024132   KHADIJA H, LAHCEN B (School Mohammadia of Engineers (EMI), Rabat, Morocco, Email: haderkhadija@gmail.com) : The carbon monoxide (co) contribution in the air pollution case of the greater Casablanca region, Morocco. J Ind Pollut Control 2017, 33(2), 1509- 13.

The Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion, usually due to poorly tuned thermal systems. It is mainly present in motor vehicle exhaust and is therefore a good indicator of road traffic pollution. The objective of this research is to improve the knowledge of the sources of air pollution due to the CO emission in the GCR, then quantifying these emissions and make a cartographic representation of these emissions generated by all sectors, in a region which plays a leading role in the economic and social development of Morocco in industrial activities, transport infrastructure, production and distribution of energy. The region concentrates more than one third of national industries and the Moroccan automobile park, has the country's largest ports and airports, the region provides almost all of the country's needs for refined petroleum products and 20 % of national electricity production of thermal origin. Thus appears the need to undertake a diagnosis of the carbon monoxide Co, as a major and determinant pollutant in the air quality index. In 2015, the amount of carbon monoxide emitted in the GCR was over 28100 tons, of which 82 % was due to car traffic and 17 % to combustion in the manufacturing and residential / tertiary.

5 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

024131   SHARMA A K, PARASHAR N, SHARMA R (Botany Dep, Parishkar Coll of Global Excellence, Jaipur) : Physico-chemical characteristics of Yamuna river at Mathura district UP. Int J Pharma Res Bio Sci 2018, 7(1), 1 - 10.

Physico-chemical analysis of Yamuna River water to assess the pollution load at three sampling sites was done in respect top H, EC, TDS, alkalinity, total hardness, COD, BOD, DO, Calcium and Nitrates. The results showed that water quality at these sites was not within WHO permissible limits. However, significant differences were found in all the parameters studied at three sites of all the parameters studied only pH was observed to be maximum at Site 2, DO maximum at Site 3 and Nitrates at Site 2, otherwise remaining parameters were observed to be maximum at Site 1. Seeing overall results Site 1-Masani Nala was found to have the highest pollution load.

1 table, 20 ref

024130   ARIYAEE M, HAMIDIAN A H, EAGDERI S, ASHRAFI S, POORBAGHER H (Environment Dep, Tehran Univ, Karaj, Iran, Email: a.hamidian@ut.ac.ir) : Cadmium and arsenic bioaccumulation and bio-concentration in the endemic toothed carp Aphanius arakensis in salt water. Int J Aquat Biol 2018, 6(1), 25- 30.

Heavy metals are released to aquatic ecosystems from natural and anthropogenic recourses and accumulate to the body of organisms. This study aimed to assess the accumulation of As and Cd in the gill, liver, and muscle of the toothed carp Aphanius arakensis in salt water exposed to three concentrations of Cd and As (5, 10 and 20 mg L^-1) for 18 days. The specimens were collected from the Shoor River with an average weight of 1.5±0.3 g (mean±SD) and length of 3.4±0.4 cm. The findings showed that the bio-concentration factor (BCF) of Cd and As were in the following order: liver > gill > muscle, however, for 5 ppm of As the order was gill > liver > muscle. BCF in As concentrations were more than Cd concentrations. Also, the highest BCF was found at 5 ppm. The present study showed that the liver is the organ that accumulates the highest concentrations of As and Cd.

4 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

024129   SINGH V, SINGH S (CSIR- National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi- 110 012, Email: sukhvirster@gmail.com) : A study on environmental corrosion of gilded heritage structures of royal palace Patan, Nepal. Indian J Pure Appl Phy 2017, 55(12), 890- 5.

This article presents the results of corrosion study carried out on 17^th century gilded sample procured from the metallic golden window of Patan Royal Palace, Nepal. The characterization techniques employed in the study provide the detailed information about the environmental pollutants responsible for the corrosion and degradation of gilded window. The analytical results have revealed that the window has been made of pure copper sheet on which traditional mercury-amalgam gilding technique has been used. Particulate matters like elemental carbon, sulphur dioxide, chlorine and organic matter have been found to be the main factors responsible for the corrosion and degradation of gilded surface. The information obtained from the present study is expected to be the source of understanding and solution for the protection and conservation of the gilded heritage of Nepal.

10 illus, 7 ref

024128   KARTHIKEYAN P, VENKATACHALAPATHY R, VENNILA G (Civil Engineering Dep, K.S. Rangasamy Coll of Technology, Tiruchengode - 637 215, Email: pkarthikeyangold@gmail.com) : Using of biological diatom Indices (IBD) for ecological status of the Cauvery river, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(02), 426-36.

In this study, diatom indices such as the Biological Diatom Index (BDI), Shannon Index, Berger-Parker Index, diatom assemblages and trophic condition were analyzed and discussed. Results of the present study cautions the indiscriminate dumping and release of pollutants into rivers which might lead to serious environmental deterioration which could be considered as a potential source of threat to the biotic life.

3 illus, 5 tables, 35 ref

024127   SUNIL KUMAR P (St. Xavier’s Coll, Vaikom-686 607, Email: sukkuedavetty2012@gmail.com) : On the effect of hydrogen sulphide on primary productivity from retting area in Vembanad Lake, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(02), 378-80.

Hydrographic studies on Vembanad Lake revealed the high pollution load of back waters and also indicates the irrecoverable damage of productivity. The result of this study indicates that quality of water in retting zone is highly deteriorated. A low value of primary productivity ranging from 0 to 2.48 mg C/l/d was observed in retting zone whereas productivity of non retting zone showed higher values ranging from 2.36 to 3.88 mg C/l/d. Hydrogen sulphide values in retting zone was low, ranging from 0 to 0.82 mg/L. But in the retting zone hydrogen sulphide concentration was high (0.63 to 3.83 mg/L).

2 illus, 12 ref

024126   LIU S, XIAO-LI X, JIN Z, ANG-LU S (Shanghai Ocean Univ, Shanghai-201 306, Email: shenal@ecsf.ac.cn) : Ecological effects of the caged-fish and kelp cultures in semi-enclosed bay: Evidence from diatom assemblages and environmental variables. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(02), 325-35.

Spatial and temporal dynamics of diatom assemblages and their relationships to physico-chemical environmental variables were studied in Sansha Bay, a semi-enclosed bay. A total of 51 taxa were found belonging to the orders Discoidales, Rhizosoleniales, Biddulohiales, Araphidiales, Monoraphidinales, Biraphidinales and Aulonoraphidinales. CCA analysis revealed that physical and chemical parameters were important environmental factors that would influence the diatom community. Based on their seasonal occurrence, most of the species had different relationships with environmental factors. Furthermore, the concentrations of DIN and PO₄^3- in caged-fish culture zone were significantly higher than those in kelp culture and control zones. The abundance of diatoms in the caged-fish culture zone was significantly higher than that in kelp culture and control zones in some seasons, especially in spring. Therefore, the large-scale caged-fish and kelp cultures play key roles in the spatial and temporal dynamics of the diatom community and environmental quality in semi-enclosed coastal bay.

5 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

024125   GANDHI M S, RAO N R, KASILINGAM K, RAJA M (Geology Dep, Madras Univ, Chennai-600 025, Email: msureshgandhi@gmail.com) : Distribution, ecology and paleoenvironments of Benthic foraminifera - A case study off Manora, Palk Strait, Tamil Nadu. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(02), 281-90.

A total of 21 benthic foraminiferal species and varieties belonging to 12 genera, 9 families, 6 superfamilies, and 3 suborder have been identified. From the total number of species, Ammonia beccarri, A.tepida, P.calcar, P. nipponica shows a higher abundance in this region. The following species are found only in few core samples, namely Elphidium incertum, Spiroloculina communis, Spiroloculina orbis and T. agglutinans,. Size of the foraminifera in this region is very small. It may due to the finer nature of sediments and high rate of sedimentation in this region observed by earlier workers. The OM values ranges from silty sand 0.54 and to 1.37 sand %. in CaCO₃ value ranges of from 1 to 6 %. Based on the sand-silt-clay studies ratio, the study area was predominated with silty sand and sand in majority of the region.From the coastal geomorphological studies it is observed that, the distribution of landforms between near Manora displays a paleo micro deltaic characteristic the beach ridges have width of 200m around Manora. The sediments of beach ridges lie directly above the mudflats suggesting that the beach ridges were deposited later to the formation of mudflats i.e. mudflats are older to beach ridges.

