047335    SALEM F M, DAYEM A A A E (Animal and Poultry Nutrition Dep, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt, Email: omar.askar2007@yahoo.com) : The effects of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic treatments on egg production and egg characteristics in brown nick hens during the last stage of production in winetr season . Anim Sci Rep 2020, 13(2), 001 - 15.

The egg production trajectory of laying hens starts with the age of sexual maturity, and then ascends the peak, followed by regression in the last phase of production cycle in conjunction with quality deterioration making the enterprise commercially unsustainable to the breeder. It is more pronounced in winter season due to non-availability of required metabolic energy for maintenance of body temperature and sustenance of egg production. This study attempts to moderate it through administration of nutritional supplements, such as probiotic (Bio-plus2B?), and prebiotic (Techno Mos?) individually or in combination (synbiotic), focusing on the evaluation of (1) Hen-day egg production (%), egg weight (g) and daily egg mass (g); (2) Body weight (g) and body weight gain (g); (3) Feed intake (g/hen/day) and feed efficiency (feed intake/egg mass); (4) Egg quality in terms of egg weight (g), egg shape index (%), albumen (%), yolk (%), yolk/albumen ratio and haugh unit; (5) Shell quality in terms of shell weight (g), shell (%), shell thickness (mm), shell surface area (cm2), SWUSA (mg/cm2), and shell density (g/cm3); (6) Chemical composition of inner egg components (yolk & albumen) in terms of protein (%), fat (%) and GE (kcal/kg), and (7) Economic efficiency of feed (%) and net return (LE.) /kg eggs in eighty H&N Brown Nick laying hens in their last phase of production (65-74 weeks of age) under winter conditions in south Sinai desert of Egypt. The hens were randomly divided into 4 equal treatment groups with 10 replicates per treatment and 2 hens per replicate. These treatments were T1 (control), T2 (Probiotic: 1g Bio-plus2B? / 1kg diet), T3 (Prebiotic: 1g Techno Mos? / 1kg diet) and T4 (Synbiotic: 1g Bio-plus2B? along with 1g Techno Mos? / 1kg diet). The results indicated positive and significant (P<0.001) superiority of the experimental treatments particularly the probiotic (T2) treatment on hen-day egg production (%) and daily egg mass (g), over the control group. The improvement in feed efficiency in terms of feed intake / daily egg mass were significantly (P<0.001) higher in T2, T3 and T4 groups compared to the control (T1) indicating the advantage of supplements. The gross energy content (kcal/kg) of the inner egg components (yolk & albumen) for hens fed on probiotic containing diet (T2) was higher (P<0.05) than other three treatments (T1, T3, T4). Feed cost / kg eggs (LE. 12.67) was the lowest in probiotic (T2) group, while the net return / kg eggs (LE. 6.33) was the highest in this group (T2) compared to the other three groups (T1, T3, T4). It is concluded that dietary supplementation of probiotic (1g Bio-plus2B? / 1kg feed) excelled other treatments in enhancing egg production (%), egg mass (g), gross energy (GE) content (kcal / kg) of the inner egg components, feed efficiency (g), economic efficiency of feed (%) and net return (LE.)/1kg eggs in Brown Nick hens during the last stage of egg production in winter season.

3 illus, 6 tables, 54 ref

047334   YOUNIS F E (Animal Physiology Dep, Desert Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt, Email: alphayounis@gmail.com) : Impact of heat stress on physiological, hematological, biochemical, electrolytic, immunologic and antioxidant parameters in baladi and shami goats of Egypt . Anim Sci Rep 2020, 13(1), 21 - 39.

