040796   VALSON J S, KUTTY V R, SOMAN B, JISSA V T (SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 011, Kerala, Email: joannavalson@gmail.com) : Using open source data to explore distribution of built environment characteristics across Kerala, India. Indian J Public Health 2020, 64(2), 191-7.

Built environment characteristics in the neighborhood are of utmost priority for a healthy lifestyle in the fast‑urbanizing countries. These characteristics are closely linked to the disease burden and challenges in low‑ and middle‑income countries (LMICs), which have been unexplored using open‑source data. The present technology offers online resources and open source software that enable researchers to explore built environment characteristics with health and allied phenomena. This article intends to delineate methods to capture available and accessible objective built environment variables for a state in India and determine their distribution across the state. Built environment variables such as population density and residential density were collated from the Census of India. Safety from crime and traffic were captured as crime rates and pedestrian accident rates, respectively, acquired from State Crime Records Bureau. Greenness, built‑up density, and land slope were gathered from open‑source satellite imagery repository. Road intersection density was derived from OpenStreetMap. Processing and analysis differed for each dataset depending on its source and nature. Each variable showed a distinct pattern across the state. Population and residential density were found to be closely related to each other across both districts and subdistricts. They were both positively related to crime rates, pedestrian accident rates, built‑up density, and intersection density, whereas negatively related to land slope and greenness across the subdistricts. Delineating the distribution of built environment variables using available and open‑source data in resource‑poor settings is a first in public health research among LMICs. Cost‑effectiveness and reproducible nature of open‑source solutions could equip researchers in resource‑poor settings to identify built environment characteristics and patterns across regions.

2 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

040786   SHARMA A K, SAINI S, CHHABRA P, CHHABRA S K, GHOSH C, BALIYAN P (Delhi Univ, Dilshad Garden, Delhi - 110 095, Email: arsharma62@gmail.com) : Air pollution and weather as the determinants of acute attacks of asthma: Spatiotemporal approach. Indian J Public Health 2020, 64(2), 124-9.

Although air pollution and weather changes have been identified as putative risk factors that precipitate acute attacks of bronchial asthma, so far there have been no studies that could conclusively establisha clear association. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of the concentrations of NO₂, SO₂, and particulate matter on exacerbation of bronchial asthma. A longitudinal study was conducted during February 2014–January 2015. Sixty‑one known cases of asthma were recruited from the outpatient department of a chest hospital. Data regarding weather parameter (temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity) and environmental pollution (SO₂ and NO₂) and respirable suspended particulate matter were procured from the Indian Meteorological Department and Delhi Pollution Control Committee, respectively. Association was examined using the generalized estimation equation (GEE). Separate models were developed for weather parameter and pollution parameters. This study could not find a significant association between any of the weather parameters and occurrence of asthmatic attacks. In the GEE model, where average values of SO₂, NO₂, and PM were used, the PM was found to be significantly associated with asthmatic attacks. PM was found to increase the risk of exacerbation of asthma three folds.

3 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

044614   SONDARI T R, RACHMAT B, SUUDI A, WIDJIASTUTI B, IDA (Ministry of Health of Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia, Email: basukir2009@gmail.com) : Assessment of facilities, knowledge and counseling on handwashing of elementary school students in the district of North Bogor. J Ecophysiol Occup Health 2020, 15(1), 13-20.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the district of North Bogor to find out the relationship of facilities, knowledge and counseling to the level of behavior of the handwashing of elementary school students. This research is a quantitative study, accompanied by observations of the availability of handwashing facilities in schools. Data characteristics, facilities, counseling, behavior and knowledge of students were collected using a questionnaire. Three hundred fifty-five students (51.8 % were male) registered in this study. The average age of students is 10 years (73.0 %). The availability of facilities such as hand washing facilities (100 %), toilets (100 %), clean water (97.7 %), running water (82.0 %) and soap (91.3 %) in schools is quite complete. The behavior of students using soap when washing their hands (76.1 %), after defecating small (88.7 %), and after handling animals (82.0 %). Students’ knowledge about correct hand washing (73.8 %), the exact duration of handwashing (22.8 %). In the logistic regression analysis, gender, age and counseling were not significantly related to student behavior. However, facilities (P=0.011) and knowledge (P=0.037) are related to students’ handwashing behavior. Observation found that the availability of washbasket facilities in five schools was in good condition and functioning normally as well as the standard operational procedures for handwashing in schools, but placed in a location that is not visible to students. In short, students’ handwashing behavior is still lacking, especially among students who are in schools with inadequate facilities and have less knowledge about handwashing

6 tables, 55 ref

044613   HOW V, SINGH S, THINH D Q, GUO H R, CHOKELI R, YUSWIR N S (Environmental and Occupational Health Dep, Putra Malaysia Univ, Selangor- 434 00, Malaysia, Email: vivien@upm.edu.my ) : Association of blood cholinesterase with sexual differences in metabolic health risks among villagers from pesticide-treated farming villages. J Ecophysiol Occup Health 2020, 20(1&2), 6-12.

The physiological differences between men and women have resulted in discrepancies of pesticides' toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic mechanism. It is speculated that women are more prone to exposure to pesticides than men, which increases the risks to their metabolic health. This study aims to establish a link between long-term, low-level exposure to pesticides and its potential adverse metabolic health risks in farming villages by using the parameters of body composition and acetylcholinesterase activity as indicators. The result indicates that the blood cholinesterase levels in males are proportionally lower than in females. The distinction of farmer and non-farmer as an occupation often shows a different degree of metabolic health symptoms unique to the sex. In addition, the sexual differences in the correlation of the level of blood cholinesterase with the body mass index, visceral muscle, body fat and visceral fat among the farming communities in the same farming village are of considerable interest. These findings provide a mechanistic explanation for women's vulnerability to pesticide exposure and indicate potential opportunities for early prevention and surveillance for these working women in the farming community

1 illus, 4 tables, 34 ref

044612   SALAMA K F, ZAFAR M, ALRABEA D A, ALQAHTANI A A, ALMARGHOUB S A, ALSHEHRI A A (Environmental Health Dep, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal Univ, Saudi Arabia, Email: ksalama@iau.edu.sa ) : Air pollution from traffic at major causeway Al-khobar, Saudi Arabia. J Ecophysiol Occup Health 2020, 20(1&2), 1-5.

Causeway is providing a road link between travelers from Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The vehicle traffic noise and emissions exhaust at Causeway have a significant effect on air quality parameters which leads to deteriorations impact on health of employees and passengers. The present study aimed to analyze the ambient air pollutants PM10, PM2.5, PM1, O₃ , CO₂ , SO₂ , CO, VOCs, and NO₂ , ambient noise and heat stress in and around causeway. Materials and Methods: All gaseous, particulate air pollutants, meteorological factors, ambient noise and heat stress were analyzed using standards calibrated equipment. July 2019 to October 2019 the study incused seven administrative sites in King Fahd causeway (Saudi Side). Air Quality Index (AQI) was used to determine the concentrations of selected ambient air pollutants. All major air pollutants were high and significant difference in the concentration level between weekdays and weekends (p<0.05) and exceeds the international air quality guidelines in the selected studied sites of causeways. However, ambient noise demonstrated high significant levels in different studied sites in different times (p<0.05). Air quality measures in Causeway are significantly deteriorated and should be continuously evaluated to minimize the risk of daily exposure to traffic emissions.

1 illus, 5 tables, 30 ref

040663   ROJASARA D, PATEL D R (Entomology Dep, Navsari Agricultural Univ, Navsari - 396 450, Email: patel.devendra2829@yahoo.com) : Varietal resistance against Sitophilus oryzae in rice. Indian J Entomol 2020, 82(1), 72-4.

Fifteen varieties/genotypes were screened against the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) during 2018-19 at the Biological Control Laboratory and P.G. Research Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Entomology, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. The varieties GR-7, GNR-7 and IR-28 were observed to show maximum resistance, as indicated by minimum seed damage, weight loss, more germination and less population buildup while, the genotype GNR-4 was the most susceptible.