8 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

024124   SAHU B K, PATI P, PANIGRAHY R C (Marine Sciences Dep, Berhampur Univ, Berhampur-760 007, Email: birajkumar@gmail.com) : Impact of climate change on marine plankton with special reference to Indian Seas. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(02), 259-68.

The seas surrounding India, namely Arabian Sea (AS) and Bay of Bengal (BoB) with their associated coastal embayments form one of the highly productive areas and biodiversity hotspots in the tropics contributing profusely to the socio- economic front of the region. Therefore, acquiring knowledge on the climate change scenario of this region and its impacts on marine ecosystems in general and planktons, in particular, is considered crucial for better resilience. In fact, several attempts have been made of late to understand the climate change impacts on plankton, corals and mangroves of this region. In this article, we tried to update the climate change scenario of Indian seas and its impact on plankton communities based on the information gathered from the peer reviewed publications and scientific reports. Results of this review have shown that the global warming generated SST (Sea Surface Temperature) rise and sea water acidification related pH fall have affected the species composition, abundance, phenology and metabolic pathways of plankton populations in this region.

3 illus, 1 table, 81 ref

024123   AMRUTHA A V, RAJASHEKHAR K P, SOMASHEKARAPPA H M (Mangalore Univ, Mangalore- 574 199, Email: amrucarrt@gmail.com) : Foraminiferal responses to heavy metal levels in the West coast of India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(01), 204-16.

Surface intertidal sediment samples were analyzed for Cu, Pb, Ni, Fe and Zn concentrations as well as for the species composition of benthic foraminifera. Results show high levels of metallic contamination with extremely severe enrichment of Pb at both sites indicates higher anthropogenic inputs. Twenty three species belonging to 2 orders (Rotaliina and Miliolina) and 8 families (Rotaliidae, Spiroloculinidae, Rosalinidae, Hauerinidae, Nonionidae, Elphidiidae, Saccamminidae and Eponididae) were identified. Rotallidium annectans were dominant, comprising 94 % and 75 % of total populations at Payyannur and Panambur, respectively. Increasing heavy metal enrichment results in a lower species diversity as well as population density, associated with an increase in tolerant or opportunistic species. Ammonia sp. and Elphidium sp. found to be more tolerant to higher concentrations of heavy metals than Rotalidium annectans. The extent to which the population was found less dense and diversified was corresponded to the degree to which the sediment was contaminated.

10 illus, 11 tables, 43 ref

024122   TURKMEN M, PINAR E O (Biology Dep, Giresun Univ, Turkey, Email: mturkmen65@hotmail.com) : Bioaccumulation of metals in economically important fish species from Antalya Bay, northeastern Mediterranean sea. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(01), 180-4.

The aim of this study was to investigate the metal concentrations in muscle and liver of ten economically important fish species from Antalya Bay. This study provides valuable preliminary information about metal contents in different tissues of the examined fish species from the bay and indirectly indicates the environmental contamination of the Antalya Bay. These results should be confirmed occasionally by conducting more detailed studies in the bay to update our knowledge of metal contaminants in economically important fish species.

6 tables, 22 ref

024121   ALI T-S , KHEIRALLAH N (Oceanography Dep, Alexandria Univ, Egypt, Email: tameraly@yahoo.com) : Assessment of the hazard effect of an environmental pollutant, (2-OH- BDE 123), by using zebrafish embryos. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(01), 103-8.

To monitor general toxicity of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), embryos of zebrafish were exposed to gradual concentrations of 2-OH-BDE 123 (hydroxy-brominated diphenyl ethers). Exposures were done by immersion of 1 hour post fertilization (hpf) zebrafish eggs to 72 hpf, nominal concentration range of 0.03 : 2.5 μM. Embryos/ larvae were assessed daily for death and structural defects. Results revealed that concentrations from 0.3 μM of such metabolites were toxic to the developing zebrafish causing serious morphological alterations and internal deformations. Both toxicity incidence and potency were correlated with the concentration applied. In conclusion, these compounds induced several teratogenic effects.

3 illus, 24 ref

024120   KLJAJEVIC N V, TOMASEVIC I B, MILORADOVIC Z N, NEDELJKOVIC A, MIOCINOVIC J B, JOVANOVIC S T (Belgrade Univ, Belgrade-11081, Email: nemanja.kljajevic@agrif.bg.ac.rs) : Seasonal variations of Saanen goat milk composition and the impact of climatic conditions. J Food Sci Technol 2018, 55(1), 299-303.

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of climatic conditions and their impact on seasonal variations of physico-chemical characteristics of Saanen goat milk produced over a period of 4 years. Lactation period (early, mid and late) and year were considered as factors that influence physico-chemical composition of milk. Pearson’s coefficient of correlation was calculated between the physico-chemical characteristics of milk (fat, proteins, lactose, non-fat dry matter, density, freezing point, pH, titrable acidity) and climatic condition parameters (air temperature, temperature humidity index—THI, solar radiation duration, relative humidity). Results showed that all physico-chemical characteristics of Saanen goat milk varied significantly throughout the lactation period and years. The decrease of fat, protein, non-fat dry matter and lactose content in goat milk during the mid-lactation period was more pronounced than was previously reported in the literature. The highest values for these characteristics were recorded in the late lactation period. Observed variations were explained by negative correlation between THI and the physico-chemical characteristics of Saanen goat milk. This indicated that Saanen goats were very prone to heat stress, which implied the decrease of physico-chemical characteristics during hot summers.

4 tables, 19 ref

024119   SATHYA V, MAHESWARI M, DORAISAMY P (Environmental Sciences Dep, TNAU, Coimbatore- 641 003, Email: sathyavelu1987@gmail.com) : Effect of fermented solid and liquid poultry manure on soil properties under groundnut cropping system. Envir Ecol 2018, 36(1), 170-4.

Organic farming is a sustainable form of agriculture which uses only organic inputs for the supply of nutrients. Among the various organic sources, poultry litter contains rich amount of plant nutrients. However, the nutritional value of unprocessed poultry litter deteriorates rapidly. Therefore an investigation was undertaken to assess the possibility of utilizing the processed poultry litter through soil application, which could offer the double benefits of safe disposal of the waste and its effective recycling of nutrients for agricultural production. Among the different treatments, the combined application of inorganic fertilizers and solid fermented poultry manure application significantly increased the soil pH, EC and organic carbon. It also enhances the availability of macronutrients in soil with groundnut crop.

1 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

024118   WALUNIBA, AO M A (Entomology Dep, Medziphema Campus, Medziphema- 797 106, Email: waluaj@gmail.com) : Effect of date of planting and varieties against the incidence of asian cabbage white (Pieris canidia) on cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata L.) under Nagaland condition. Envir Ecol 2018, 36(1), 166-9.

Field experiment conducted in the year 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, which was laid out in split plot design (SPD) with three replication and five treatments revealed that the incidence of Pieris canidia was observed from 95 DAP (Days after Planting) in D₁ (29th October planting), 80 DAP in D₂ (14th October planting), and 65 DAP in D₃ (13th November planting) which falls in the second week of December (pooled data). The highest total mean population 0.68 number of Pieris canidia per plant was observed in third date of planting (D₃) and the least 0.28 mean numbers of Pieris canidia per plant was observed in first date of planting (D₁) with the highest 1.01 number of Pieris canidia per plant was observed at 140 DAP in D₃ i.e. last week of February and the lowest 0.24 number of Pieris canidia per plant was observed at 95 DAP in D₁. In both the years of experimental trial, cabbage variety Pride of India (V₅) showed the highest incidence of Pieris canidia with total mean of 0.58 and 0.75 number of Pieris canidia larvae per plant in 2013- 14 and 2014-15 respectively. The least incidence of Pieris canidia was observed in variety Green Express (V₃) with 0.24 and 0.12 numbers of Pieris canidia per plant in 2013-14 and 2014-15 respectively. It was also observed that none of the varieties used were found to be totally resistant or non-preferred by Pieris canidia i.e. Golden Acre, Rare, Rare Ball, Green Express, Savitri and Pride of India with a total mean (pooled data) of 0.53, 0.44, 0.31, 0.32 and 0.67 larvae per plant respectively.