Livestock undergo various kinds of stresses that affect their productivity, out of which thermal stress is the most critical factor for desert animals, particularly goats grazed exclusively on range under extensive system. This study was conducted during summer season (June to September, 2016) on Baladi and Shami female goats of Egypt to assess the effect of heat stress on their physiological, biochemical, electrolytic, immunologic and antioxidant parameters. Forty female goats (twenty Baladi and twenty Shami goats) aged about 2-4 years and weighing 23.5 - 33.5 kg, were used for this experiment. Animals were divided into 4 groups (ten from each breed). One group in each breed (n=10) was exposed to solar radiation (experimental) in the courtyard, while the other group (unexposed) was kept in shade that served as control. The temperature-humidity index (THI), calculated on the basis of daily ambient temperature and relative humidity at 6 AM and at 2 PM indicated thermal stress in the afternoon (THI = 87.05) in exposed goats. Physiological parameters indicated that thermal stress significantly elevated (P ? 0.05) coat temperature (CT), rectal temperature (RT), and respiration rate (RR). Breed difference was non-significant (P ? 0.05). Hematological parameters indicated that thermal stress enhanced (P ? 0.05) erythrocyte cell (RBC) counts, and depressed (P ? 0.05) white blood cell (WBC) counts, hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT) values and corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Breed differences were observed with respect to RBC, RNG, HGB, HCT and MCHC. Baladi had higher (P ? 0.05) values of HGB, HCT and MCHC than Shami. Biochemical parameters indicated that the level of alanine amino transferase (ALT) increased (P ? 0.05), while glucose, total lipids and cholesterol concentrations decreased (P ? 0.05) due to thermal stress. Breed differences were observed with respect to urea, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, total protein and albumin. The levels were higher (P ? 0.05) in Shami than in Baladi with respect to all the parameters except glucose, which was higher (P ? 0.05) in Baladi than in Shami. Blood electrolytes indicated that Sodium (Na+) concentration decreased (P ? 0.05), while Potassium (K+) and Chloride (Cl-) concentrations increased (P ? 0.05) due to thermal stress. Baladi had higher (P ? 0.05) concentration of potassium and chloride than Shami. Immunological parameters indicated that level of cytokines, e.g., Interlukin-1 (IL-1) and Interlukin-6 (IL-6) increased (P ? 0.05) due to thermal stress. The value of IL-1 was higher (P ? 0.05) in Baladi than in Shami. The findings of this study have significant implications for goat breeders, e.g., Bedouins and nomadic goat rearers in protecting their animals from solar radiation (heat stress), to safeguard their health and productivity, while roaming incessantly in search of pastures in a thermally stressful desert environment.

6 tables, 54 ref

047333   ESSAWY A M E (Animal and Poultry Nutrition Dep, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt, Email: abeerateek@hotmail.com) : Effect of linseed oil beads and vitamin-e supplementation on growth, carcass characters, and blood and intramuscular lipid profile in damascus growing male goats . Anim Sci Rep 2020, 13(1), 40 - 61.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of linseed oil beads (LOB) and vitamin E supplementation on nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, ruminal parameters, growth, feed conversion efficiency, blood biochemicals, carcass characters, and blood and intramuscular lipid profile of longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle in Damascus growing male goats. Fifteen Damascus growing male goats (120 days old) of 16.57 ? 2.03 kg average body weight were assigned to 3 groups of 5 animals each with three different dietary treatments on dry matter basis: (1) Control diet (CTRL / T1) with 50:50 of forage to concentrate ratio offered as a basal diet to all animals. (2) Experimental diet-1 (LOB / T2) comprised of control diet (T1) fortified with linseed oil beads (2.5 gm d-1 goat-1) and (3) Experimental diet-2 (LOBE / T3) comprised of T2 diet fortified with 600 IU of vitamin E (?-tocopherol acetate) @ d-1 goat-1. Diets were offered ad libitum daily once for a 95-day period. Digestibility trial was conducted for 10 days (4 goats / group), and at the end of the experiment, all animals were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass characters and determination of meat FAs profile of LL muscle. The results showed non-significant (P ? 0.05) differences between the treatment groups (T1, T2, T3) in respect of nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, growth, feed conversion efficiency, and ruminal parameters. LOB supplementation significantly (P ? 0.05) depressed some plasma metabolites (cholesterol and total lipids) over the control, while total lipids in LOBE decreased (P ? 0.05) over both the control and LOB. Some of the plasma unsaturated fatty acids (C12:0, Lauric acid; C15:0, Pentadecanoic acid; C16:0 and Heptadecanoic acid) were reduced in (P ? 0.05) in LOB, while the latter two were reduced (P ? 0.05) in LOB and LOBE. ?MUFA and ?n-3 were increased (P ? 0.05), while ?PUFA and ?n-6 were decreased (P ? 0.05) both in LOB and LOBE groups. There was no significant difference (P ? 0.05) in carcass characters between the treatment groups, while chemical composition of LL muscle indicated decrease (P ? 0.05) in fat (%) and increase (P ? 0.05) in LL area in LOB compared to the control. Fatty acid composition of LL muscle showed increase (P ? 0.05) of ?n-3 and decrease (P ? 0.05) of ?n-6 / ?n-3 ratio, in LOB, considered as nutritional value indicators for human health (WHO/FAO). It is concluded that LOB supplementation has positively contributed to production of healthy meat for human consumption, while LOBE had no advantage over LOB.

10 tables, 72 ref

047332   IBRAHIM A H, YOUNIS F E, ABDEEN E M M, SHAFEI S M E (Animal Breeding and Poultry Dep, , Cairo, Egypt, Email: alaa.drc@gmail.com) : Effect of flax seed supplementation on milk production, chemical composition, physical attributes and fatty acid profile of milk in lactating goats of halayeb-shalateen-abu ramad triangle of Egypt . Anim Sci Rep 2020, 13(1), 001 - 20.