1 table, 9 ref

040652   SWETHA M, NAAIIK R V T B, KUMAR P V, RAJKUMAR B, VIJAYALAKSHMI D, BHAVYAMANJARI M (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rudrur, Nizamabad - 503 188, Email: mswetha.muddam@gmail.com) : Adoption of vermicompost technology. Indian J Entomol 2020, 82(1), 32-5.

Vermicompost is the major component of organic farming as it fulfils all the requirements of production and protection of crops.The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rudrur, Nizamabad conducted training programmes and demonstrations on the vermicompost technology to farmers of Nizamabad and Kamareddy district of Telangana. Level of knowledge and adoption by the trained farmers of Nizamabad district with 60 respondents constituted the study. The results revealed that majority of the respondents had medium level of knowledge on vermicompost technology and with them high level of adoption was observed in a significant manner.

1 table, 8 ref

040644   POONAM, KUMAR S, SHARMA A, BAWA R (Dr YS Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan - 173 230, Email: poonamwarpa008fty@gmail.com) : Plant nutrient dynamics in different ecosystems of cold deserts of Himachal Pradesh, India. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 594-8.

The present study was conducted in cold desert area to study the nutrient status and their utilization for understanding the importance, utilization and exploitation of the alpine pastures and other grazing areas. The fields where peas and pulses were planted were found to be possessing higher nitrogen contents than other areas due to the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. However, the concentration of other nutrients such as P, K, Na and Ca was also found higher in agricultural crops, which was due to continuous cultivation plus the annual addition of farm yard manure and other fertilizers during the cropping season; associated with different annual crop rotation and long fallow period of nearly six months each year.

4 tables, 26 ref

040635   ANIKWE M A N, EZE J C, IKENGANNYIA E E (Agronomy and Ecological Management Dep, Enugu State Univ of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria, Email: anikwema@yahoo.co.uk) : Short term effects of low intensity prescribed biomass combustion on soil physicochemical properties in degraded Paleudult in Enugu Area Southeastern Nigeria. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 549-58.

The short-term impacts of prescribed combustion of wood shavings biomass (WSB) on soil properties were examined. The experimental five treatments comprising dried wood shavings biomass were spread uniformly on the experimental plots at the rate of 0, 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50 tons ha^-1. The WSB was burned in situ to produce different fire intensities. The soil temperature in plots amended with prescribed wood shavings biomass of 50 kg ha^-1 was higher than that in other plots by 18-26 %, respectively, at both soil depths. The highest bulk density (1.59 and 1.62 Mg m^-3) were in plots amended with 50 t ha^-1 wood shavings biomass, and was higher than other. Soil saturated hydraulic conductivity in the plots amended with 37.5 and 50 t ha^-1 wood shavings biomass was lower) than that of the other plots by 33 % in both soil depths. The volumetric water content and soil water droplet penetration time decreased with burn severity. In contrast, soil pH, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, exchangeable potassium, calcium, and magnesium and available phosphorus increased with burn severity by between 5-66 %, respectively, after biomass burning at the rates applied. During low intensity prescribed fires, volatile constituents of soil organic carbon are not entirely incinerated at soil temperatures <50^oC, and the quantity of SOC at the surface in the short run determines the percent SOC and other nutrients available in the topsoil.

6 tables, 38 ref

040633   MAN A S, IAN N, EDWIN C (Agriculture and Forestry Univ, Chitwan, Nepal, Email: swoyambhu_amatya@yahoo.com) : What sustains Nepalese agroforestry practices?. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 540-2.

Farmers in the hills of Nepal have practiced agroforestry for centuries. For much of this time, farmers grew trees to meet subsistence farming needs, but the nature and extent of these practices depended on the size of their land and the accessibility of fuelwood and fodder from community forests. Throughout this period, the role of agroforestry in Nepalese farming system has remained important, but the need for improved agroforestry systems and better knowledge of the various agroforestry options and market possibilities have increased. Over the last decade, much has changed in the rural areas of the Middle Hills. Household livelihood expectations have changed, many families have individuals working in cities or outside Nepal, which has increased household income and reduced labour availability. A survey was carried out to examine the current agroforestry systems and practices in Nepal, and factors responsible to sustain a given practice. The survey showed that number of practices has increased since the 1999 when agroforestry as science was just new in Nepal. Agroforestry practices would further scale up if the selection of tree species vis-à-vis their silvicultural characteristics and local suitability is known and practiced accordingly. Proper choice of shrubs and herbs of economic value for commercial and general purposes, such as, medicine, essential oil, fiber, floss, and food could be encouraging for agroforestry practitioners. Capacity building should focus on skill development, market and its linkages and optimal use of available resources, optimal use of spacing, livelihood development and their enhancement. The role of Local and International Non-Governmental Organizations are very effective in capturing new innovations in agroforestry practices.

1 table, 8 ref

040630   KOUR S, VERMA R (Zoology Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu and Kashmir - 180 006, Email: rajan.verma9891@gmail.com) : Planktonic diversity of artificial pond in lower shiwaliks. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 523-8.

The phytoplankton and zooplankton species diversity of an aquatic ecosystem is highly influenced by the variation in the physicochemical characteristics of the water body they inhabit. Present study was conducted so as to study the seasonal diversity of phytoplankton as well as zooplankton species and their relation with physico-chemical parameters in a artificial pond situated at Botanical garden of University n of Jammu. In the present investigation, seventeen abiotic parameters of the pond were analyzed on the seasonal basis. A total of eleven phytoplankton species belonging to two classes viz. Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae were observed. Chlorophyceae was represented by 4 families i.e. Desmidiaceae, Zygnemataceae (each represented by two species), Ulotrichaceae and Oedogoniaceae (each represented by one species). Among zooplankton, 21 species were reported seasonally of which seven species were of rotifera, 7 of protozoa, 4 of cladocera, 2 of copepoda and 1 of ostracoda. Through the present study, it was concluded that the seasonality and distribution of planktonic species diversity was a key function of the physico-chemical characteristic such as water temperature, transparency, nitrates and phosphates of the water body as change in these parameters greatly influence the occurrence of biotic community in the pond.

6 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

040628   YADAV R, PANDYA I, KAMBOJ R D, RAJPUROHIT S (Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, Gandhinagar - 382 007, Email: rajbot99@gm il.com) : Estimation of quantity and economic benefits flowing from non-timber forest products: A study from Valsad North and South forest divisions of Gujarat State, India. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 514-6.

The diversity and quantity of NTFPs in any area can provide the availability of economic benefits flowing from the NTFPs. So, in the current study, an attempt has been carried out to know the total quantity of collection and total economic benefits of NTFPs existing in Valsad North Forest Division (VNFD) and Valsad South Forest Division (VSFD). An analysis of the surveyed information and its findings revealed that VNFD and VSFD collectively, housed total 2 types of NTFPs (23 of vegetal products and 1 from the animal product) which has a total quantity of 10643610.6 kg annum^-1 and 7581813 bundle annum^-1 (leaves) of Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. The monetary value of these NTFPs was assessed to be Rs. 230.4 lakhs annum^-1 which contributed to the economies of two forest division i.e. VNFD and VSFD. Therefore, the study revealed that the economic benefits and NTFPs diversity may affect the subsistence and daily consumption of forest dwellers living in forest areas of VNFD and VSFD.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

040626   PRAJAPATI D R, THAKUR N S, SINGH N, GUNAGA R P, PATEL V R (Silviculture and Agroforestry Dep, Forestry Coll, Gujarat - 396 450, Email: dhvlfor@gmail.com) : Economic feasibility of Melia dubia- sorgham sudan grass based silvi-pasture systems. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 502-6.

The present investigation was undertaken to assess the economic feasibility of M. dubia (2×2, 3×2, 3×3, 4×2, 4×4 m)-Sorgham Sudan Grass (SSG) silvi-pasture and sole SSG cropping systems. Among silvi-pasture systems [M. dubia (2 x 2 m)-SSG, M. dubia (3 x 2 m)-SSG, M. dubia (3 x 3 m)-SSG, M. dubia (4 x 2 m)-SSG, M. dubi (4 x 4 m)-SSG and sole SSG, highest net total returns of Rs. 164135 ha^-1 (BCR-2.61) were obtained from M. dubia (4 x 2 m)-SSG system and lowest net returns of Rs. 84177 ha from sole SSG cropping system. Similarly, the NPV (@ 12 %), BCR, IRR (@ 10 %) and PBP was better for M. dubia (4 x 2 m)-SSG silvi-pasture system hence most economically viable systems compared to other silvi-pasture and sole SSG cropping systems.