2 tables, 7 ref

024117   RAINA A K, NANDA P K, SINGH J (Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Chatha- 180 009, Email: dr.ashokraina@gmail.com) : Performance evaluation of Tawi-Lift command. Envir Ecol 2018, 36(1), 163-5.

Present study is conducted within 18000 ha of Tawi - Lift command of Jammu. The annual average rainfall in study area is 1150 and 1250 mm with percent cumulative departure of rainfall ranging between (-) 50.0 to (+)150.0 for last 10 years. The performance indicators indicate that percentage gap between actual command and cropped area is 20 %, 30 % and 46 % within head, middle and tail reaches. The output per unit command area for rice-wheat sequence within three different reaches of the canal command is 7.3 Rs/m³, 6.8 Rs/m³ and 4.8 Rs/m³. The relative water supply within three different reaches of canal command is 0.91, 0.82 and 0.35 respectively.

3 tables, 4 ref

024116   ASANGI A M, SRINIVASAMURTHY C A (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, GKVK, Bangalore- 560 065, Email: adivesh2289@gmail.com) : Effect of one time application of distillery spentwash R O reject on soil properties. Envir Ecol 2018, 36(1), 151-5.

Spentwash is a dark brown colored liquid with an unpleasant odor of burnt sugar, it contains major and micro-nutrients which are helpful for sustaining the soil fertility and the yield of crops. A field experiment was conducted in red sandy clay loam soil in the farmer’s field near J. P. Distileries Pvt. Ltd. Heggadathihalli village, Kunigal taluk, Tumkur district, situated in the southern dry zone (Zone-6) of Karnataka during kharif 2013. The experiment consists of seven treatments laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental results indicated that the application of 150 % N through distillery spentwash (DSW) R O reject increased the soil properties like pH (6.71), EC (0.55 dSm^–1), OC (0.83 %), available N (283.7 kg ha^–1), P (24. 1 kg ha^–1), K (1213.5 kg ha^–1), secondary and micronutrients compared to all other treatments. Significantly lower values of soil properties were recorded in treatment receiving RDF only.

5 tables, 6 ref

024115   GULED H, ANUSHA H G, CHIKKALINGAIAH (Sericulture Dep, GKVK, Bangalore 65, Email: guledhanamant89@gmail.com) : Leaf growth parameters and leaf biochemical composition of 17 elite Mulberry (Morus spp.) genotypes. Envir Ecol 2018, 36(1), 140-3.

Nutritional value of mulberry leaf is a key factor besides environment and technology adaptation for better silkworm cocoon crop. It is a fact that leaf quality differs among mulberry varieties. Quality and quantity of mulberry leaves is highly influenced by varieties, cultivation practices, preservation techniques and age. Nutritional requirement of silkworm larvae vary with maturity of leaves. Since the evaluation of 17 elite mulberry genotypes was carried out V1 and Mysore local varieties were used as check. No single genotype was superior in respect of all the traits studied during rainy seasons. Leaf yield/plant was recorded maximum in Surat local during rainy (3213.06g/plant). Significant positive associations at both phenotypic and genotypic levels were recorded for leaf yield/plant and also for most of the yield contributing traits. The 17 genotypes were studied for leaf biochemical analysis. In rainy season, MR-2 recorded higher moisture content (74.59 %), moisture retention capacity of 70.63, 66.35 and 58.64 % at 6, 12 and 24 h after harvest, higher crude protein (24.03 %), total carbohydrates (22.70 %), sugar (14.24 %), starch (11.66 %) and total chlorophyll content (3.19 mg/g) compared to other genotypes. Further, lowest biochemical parameters observed in the genotype of MI- 524.

1 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

024114   MISHRA M, KUMAR N (Entomology Dep, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural Univ, Samastipur- 848 125, Email: matangi.gaurav@gmail.com) : Foraging behavior of honey bees on Litchi Bloom. Envir Ecol 2018, 36(1), 120-6.

The observations on relative abundance of different honey bee species on litchi bloom revealed that Apis mellifera was dominant visitor and had maximum population (14.33 bees per minute per panicle) followed by Apis dorsata (11.00 bees per minute per panicle) and Apis florea (6.22 bees per minute per panicle) having the minimum number. The correlation coefficients of honey bee abundance with temperature was found positive and highly significant viz., (0.79**) in case of Apis mellifera, 0.76** in Apis cerana and 0.72**in Apis florea. The population of Apis mellifera, Apis dorsata and Apis florea were found negatively correlated with the relative humidity being -0.81**, -0.68* and -0.62*, respectively. Among the species, A. dorsata (10.52 h) foraged for maximum duration followed by A. mellifera (9.55 h) and minimum duration of foraging was of Apis florea being 7.55 h. The foraging speed was recorded highest in case of Apis dorsata (10.28 s) followed by A. mellifera (9.15s) and lowest in case of A. florea being 6.97 seconds.

1 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

024113   SWETHA K, MADHAVI M, PRATHIBA G, RAMPRAKASH T (Telangana State Seed Development Corporation, Telangana, Email: swethakota55@gmail.com) : Weed growth, yield components, productivity, economics and nutrient uptake of Maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by various herbicide mixtures applications under irrigated condition. Envir Ecol 2018, 36(1), 103-11.

A field trial was conducted during kharif of 2014 to study weed growth, yield components, economics and nutrient uptake in maize as influenced by various herbicide applications under irrigated condition. The farmers practice of hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS recorded highest yield attributes and yield (6,580 kg/ha) which was on par with tank mix of topramezone and tembotrione with atrazine and adjuvant as post-emergence (6,436 and 6,282 kg/ha). These treatments also recorded lowest total weed density, weed dry matter and lowest uptake of nutrients N, P and K by the weeds. Hence, farmers practice of hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS was found to be effective in case easy availability of labors. Where there is labor scarcity and high cost of labor tank mix of hydroxy- phenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (4-HPPD) inhibiting herbicides (topramezone or tembotrione) with atrazine along with adjuvant was found to be effective.

3 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

024112   KHAMARI B, BEURA S K, MONALISA S P, RANASINGH N (OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Email: bhagyashree.khamari@gmail.com) : Assessment of inter relationship between seed borne mycoflora with seed quality parameters in sesame. Envir Ecol 2018, 36(1), 80-5.

Sesame seed samples collected from different localities of Odisha were analyzed for their quality parameters as well as health test following ISTA rules. Moisture content % of the samples varies from 8.18 to 10.30. Physical purity remains in between 79.5 and 94.75 %. Variety Prachi (89.5 %), Nirmala (84.5 %), Amrit (82.5 %), Rampur local (82 %), Kesinga local (81 %), Maghi khasa (84 %) and Bhadri khasa (84.50 %) showed good per cent of germination which are above IMSCS i.e. 80 %. Vigor index varies from 325.35 to 611.83. Per cent infested seed was recorded between 4 and 18 which are significantly different from each other. Highest infestation was found in case of Nandol local (18 %) giving lowest germination per cent (71.50 %) with high moisture content (10.30 %) and low physical purity (79.5 %). Contrast to that variety Prachi collected from Bhubaneswar showed lowest moisture content (8.18 %), highest purity percent (94.75 %), highest germination percent, high vigor index of 611.83 and lowest per cent of infested seeds (4.0 %). The sample containing low moisture content, high physical purity gives good germination, high vigor index and less fungal infestation. The most important seed mycoflora recorded were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp., Altemaria sp., Fusarium sp., Macrophomina phaseolina, Curvularia sp., Helminthosporium sp. and many other fungi. Among the seed mycoflora, Aspergillus flavus infestation is maximum followed by Aspergillus niger.