Production and composition of goat milk, especially fatty acids profile are important factors that influence the economic upshot, nutritivity and health prospective of the product. There is an increasing thrust on research for evolving dairy products with reduced saturated fatty acids (SFAs) responsible for undesirable hyper-cholesterolemic effects culminating in hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancer in humans. Earlier research works have revealed that milk fat composition can be altered through dietary interventions. This work focuses on the effect of dietary supplementation of flax seed (whole) to lactating desert goats of Egypt on milk production, chemical composition, physical properties and fatty acid profiles of milk, since there is dearth of desired information on this subject. Twenty lactating local desert goats were randomly distributed into two groups, viz., control group and experimental group (n=10) for the experiment. The lactating goats were let out for grazing on the natural pastures during day, and received supplemental feeding of concentrate mixtures @ 500 gm/ head (NRC, 2007) in equal amounts twice daily at 06.00 h and at 16.00 h. The concentrate mixture in the diet of the experimental goats was replaced with 14 % whole flax seed (Linumusitatissimum L). Goats were milked by hand twice daily for 12 weeks for estimation of average daily milk yield, chemical composition (Fat %, Protein%, Lactose %, Ash%, SNF %, TS %), physical attributes (Sp. Gr., Freezing point, pH, Conductivity) in different weeks (1, 4, 8, and 12), along with fatty acid profile as percentage of the total fatty acids in milk. Results indicated that the average daily milk yield (g/animal/day-1) of FS supplemented goats in week 1 (569.0?48.8) was higher (P ? 0.05) than the control by a margin of 48.5%. There were no differences (P ? 0.05) in milk yields as well as energy corrected milk yields between the groups in other weeks and over the experimental period. The FS supplemented group showed higher (P ? 0.05) proportions over the control in respect of protein (3.77?0.18 vs. 3.43?0.22), lactose (4.56?0.25 vs. 4.32?0.15), SNF (9.16?0.28 vs. 8.56?0.28) and TS (12.59?0.55 vs. 12.01?0.33), but lower freezing point ( -0.57?0.06 vs. -0.53?0.06, Celsius). FS supplementation diminished (P ? 0.05) ?saturated fatty acids (64.12?0.23) and enhanced (P ? 0.05) ?unsaturated fatty acids (3.38?0.036) in milk over the control. In addition, there was increase (P ? 0.05) in Omega-6/Omega-3 FAs (2.39?0.001) and reduction (P ? 0.05) of total conjugated linoleic acid (1.79?0.013) in the milk of goats fed on FS supplemented diet. It may be concluded form this study that dietary supplementation of flax seeds to lactating goats would enhance milk production and its nutritivity, beneficial for boosting growth and immunity of neonatal kids and help in promotion of stink free and health bolstering dairy products through moderation of harmful hyper-cholesterolemic effects of high level of LDL cholesterol in milk.

4 tables, 60 ref

047313   ATUL U, PRITI P V, D, PATEL J M, PATEL, J H, MAKWANA, P M (Veterinary Pathology Dep, Navsari Agricultural Univ, Navsari - 396 450, Gujarat, Email: at.atul.94@gmail.com) : Macropathological, histopathological and microbial scenario of a pasteurella infected surti buffalo . Anim Sci Rep 2020, 13 (4), 25 -9.

Pasteurellosis is a dreaded infectious disease of domestic and wild bovids caused by gram negative pasteurella microorganisms, particularly Pasteurella haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida. It is endemic among Indian buffaloes. However, breed vulnerability on the incidence of the disease in buffaloes have not been reported except a case report on Murrah buffaloes in an organized farm in West Bengal (India). The case fatality rate has been reported to be very high (75%). This paper elucidates the autopsy results, containing the macropathological, histopathological and microbial scenario of a pasteurella infected 4 years old female Surti buffalo carcass, presented for postmortem examination (PME) to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat in March, 2019. The clinical history of the case portrayed high fever, anorexia, profuse salivation, throat swelling, recumbence, and protruded tongue before death. Macropathological findings revealed accumulation of edematous gelatinous fluid in throat region with consolidated, reddened and thickened interlobular septa. Heart was severely congested with focal ecchymoses on epicardium and endocardium. Myocarditis with necrosis and bacterial emboli indicated septicemia in the deceased animal. Liver was pale and friable with multifocal necrotic areas. Fibrinous inflammation was noted on peritoneum and serosal surface of intestines. Histopathological examination revealed fibrinous suppurative bronchopneumonia with inflammatory cells inside the alveoli and interalveolar septa of the lungs. Bacterial colonies surrounded by inflammatory cells were noticed at various places along with the thickened interlobular septa of the lungs. In a few areas, severe hemorrhages and congestions were also noticed. Histological section of heart revealed multiple necrotic foci with infiltration of inflammatory cells. Impression smears from heart, lungs, liver and spleen were subjected to Giemsa?s stain, which revealed numerous typical bipolar organisms suggestive of Pasteurella spp. Microscopic examination of the cultured bacterial colonies on blood agar, biochemically confirmed that the organisms belonged to Pasteurella spp. Based on clinical signs, macropathological, histopathological and microbiological examinations, the case was confirmed to be Pasteurellosis, which is an unique report in Surti buffalo.