4 tables, 35 ref

040620   SARMAH R, DAS A K (Ecology and Environmental Science Dep, Assam Univ, Silchar - 788 011, Email: dasajitkumar15@gmail.com) : Ecological status of aquatic vascular macrophytes of Nalbari Assam, North-East India. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 462-6.

The present investigation was carried out to study the status of aquatic vascular macrophytes in wetlands of Nalbari district, Assam. A total of 76 aquatic vascular macrophytes were recorded in different wetlands of Nalbari district, belonging to 57 genera and 36 families. The highest number of species was recorded in Poaceae, followed by Cyperaceae, Asteraceae and Onagraceae. The species of the family Poaceae (Grass) and Cyperaceae (Sedge) has the major contribution to the aquatic vegetation of different wetlands in the entire district. During the study species richness was high for monocotyledonous species followed by dicotyledonous and Pteridophytes. Eichhornia crassipes was the most dominant aquatic vascular macrophytes of entire study area followed by Isachne himalaica, Colocasia esculenta and Monochoria hastata. Moreover, the marginal and anchored floating species were the dominant species of entire study area.

3 illus, 3 tables, 5 ref

040619   SINGH D, NEGI A K, PUROHIT J C (Forestry and Natural Resources Dep, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Univ, Srinagar Garhwal, Pauri - 246 174, Email: bittubisht008@yahoo.com) : Effect of environmental factors on phenology of wild species of anacardiaceae in Garhwal Himalaya. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 456-61.

The aim of present study was to describe the phenology of five trees (Buchnania lanzan Spreng., Pistacia khinjuk Stocks, Semecarpus anacardium L.f., Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr, Spondias pinnata (L.f. Kurz) and two shrub (Rhus parvifora Roxb., Continus coggygria Scop) species of Anacardiaceae family in sub-montane forest of Lansdowne Forest Division in Uttarakhand. The phenological events of these species were recorded in order to determine the relationship between environmental factors (temperature and precipitation) and phonological events. The main branches and sub-branches of individuals of each species were randomly selected and marked with metal tags to represent the whole canopy from January, 2017 to December, 2018. The data was analyzed with the help of circular statistics and Spearman's rank correlation. The result showed that leaf bud initiation start from February and peaks in May. Young leaves start expanded in April and peaks in July, whereas leaf senescence starts in August. Leaf fall starts from September and peaks in November. Flower/flowering bud starts from February to March and turns into flower in April. Ripening of fruits starts from April and peaks in May while fruit fall occurs in May and peaks in June. It is concluded that environmental factors play important role in timing and recurring of phenophase events in all the species. However, seasonality in vegetative and reproductive phase shows that each phenophase event indicates the circular pattern at different time scale.

17 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

040618   PRASANNAKUMAR C N, SOMASHEKAR R K, NAGARAJA B C, SHIVAPRASAD D (Environmental Science Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore - 560 056, Email: nagenvi@gmail.com) : Seed bank and regeneration studies of canarium strictum roxb. - a threatened species of Western Ghats. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 452-5.

Studies on the seed production, modes of their dispersal and regeneration patterns of threatened tree species are crucial for the management of their genetic diversity. Seed bank estimation of a threatened species Canarium strictum was conducted from three different locations of Western Ghats of Karnataka using two factorial completely randomized design. The seeds are mainly dispersed by means of ornithochory and mammalochory. The Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) and pied hornbills (Anthracoceros albirostris) are the major seed dispersers. The seed densities among the forest ranges are significant but, it is insignificant among the distances. The mean in-situ regeneration studies revealed an insignificant relationship among the forest ranges and distances. The ex-situ regeneration are also insignificant among the forest ranges and distances. The high mean percentage of ex-situ regeneration suggests as a best suitable method to conserve this threatened species.

3 illus, 13 ref

040617   SHEIKH M A, TIWARI A, ANJUM J (Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior - 474 011, Email: muzamiljabbar11@gmail.com) : Dynamics of nutrients in temperate coniferous forests of North Western Himalaya with special reference to available and total phosphorus. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 446-51.

Forest ecosystems are important pool of nutrients with good retention potential, mostly depend on vegetation type, soil depth, elevation as well as seasonal fluctuation and have direct relation with changing environmental conditions. Standard protocols were adopted for estimation of phosphorus and results revealed that available phosphorus and total phosphorus highest at Site 1 and lowest at Site 3. Autumn season showed highest value followed by summer and spring respectively. Annual variation for total phosphorus was found highest during summer season while for available phosphorus it was found highest during autumn season. Depth-wise value revealed that both total and available phosphorus were found maximum at upper surface of soil compared to sub-surface layers. Forest vegetation have strong influence on Physico-chemical properties of soil especially phosphorus due to varying climatic conditions and are considered rich source of nutrients required for proper growth and development of vegetation growing in the forest ecosystem.

6 illus, 6 tables, 22 ref

040608   MASTAN T, ANKALAIAH C, RAMANA C V, REDDY M S (Environmental Science Dep, Yogi Vemana Univ, Kadapa - 516 005, Email: sridharmullangi@yahoo.com) : Assessment of tree diversity in nithyapoojakona dry deciduous forest of Sri Lankamalleswara wildlife sanctuary, Southern Eastern Ghats, India. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 390-6.

Tree species enumeration was carried out in 5-ha Nithyapoojakona dry deciduous forest of Sri Lankamalleswara wildlife sanctuary. A total of 3406 tree individuals (≥ 30 cm gbh) belonging to 97 tree species,75 genera and 40 families was recorded. The mean and range of tree individuals were 681ha^-1 and 610 to 738 ha^-1, respectively. Shannon-Wiener index (H') was 3.38 and Simpson index was 0.074 and the mean and range of tree species were 60 species ha^-1 and 32-72 species ha^-1, respectively. The mean basal area recorded in the forest stand was 22.9 m² ha^-1. The rank abundance curve revealed that these dry deciduous forests were dominated by few tree species. Top five species registered 51.7 % tree density, 41 species were recorded with 10-150 tree individuals and 52 % of species are with less than ten tree individuals. Species abundance distribution as log normal distribution revealed a normal distribution curve.

6 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

040594   LOGANATHAN P, MAHINDRAKAR A B (Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Dep, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore - 632 014, Email: amahindrakar@gmail.com) : Evaluation of surface temperatureand prediction of changes in future projections using quantile to quantile change factor methodologyover cauvery River basin-peninsular India. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 312-5.

The estimated average surface temperature using Q-Q CFM over the Cauvery river basin explains the rapid changes in climatic conditions. The study illustrates a significant increase in average surface temperature at Cauvery river basin due to global warming. The average temperature trend shows drop in the near future up to 0.5°C especially during the winter season. However, the trend rapidly increases in later years over the entire basin during summer seasons. The maximum change is observed in summer during the far future and which records the average temperature reading crossing 30°C at the lower Cauvery river basin. The maximum temperature change of 1.8°C to 2.7°C is estimated in far future time slice during summer season. The Q-Q CFM technique performs well and overcomes the drawbacks of the single change factor and other multiple change factor methods. The average temperature reading crossing a record 30°C at the lower Cauvery river basin nearing the end of the current century. The Q-Q CFM is computationally efficient and an effective technique for regional climate change assessments. The quantile to quantile change factor method is suggested to overcome the drawbacks of traditional change factor methods.

3 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

040592   GOVINDARAJ S, SARAVANAKUMAR A, MACHENDIRANATHAN M (Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai - 608 502, Email: asarvaan@gmail.com) : Study on sentinel 3 OLCI sensor validation for chlorophyll - a and total suspended matter in coast waters of Parangipettai, bay of Bengal, Southeast coast of India. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 303-7.