3 tables, 6 ref

024111   HEGDE P P, HEMLA NAIK B, BEERALINGAPPA (Floriculture and Landscape Architecture Dep, Horticulture Coll, Sirsi- 581 401, Email: pru.p.horti@gmail.com) : Efficacy of biostimulants on quality and economics of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev.) under naturally ventilated polyhouse. Envir Ecol 2018, 36(1), 65-8.

An experiment was conducted to know the influence of biostimulants on quality and economics of chrysanthemum under naturally ventilated polyhouse. 12 biostimulant formulations in 2 different concentrations were used for the study. Among different biostimulant treatments application of Biovita @ 0.5 % resulted significantly maximum individual flower weight, flower diameter, stem length (46.89 cm, 5.06 g and 6.70 cm, respectively) vase life (22.5 days) and shelf life (11 days) with highest net returns and B : C ratio (Rs 3,12, 411.07 and 4.43, respectively). Whereas, the lowest for all the above parameters was recorded in control (RDF).

2 tables, 6 ref

024110   JAMIR A, DUTTA M (Soil and Water Conservation Dep, Nagaland Univ, Medziphema- 797 106, Email: manojdutta1997@yahoo.com) : Effect of integrated nutrient management practices on important soil properties in terraced land under continuous cultivation of rice variety Teke in Nagaland. Envir Ecol 2018, 36(1), 57-64.

A field experiment was carried out for eleven years continuously and local rice variety Teke was used for this research evaluation. The soil samples were collected in kharif 2011 from the field to investigate the effect of nutrient management practices on important soil properties in terraced land under continuous cultivation. The experiment was laid down in randomized block design (RBD) with 12 treatments and each treatment was replicated three times. The results revealed that the maximum WHC and hydraulic conductivity was recorded in 1/2 N+ PK + 1/2 N Forest litter with 43.20 % and 3.00 cm hr^–1 while the minimum was recorded in control with 33.20 % and 2.30 cm hr^–1, respectively. The highest percent aggregates > 0.25 mm and mean weight diameter of the soil was recorded in NPK + FYM + Zn with 72.60 % and 2.60 mm while the lowest was recorded in control with 53.30 % and 1.20 mm, respectively. The highest organic carbon was recorded in 1/2 N + PK + 1/2 N Forest litter with 3.10 % and lowest was recorded in control with 1.60 %. The highest pH was recorded in Forest litter burned + 1/2 FYM with 4.90 and lowest was recorded in NPK and 1/2 N + PK + Azospirillum with 4.30. The highest CEC was recorded in NPK + Poultry litter with 24.70 cmol (p+) kg^–1 and lowest was recorded in control with 18.20 cmol (p+) kg^–1. In terms of the available NPK, the highest available N and P was recorded in NPK + FYM with 568.40 kg ha^–1 and 21.90 kg ha^–1 while the lowest was recorded in control with 310.30 kg ha^–1 and 8.20 kg ha^–1, respectively. Available K was recorded maximum in 1/2 N ± PK + 1/2 N Forest litter with soil varied from 298.30 kg ha^–1 and minimum was recorded in control with 143.70 kg ha^–1.

4 tables, 8 ref

024109   KIRAN B O, CHIMMAD V P (Crop Physiology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad- 580 005, Email: kiran4714@gmail.com) : Climatic impact on phenology, growing degree days and seed yield in Chickpea cultivars. Envir Ecol 2018, 36(1), 38-42.

The present study was carried out with four chickpea genotypes sown under three dates of sowing (41th, 45th and 49th SMW). The results indicated that, days to flower initiation, 50 % flowering, pod initiation and physiological maturity was significantly higher under 45th standard week (43, 48, 51 and 77 days, respectively). Among the genotypes, BGD- 128 recorded significantly higher phenological days (42, 46, 50 and 81 days, respectively) compared to other genotypes. Further, the Growing Degree Days for, days to flower initiation, 50 % flowering, pod initiation and physiological maturity was higher under 45th standard week (599, 666, 721 and 1049 days, respectively). Under delayed sowing plant growth phase was drastically affected minimum of 70 days for physiological maturity under 49th standard week (14.79 g plant^-1). The yield and its associated characters were significantly higher in 45th standard week. Higher seed yield per plant was recorded in genotype JG-11 (15.27g plant^-1) followed by BGD-128 (14.22 g plant^-1). This indicated that, genotype JG-11 had a stable yield even under late sown condition and can be further used for the breeding program.

2 tables, 13 ref

024108   KUMAR R, TIWARI S N (Entomology Dep, Bihar Agricultural Univ, Bhagalpur- 813 210, Email: rkipm06@gmail.com) : Fumigant toxicity of essential oils against Corcyra cephalonica and Sitotroga cerealella. Envir Ecol 2018, 36(1), 33-7.

The laboratory experiments carried out to find the fumigant toxicity of 17 essential oils from locally available herbs, weeds and west materials against Corcyra cephalonica (Lepidoptera : Galleriinae) and Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera : Gelechiidae) in wheat. The essential oils from Chenopodium botrys, Piper nigrum, Cuminum cyminum, Callistemon citrinus, Cinnamomum tamala, Artemisia annua, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Murraya koenigii, Citrus reticulata, A. sativum, Pinus roxburghii, F. vulgare was found highly effective against both insects at 0.2 and 0.4 %. The essential oil of lantana Camera and Curcuma longa were found highly effective against Corcyra cephalonica and Sitotroga cerealella at 0.4 % concentration. This is an important finding to explore the several types of herbs weeds and west material for sustainable management of Corcyra cephalonica and Sitotroga cerealella in short as well as long term storage of wheat and gram at very low concentrations.

3 tables, 4 ref

024107   MARAK L B, PEREIRA L S, CHAKRABORTY R, MAZUMDAR D (Rural Development and Agricultural Production Dep, North-Eastern Hill Univ, Tura- 794 002, Email: drlollysp@gmail.com) : Diversity of plant pathogens and soil microbes associated with Emblica officinalis in Nokrek biosphere reserve of Meghalaya. Envir Ecol 2018, 36(1), 1- 6.

The fruit plant Emblica officinalis Gaertn. commonly known as wild gooseberry is one of the common plants growing in Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot, located in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, India. It is a hardy plant with high nutritive and therapeutic value. Fruits are a rich source of vitamin C and highly valued for indigenous medicine. The objective of the study was to identify pathogenic microbes infecting this fruit plant and soil microbes inhabiting the rhizosphere at different soil depths ; and the relationship between soil microbes and occurrence of plant pathogens. Eight diseases caused by fungal pathogens were observed in plants of Emblica officinalis in the three zones of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season. Soil microbes were more in number in the topsoil (0—15 cm) of the rhizosphere of Emblica officinalis compared to subsoil (15—30 cm) in all three zones of the Biosphere Reserve. Soil microbes like Acremonium falciforme, Aspergillus niger, Trichothecium roseum and Aspergillus versiclor exhibited positive influence on the occurrence of certain plain pathogens like Sphaerothicamors-uvae, Fusarium oxysporum, Ravenelia emblicae, Botrytis cineria and Penicillium islandicum. However, the same soil microbes showed an antagonistic effect on plant pathogens Phomaputanium and Alternaria alternata. Among the identified soil microbes Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium digitatum and Rhizopus nigricans were the dominant ones.

4 illus, 10 ref

024106   AKPOMIE K G, EZEOFOR C C, ALUM O L, AUGUSTINE V A, IBEANU F N (Pure & Industrial Chemistry Dep, Nigeria Univ, Nigeria, Email: kovo.akpomie@unn.edu.ng) : Performance of Dioscorea rotundata peel as an environmental waste additive in enhancing the insulating properties of a local clay mineral. Biosci Biotech Res Asia 2018, 15(1), 59-69.

