toward the eco-friendly technique for producing healthy food free from contaminants and insuring satisfactory economic returns. Integrated nutrient management (INM) can offer good options and economic choices to supply plants with sufficient amounts of nutrients and also can reduce the dose of chemical fertilizers, create favorable soil physiochemical conditions and healthy environment, eliminate the constraints, safeguard the soil nutrient balance in the long run to an optimum level for sustaining the desired crop productivity, and find safety methods to get rid of agriculture wastes. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the impacts of different INM practices namely absolute control (T1), 25 t/ha FYM (T2), NPK – 40:20:20 Kg/ha + 5 t/ha FYM (T3), NPK – 40:25:20 Kg/ha + 10 t/ha FYM (T4), NPK – 40:30:20 Kg/ha + 15 t/ha FYM (T5), NPK – 45:20:20 Kg/ha + 5 t/ha FYM (T6), NPK – 45:25:20 Kg/ ha + 10 t/ha FYM (T7), NPK – 45:30:20 Kg/ha + 15 t/ha FYM (T8), NPK – 50:20:20 Kg/ha + 5 t/ha FYM (T9), NPK – 50:25:20 Kg/ha + 10 t/ha FYM (T10) and NPK – 50:30:20 Kg/ha + 15 t/ha FYM (T11) in RBD Design with three replications at Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Horticulture, RVSKVV, Mandsaur, (M.P.) during the Rabi season of 2020-2021. The result indicated
that treatment T8 observed early germination, number of days taken to 50% flowering and minimum days to maturity. Treatment T8 was recorded highest values of plant height, number of branches plant-1, fresh weight, and dry weight at 45, 90, days after sowing and at harvest. Treatment T8 was recorded the highest value of number of capsule plant-1, number of seeds capsule-1, seed yield, 1000 seeds weight and harvest index.
Title: Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Work-Time Management and Decision-making Process in Agricultural Microenterprise
Abstract :
This research work is aimed to find the extent of participation of women entrepreneurs in microenterprise like mushroom cultivation and marketing by exploring their work and time management with decisionmaking strategies. A survey of 60 women entrepreneurs engaged in mushroom cultivation was conducted to assess women entrepreneurs’ time and decision-making issues and employee attitudes. A snowball sampling was used to compare the work-life balance of startups and established women entrepreneurs who worked alone, with spouses, or with partners. The study findings revealed that majority of women are actively engaged in mushroom cultivation activities and have given equal time to households and entrepreneurial activities. But still, their role in decision-making in running a microenterprise like mushroom cultivation and marketing is very low. They are working as subordinates or work jointly, and
this may due to their socio-economic factors status which keeps them away from decision-making process. This research work would be helpful for academicians, enterprises, human resource and management consultants, policymakers and professionals to understand management practices of women engaged in relation to decision-making, work distribution and time management in the agricultural microenterprise and also in their household
Title: Assessment of Banana Stem (Musa paradisiaca) and Urea Treated Paddy Straw Based Complete Rations for Growing Crossbred Calves
Abstract :
In the present study, use of banana stem with urea treated and untreated paddy straw to formulate complete rations were evaluated for crossbred calves. Fifteen weaned crossbred (HF×Jersey) male calves with average body weight 87.7 kg were divided into three groups viz. C, T1 and T2 comprising five animals in each group and fed for 90 days. Two isonitrogenous and isocaloric complete ration (T1 and T2) using 20% banana stem, 30% untreated and urea (3%) treated paddy straw with concentrate ingredients at the
ratio of 50:50 roughage and concentrate were prepared. Calves belongs to control (C) group were fed with standard concentrate mixture. Calves of T1 and T2 groups were fed with complete ration. The DMI per animal per day, per 100 kg body weight and per kg W0.75 were comparable among the groups and no significant difference was observed between the groups. Non significant difference were observed among the groups in respect of digestibility coefficient of DM, OM and NFE but there was significant
difference (P<0.05) in CP, EE, CF, NDF and ADF among the groups and the values were higher in T1 and T2 group as compared to control group. Calves of different groups were in positive balance of N, Ca and P, however significant different were observed among the group in respect of balance and retention of N, Ca and P. The FCE was significantly lower in T1 and T2 groups as compared to the control group C. The feed cost per kg gain in body weight was ` 155.86, ` 173.99 and ` 153.44 for C, T1 and T2 group, respectively. In conclusion, the banana stem can be used upto 20% in the paddy straw based complete
rations for growing calf without any adverse effect.