Present study investigated the sentinel-3 OLCI (Ocean and Land Colour Instrument) sensor retrieved chlorophyll and total suspended matter (TSM) validation. The chlorophyll and TSM concentration ranged from 0.14 µg l^-1 to 9.36 µgl-1 and 0.15 mg l^-1 to 39.27 mg l^-1 , respectively. Sentinel-3 derived chlorophyll (OC4Me) and TSM (TSM NN) algorithm value oscillated from 0.15mg m³ to 19.21mg m³ and 0.107 g m³ to 41.88g m³. TSM concentration of sentinel-3 retrieved value showed 45 % underestimation and chlorophyll 40 % over estimation. The present study revealed that more attention and improved methodology for data collection and analyses need to be applied in order to develop remote sensing product that perform well in optically complex water.

7 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

040857   PALAKURU M, REDDY K V, ADAMALA S, BACHINA H B (Applied Engineering Dep, Vignan's Foundation for Science Technology and Research (VFSTR) Univ, Vadlamudi - 522 213, Email: bachina.harish@gmail.com) : Hydrological appraisal of Nariganipalli watershed (India) using spatial information technology. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 281-5.

The basic intent of the present study is to derive the parameters required for runoff modeling using the geospatial database and estimate the runoff of Nariganipalli watershed. During the basic data preparation stage of the study, the land use map and the digital elevation model covering the study area were derived with the help of remotely sensed information. Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission data have been imported into soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) project to start watershed delineation. By providing all the inputs for the model set up, SWAT model was simulated for the period of two years (2012-13). Results of streamflow were validated with the observed data of Nariganipalli watershed. Though the rainfall in the watershed is 72.5 mm annually there is a deficiency in water in the watershed. Total requirement of water in the watershed is 93.01 ha m and available water is 68.5737 ha m. This statistics tells that there is huge difference between available water and required water. These types of models will help to reduce the water deficiency and can be utilized as a potential tool for water resource management at Nariganipalli watershed.

5 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

040586   PICHURA V, POTRAVKA L, VDOVENKO S S N (Kherson State Agrarian Univ, Ukraine - 73006, Kherson, Email: pichuravitalii@gmail.com) : Causal regularities of effect of urban systems on condition of hydro ecosystem of Dnieper River. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(2), 273-80.

Under conditions of uncontrolled increase of anthropogenic impact in use of water resources and intensity of contamination, it becomes necessary to develop and comply with water conservation measures, use environmentally friendly technologies and introduce adapted conservation measures. Emphasis was made on the fact that the influence of urban systems lead to the transformation of floodplains, destruction of river hydro ecosystem and significant deterioration of the water management and recreational values. The situation is aggravated by the operation of outdated and inefficient water discharge and water treatment systems. It leads to systematic contamination of the urban system of suburban river basin with sewage surface runoff and distribution of pollutants outside/upriver. The results of the study of process of the impact of sewage surface runoff from the urban system Kherson city on the condition of the lower Dnieper hydro ecosystems in the suburban area of the river and outside/upriver were shown. The model of the system research of causal relation “coming of water (stage I) → surface sewage runoff (stage II) → condition of the hydro ecosystem (stage III)” was offered. The seasonal nature of intensity of precipitation effects, which causes acceleration of hazardous erosion in territory of urban systems, which is a consequence of systemic diffuse pollution in suburban basin of the Dnieper River, was determinted. The hydrochemical properties of sewage runoff, which have significant seasonal dynamics, were determined. It was justified by the change in volume of water use in economic and domestic purposes. The intensity of the impact of surface runoff of the urban system of Kherson city on the hydro ecosystem of the Dnieper River at 100- and 300-meter area upriver was determined: the 100-meter area is “very polluted” (class VI) – “extremely polluted” (class VII); the 300-meter area is “polluted” (class V) – “very polluted” (class VI). It was found that the main pollutant that leads to deterioration in the quality of the water in the Dnieper River is the significant excess of petroleum products. Hydrochemical values of sewage discharges in accordance with needs for fishery exceed the MPC values 4 times. It proved the unsatisfactory ecological condition of the hydro ecosystem of the lower Dnieper river in the urban system and outside/upriver. It was proved that reusing of treated sewage surface water of Kherson city can provide irrigation for growing crops at the area of 9468 ha. The application of the suggested complex model of research and the establishment of causality of the impact of the urban system on the ecological condition of the hydrosystem of the rivers shall allow to carry out spatial differentiation of protection measures regarding reduction of the negative impact of sewage surface runoff on surface water condition and it shall improve obtaining of crop yields on irrigated land due to the reuse of sewage surface water.

2 illus, 5 tables, 17 ref

040570   SKRYPCHUK P M, SHCHERBAKOVA A S, SUDUK O Y, RYBAK V V (National Univ of Water and Environmental Engineering, Rivne, Ukraine, 33028, Email: a.s.shcherbakova@nuwm.edu.ua) : Renewable biomass growing in low fertile land and forest-steppe of Ukraine. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(1), 155-63.

For research of using the low fertile land in the Polissya and Forest-steppe zone of Ukraine, the structural-logical scheme of agricultural lands evaluation was developed. The key tool in the scheme is the procedure of environmental audit to assess the state and trends of agricultural land transformation in order to optimize its future use. The cost of straw and grain in comparison with the cost of energy willow in one year was determined. The identified trends confirm the importance of taking into account the socio-ecological and economic effects in determining the optimal use of low-yielding agricultural land. The maximum effect was obtained from the cultivation of willow for energy from Polissya zone and crop cultivation from more fertile soils from forest-steppe zone.

2 illus, 5 tables, 13 ref

040566   DODDABASAWA, CHITTAPUR B M, KAMMAR S K (Environmental Science and Agroforestry Dep, Agriculture Bheemarayanagudi Coll, Yadgir - 585 287, Email: dkpatil2020@gmail.com) : Socio-economic evaluation of agroforestry systems. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(1), 129-33.

Majority of the farmers practiced bund (38.89 %) and boundary planting (38.89 %) followed by scattered planting (22.22 %)and density of trees per hectare varied in the range of 20 to 35. However, Chi-square test found significant association between the tree density and farmers preference of growing trees to size of land holding, net income, energy source and holding of livestock population (P<0.05). Further, farmers preferred trees for productive value such fuel wood, timber and fodder which make them self reliant to meet their basic needs than the protective value. Further, the majority of the respondent expressed competition with crop followed by lack of irrigation facility and small land holding size were the major constraints for growing trees on the farm land. Understanding the farmer's immediate need, preference and perception should be effectively addressed while designing agroforestry systems.

3 tables, 19 ref

040546   SHARMA V (Soil and Water Engineering Dep, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agricultural and Technology, Udaipur - 313 001, Email: vikassharmaacet@gmail.com) : Impact climate change on crop water requirement of different orchard crops for agro-climatic condition of Udaipur, Rajasthan. Indian J Ecol 2020, 47(1), 12-6.

The study was carried out to evaluate the impacts of climate change (in term of daily weather parameters like temperature, humidity, wind speed and sunshine hours) on crop water requirement of different perennial orchard crop (citrus, papaya and guava) over period of five year (2014 to 2018) in climatic condition of Udaipur, Rajasthan. The results showed the significant impact of climate change on reference evapo-transpiration and rainfall patterns during year 2014 to 2018. The maximum annual ETo was found for year 2015 with a value of 1410 ^-1 year whereas, annual rainfall was found to be maximum for year 2016 with a value of 747 mm year^-1 . The minimum values of annual ETo and annual rainfall were for years 2017 (1259, mm year^-1) and 2018 (556 mm year^-1) respectively. The uneven trend of ETo and Rainfall for different year due to climate change. The average daily ETo was maximum for May during all year followed by June. The minimum average daily ETo was for December. The average daily ETc for citrus papaya and guava fruit crop varied from 2.8 to 3.2, 2.8 to 3.2 and 2.8 to 3.1 mm day^-1 respectively, during year 2014 to 2018. . The maximum crop water requirement for citrus, papaya and guava crop ranges from 27 to 30, 9 to 11 and 34 to 40 litre plant^-1 day^-1  during all five year. In this area spatial and temporal variability in normal rainfall pattern, atmospheric temperature and reference evapo-transpiration mainly occurs due to overall urbanization, pollution, deforestation, improper use of natural resources and intervention through mining activities, which results improper future planning for establishment of orchard crops.