4 illus, 11 ref

047308   SURYAWANSHI B G, RANE V I (Jagat Arts, Commerce, and Indiraben Hariharbhai Patel Science Coll, Gondia - 441 801) : Biocontrol of Helminthosporium oryzae with Trichoderma sp. Bioinfolet 2020, 17 (3 B), 499 - 501.

The present study is carried out on the phyllosphere mycoflora of rice, in Vidarbha, Maharashtra, India. A total of 64 species representing 32 genera of fungi were isolated. Among the isolated species, there were 11 Phycomycetes, 4 Ascomycetes, 43 Deuteromycetes, and 3 sterile mycelia. Out of these, Helminthosporium oryzae Breda de Hann; Syn. Bipolaris oryzae (Breda de Hann.) Shoemakar, causes brown leaf spot disease on rice. This pathogenic fungus is controlled by a non-pathogenic fungus, Trichoderma under in vitro conditions. Three native species of Trichoderma were isolated and tested for antagonistic activity against H. oryzae. Inhibition percentage in radial mycelial growth of H. oryzae was observed to the extent of 93 to 100 % against the Trichoderma species.

1 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

047295   SHARMA T V R S, ABIRAMI K, VENKATESAN K, BASKARAN V (ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair - 744 101, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Email: vbaski01@gmail.com) : Evaluation of wild edible plants of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for food and nutritional security. Current Hort 2020, 8 (2), 57 - 62.

About 153 wild plants were identified as edible used by tribals of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including 63 trees (2 small trees), 38 herbs, 23 shrubs, 16 climbers, 2 each creepers, twinners, grasses and sedges, and one each fern, vine and weed. Various parts of these plants were reported to be utilized as food, fruits, vegetables and utilized for making pickle/jam and jelly/beverages. Many tuber crops belonging to Dioscoreaceae family such as Dioscorea esculenta, D. glabra, D. pentaphylla and D. vexans are relished by the tribals. Therefore, conservation and enriching the population of these plants in tribal area is very important. The nutritional aspects and the presence of dangerous steroids in these plants if any have to be studied in detail.

4 tables, 13 ref

047292   MURKUTE A A (ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Rajgurunagar - 410 505, Maharashtra, Email: ashutoshmurkute@gmail.com) : In-vitro scape and bulb formation in garlic (Allium sativum). Current Hort 2020, 8 (2), 44 - 46.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is one of the important spices crops that required on daily basis in kitchens and cuisines across the world. Scape or flowering stalk induction is highly important for crop improvement as garlic is a vegetatively propagated crop. However, scape formation has not achieved yet by any means. Meristems (0.1- 0.3 mm) of garlic cv. Bhima Purple were cultured in vitro on basal MS medium fortified with 0.1 mgl-1 NAA, 1.0 mgl-1 Kinetin and 3% sucrose (w/v). Proliferated meristems (mericlones) were sub-cultured after 10-15 days. About 55-60 days old cultures were sub-cultured on MS + 1 mgl-1 Kinetin + 6% sucrose in liquid medium for microbulbil induction and maintained till its harvest. Microbulbils were induced on mericlones after about 70-75 days after initial inoculation. In vitro induced bulbils transformed into a small garlic bulb having 2-3 cloves or microbulbils after 110-115 days of initial culturing. Subsequently after 125-130 days the maiden in-vitro scape formation was observed. It showed a ray of light to use this alternative strategy, i.e. in-vitro scape induction to induce flowering stalk in garlic. Also, the successful in-vitro bulb development reported first time herein would give an opportunity of mass production of garlic without managing cumbersome field propagations.

2 illus, 12 ref

047291   SINGH R S, BHARGAVA R, SHARMA B D (ICAR- Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner - 334 006, Rajasthan, Email: rssingh1@yahoo.com) : Effect of hot water treatment on dry date preparation from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) cultivars in arid region. Current Hort 2020, 8 (2), 41 - 43.