Title: Impact of Seed Priming on Germination and Seedling Vigor in Coreopsis tinctoria and Callistephus chinensis
Abstract :
Seed priming techniques are adopted for the enhancement of seed germination and seedling vigour.
Among the different seed priming techniques adopted in the study, seed priming using humic acid and
with Pseudomonas fluorescence showed better results in Coreopsis. For China aster (Callistephus chinensis),
Pseudomonas demonstrated superior results. Least performance was observed in fortified vegetable
boosters in shoot and root length (Coreopsis) and fresh and dry weight of both shoot and root (Coreopsis
& China aster). From the results, it was concluded that seed priming with Pseudomonas 10g/litre is very
effective in enhancing seed germination. The superior performance of the Pseudomonas treatment may
be attributed to its ability to enhance nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization. Studies revealed
that P. fluorescens is capable of increasing nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and production of
growth promoting substances, thus increasing the dry matter production of the seedlings.
Title: Nutritional Evaluation of Spent Mushroom Substrate of Fibrous Agricultural Residues at Different Phases of Mushroom Harvest
Abstract :
Farming edible mushrooms with agricultural residues is a value-addition process to convert these materials, which are considered to be wasted for human consumption. It is considered one of the most efficient biological ways by which these residues can be recycled into value-added products for livestock feeding. In this present experiment cultivation of mushrooms was done in agricultural fibrous residue i.e. paddy straw. The nutritive value evaluation of paddy straw in terms of proximate analysis and fibre
fraction was investigated during growth on different days of the harvest period of edible mushrooms Pleurotus oestrateus (oyster mushroom). The fibrous media act as a substrate for the growth of mushroom mycelia. This fibrous residue was evaluated at three different stages of mushroom harvest. Nutritional evaluation has been done for its proximate composition; fibre fraction and some major and trace mineral content. It was observed that crude protein (CP) and total ash content (%) of the paddy straw has been
increased gradually before and after using it as the substrate for mushroom cultivation and were highest in the 2nd and 3rd harvests. However, fibre fraction in terms of ADF, NDF gradually decreases and is lowest in 3rd harvest. Crude protein content was increased by 8.16% and NDF content decreased by 57.30%. The mineral content of some major and trace mineral content increased up to 2nd and 3rd harvest periods. While assessment of the nutritional potential of mushroom spent substrate of paddy straw was highest in 2nd and 3rd harvest periods after that again decreasing trend may be the utilization of all the nutrients
of the by-product for mycelial growth. Thus, the growth of mushroom mycelia in agricultural fibrous residue is a promising way to improve the nutritional value of the fibrous substrate by improving the CP content, mineral content and reducing the fibre content of agricultural by-products. 
Title: Influence of Weather Variability on the Growth and Development of Wheat Crop: A Review
Abstract :
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), the second-most important cereal crop in India, provides food and nutrition
security to the majority of the country’s people. In the context of a changing climate, it is critical to
understand how various weather fluctuations impact wheat crop yields. If wheat is sown at the proper
time, it may be more resilient to changes in the weather during its critical stages. Selecting the optimal
sowing time to avoid stressful times is crucial to aligning the crop’s phenology with the duration of
favorable environmental circumstances and achieving maximum yields in a changing climate. Warm
temperatures at maturity and low temperatures during vegetative growth are ideal for wheat because
it is a cool-season crop.