3 illus, 9 tables, 18 ref

046326   MAINA J, WANDIGA S, GYAMPOH B, CHARLES K K G (Nairobi Univ, Nairobi, Kenya, Email: jedidahwm@gmail.com) : Assessment of land use and land cover change using GIS and remote sensing: A case study of Kieni, Central Kenya. J Remote Sens 2020, 9(1), 270.

To investigate land use land cover changes (LULCC) in the Kieni sub-county in Central Kenya from 1987 to 2017, remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) was used. This was done by downloading and processing landsat images of 1987, 1995, 2000, 2010 and 2017. Methods employed were, data identification and acquisition, image processing, validation and presentation. There were six classifications analysed which were; bare areas, bushlands, farmlands, forest, grasslands and waterbodies. The results showed an increase in the classes of water bodies, farmlands and bare areas by 314.86 %, 160.45 % and 73.18 % respectively over the 30-year period. The results also showed a decrease in the land use land cover classes categories of forest, bushlands and grassland by 45.94 %, 38.73 % and 29.66 % respectively. Therefore, in conclusion, there were land use and land cover changes in the study area over the 30-year period between 1987 and 2017 as illustrated by results that showed that farmlands classification increased by more than one and half times while forest cover was reduced by about a half.

3 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

046325   AMPROCHE A A, ANTWI M, KABO-BAH A T (Environmental Management Dep, Energy and Natural Resources Univ, Ghana, West Africa, Email: ampahamprofi@gmail.com) : Geospatial assessment of land use and land cover patterns in the Black Volta Basin, Ghana. J Remote Sens 2020, 9(1), 269.

The Black Volta Basin in Ghana has experienced some losses in its productive lands due to mining. This study assessed the Land use/cover (LULC) changes within the Basin for a period of eighteen years, and mapped current and potential mining hotspots in the Basin. The study used multispectral Landsat images for the years 2000, 2015 and 2018. Supervised classification method and Spectral Angle Mapper were used to classify and map the LULC types. Feature-based extraction method was then used to delineate mining sites along the River in the Basin. Six (6) LULC types were classified. Findings from the study revealed that four of the classified LULC experienced some form of decline between the years 2000 and 2018, except Bareland and settlements which consistently increased within the period, with Barelands recording the highest increase of 21 % between 2000 and 2015 and 18 % between 2015 and 2018, signaling a sharp increase in the three year period. From the feature-based extraction, 312 segments of an average area of 8.4 km² of each segment were found to be mining sites from the 2018 image analysis, which is about 80 % of the total Bareland in 2018. Likewise, 146 segments of an average area of 3.9 km² of each segment were found to be potential mining sites. This implies that mining within the basin is threatening other LULC and hence, reclamation and restoration activities need to be intensified. The outcome of this research could facilitate technological strategies towards restoration projects within the Basin.

7 illus, 5 tables, 41 ref

044308   GOWTHAM R, GEETHALAKSHMI V, BHUVANESHWARI K , SENTHIL A, DHASARATHAN M , REVI A, BAZAZ A (Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Tamil Nadu, Email: gowtham.acrc@gmail.com) : Impact of global warming (1.5 ºC) on the productivity of selected C3 and C4 crops across Tamil Nadu. J Agrometeorol 2020, 22(1), 7-17.

Over the last century, mean annual temperatures increased by ~1 °C. UNFCCC has proposed to limit warming below 1.5 °C relative to pre-industrial levels. A study was conducted on rice (C3 pathway) and maize (C4 pathway) over Tamil Nadu using DSSAT to understand the climate change impacts with projected temperature increase of 1.5 °C.The future climate under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 indicated 1.5 °C increase in temperature to happen by 2053 and 2035, respectively over Tamil Nadu.Annual rainfall deviations in RCP4.5 showed drier than current condition and RCP 8.5 projected wetter SWM and drier NEM (90 % of current rainfall).Impact of 1.5 °C warming on crop phenology indicated 8 days reduction in duration for rice and maize. The W UE of rice would decrease by 17 per cent at current CO₂ whereas, enrichment (430 ppm) would reduce by12 per cent and rice yield is reduced by 21 per cent with 360 ppm CO₂  and 430 ppm reducedby 17 per cent. There is no considerable varaition (- 5 to 1 %) in maize productivity with 1.5 ºC warming. The above results indicated that 1.5 ºC warming has more negative impacts on plants with C3 compared to C4 pathway.

9 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

040220   SHARMA P, SINGH M, BHARDWAJ S K, BHARDWAJ R K (Environment Science Dep, Dr. Y.S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, Email: priyankaplp80@gmail.com) : Effect of weather parameters on seed production of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis l.). Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2020, 13(3), 293-8.

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.

2 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

039636   KAMDI S R, KANKAL G A, MESHRAM M P, DEOTALE R D, GUPTA S K, BHURE S S, PARBAT J M (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Gamma rays induced genetic variability in M₂ generation of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill). J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 386-90.

Soybean cultivar TAMS-38 was treated with three different doses viz., 200, 250 and300 Gy of gamma rays with the objective to study the variability in M₂ for the qualitative and quantitative characters. The experiment was conducted in the experimental farm of Botanysection, College of Agriculture, Nagpur during kharif and rabi 2018-19. An observations were recorded on yield and yield contributing characters. In M₂ generation, days to flowering and days to maturity increased significantly in all the treatments. Plant height and number of branches plant-1 reduced significantly in all the treatments. Number of pods plant^-1 andseed yield plant^-1 significantly increased in all the treatments and 100 seed weight significantly decreased in all the treatments as compared to control. Visible macromutants like Albino mutant, early flowering, late flowering, early maturing, late maturing, dwarf, tall, increased 100 seed weight, sterile, high yielding, more pods, more branched mutants were identified and isolated in M₂ generation. The economical and morphological mutants were isolated from the variety of TAMS-38. High yielding mutant with 10.50 g to 12.10 gyield as against 4.15 g in control were identified from this variety. Early maturing mutant matured 7 to 14 days earlier than control were isolated from this variety. These mutants need to be evaluated for their breeding behavior in further generation and their utilization in improvement of soybean.

2 tables, 6 ref

039634   CHAVAN P B, MOON M K, PATIL S R, HOSUR P, SAPKAL A (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Combining ability analysis for yield and its component traits in maize (Zea mays L.). J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 381-5.

The present study was conducted to assess the general combining ability effect of parents and specific combining ability effect of crosses for yield and yield contributing traits and analyse their use in hybrid development. Six lines viz., UMI1200, CM145, CM152, CM116, CM123 and CM124 were crossed in diallel fashion to obtain 30 crosses during 2017-18. Crossed seeds of these 30 crosses along with 6 parents and two checks Maharaja andRajarshi were raised in RBD with two replications in kharif 2018-19 for evaluation. The ratio of sca/gca revealed that there was preponderance of additive gene action for traits likedays to 50 % tasseling, days to 50 % silking, days to maturity and for traits viz., plant height(cm), cob length (cm), cob girth (cm), number of grains cob^-1, 100 grain weight (g), grain yield plant^-1 (g) and grain yield plot^-1 (kg) exposed the presence of non additive gene action. Parental lines viz., CM145, CM123, CM152 were good general combiner for yield and yield contributing characters. Among the hybrids, UMI1200 X CM152, CM152 X UMI1200, UMI1200X CM124 and CM152 X CM145 exhibited highest significant sca effect for yield and yield contributing traits viz., days to 50 % tasselling, days to 50 % silking, days to maturity, plant height (cm), cob length (cm), cob girth (cm), number of grains cob^-1, 100 grain weight (g), grain yield plant^-1 (g) and grain yield plot^-1 (kg).

2 tables, 12 ref

039631   KOLHE R R, PARLAWAR N D, JIOTODE D J, KHAWALE V S, CHAVHAN T A, SAMRUTWAR R I (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Effect of nipping and growth retardant on growth, yield and uptake of nutrient of pigeonpea. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 376-80.