An experiment was conducted to utilize the fruits of doka stage of date palm varieties for preparation of nutritious dry date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) i.e. chhuhara, at CIAH, Bikaner, during 2016-17. Dry dates were prepared by giving boiling water treatment of doka (hard ripen) fruits for 4-5 minutes and 8-10 minutes of four date palm cultivars fruits which were drying up to 20-30 per cent moisture content. The dry dates prepared by giving treatment in boiling water for 8-10 minutes and then drying was found suitable in term of recovery percentage and organoleptic score basis for taste, appearance and acceptability as well as nutritive point of view.

3 tables, 11 ref

047290   BARIK S, DEVI A K B, ANANDA A, KONTHOUJAM J (Horticulture Dep, Central Agricultural Univ, Imphal, Manipur, Email: satyabarik001@gmail.com) : Effect of planting time and spacing on yield, yield-attributing characters and ascorbic acid content of king chilli (Capsicum chinense) under polyhouse condition. Current Hort 2020, 8 (2), 38 - 40.

An experiment was conducted to find out the optimum time of planting and plant density on chilli in polyhouse at Department of Horticulture, CAU, Imphal, during rabi season of 2014-15. Four planting times viz. 30 November, 19 December, 7 January and 26 January were considered as factor A and three spacings, viz. 60 cm ? 60 cm, 60 cm ? 45 cm and 45 cm ? 45 cm were considered as factor B. The experiment was laid out in FRBD (Factorial Randomized Block Design) with 3 replications. The highest number of fruits/plant (67.83), fruit yield/plant [fresh (279.00 g) and dry (71.77g)] and fruit yield/ha [fresh (13.78 t/ha) and dry (3.44 t/ha)] were exhibited when seedling were transplanted on 7 January at a spacing of 45 cm ? 45 cm ((D1S3). Similarly, maximum fruit length (5.77 cm) and diameter (2.57 cm) were shown when planting was done on 26 January at a spacing of 60 cm ? 45 cm (D4S2). Highest individual fruit weight (6.07 g) was achieved when planting was done on 7 January at a spacing of 60 cm ? 60 cm (D3S2). Highest ascorbic acid (149 mg/g) content was obtained from the treatment D3S2 which was planted on done 7 January at a spacing of 60 cm ? 45 cm.

1 table, 8 ref

047289   MADHUMATI C, REDDY D D S (Dr Y S R Horticultural Univ, Ananthrajupet - 516 105 Andhra Pradesh, Email: drr2020@gmail.com) : Characterization of mango (Mangifera indica) varieties for pickle making. Current Hort 2020, 8 (2), 34 - 37.

An experiment was conducted on characterization of mango (Mangifera indica L.) varieties using morphological characters for selection of best pickle varieties for pickle making, at Horticultural Research Station, Ananthrajupet, Andhra Pradesh during 2015-16. Eleven mango varieties were characterized morphologically for fruit and stone characters. The bigger fruit-sized was seen in Gaddemar, while smaller-sized fruits were in Alipasand and Amrigola. Other collections exhibited medium-sized fruits. Gaddemar showed maximum fruit weight (936.2g), fruit width (111.19 mm) and pulp thickness (1.68 mm), whereas Amrigola exhibited lowest fruit weight (76.5g), fruit width (52.26 mm) and pulp thickness (10.20 mm). The mango variety, Chilaka Mukku showed highest TSS (14.6? Brix) and minimum TSS in Alipasand (6.5? brix). Peddarasam showed maximum stone weight (102.5g) and lowest stone weight in Amrigola (8.0g). Gaddemar showed highest fiber length (16.72 mm) while least fiber length (2.8 mm) was noted in Peddarasam. Gaddemar and Alipasand were identified for pickle making due to higher acidity, presence of fibre and lower TSS values.

3 tables, 15 ref

047288   SARKAR S K, PANWAR S, PAUL R K, TOMAR S, KUMAR N, MORYA O P (IASRI, New Delhi, Email: sarkar82@gmail.com) : Assessment of pre- and post-harvest losses of vegetables in Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Current Hort 2020, 8 (2), 29 - 33.

The study was carried out to find out pre and post-harvest losses in vegetable, viz. tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) and bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) in Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, during 2017-18. Multistage sampling was done for selection of 100 vegetable growers. The sample also included 30 market functionaries. The maximum aggregate losses was found in tomato, followed by brinjal, cauliflower, bottlegourd and okra. The pre-harvest losses at farmers' level contributed for more than 40 % of the total losses at farmers' level in all vegetables except cauliflower. The study has recommended that establishment of producer co-operatives to handle various activities relating to production and marketing of vegetables would help in reducing losses.