Title: Screening for Appropriate Dose of Chitosan to Remediate Cadmium Toxicity in Pea Genotypes through Seed Priming
Abstract :
Six different concentrations of chitosan and five different concentrations of cadmium were selected and studied to determine the optimum concentration of chitosan for remediating cadmium toxicity through seed application. Results revealed that the morphological parameters (germination%, root length, shoot length, seedling vigour index, fresh weight and dry weight of seedlings) differed significantly among treatments and genotypes. Lower concentrations of chitosan (0.1% and 0.2%) were more effective in mitigating cadmium toxicity than higher concentrations in pea genotypes in terms of parameters studied as above. Chitosan mitigated adverse effects of cadmium in both the selected pea genotypes. The Cd 200 µM concentration was most detrimental for both the genotypes. Based on our results, we conclude that chitosan with lower concentrations has significant positive effects on all the parameters in response to cadmium toxicity and proves to be an important aspect for remediation of cadmium toxicity.
Title: Content
Abstract :

Content

Title: Effect of Foliar Application of Growth Regulators and Micronutrients on Fruit Yield and Quality of Mango (Mangifera indica Linnaeus) cv. Mallika in Paklihawa, Rupandehi, Nepal
Abstract :
The research experiment entitled “Effect of foliar application of growth regulators and micronutrients on fruit yield and quality of mango (Mangifera indica Linnaeus) cv. Mallika” was conducted at the Horticulture Orchard Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Paklihawa, Rupandehi during March to July 2023. The experimental design was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and seven treatments. The different treatments used were T1 (NAA 20 mgl-1 + ZnSO4 0.5%),
T2 (NAA 20 mgl-1 + Borax 0.2%), T3 (NAA 40 mgl-1 + ZnSO4 0.5%), T4 (NAA 40 mgl-1 + Borax 0.2%), T5 (GA3 25 mgl-1 + ZnSO4 0.5%), T6 (GA3 25 mgl-1 + Borax 0.2%), T7 (Control – water spray). The foliar application of growth regulators and micronutrients were done at pea and fruit development stage of mango. The maximum fruit retention (9.81 %) and minimum fruit drop (90.18%) was observed on of NAA 20 mgl-1 + ZnSO4 0.5%. The maximum average fruit weight (282.18 g), average stone weight (34 g), average peel weight (39.67 g), average pulp weight (208.51 g) and TSS (11.4° Brix) were observed on NAA @ 20 mgl-1 + ZnSO4 @ 0.5% while maximum fruit yield per tree (9.36 kg per tree) was obtained in GA3 @ 25 mgl-1 + Borax @ 0.2%. The aforementioned micronutrient and growth regulator combinations were also linked to fruiting characteristics and increased fruit production.
Title: Evaluation of the Nutraceutical Properties of Enriched Bread
Abstract :
Nowadays, people are more concerned with their health and more focused on purchasing products
that boost their bodies’ defenses. Therefore, there has been an increase in interest in the development of
new goods as well as the use of frequently wasted food byproducts. This study explores the formulated
enriched bread with different seeds (melon, pumpkin, sesame). In the first phase, the fortified bread was
made by using different ingredients in four different compositions of seeds (6%, 12%, 18%, and 24%). In
the second phase, the proximate composition (moisture, ash, crude fiber, fat, protein, carbohydrate {CHO},
iron, calcium), antioxidant analysis (vitamin C, DPPH, total phenols), phytochemical screening (alkaloids,
flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins, phytosterols), and shelf-life study (pH,
temperature) were done. In the third phase, sensory evaluation was done by a 9-point hedonic scale.
In the fourth phase, the statistical analysis was done by using mean, standard deviation, and One-Way
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results showed that proximate composition and antinutrient analysis
of variant D was higher. Also, they had a significant difference (p<0.05), except for vitamin C and DPPH.