The field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Farm, College of Agriculture, Nagpur during kharif season of 2018-2019 to study the effect of nipping and growth retardant on pigeonpea variety PKV-TARA. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments which replicated three times. The soil was medium black in colour,fairly deep, well drained and clayey in texture. The results revealed that nipping at 60 DAS+ foliar application of mepiquat chloride @ 500 ppm at 60 DAS (T₆) was found significantly superior over rest of the treatments in respect to plant height, number of branches plant^-1,dry matter accumulation plant^-1, seed yield plant^-1 and NPK uptake.

2 tables, 12 ref

039629   THOMBRE C, ATKARE V G, CHORE N S (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Effect of partial feeding of hydroponic maize on performance of crossbred heifers. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 371-5.

Experiment was conducted on six Crossbred Heifers maintained at College dairy farm, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur during the year 2019. Experimental heifers were fed with two different dietary levels of Hydroponicmaize 40% and 60 % along with recommended concentrate mixture (Sugras), dry roughage ad libitum (Gram straw) and green maize in addition to natural grazing to determine the dry matter intake (DM) and growth performance. It was noticed that hydroponic maize is reasonably good source of energy and high source of protein in the animal. The crossbred heifers under the treatment dry roughages ad lib + 100% green maize fodder showed significantly (P<0.05) higher (4.57 kg day^-I heifers^-I) DM intake day^-I as compared to the treatment dry roughages ad lib (Gram straw) + 60% green maize + 40% hydroponic maize(3.84 kg day^-I heifer^-I)) and the another treatment dry roughages ad lib (Gram straw) + 40 %green maize + 60% hydroponic maize (3.36 kgday^-I heifers^-I). Decreased trend in DM intake was observed with increased level of hydroponic fodder in the ration of experimental heifers. Daily dry matter intake increased (4.57 kg day^-I) significantly (P<0.05) in heifers under the treatment T₁: Dry roughages ad lib (Gram straw) + 100% green maize fodder under the treatment. Higher weekly and daily gain in body weight (5.14 and 0.73 kg) of experimental heifers increased significantly under the treatment T₃ (dry roughages ad lib (Gram straw)+ 40 % green maize + 60% hydroponic maize). The mean gain in body measurement in cm (Chest girth, body length and body height) recorded under the treatment T₁: dry roughages ad lib + 100% green maize (7.01,5.92and 5.42), T₂: dry roughages ad lib+60% Green maize +40% Hydroponic maize (9.11,7.61and6.13) and T₃: dry roughages ad lib +40% Green maize+60% Hydroponic maize (10.36,7.68and 7.03). The differences in gain in body measurement of experimental heifers found to be significant (p <0.05).

4 tables, 11 ref

039625   BAMBODKAR P P, KAMDI S R, PATIL S R, MESHRAM M P, DEOTALE R D, BISANE R D, PAWAR V S (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Genetic variability studies in F₃ segregating generations in soybean for yield and its components. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 366-70.

The genetic analysis in F₃ crosses in soybean was undertaken with a view to estimate genetic parameters and to identify potential F₃ crosses at experimental farm of agricultural Botany Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur. Eight F₃ crosses and check (JS335) were raised during kharif 2018 in Randomized Block Design in three replications and data were recorded on seed yield and its contributing traits. Analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant genetic variability in all crosses as highly significant values for mean squares due to genotypes were observed for all the seven traits studied. Genetic parameters estimated revealed the influence of additive gene action for characters viz., number of pods plant^-1, seed yield plant^-1 and number of branches plant-1 as high heritability coupled with high genetic advance were recorded for these traits and hence, suggested the use of these characters for selection to improve further. Among the eight crosses studied, JS97-52 x NRC 37, JS 97-52 x 104-31 and Cat 3293 x NRC 2 were identified as potential F₃ crosses on the basis of high mean, genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance for characters like seed yield plant^-1, number of pods plant-1and number of branches plant^-1 and were suggested to carry over by single seed descent method to identify potential segregants.

3 tables, 16 ref

039624   PISE S E, SHENDE P V, DEOTALE R D, RAUT D A, BLESSEENA A, HIVARE V S (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Influence of zinc and iron on morphophysiological parameters and yield of lathyrus (Lathyrus sativus L.). J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 360-5.

A triplicate field experiment laid out in randomized block design conducted at farm of Botany section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, during rabi 2018-2019 growth season.Research design comprised of 17 treatments of zinc (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%) and iron (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%,0.4% and 0.5%) sprayed individually and in their combinations.Combination treatment of zinc and iron application at the rate of 0.5% each at 25 and 40DAS significantly enhanced plant height, leaf area, total dry matter production, number of branches at harvest, harvest index and seed yield hectare^-1. The highest per cent increase in yield (58.82%) over control was observed by same treatment i.e. T₁₇ (RDF + ZnSO₄ 0.5% +FeSO₄ 0.5%) as foliar spray at 25 and 40 DAS.

2 tables, 15 ref

039623   BISANE R D, KAMDI S R, DEOTALE R D, MESHRAM M P, PATIL S R, PAWAR V S, BAMBODKAR P P (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Genetic studies in M₄ population of soybean cultivar TAMS-38. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 354-9.

Mutation breeding is an effective approach in improvement of the crop having a narrow genetic base such as soybean by creating variability. Therefore, the present study was conducted with an objective to estimate between and within a family variation,estimate genetic parameters and identify superior mutants for further utilization.In kharif 2017, 104mutants identified in M₃ generation were evaluated along with two checks (TAMS-38 andJS-335) in M₄ generation in two replications at the experimental farm of Agricultural Botany Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur. Data were recorded on yield and yield contributing traits. Analysis of variance indicated that the mean square due to between family were highly significant for all traits revealed the presence of significant genetic variability between the families. In the present investigation, high PCV and GCV and high to moderate heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of mean were observed in seed yield plant^-1, number of pods plant^-1, 100 seed weight, plant height, and days to maturity. This indicates the minimum influence of environment in the expression of these traits and prevalence of additive gene action in their inheritance. Hence, these traits are amenable for simple selection. Thus, 141 mutants were selected from TAMS-38 variety treated with different doses of gamma rays (T₁= 200 Gy, T₂ = 250 Gy and T₃= 300 Gy). Due to the predominance of additive gene action for yield and yield component, those individual plants from 41 families selected in M₄ generation were suggested to be raised in progeny rows for one more generation so as to attain homozygosity.

3 tables, 12 ref

039622   HIVARE V S, DEOTALE R D, DHONGADE A P, PISE S E, RAUT D A, BLESSEENA A (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Morpho-physiological traits and yield in safflower as influenced by foliar application of humic acid and NAA. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 348-53.

In order to investigate influence of foliar application of humic acid at 300, 400 and500 ppm and NAA at 25 and 50 ppm and their combined effects on morpho-physiologicaltraits and yield of safflower (Carthamust inctorus L.), a field experiment was conducted at farm of Botany section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur during the rabi season of 2018-2019.The experiment was arranged in randomized block design and replicated thrice consisting twelve treatments. The foliar sprays at 40 and 70 DAS showed significant changes in all the growth parameters i.e. plant height, number of branches, leaf area, dry matter, RGR, NAR, seed yield ha^-1 and harvest index. Treatment T₁₀ (300 ppm humic acid + 50 ppm NAA) gave significantly higher results in all parameters under study. Also, the highest percent increase in yield over control was observed in same treatment i.e. 56.56 percent.

2 tables, 16 ref

039621   PAWAR V S, KAMDI S R, MESHRAM M P, DEOTALE R D, PATIL S R, BISANE R D, BAMBODKAR P P (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Genetic studies of F₂ population in soybean. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 343-7.

Genetic study was conducted on 3 F₂ crosses of soybean (JS 335 × EC 34-01, JS 335× EC 53-88-28, and JS 335 × Glycine soja) including one interspecific cross. The crosses along with parents were raised during kharif 2018-19 and data were recorded on seven quantitative characters viz., days to first flower, plant height (cm), days to maturity, number of branches plant^-1, number of pods plant^_-1, 100 seed weight (g) and seed yield plant^-1 (g). Genotypic coefficient of variation was high for all characters except for days to first flower, days to maturity and 100 seed weight, where moderate to low GCV was recorded. The broad sense heritability was high for all characters under study except for days to maturity only in one cross where moderate heritability was recorded. The expected genetic advance among all F₂ population indicated significant progress under selection for plant height, number of branches plant^-1, number of pods plant^-1, 100 seed weight and seed yield plant^-1. Superior 30individual plants were identified on the basis of high mean, GCV, heritability and genetic advance for economics traits viz., seed yield plant-1, number of pods plant^-1 and plant height. All crosses reported high mean, genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean for plant height, number of branches plant^-1, number of pods plant^-1 and yield plant^-1, and hence would be useful for obtaining potential segregants with maximum number of branches plant^-1, plant height, number of pods plant-1 and seed yield plant^-1. So, 30 single plants were selected on basis of these four traits at 5% selection intensity, which were suggested to be carried forward by plant to row method for exploiting improvements in the selected material.