The effect of Dioscorea rotundata peel environmental waste as an insulating additive for local clay was studied. The potential of a low cost indigenous clay mineral obtained from Akpugu-Ezedike in Nigeria for industrial application was also evaluated. The clay was characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Prepared slurry mixture of the clay and peels were shaped, dried and fired. The chemical composition of the clay was determined by classical methods. Physical properties such as linear shrinkage, total shrinkage, modulus of rupture, apparent density, bulk density, apparent porosity,s welling index and water absorption, modulus of plasticity and refractoriness of the fired samples were determined. The clay was found to have a refractoriness of 12000C. SEM analysis revealed an increase in porosity of the fired clay bodies with increase in dosage of Dioscorea rotundata added. This result was corroborated by the high apparent porosity 49.67 – 60.02 % and water absorption recorded 30.92 – 48.44 % for the mixed fired samples. The result of this study clearly indicated the potential of Dioscorea rotundata peel as additive in enhancing insulating properties of fired clay as well as the usefulness of the local clay mineral for industrial purposes.

10 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

024105   MEGHANA C, JAYAPPA J, REDDY N A, DEVAPPA V, SRIDHAR V, KATTEGOUDAR J (Horticulture Coll, Karnataka) : Assessing susceptibility of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) population of different geographic region to selected newer insecticides. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 320-7.

The Study was conducted to assess the variations in relative susceptibility levels among the populations of diamondback moth in major cabbage growing areas of South Karnataka. The LC₅₀ values were varied across insecticides for single population and also across the populations of geographical locations. The LC₅₀ value of Bengaluru, Kolar and Chikkaballapura populations recorded highest for dichlorvos 76 EC (15.63, 31.82 and 22.51 μg a.i. ml^-1) and the lowest LC₅₀ value of Bengaluru, Kolar and Chikkaballapura populations recorded for emamectin benzoate 5 SG (3.13 μg a.i. ml^-1), cyantraniliprole 10.26 OD (4.48 μg a.i. ml^-1) and Spinosad 45 SC (2.48 μg a.i. ml^-1) was found to be highly toxic to the third instar larvae of P. xylostella. This clearly indicated that the rate of evolution of resistance in P. xylostella was varied across insecticides and also across geographical locations.

3 illus, 4 tables, 47 ref

024104   SANGAMITHRA S, VINOTHKUMAR B, MANOHARAN T, MUTHUKRISHNAN N, RATHISH S T (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Tamil Nadu) : Evaluation of bioefficacy, phytotoxicity of imidacloprid 17.1% SL against plant and leaf hoppers and its safety to non-target invertebrates in rice. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 230-4.

The two field experiments were conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to evaluate bioefficacy, phytotoxicity effect if any of imidacloprid 17.1 % SL against plant and leaf hoppers and its safety to non target invertebrates in rice during September – December 2014 and January – April 2016. The results revealed that imidacloprid 17.1 % SL @ 60 g ai ha^-1 was effective in reducing plant and leaf hoppers population. The pooled mean population (two consecutive seasons) of BPH, WBPH and GLH was recorded as 0.78, 0.60 and 0.60 hill^-1 respectively. The imposed treatments were found safer to non target invertebrates like spiders, coccinellids and rove beetles. Furthermore, no phytotoxic effect was observed even in treatments imposed with imidacloprid 17.1% SL @ 60, 120 and 240 g ai ha^-1.

3 tables, 34 ref

024103   SACHIN U S, SUCHITHRA KUMARI M H (Entomology Dep, Horticulture Coll, Karnataka) : Relative toxicity of selected insecticides against adult whitefly, T. vaporariorum in potted condition. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 116-20.

The present experiment was conducted to assess relative toxicity of selected insecticides against whitefly in the Entomology laboratory at College of Horticulture, Mudigere during the year 2014-2015. Among the eleven treatments, imidachloprid, thiamethoxam and cyantraniliprole were highly toxic to adults which recorded 100 per cent mortality, four days after treatment. Cyantraniliprole recorded the highest adult mortality comparatively early than imidachloprid and thiamethoxam. Fipronil 80 % WG, recorded 100 percent mortality five days after treatment which was followed by emamectin benzoate 5 % SG at sixth day after treatment and recorded as next best treatments under laboratory condition against whitefly. Acephate 75 % SP and azadirhactin 10000 ppm recorded highest level of mortality (100 %) at seventh and eighth day after treatment, respectively which was followed by triazophos 40 % EC, spinosad 480 % SC and buprofezin 25 % SC at eleventh day after treatment. Considering the result, cyantraniliprole, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid were recommended for effective control of sucking pests in cotton ecosystem.

3 tables, 21 ref

024102   SUBBURAJ A, JAWAHAR P, JAYAKUMAR N, SRINIVASAN A, AHILAN B (Fisheries Biology and Resource Management Dep, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Univ, Tamil Nadu) : Acute toxicity bioassay of Malathion (EC 50%) on the fish, Oreochromis mossambicus (Tilapia) and associated histological alterations in gills. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 103-7.

In the present study, the freshwater fish, Oreochromis mossambicus were exposed to five different acute concentrations of Malathion like 0.626, 1.252, 2.503, 5.006 and 10.012 ppb for 96 hrs. The 96 h LC50 of Malathion for O. mossambicus was determined to be 0.5925±0.0625 ppb MAL/l. In addition, the study aimed to investigate the histopathological alterations of acute concentrations of Malathion in the gills. The most common histopathological changes in the gills of fish exposed to Malathion were characterized by thickening of secondary lamellae, hemorrhage at primary lamellae, epithelial lining in the tips, lamellar aneurysm, lifting up of epithelium, deformation of the cartilage core, erosion of secondary lamellae, cartilage tissue hypertrophy, shortening of the secondary lamellae, blood congestion in the secondary lamellae and curling of secondary lamellae. Ultimately, the study revealed that the degree of distortion of the gill was in proportion to the duration of exposure and concentration i.e., dose and time dependent.

5 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

024101   RANA N, BAKHAT T, KHAN A S, FATIMA K, JAVED S, IMRAN M, AMIN T, FATIMA S, IQBAL Z M (Zoology Dep, Agriculture Univ, Faisalabad, Pakistan) : Susceptible clusters and trophic structure of various insects? order among okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) fields. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 82-90.

The present study was conducted under the ecological conditions of district Rahim Yar Khan (Punjab), Pakistan. After completing the whole research trials, maximum population was recorded from bean fields 54.56 % (N=329) and least population was recorded from okra fields i.e. 45.44 % (N=274). Where in case of bean fields, maximum population was recorded during 6th sampling (52±13.51), followed by 37±2.90 (7th and 9th sampling), 36±2.19 (3rd sampling) and least values were recorded during 4th sampling (18±10.54); whereas, species abundance was recorded utmost during 6th sampling (31 species) at temperature and humidity of 32.4 ºC, 30.5 ºC and 32 %, 55 %, respectively; however, least species abundance was recorded during 4th sampling i.e. 14 species at 26 ºC (temperature) and 33 % (humidity). In case of okra fields, maximum population was recorded during 6th sampling (39±8.20), followed by 29±1.13 (9th sampling), 28±0.42 (10th sampling) and least value was recorded during 4th sampling (24±40); whereas species abundance was recorded utmost in 6th sampling (24 species) at temperature and humidity 26 ºC and 36 %, respectively; however, least species abundance was recorded during 3rd sampling i.e. 13 species at 24ºC temperature and 30 % humidity. Form okra fields, maximum relative abundance 4.38 % (N=12) was recorded for Alysinae spp. andin bean fields maximum relative abundance 3.34 % (N=11) was recorded for Dinocampus coccinellae. Form Okra fields higher ratio was recoded for genus Musca (Family Muscidae) 5.47 % (N= 15). From bean fields, Apis was recorded as an extraordinary contributing genus with relative abundance of (4.8 %; N=16). Diversity (H') was recorded maximum among bean fields (0.0823) and least was recorded among okra fields (0.0685). Evenness ratio was also recorded in same context (0.0327 and 0.0281, respectively). Dominance was recorded maximum from bean fields (1.0281) and least from okra fields (1.0327). However, richness was a little bit recorded high among okra fields (15.9602) and least among bean fields (15.1457). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) among both vegetable fields (okra and bean) showed non-significant results (F=0.07; P=0.7942).

13 tables, 23 ref

024100   PANNU K K, KLER T K (Zoology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab) : Heavy metal contamination in excreta of house sparrow (Passer domesticus) from rural areas of Ludhiana. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 77-81.