4 tables, 16 ref

047287   DEVARAKONDA S, MADHUMATHI C, LAKSHMI L M, BHASKAR V V, UMAMAHESH V, RAJASEKHARAM T, REDDY L M N (Horticultural Research Station, Anantharajupeta, Andhra Pradesh, Email: shreedevarakonda@gmail.com) : Effect of plant elicitors on growth, yield and quality of papaya (Carica Papaya). Current Hort 2020, 8 (2), 23 - 28.

The field cum laboratory study was carried out to find out the effect of plant elicitors on papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red Lady, during November, 2015 to October, 2017 at Horticultural Research Station, Anantharajupeta, Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh. The application of salicylic acid twice (at 45 and 120 DAT) @ 150 ppm (T9) recorded significantly highest plant height (257.58 cm) at 210 DAT, which was at a par with T8(S.A @ 100 ppm at 45 DAT and 120 DAT) (225.08 cm and 34.21 cm). T9 (SA @ 150 ppm at 45 and 120 DAT) recorded significantly highest fruit weight (1.06 kg), fruit length (18.33 cm), fruit girth (43.02 cm). The values for all these parameters were found to be at par with T8 and T7, whereas lowest values was recorded with T13 (control), i.e. fruit weight (0.84 kg), fruit length (16.20 cm), fruit girth (33.35 cm). Significantly highest number of fruits/plant (60.37) was observed in T8 which was found to be at par with T9 (59.29) and T7 (57.94). Weight of fruits/plant (kg), yield/plot (kg) and yield/hectare (tonnes) were highest in T9 (49.78 kg, 552.42 kg and 116.06 tonnes/ha) which was at par with T8 (47.17 kg, 546.59 kg and 114.83 tonnes/ha). The lowest values in this regard were recorded in control (T13) (25.20 kg, 370.57 kg and 77.85 tonnes/ha).

3 tables, 15 ref

047286   LAKSHMI L M, VENKATARAMANA K T, REDDY D S, TRAJASEKHAR, SHIRGURE P S, PATIL P (Dr Y.S.R. Horticultural Univ, Tirupati - 517 502, Andhra Pradesh, Email: lmukunda@gmail.com) : Critical stages of water requirement in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). Current Hort 2020, 8 (2), 18 - 22.

A field experiment was conducted on 10-year-old bearing sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) cv. Sathgudi based on evaporation replenishment (ER) irrigation scheduling at different stages to identify the critical stage of irrigation water requirement through drip irrigation system during 2007-2017 at AICRP on Fruits (Citrus), Citrus Research Station, Dr Y.S.R Horticultural University, Tirupati. The fruit yield and quality significantly affected under various ER based drip irrigation scheduling treatments. Maximum number of fruits (353 fruits/ plant) and highest fruit yield (57.41 kg/plant and 15.92 t/ha) were recorded under drip irrigation scheduled at 80 % ER in all stages. The best quality fruits (TSS:10.270 Brix and acidity 0.71 %) with good TSS and acid blend (17.25) and highest benefit: cost ratio (2.68) were harvested in the same treatment and it was superior over all the treatments, indicating stage VI (November-December) is the best period for inducing stress for Ambe bahar crop. However, lowest yields were recorded when plants were supplied with 80 % ER at stage I, II, IV, V, VI stages and 30 % ER at Stage III (May-June), followed by plants supplied with 80 % ER at stage II, III, IV, V and VI stages and 30 % ER at stage I (January-February). Reduction in irrigation from 80 % ER to 30 % ER during stage III (May-June: fruit development stage) and stage I(January-February: flowering and fruit setting) resulted in significant reduction in yield, indicating both the stages are critical for water requirement in sweet orange.

3 tables, 15 ref

047285   SRIVASTAVA A K, HOTA D (ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Email: aksrivas2007@gmail.com) : Fruit crops under nutrient-capped scenario: A timeless journey. Current Hort 2020, 8 (2), 14 - 17.

The nutrient responsive nature of fruit crops predisposes them to multiple nutrient deficiencies, resulting in their economic manifestations on quality production is a formidable challenge to nutritionists. The crop-based soil health care is basic to any fruit nutrition program. But, still a bigger challenge lies in diagnosing the genesis of any nutrient deficiency at the right stage. It just starts and in the field itself. So that nutritional problems are addressed in the current season's crop. Various nutrient supply chain management for fruit crops have their own merits and demerits, but all of them address 4R nutrient stewardship principles. However, ISFM is still considered as another form of regenerative agriculture. Our current efforts should concentrate on these issues, so that soil health care becomes a grower's movement with visibility on long-term fruit industry.