2 tables, 21 ref

039620   BLESSEENA A, DEOTALE R D, RAUT D A, PISE S E, YELLORE S A, HIVARE V S (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Response of foliar application of tocopherol and micronutrients on morphophysiological parameters and yield of chickpea. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 336-42.

In order to investigate tocopherol and micronutrients (Zn, Fe) foliar application effects on chickpea on morphophysiological traits and yield, a field experiment was conducted at farm of Botany Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, during rabi 2018-2019 season. The experiment was arranged in randomized block design and replicated three times. Research design comprised of 18 treatments of tocopherol (100 ppm, 200 ppm, 300 ppm,400ppm and 500 ppm) and micronutrients (0.5 % Zn and 0.5 % Fe) spray individually and in their combinations. Parameters measured were plant height, leaf area, total dry matter production, number of branches at harvest, harvest index and seed yield hectare-1. Results have shown that treatment T₉ (100 ppm tocopherol+0.5% ZnSO₄)significantly enhanced all the parameters under study. Considering the Benefit : Cost ratio foliar application of 100ppm tocopherol+0.5% ZnSO₄(T₉) was found more economical having B:C ratio of 2.61 as compared to 1.97 in control.

2 tables, 24 ref

039619   DEOTALE R D, GUDDHE V A, KAMDI S R, PATIL S R, MADKE V S, BAVISKAR S B, MESHRAM M P (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Response of humic acid through vermicompost wash and NAA on chemical, biochemical, yield and yield contributing parameters of sesamum. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 329-35.

An experiment was conducted during 2017-2018, to study the effects of foliar application of humic acid through vermicompost wash and NAA on chemical and biochemical parameters and yield of sesamum cv. AKT-64. The experiment was laid down in randomized block design with twelve treatments and three replications at farm of Botany Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur. The different treatments tested were 25 and 50 ppm NAAand 300, 400 and 500 ppm humic acid (HA) through vermicompost wash (VCW) alone or in combination. One control (water spray) treatment was also taken. Foliar application of HAand NAA alone and in combination were applied at 25 and 40 DAS. Foliar application of 50ppm NAA + 400 ppm HA through VCW and 50 ppm NAA + 300 ppm HA through VCWsignificantly enhanced chemical and biochemical parameters viz., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and chlorophyll content in leaves, number of capsules plant-1, number of seeds capsule-1, test weight, seed yield and oil content in seeds. Seed yield plant-1 and plot-1 were also significantly enhanced by same treatments when compared with control and rest of the treatments under study. Considering the treatments under study two foliar sprays of 50 ppmNAA + 400 ppm HA or 300 ppm HA through VCW at 25 and 40 DAS were found to be most effective treatments in improving chemical, biochemical, yield and yield contributing parameters of sesamum cv. AKT-64.

1 table, 22 ref

039618   PALKAR S H, CHARJAN S U, PATIL S R, CHAVAN V T, CHAVAN P B (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Genetic divergence studies in maize (Zea mays L.) accessions. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 319-28.

Eighty eight genotypes of maize (Zea mays L.) were evaluated for genetic divergence to identify potential parents for hybridization programme in kharif 2018 at College ofAgriculture, Nagpur. Mahalanobis D2 statistics for nine characters viz., days to 50% tasseling, days to 50% silking, days to maturity, plant height, cob length, cob girth, number of grainscob-1, 100 grain weight and grain yield plant-1 were used in this study for computing genetic divergence. The eighty eight genotypes were grouped into twenty clusters by usingTocher’smethod. The maximum inter-cluster distance was recorded between cluster IV and clusterXX (D = 28.41) whereas, minimum inter-cluster distance was found between cluster VI and cluster VIII (D = 1.82). The canonical analysis and cluster means study revealed the importanceof days to 50% tasseling, number of grains cob-1, plant height, grain yield plant-1 and coblength were considered as criteria for selecting potential parents for hybridization programme and according to this criteria 28 genotypes viz., 52202, 52623, 52025, 52201, 52014, 52291,52087, 52115, 52196, 52020, 52140, 52327, 52285, 52180, 52497, 52552, 52347, 52045, 52597,52353, 52095, 52081, 52065, 52219, 52263, 52250, 52603 and 52040 were identified to be used as parents for hybridization programme, which were suggested to be crossed in diallel fashion to obtain superior cross combinations. PKVM-Shatak as it is in separate cluster anddistant from other clusters can be further improved to produce new hybrid by crossing with parents 52250, 52020, 52087, 52025, 52014, 52040, 52623, 52201, 52180, 52552, 52115 and52202.

8 tables, 8 ref

039604   RAUT D A, DEOTALE R D, BLESSEENA A, HIVARE V S, PISE S E, YELORE S A (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Morpho-physiological traits and yield in chickpea as influenced by foliar application of ascorbic acid and zinc sulphate. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 312-18.

Field trial with chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) was conducted at farm of Botany section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur during the rabi season of 2018-2019. The experimental design was randomized block design, consisting of ten treatments with three replications. The aim of this work was to study the effect of foliar application of ascorbic acid at 100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm and zinc sulphate at 0.5 % as well as their combine effect on morpho- physiological attributes and yield in chickpea. The foliar sprays at 25 and 40 DAS showed significant changes in all the growth parameters i.e. plant height, leaf area, dry matter, number of secondary branches, RGR, NAR, seed yield ha-1and harvest index. Application of 200 ppm ascorbic acid + 0.5 % ZnSO4 gave significantly higher results in all parameters studied. Also, by considering B:C ratio treatment T8 (200 ppm ascorbic acid + 0.5 % ZnSO4) was found superior having B:C ratio of 2.78 compared to 2.36 in control

2 tables, 18 ref

039603   DEOTALE R D, THAKARE O G, SHENDE P V, PATIL S R, KAMDI S R, MESHRAM M P, MADKE V S (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Impact of foliar sprays of chitosan and IBA on chemical, biochemical and yield contributing parameters of pigeonpea. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 306-11.

The physiological response of foliar sprays of chitosan (25, 50, 75 ,100 and 125ppm) and IBA (25, 50, 75 ,100 and 125 ppm) on the chemical, biochemical and yield contributing parameters of pigeonpea cv. PKV-Tara was studied during kharif 2017-2018 at farm of Botanysection, College of Agriculture, Nagpur. Experiment was laid out in RBD with three replications and eleven treatments. Spraying of chitosan and IBA was done two times i.e. on45 and 65 DAS. Observations about chemical and biochemical parameters like leaf chlorophyll, N, P, K content in leaves, protein content in seed were also estimated. Observations on yield contributing parameters like 100 seed weight, number of pods plant^-1, number of seeds pod^-1, seed yield plant^-1, plot^-1 were recorded. Foliar sprays of 25 ppm IBA followed by 50 ppm chitosan significantly enhanced chemical and biochemical parameters and yield contributing parameters when compared with control and rest of the treatments under study.

2 tables, 11 ref

039602   CHAITANYA A, PARLAWAR N D, KHAWALE V S, PAGAR P C, JIOTODE D J (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Comparative study of growth, yield attributes and yield of paddy varieties as influenced by seed rates under drilled condition. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 302-5.