The purpose of the study was to detect the heavy metal contamination in the excreta of House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) from rural areas of Ludhiana. The study was carried out in two villages i.e. Kaind (location I) and Alamgir (location II) falling in district Ludhiana. The results showed that the levels of Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd) and Zinc (Zn) were higher than normal range in excreta of House Sparrow from both locations I and II The concentrations of Lead (Pb) and Boron (B) were observed above toxic range from both the locations. Different types of agrochemicals used in crop fields might be responsible for contamination in the food chain of House Sparrow at various trophic levels.

4 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

024099   SINGH R, NAUTIYAL P, NAUTIYAL R (Zoology and Biotechnology Dep, H N B Garhwal Univ, Garhwal- 246 174, Email: rajbeersinghkabsuri@gmail.com) : Evaluation of the ecological state of the major streams located in Doon valley using diatoms as indicators. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 500 - 6.

Biological communities reflect overall ecological integrity (i.e. chemical, physical and biological integrity). Since the diatom species exhibit variation in tolerances to physical and chemical change in water, they are excellent indicators changes in their environment. Based on the dominant categories for each characteristic, the ecological state of the stream can be determined. This study evaluates the ecological state of the streams in Doon Valley. The diatom samples collected at regular monthly intervals from the twelve streams located in the eastern and western Doon were treated with acid-peroxide and mounted in Naphrax for species count at x1500. About 250-300 valves of diatom species were counted and Van Dam ecologic values were computed by OMNIDIA ver. 5.3. pH was alkaliphilous (4), salinity - fresh brackish (2) and oxygenation - continuously high (1) for most of the streams. Saprobity and trophic status was largely β-mesosaprobous (2) and eutraphentic (5), respectively. The Leclercq index also shows non-existent (<10 %) to low (10-20 %) organic pollution, degradation (IDSE=3.5-3.0) and moderate anthropo-genic eutrophication (20.1-45 %) in most of the streams attributed to urbanization stress (62 MLD sewage). The water quality based on indices; IBD (Indice biologique diatomèes), IPS (Indice de polluo-sensibilite) and TDI (Trophic Diatom Index) showed the moderate water quality in the streams of the Valley. Like EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (WFD) India should also have the objective to ensure ecosystem integrity through bio-assessment and not just mere pollution control.

1 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

024098   ARGADE M B, KADAM J H, GARANDE V K, PATGAONKAR D R, PATIL V S, SONAWANE P N (Post Graduate Institute of Post-Harvest Management, Raigad - 402 116, Email: jhkadammpkv@gmail.com) : Effect of different shading intensities on growth and yield of cherry tomato. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 352-7.

Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicon var cerasiforme) is small size fruits, with a bright red colour resembling to cherry and becoming popular in the retail chains which are marketed at a premium price. The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different (35, 50 and 75 per cent) shading intensities on growth and yield (qha^-1) of cherry tomato. Significantly maximum yield was recorded in 35 per cent shading intensity and genotype Kalash Seeds Product (KSP)-113 (579.44 and 503.88 q ha^-1, respectively). Among the different shading intensities and genotypes, maximum plant height was observed in 75 per cent shading intensity and genotype KSP -113 at 30 days interval (74.70 and 60.95 cm, respectively). The minimum days to 50 % flowering of cherry tomato were observed in cherry tomatoes grown under 35 per cent shading intensity (45.00 days) as compared to other shading intensities while minimum days to 50 % flowering were observed in genotype KSP-113 (44.00 days). The maximum length of the cluster (9.58 cm), the weight of cluster (27.67 g), number of fruits per cluster (9.42) and number of pickings (11.67) were observed in 35 per cent shading intensities and in genotype KSP-113. The cultivation of KSP-113 genotype under 35 per cent shading intensity was found to be most sustainable for improving growth and yield of cherry tomato during the summer season.

3 tables, 15 ref

024097   DAS H, KUNDU C K, BANDYOPADHYAY P K, BANDYOPADHYAY S, BANDOPADHYAY P (Orissa Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Odisha- 764 045, Email: hdubkv@gmail.com) : Effect of mulching practices on growth and yield of forage crops under rainfed ecosystem. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 266-71.

There had been very less systemic study of forage crops in this part of the world. The information is scanty and not well documented. With these backgrounds, a field experiment was conducted during winter and summer season of 2012-13 and 2013-14 with three forage crops [Brachiaria brizantha, Panicum maximum and Setaria anceps] and three mulching managements [no mulching, soil dust mulching and live mulching]. Experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Forage crop was assigned to the main plots and mulching to the sub-plots. The results revealed that superior growth attributes as well as highest green fodder yield (91.14 q ha^-1 in winter and 307.20 q ha^-1 in summer) and dry matter yield (26.27 q ha^-1 in winter and 66.99 q ha^-1 in summer) were obtained with forage crop Setaria anceps. Mulching influenced all growth parameters (plant height, leaf area index and crop growth rate) significantly and recorded highest with live mulching followed by soil dust and no mulching. Adoption of live mulching resulted in highest green fodder yield (94.17 q ha^-1 in winter and 309.58 q ha^-1 in summer) as well as highest dry matter yield (26.28 q ha^-1 in winter and 71.93 q ha^-1 in summer). The present experimental findings signify the importance of live mulching in improving growth attributes and yield of forage crops.

2 illus, 4 tables, 28 ref

024096   AMBADI A, KRISHNAMURTY D, RAO S, DESAI B K, RAVI M V, SHUBHA S (Agricultural Sciences Univ, Raichur- 584 104, Email: murthyagron@gmail.com) : Influence of varied crop residues and green biomass composts to rabi sorghum growing soils on uptake of major nutrients, microbial biomass and soil fertility status. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 185-9.

A field experiment was conducted on vertisols (pH of 7.56 with organic carbon content of 0.55 %) at Research Institute on Organic Farming, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur coming under northern Karnataka during rabi season of 2015-16 to study the Influence of varied crop residues and green biomass composts to rabi sorghum growing soils on uptake of major nutrients, organic carbon and soil fertility status. In general application of Cotton stalks, Redgram stalks, Glyricidia, combination of cotton and redgram stalks composts, FYM and combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers helped to buildup soil nutrients with respect to organic carbon, available nitrogen and phosphorus. Significantly higher nitrogen (227.3 kg ha^-1), phosphorous (75.7 kg ha^-1) and potassium (141.7 kg ha^-1) uptake by rabi sorghum was recorded with combined application of recommended FYM (3 t ha^-1) and NP fertilizers (50:25 kg N, P₂O₅ ha^-1) (T₁₄) followed by Cotton stalks + Redgram stalks + Glyricidia sp. with C:N ratio of 30:1 compost @ 50 kg N equivalent (T₁₂: 222.0, 74.0 and 132.3 kg ha^-1). The least uptake was recorded with absolute control (T₁₅: 127.0, 42.0 and 71.7 kg ha^-1). Similar trend was observed with organic carbon, available nitrogen and phosphorus. Combined application of recommended FYM (3 t ha^-1) and NP fertilizers (50:25 kg N, P₂O₅ ha^-1) followed by Cotton stalks +Redgram stalks + Glyricidia sp. with C:N ratio of 30:1 compost @ 50 kg N equivalent at the time of sowing recorded higher major nutrients uptake, microbial biomass and soil fertility status.

4 tables, 16 ref

024095   SIHAG S, JOSHI U N (Chemistry and Biochemistry Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar - 125 004, Email: sweetypoonia2011@gmail.com) : Toxic affects of chromium on some quality parameters of Sorghum bicolor (L.). J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 122-7.