22 ref

047284   SAROJ P L,CHOUDHARY B R (ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner - 3340 006, Rajasthan, Email: plsaroj@yahoo.co.in) : Improvement in cucurbits for drought and heat stress tolerance ? a review. Current Hort 2020, 8 (2), 003 -13.

Cucurbits are sensitive to environmental extremes, and thus high temperature and limited soil moisture are major causes of low yield in hot arid region and will be further magnified by climate change. Some abiotic stresses directly reduce growth, while others affect development in a way that reduces or eliminates the crop's value. The response of plants to environmental stresses depends on developmental stages and length and severity of the stress. Plants may respond similarly to avoid one or more stresses through morphological or biochemical mechanisms. Plant breeders need to translate these findings into stress-tolerant varieties by using all tools available that include germplasm screening, marker-assisted selection and genetic transformation besides conventional breeding methods. Therefore, breeding is one of the most efficient approaches for managing abiotic stresses. The genetically complex responses to abiotic stresses are multigenic and thus more difficult to control and engineer. Several abiotic stress tolerant varieties have been developed utilizing conventional breeding approaches. However, rapid progress is required to reduce the gap between potential yield and actual yield in abiotic stress prone environments. Thus, there is an urgent need of breeding climate-smart varieties of cucurbits tolerance to abiotic stresses which have great potential for meeting increased demand. Keeping in view, an attempt has been made to compile the scattered information on concepts, mechanisms and breeding approaches of abiotic stress tolerance in cucurbits.

1 illus, 7 tables, 59 ref

047276   PARIHAR R, NAG S, SRIVASTAVA R (Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, Coll of Agriculture, Raipur - 495 001, Chhattisgarh, Email: nagsk_igkv@yahoo.com) : Association analysis studies for seed yield and quality characters of soybean (Glycine max) at Bilaspur plain region of Chhattisgarh. Crop Res 2020, 59 (5 & 6), 276 - 80.

A multilocational trial study on soybean was conducted during 2016-17 at BTC College of Agriculture and Research Station, Chhattisgarh, India to evaluate fifteen variable genotypes for 16 yield and quality characters for interrelationship. Days to 50% flowering had a positive association with days to maturity, 100 seed weight and unfilled pods. Plant population had a positive correlation with pod bearing length and seed yield. Plant height had a positive correlation with pod bearing length, seeds per pod, whereas highly negative correlation with 100 seed weight. Branches per plant had positive association with seed yield. Pod bearing nodes was highly significant and positive associations with filled pods, pod length and non significant positive association with seed yield. Filled pods had significant association with unfilled pods, and highly significant association with pod length. Pod bearing length had a highly significant positive correlation with qualitative feature volume weight. Biological yield had a significant positive association with seed yield, Path analysis revealed that seed yield is directly affected by days to 50% flowering, 100 seed weight, through a low magnitude of direct effect, while plant height, pod bearing length, and harvest index contributes through a moderate magnitude of direct effect on seed yield. Filled pods and biological yield contribute to seed yield by the highest magnitude of direct effect. The negligible value of residual factor value (0.0000) justified that characters considered in the study was justified for seed yield. Findings indicate that direct selection of significant characters will enhance the breeding efficiency for seed yield in soybean.

1 tables, 17 ref

047274   PRIYADARSHINI V M, MADHANAKUMARI P (Horticulture Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar - 608002, Tamil Nadu, Email: priya03vm@gmail.com,hortmadhana@gmail.com) : Effect of bio-stimulants on the physiological and quality parameters of bush bean (Lablab purpureus). Crop Res 2020, 57 (5 & 6), 262 - 7.

The intensive use of inorganic fertilizer in agriculture for ensuring the world food security caused so many health problems and unrecoverable environmental pollution. In view of this context, a study was conducted during August to November 2019 at Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India to identify the influences of bio-stimulants on the physiological and quality parameters of bush bean cv. Co (Gb) 14. Bush bean, being a leguminous crop provides the human diet with a good proportion of protein. It also contains various other vitamins and minerals. This crop is gaining importance for its increased market demand, protein content and also for its ability to provide increased production per unit area. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments replicated thrice. Bio-stimulants opted for the study include seaweed extract, panchagavya, chitosan and effective microorganism with two different concentrations applied as foliar spray on 30th, 45th and 60th days after sowing. The total pod yield/plant (179.52 g), total pod yield/plot (1.89 kg), dry matter production (3.50 t/ha), total chlorophyll content (45.26 CCI), crude protein (4.18 %) and crude fibre (1.13 %) were found to be maximum in foliar application of seaweed extract. The experiment revealed that the yield, physiological and quality parameters were highly influenced by the application of seaweed extract (5 mL/L) along with recommended dosage of fertilizers which is an environment friendly option for sustainable agriculture.