The present investigation was conducted during kharif season of 2018 at AgriculturalCollege farm, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, Maharashtra to optimize the seed rate of paddy varieties under drilled condition. Eight treatments were tested in Factorial randomized block design under three replications. Three factors of the trial were viz., varieties (2), seed rates (2) and spacings (2). Varieties tested were Poornima (V₁) and Indira aerobic-1(V₂), while seed rates tested were 50 kg ha-1 (SR₁) and 75 kg ha^-1(SR₂) in two different spacings.The growth attributes were found superior in Indira aerobic -1 variety with seed rate of 75kg ha^-1(SR₂) as compared to Poornima variety. Significantly higher grain yield (4138 kg ha^-1) was obtained in Indira aerobic-1 variety which was significantly superior over Poornimavariety (3113 kg ha^-1) . Increased yield in Indira aerobic -1 variety is attributed to improve growth and yield parameters. The results revealed that Indira aerobic-1 variety performed well in seed rate of 75 kg ha^-1 under drilled condition and recorded maximum growth, yield attributes and yield.

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039601   DEOTALE R D, DHONGADE A P, KAMDI S R, MADKE V S, MESHRAM M P, KALAMKAR V B (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Experimental study on biochemical parameters and yield of M₄ indian mustard mutants. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 297-301.

To study the proximate biochemical composition and yield of twenty M₄ Indian mustard mutants, an experiment was conducted and work was subjected to the comparative evaluation of its chemical and biochemical parameters viz., total chlorophyll, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, protein, and oil. Among these twenty mutants, the highest chlorophyll, N, P, K at 25, 45, and 65 DAS, and protein and oil after harvesting was obtained from ACM₁₈, ACM₁₂, ACM₆, ACM₈ and ACM₄. In case of proximate analysis, the highest chlorophyll, N, P, K, protein and oil were recorded from ACM₁₈. The oil content of different mutants of mustard varied from 33.30 - 42.67%. ACM18(28.13 %) contained the highest amount of seed protein. All the chemical and biochemical traits were showed highly significant and positive correlation with seed yield. Substantial genetic variability exists for chemical composition and nutritional traits which could be utilized to suggest the future strategy.Hence, these five mutants are recommended for breeding programme and testing.

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039600   VANISREE G, KHAWALE V S, PARLAWAR N D, JIOTODE D J (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Efficacy of different herbicides on weed control in soyabean. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 293-6.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif of 2018-19 at Agronomy Farm,College of Agriculture, Nagpur to study the efficacy of different herbicides on weed control in soybean. The experiment comprised of eleven treatments and three replications. The results revealed that all treatments were significantly superior over weedy check with allweed parameters (total weed population, weed dry matter accumulation, weed control efficiency and weed index),yield parameters(no.of pods plant^-1, seed weight plant^-1 and test weight) and yield (seed yield and straw yield).Weed free treatment recorded lowest weed density, weed biomass, maximum weed control efficiency and lowest weed index followed by the treatment with One hoeing+One weeding+Imazethapyr+Imazemox @ 70 g a.i.ha^-1.Same treatment recorded highest seed yield (21.00 q ha^-1), straw yield (34.00 q ha^-1) and B:C ratio (2.48) which was significantly superior over the other treatments.

1 table, ref

039599   DEOTALE R D, JAYBHAYE V R, PATIL S R, KALAMKAR V, KAMDI S R (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Changes in chemical and biochemical parameters of chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.) sprayed with putrescine and naphthaleneacetic acid. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 285-92.

Field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2015-16 at Shankarnagarfarm of Agril. Botany Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur to study the effect of foliar application of different concentrations of putrescine (25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 ppm) and naphthalene acetic acid (25 and 50 ppm) either individually or in combination at one physiological stage (vegetative, 30-35 DAS) on chemical, biochemical, yield and yield contributing parameters of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The observations were recorded at 25,45, 65 and 85 DAS. The obtained results showed that 50 ppm NAA plus 100 ppm putrescinesignificantly improved nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, chlorophyll content in leaves and protein content in seeds of chickpea. Yield contributing parameters viz., number of pods plant-1, weight of 100 seeds and seed yield ha-1 were also significantly enhanced. Application of putrescine and/or NAA at 100 and 50 ppm respectively produced the highest number of pods which resulted in substantially the highest seed yield. Putrescine and NAA increased the seed yield by 25.3 % and 26.0 % ha-1 respectively, while the combination of 50 ppm NAAplus 100 ppm putrescine increased it by 33.2 %. But, considering the B : C ratio foliar application of 50 ppm NAA was found most effective treatment having B : C ratio of 5.9 as compared to 5.1 in control.

2 tables, 35 ref

039598   DESHKARI S M, PAGAR P C, DANGORE S T, KHAWALE V S, MENDHE H S (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Effect of imazethapyr + imazamox on weed control in soybean. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 280-4.

A field experiment was carried out during the kharif season of 2015-16 at AgronomyFarm, College of Agriculture, Nagpur to study the relative efficacy of herbicides on weed control in soybean. Weed control through herbicidal treatment in combination with mechanical weed control viz., Imazaethapyr + Imazamox @ 100 g a.i. ha 1 at 20 DAS + 1hoeing at 35 DAS (T10), Imazethapyr + Imazamox @75 g a.i. ha 1at 20 DAS + 1 hoeing at 35DAS (T9) and Imazethapyr @ 75 g a.i. ha 1 at 20 DAS + 1 hoeing at 35 DAS (T7), PreemergencePendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha 1 + 1 hoeing at 35 DAS (T8) were found comparableto weed free (T2) treatment in respect of reduction in weed population, weed dry matter and weed index. Weed free check treatment being at par with herbicidal treatment provided most effective control of weeds throughout the crop growth period of soybean, thereby improving growth and yield contributing characters and consequently recorded highest seed and straw yield.

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039597   KORADE S B, DEOTALE R D, JADHAV N D, GUDDHE V A, THAKRE O G (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Effect of cow urine and NAA on morpho-physiological parameters and yield of wheat. J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 274-79.

Present investigation was undertaken at farm of Botany , College of Agriculture, Nagpur, during rabi 2017-2018 to study the effect of two foliar sprays of 25 and 50 ppm NAAand 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% cow urine alone and in combination with one control as a water spray on morpho-physiological parameters and yield of wheat. Data revealed that treatment10% cow urine with 25 ppm NAA significantly increa9sed plant height, number of tillersm-1 row length, leaf area, dry weight, RGR, NAR, seed yield ha-1 and harvest index. Considering the Benefit : Cost ratio of application 10% cow urine with 25 ppm NAA was found more economical having B:C ratio of 2.41 as compared to 1.74 in control.

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039596   CHAVAN V T, PATIL S R, MARASKOLE S K, MADKE V S, BAVISKAR S B, KALAMKAR V B (Agriculture Coll, Nagpur) : Effect of gamma rays on quantitative traits in M₂ generation of lathyrus(Lathyrus sativus L.). J Soil Crop 2020, 29(2), 268-73.

treated seeds of lathyrus cv. NLK-73 with 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 Gy doses of gamma rays in non-replicated trial along with control. The treated material along with untreated control were sown in M₁ generation and the seeds collected from individual plant of M₁ generation were used to raise M₂ generation during rabi 2017 and 2018 respectively. Observations on morphological traits and biometrical traits were recorded on each and every plant in each treatment and data were subjected to statistical analysis.Germination and mortality percentage were recorded in M₁ and M₂ generation and observed a reduction in germination percentage and increase in mortality as compared to control.In M₂ generation number of branches, plant-1 increased significantly in all the treatments as compared to control. Days to first flower increased in 250 Gy, 200 Gy and 300 Gy while, decreased in 150Gy and 350 Gy over the control.Days to maturity and number of pods plant-1were observed to increase in 250 Gy and 300 Gy and decreased in 150 Gy, 200 Gy and 350 Gy over the control.Plant height increased in 150 Gy and 250 Gy while, decreased in 200 Gy, 300 Gy and350 Gy over control. Number of pods plant-1 increased in 250 Gy and 300 Gy while, decreased in 150, 200 and 350 Gy over control.100 seed weight increased in 250 Gy, 300 Gy and 350 Gy while, decreased in 150 Gy and 200 Gy over control. Grain yield plant-1 was found to increase in 150 Gy, 250 Gy and 300 Gy and decreased in 200 Gy and 350 Gy treatments as compared to control. Significant variation among the treatments for all the mutants were recorded inM₂ generation of Lathyrus and hence, offers scope for identifying mutants.

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