A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of varying Cr (VI) levels [0.0–4.0 mg Cr (VI) kg^-1 soil in the form of potassium dichromate] on the some quality parameters of sorghum Sorghum bicolor (L.). Quality parameters was measured in terms of protein content, chlorophyll content, and IVDMD ( In vitro dry matter digestibility) content at different growth stages, i.e. 35 DAS, 70 DAS and 90 DAS (Days after sowing) that were adversely affected with an increase in Cr (VI) levels from 0.0 to 4.0 mg Cr (VI) kg^-1 soil. The decline in protein content 4.67 g/kg dry weight at T₄ was observed as compared to control (T₁) ( 8.96 g/kg dry weight basis) at 35 DAS in leaves , Total chlorophyll content declined from 3.25 mg g^-1 fresh weight (T₁) to 2.40 mg g^-1 fresh weight (T₄) at 35 DAS and IVDMD content declined from 43.60 to 33.60 per cent dry weight basis with increment in chromium concentration. It is concluded that Cr (VI) at higher doses (4.0 mg Cr (VI) kg^-1 soil) adversly affects the quality parameters of Forage sorghum Sorghum bicolor (L.) however, quality parameters are responsible for nutritive value of sorghum Sorghum bicolor (L.).

3 tables, 48 ref

024094   SINGH A K, MALL A K, SINGH P K (ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow- 226 002, Email: ashutosh.Mall@icar.gov.in) : Stability factor and heterosis for yield and yield determinants over environments in Indian rapeseed, Brassica rapa var. yellow sarson. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 70-6.

Forty-four yellow sarson hybrids developed by line x testers mating design (3 pistillate lines x 9 male parents) were studied along with parents and a standard check for heterosis of yield determinant characters in two environments [Genetics and Plant Breeding Farm (E₁), Kumarganj and CRS, Masodha (E₂)]. Significant desired heterobeltiosis ranged from 4.52 to 44.86 per cent in E₁ and 13.42 to 62.07 per cent in E₂ while, standard heterosis ranged from -6.64 to 23.01 per cent in E₁ and -6.30 to 21.85 per cent for seed yield plant^-1. Other characters also showed considerable heterosis over better parent and standard check. The crosses L2 x T1 and L3 x T1 were identified as potential for commercial exploitation of heterosis both for seed yield plant^-1 and oil content. High heterotic hybrids in both the environments viz., L8 x T1 and L9 x T1 showed stability in performance for nine characters including seed yield plant^-1 where as among parent NDYS-141 showed near unity ratio of stability factor for five characters. L9 x T1 followed by L8 x T1 could be identified as most promising crosses on the basis of stability, per se performance, standard heterosis, high GCA and significant SCA effects.

4 tables, 13 ref

024093   RANI S, SEHARAWAT P S (Extention Education Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar – 125 001, Email: soniasamdyan18@gmail.com) : Losses and alternatives measures towards environmental degradation in rural area of Haryana. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 48-54.

In India, the globally accepted threats caused by environmental degradation are soil degradation and desertification, pollution, droughts, floods and water scarcity. The study was conducted in two districts of Haryana state namely, Hisar and Kaithal and a total number of one hundred twenty women were selected and interviewed with the help of well structured schedule. The study revealed that majority of the women were of middle age group (36-50 years), educated up to higher education, belonged to nuclear family with 4 members, performed government, private jobs and self employment. Very serious losses due to environment degradation were air pollutant effect on human health, animals and plants (1.47), deeper level of ground water table leads to irrigation scarcity (1.35), quality deterioration of crop produce and fertilizers cause toxicity in food products (1.23), lost of biodiversity and tropical forest, extinction of plant and animal species (0.41) as per their ‘Z’ score. Least smoky trees should be planted and used, Baval, Neem, Pipal, Bargad, Shisham, Aam, Jamun (94.16 %), Installing chimneys to rent smoke from indoor stoves (90.83 %) Storage and disposal of farm wastes properly (79.16 %), Campaigning for healthy environment (74.16 %), enhancing the area under agro and social forestry (69.16), empowerment of women for different develop-ment programs (66.66 %) were found very effective among the women to making the environment healthy. To reach the results the aggregate total score was calculated to each alternative measure separately, and on the basis of calculated total score, a weighted mean score were obtained which were ranked according to the maximum or minimum mean scores for assessing the effectiveness of alternative measure.

5 tables, 14 ref

023985   SAHA A, SAMANTA S, BHALE V M (Agronomy Dep, UBKV, Pundibari- 736 165, Email: atina0315@gmail.com) : Effect of land configuration and nutrient management on growth and yield of organic Guar Gum. Envir Ecol 2017, 35(2), 799-801.

A field experiment was conducted during 2013-14 to study the effect of land configuration and nutrient management on growth and yield of guar gum. Opening of furrow in each row and alternate rows permit to drain excess moisture which resulted in increased growth, yield attributing characters and seed yield (270.17 kg ha^-1) compared to flatbed configuration. Organic source of nutient vermicompost- 2.0 t ha^-1 increased growth characters and yield attributing characters viz.,plant height, functional leaves, dry matter, no. of pods per plant, no. of seeds per pod and no. of cluster per plant compared to FYM-2.5 t ha^-1 and soybean compost-2.0 t ha^-1. Seed yield (281.71 kg ha^-1), pod yield (471.84 kg ha^-1) and biological yield (1069.91 kg ha^-1) were increased due to vermicompost-2.0 t ha^-1 followed by other organic sources.

1 table, 10 ref

023984   SRIVASTAVA A, SINGH J P, PRAKASH C, KUMAR P (Agronomy Dep, Institute of Agricultural Science, Varanasi- 221 005, Email: pk3918@gmail.com) : Differential rates of NPK, FYM and zinc on growth, yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Indo-Gangetic plain zone. Envir Ecol 2017, 35(2), 795-8.

A field experiment was carried out for two consecutive years during the rabi seasons of 2005- 06 and 2006-07 to determine the effects of NPK, FYM and Zn rates on growth and yield of wheat cv HUW 234. Three levels of NPK (75%, 100%, and 125% RFD) and three levels of FYM (0, 6 and 12 tonnes ha^–1) were allotted to main plot treatments and three levels of Zn (0, 5, and 10 kg ha^–1) as sub plot in a split plot design with three replications studied. Plant growth and yield attributes significantly differed with NPK levels. Grain and straw yield was significantly higher with 125% RFD and was at par with 100% RFD. Application of 12 tonnes FYM ha^–1 recorded higher growth and yield being at par with 6 tonnes FYM ha^–1 and significantly superior over control. Amongst Zn levels, 10 kg Zn ha^–1 recorded higher growth and yield but the increase was significant only up to 5 kg Zn ha^–1.

2 tables, 11 ref

023983   PATEL J R, PATEL D K, PRAJAPATI K N, SONI N V, PATEL A (Castor-Mustard Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural Univ, Sardarkrushinagar- 385 506, Email: pateljinesh212@gmail.com) : Correlation and path coefficient analysis in rainfed upland Rice (Oryza sativa L.). Envir Ecol 2017, 35(2), 789-94.

Correlation and path coefficient analysis was studied for grain yield and its components in 44 diverse genotypes of upland rice. The correlation coefficient study revealed that in general, the genotypic correlations were higher than their corresponding phenotypic correlation for all the characters. It was observed that plant height, panicle length, number of total tillers per plant, number of effective tillers per plant, number of grains per panicle, harvest index and 1000-grain weight showed significant positive association with grain yield per plant at genotypic as well as phenotypic levels, while significant positive correlation contributed by straw yield per plant at phenotypic level only. Straw yield per plant and harvest index showed negative correlation among themselves. Straw yield per plant was found having significantly positive correlation with plant height panicle length and number of total tillers per plant. The harvest index showed significantly positive correlation with grain yield per plant and grain breadth. The results pointed out that more emphasis should be given on plant height, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, number of effective tillers per plant, straw yield and harvest index to improve grain yield. The path analysis showed that the characters viz., straw yield per plant, grain length, harvest index, days to maturity, protein content, number of total tillers per plant and number of grains per panicle were having high positive direct effect with grain yield, while grain L/B ratio, panicle length, grain breadth, 1000-grain weight, days to 50% flowering were having negative direct effect. Based on correlation and path analysis, it is suggested that more emphasis should be given on panicle length, number of grains per panicle, straw yield and harvest index for improvement in grain yield in upland rice.

2 tables, 11 ref

023982   GUPTA A, SHARMA O P, SOLANKI R B, VERMA H P (Agronomy Dep, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture Univ, Jobner- 303 329, Email: anshulgupta2803@gmail.com) : Growth and yield of Pearl millet [Pennisetumglaucum(L). R. Br.] as influenced by varieties and bio-regulators. Envir Ecol 2017, 35(2), 785-8.