In phytochemical screening, all phytochemicals are present in all variants. The shelf life is maximum
up to 5-6 days. And according to the sensory evaluation, variant A was more acceptable. In conclusion,
fortifying bread with seeds represents a promising strategy to enhance both the nutritional and sensory
aspects of this staple food, promoting a healthier and more enjoyable dietary option for consumers.
Title: Editorial
Abstract :

Editorial

Title: Rhamnolipids: Unveiling the Reality behind the Promise
Abstract :
Rhamnolipids, a class of microbial glycolipids, have garnered attention as sustainable and environmentally friendly surfactants. This article examines their applications, advantages, and limitations, as well as their historical research dating back over seven decades. Rhamnolipids have demonstrated promise in bioremediation, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, and the food industry, owing to their biodegradability, low toxicity, and versatility. However, cost, scale-up challenges, and regulatory obstacles remain as barriers to their full realization. The question of whether the promise of rhamnolipids has come true is a subject of ongoing research and development efforts, which aim to address these challenges and further expand their sustainable applications.
Title: Content
Abstract :

Content

Title: To Study the Suitability of Water for Irrigation Purposes in different Blocks of Kishanganj District, Bihar
Abstract :
The surface and ground water sample were collected from Kishanganj and Bahadurganj blocks of
Kishanganj, district, Bihar. The purpose this study to analyse the water suitability for the irrigation use. On
the basis of Irrigation water quality classification (EC, SAR and RSC) in Bahadurgnj block 54.5 % sample
were found suitable for the irrigation purpose 36.36 % water samples use after the treatment and 9.09%
of samples were found unsuitable for the irrigation purpose. Kishanganj block 64.70 % water sample
were found suitable for the irrigation use and 35.29 % water sample use after the proper management.
The pH of the ground water Bahadurganj block were varies from 4.60-5.80 in surface water pH 4.98-5.84.
Title: Production and Characterization of Biochar Produced from Batch Slow Pyrolysis of Millet Straw
Abstract :
Agricultural waste is a vital renewable resource that promotes environmental sustainability, global
economic growth, and energy security. The focus of this study is on the effect of pyrolysis temperature on
physicochemical properties of biochar derived from millet straws as an agricultural wastes pyrolyzed at
four different pyrolysis temperatures of 300, 400, 500 and 600 ◦C for 30, 60, 90, and 105-minutes residence
time, respectively. The produced biochars were characterized by proximate and ultimate analysis,
Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR). Pyrolysis temperature was shown to have a strong influence on physicochemical characteristic
of biochar samples. The experimental data shows that as pyrolysis temperature increased, ash content,
pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, fixed carbon, BET surface area, and total C content
increased while biochar yield, total content of O, H and S significantly decreased. Similarly, the ratios
of O/C, H/C, tended to decrease with the upsurge of pyrolysis temperature. The FTIR data indicated an
increase in aromaticity and a decrease in polarity of biochar produced at a high temperature. Meanwhile,
the XRD showed that with increased in pyrolysis temperature, cellulose component of biomass loss and
crystalline mineral components increased. The result suggest that biochar produced at higher pyrolysis
temperatures possess stable carbon, which can be used to sequester carbon when used as soil amendment.