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 2014-15 on loamy sand soil having sixteen treatment combinations consisting of 4 treatments each of varieties (RHB-121, RHB-173, RHB- 177, Raj-171) and bio-regulators (control, thiourea, thioglycolic acid and salicylic acid) were tested in randomized block design with three replications. Results indicated that pearl millet variety RHB-173 recorded significantly higher values of growth attributes viz. dry matter accumulation and total number of tillers per plant as compared to other varieties. Variety Raj- 171 recorded significantly higher plant height to other varieties except RHB-173. The yield attributes (number of effective tillers per plant, ear length and number of grains per ear), grain yield and biological yield were significantly higher in RHB-173 over the remaining varieties while Raj-171 was at par in stover yield. Results further indicated that growth and yield significantly increased with application of bio-regulators over control. The application of thiourea being at par with TGA proved significantly superior over rest of the treatments. Results further indicated that growth and yield proved economically beneficial with foliar application of thiourea over other bio-regulators.

2 tables, 11 ref

023981   CHANNAMMA, SUNKAD G, MAHESH M (Plant Pathology Dep, Univ of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur- 584 101, Email: chanspatil13@gmail.com) : Effect of weather parameters on development of powdery mildew of Guar caused by Leveillula taurica. Envir Ecol 2017, 35(2), 781-4.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2013-2014 with on objective to study the effect of weather parameters on development of powdery mildew of guar. Observations on the incidence of disease were recorded at weekly intervals by using 0-5 scale in different treatments. Results revealed that 36^th and 37^th standard weeks were highly favorable for initiation and further development of disease. There was a negative correlation between the disease severity and all weather parameters. The multiple regression equation was fitted to the data and the equation arrived for all the weather parameters is Y = 338.29—2.11X₁-6. 91X₂- 0.97X₃ + 0.304X₄-0.284X₅. Where, X₁ = Maximum temperature (^oC), X₂ = Minimum temperature (^oC), X₃ = Relative humidity (%) morning, X₄ = Relative humidity (%) evening and X₅ = Rainfall (mm).

1 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

023980   KUMAR V, SINGH B, KUMAR Y, AHLAWAT K S (CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Regional Research Station, Bawal- 123 501, Email: vndmohan@gmail.com) : Mechanization of intercultural operations in pearl millet [(Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R]. Envir Ecol 2017, 35(2), 778-80.

Traditional hand weeding is the most efficient and widely adopted practice of weed management but it is labor intensive, time consuming and not economical due to high wages rate and hence present experiment on mechanization was conducted on pearl millet in light textured soils to evaluate the effectiveness of mechanical intercultural operations during kharif of 2013. The experiment was laid out in split- plot design with three replications. The treatments were comprised of three mechanized intercultural operations (25-30 DAS) i.e. tractor, kasola, and wheel hand hoe in the main plot and two row spacings (45 cm and paired row (30:70) in the sub plot. The test hybrid was HHB-234. Mechanized interculture with tractor at both the row spacings (45 cm and paired row 30:70 cm) gave lowest weed intensity/m² and highest net returns (Rs 9,273/ha and Rs 9,360/ha, respectively and benefit: cost ratio (1.34 and 1.34, respectively) over other recommended intercultural practices (kasola and wheel hand hoe).

1 table, 5 ref

023979   BIRADAR V K, THAKARE A Y, DESHPANDE P P (Coll of Agriculture, , Nagpur- 440 001, Email: vkbiradar@gmail.com) : Determination of economic threshold level of Linseed Budfly, Dasyneura lini (Barnes). Envir Ecol 2017, 35(2), 774-7.

A field experiment was conducted to determine the economic threshold level of linseed budfly, Dasyneura lini (Barnes) in rabi season for five consecutive years during 2007-08 to 2011-12. The results revealed that the economic injury level (EIL) of linseed bud fly was found to 11.70% bud infestation. The economic threshold level (ETL) was worked out as 8.77% bud infestation. The correlation coefficient between per cent budfly infestation (BFI) and seed yield of linseed was significant and negative having r=(-) 0.977** and b = (-) 17.82* in the agroclimatic conditions of Nagpur, Maharashtra.

2 tables, 9 ref

023978   SHUKLA K K, SINHA P, SINGH V, VIANI A, SEN A (ICAR, , Basar- 791 101, Email: kshukla65@gmail.com) : Repercussion of elevated CO₂ concentration on Wheat susceptibility to Bipolaris Sorokiniana. Envir Ecol 2017, 35(2), 768-73.

Incidence of spot blotch disease on Triticum aestivum was studied by imposing three different treatments of CO₂ concentrations (350 ppm, 400 ppm, 500 ppm) to investigate there effect on some of the plant physiological parameters i.e. length and density of stomata, leaf length and protein expression. Experimental results revealed a negative correlation of 0.98 that the stomata density decreased (65.80 / mm² to 49.00 / mm²) with increase in CO₂ concentration from 350 ppm to 500 ppm whereas a positive correlation of 0.85 was observed between the length of stomata and CO₂ concentration (54.20 ?m at 350 ppm to 65.20 ?m at 500 ppm). Increase in mean leaf length was also found positively correlated (0.972) with CO₂ concentration. The mean leaf length increased from 18.95 cm at 350 ppm to 40.68 cm at 500 ppm. It was also inferred from the results that the length and density of stomata were mutually negatively correlated (0.75). SDS-PAGE analysis of five different protein bands (22 kDa, 26 kDa, 32 kDa, 36 kDa and 43 kDa) having different antifungal activities (Thaumatin like properties, b -1, 3-glucanase activity, chitinase activity) revealed that host plant resistance was attributable to expression of PR-protein.

3 tables, 10 ref

023977   CHAKRABORTY B, BAMBHAROLIA R P, NAGHERA Y V, SARKAR M (Coll of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural Univ, Waghai- 394 730, Email: binayak.hort@gmail.com) : Exogenous application of polyamines maintains physico-chemical properties of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv Alphonso under aimbient storage. Envir Ecol 2017, 35(2), 763-7.

Three most commonly known polyamine viz. putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD), spermine (SPM) were tested for their suitability to maintain the post harvest physico-chemical properties of mango fruits. For this purpose, mature green mango cv Alphonso were harvested, precooled followed by air dried then dipped in various polyamine solutions at a concentration of 0.1 mM and 0.5 mM for 5 min. before placed in cardboard cartons under ambient storage (22 ± 2⁰C and 80-85% RH) conditions. Observations on various physico-chemical parameters were studied at three days interval right from the day of harvesting up to 18^th day of storage. Fruits dipped in 0.5 mM SPM solution registered least changes in physico-chemical properties of mango fruit during the entire storage period. PUT and SPD also maintained the post harvest quality of mango fruits over control (water dipping). The effects of polyamine treatments were more pronounced with the advancement of storage days. The effectiveness of polyamines to maintain the physico-chemical properties of mango were found in the following order SPM > SPD ? PUT in most of the studied parameters.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

023976   SRILAKSHMI C, VIRANI V R (National Institue of Plant Health Management, , Hyderabad-500 030, Email: chintalasrilaxmi@gmail.com) : Efficacy of different leaf powders on the infestation of Rhizopertha dominica (Fabricious) in stored Wheat. Envir Ecol 2017, 35(2), 757-62.

The leaves of Citrus, Tulasi, Mint, Neem, Henna, Custard apple, Turmeric, Eucalyptus leaf powders at two dose levels (5 and 10 g/kg) were tested for their deterrent/repellency in powder form against Rhizopertha dominica(F.) infesting stored wheat. In evaluation of different eight leaf powders as grain protectant against R. dominica, minimum adult emergence and grain damage was recorded in grains treated with neem leaf powder @ 10 and 5 g/kg dose level at 40, 80 and 120 DAS followed by custard apple leaf powder and eucalyptus leaf powder @ 10 and 5 g/kg wheat grains. Maximum (91.00% and 89.50%) germination percentage was observed in grains treated with neem leaf powder @ 10 and 5 g/kg wheat grains respectively.

4 illus, 1 table, 10 ref