Title: Improving the Efficiency of Extracting Nigella sativa Oil through Pretreatment: Effects on Yield and Active Constituents
Abstract :
The plant known as black seed, or Nigella sativa, is well-known for its small, jet-black seeds, which are
bursting with health benefits. Because of the oil’s potent therapeutic properties, there has been a lot of
interest in its extraction from these seeds. The effectiveness of steam and microwave pretreatments on
Nigella sativa seed oil extraction is examined in this study, along with their impact on oil yield and active
ingredients. Two extraction techniques, hydrodistillation and supercritical fluid extraction, are used to
investigate the effects of different pretreatment times on seed samples. The results show that utilizing
hydrodistillation, microwave pretreatment for three minutes (HM3) produces the maximum oil extraction
(0.892%), outperforming untreated samples (H0) at 0.436%. In the same direction, samples that have been
microwave-pretreated for three minutes (HS3) in supercritical fluid extraction show the highest yield
(9.44%) when compared to their untreated counterpart (SO), which shows a yield of 4.10%. Microwavetreated
samples exhibit a more noticeable increase in oil yield, even if steam pretreatment also improves
it. Furthermore, H0 has a 19.40% Thymoquinone level, which is crucial for the active ingredients in the
oil, but pretreatment HM3 samples have an increased 26.73% Thymoquinone content. On the other hand,
the Thymoquinone content in supercritical fluid-extracted S0 is 8.35%, while pretreatment SM3 samples
show 11.53%. Thymoquinone content lags despite supercritical fluid extraction’s greater yield; this could
be because the technique has a lower operating pressure (70 atm). The results of this study highlight
how pretreatment techniques can increase oil yield without lowering oil quality or antioxidant activity.
Prospective enhancements in process parameters, namely in the operating pressure of supercritical
fluid extraction, could potentially augment Thymoquinone content and augment oil yield. The results
validate the feasibility of pretreatments in maximizing the extraction efficiency of Nigella sativa oil while
preserving its antioxidant qualities and oil quality.
Title: Growth and Instability Analysis of Cereal Crops in India
Abstract :
The present study is an attempt to examine the growth and instability in the area, production and productivity of cereals in India. The time series data from 1951-52 to 2020-21 regarding the area, production and production of rice, wheat, maize, barley as well as total cereal and millets have been used to estimate the compound growth rate, coefficient of variation, Cuddy-Della Valle Index (CDI) and
Coppock’s Instability Index (CII) to obtain the objectives of the study The period of 70 years is partition into seven periods. After India forcibly launched the green revolution, cereal crops helped the country transition from a food insufficient one to a food-secure country. The study revealed that throughout the whole period, there is a positive growth rate in area, production and productivity under rice, maize, total cereal and millets except wheat has a negative growth during the fourth period in productivity. The analysis of instability in CV and CII showed that the highest and lowest variation was found under barley in area and production and almost the same instability in productivity in all the study periods except in analysis of CDI under wheat has the highest instability. To better identify which sub-period there was growth and which time there was lag, the entire study period was divided into sub-periods.
Title: Key Insights on Influences of Different Seed Rate and Phosphorus Levels on Growth and Productivity of Soybean (Glycine max L.): A Review
Abstract :
The optimal seed rate is important in contributing to high yield because, in the case of dense plant
populations, most plants remain sterile and are more susceptible to disease attack than in normal plant
populations. Planting geometry allows for the more efficient use of light, water, land, and other inputs.
Phosphorus is more important than other nutrients in increasing soybean yield. Phosphorus is a crucial
element and shown to be necessary for the development, growth, and productivity of soybean. To boost
the production of oil seed crops, the optimal dose of phosphorus is required. This paper focuses on the
role of phosphorus in improving oil seed, crop production indirectly and directly role of phosphorus is
to improving the soybean productivity.
Title: Life-cycle Assessment – An Overview for Environmental Research
Abstract :
Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) is a standardized approach or technique to evaluate the potential
environmental impact of a product or service over its entire life-cycle. It aims to measure the environmental
impacts that arise from the raw materials and resources used and released, through a product or service’s
life-cycle. In this review paper, our objective is to offer a thorough examination of LCA, encompassing
its various components and its extensive applications within the realm of environmental research. LCA
facilitates the identification and quantification of environmental repercussions of human activities,
enabling a subtle analysis of the sustainability advantages and inherent trade-offs embedded within
intricate systems. LCA is a decision-making tool which assist us in making informed decisions and optimize
technical solutions to reduce the environmental impacts due to increasing anthropogenic activities. LCA is
a systematic analysis that provides us with reliable and comprehensive information to formulate strategies
and implement policies to improve the sustainability of our products, combat challenges and enhance
our awareness of any environmental implications resulting from our environmental research studies.