2 tables, 26 ref

047273   MATHEW S, SEETHARAMU G K, SATISH D, DILEEPKUMAR M, MUKUND S (Floriculture and Landscape Architecture Dep, Univ of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot - 587 104, Karnataka, Email: sithin.mathew.m@gmail.com) : Effect of weed management and methods of planting on weed population and establishment of turf grasses. Crop Res 2020, 56 (5 & 6), 250 - 61.

The scientific management of weeds and effective establishment of grasses are the thrust areas of research in turf grass cultivation. Therefore, an investigation was carried out during 2018-19 at Kittur Rani Channamma College of Horticulture, Arabhavi, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India, to evaluate pre-planting weed management methods and to identify best establishment method in turf grasses. The experiment comprised of twelve treatments of which two weed management practices (hand weeding and soil sterilant application); three planting methods (seed sowing at 10g/m2, seed sowing at 5g/m2 and stolon dibbling) and two turf grass species (Mexican grass and Bermuda grass) laid out in factorial Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated thrice. The study has revealed that among the two grasses evaluated Bermuda grass var. ?Tif dwarf? showed less number of weeds (4.61/m2), early germination or sprouting (7.28 days), high ground cover per cent score (5.00), higher number of nodes (27.03), number of leaves per stolon (30.74) and leaf width (2.69 mm) compared to Mexican grass. Seed sowing method of establishment at 10g/m2 showed a smaller number of weeds per square meter (9.56/m2) and lowest time taken for germination or sprouting (11.00 days). Stolon dibbling was found superior with respect to ground cover per cent score (4.85), number of nodes (27.51) and number of leaves (29.74) while leaf length (23.93 cm), leaf width (2.95 mm) and average leaf area (3.45 cm2) was recorded highest for seed sowing method at 5g/ m2. Among weed management approaches, Dizomet applied plots showed a smaller number of weeds at 40 days after planting (9.68/m2). Stolon dibbling of Bermuda grass var. ?Tif dwarf? at 160 days after planting recorded highest values for number of nodes (39.61) and number of leaves (42.78) while seed sowing at 10g/m2 of Bermuda grass var. ?Tif dwarf? recorded lowest number of weeds (2.70/m2), lowest days to germination or sprouting (6.17 days) and maximum ground cover per cent score (5).

8 tables, 29 ref

047272   MAWKHIEW A, PEREIRA L S (RDAP Dep, North Eastern Hill Univ, Tura - 794002, Email: drlollysp@gmail.com) : Performance of selected mango (Mangifera indica) varieties in West Garo Hills of North-East India. Crop Res 2020, 55 (5 & 6), 242 - 9.

West Garo Hills is not a traditional mango growing region although the agro climatic conditions are conducive for its cultivation. Some local varieties are seen growing in the region which are not qualitatively at par with the commercial varieties grown in other parts of India. Reports on performance of different commercial varieties of mango in this region are negligible. Therefore, considering the nutritional value and export potential of mango fruit and suitability of the region for mango cultivation, an experiment was conducted during 2016-19 to evaluate the performance of three mango varieties Amrapali, Dashehari and Kesar in West Garo Hills of Meghalaya. Morphological characters of tree, leaf, inflorescence and fruits, bio-chemical composition of fruits and yield were recorded. Among the three varieties studied under West Garo Hills condition, variety Amrapali showed the most vigorous growth in terms of tree height, girth and spread (East-West and North- South directions) by registering the highest percent of increase after 1 year, 2 years and 3 years of start of experiment. The pooled values of 2 years revealed the highest leaf area (77.20 cm2), highest yield per tree (21.69 kg/tree), highest yield per hectare (8.69 MT/ha), with fruits of highest vitamin C content (33.62mg/100g pulp), and highest sugars (total sugar of 8.95%, reducing sugar of 3.62% and non-reducing sugar of 5.07%) in variety Amrapali. Variety Kesar produced fruits with highest fruit weight (224.30g), pulp weight (169.34g), pulp:stone ratio (5.95) and pulp% (75.40%), while variety Dashehari produced fruits with highest TSS:acid ratio of 47.99 closely followed by variety Kesar (44.49) and variety Amrapali (42.73).

4 tables, 23 ref

046447   VIKRANT, SINGH D R, KUMAR S, KISHOR K, KEWAL R (Chandra Shekhar Azad Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur- 208 002, Email: kumarvk2959@gmail.com) : Bio-efficacy of Insecticides against Helicoverpa armigera in Chickpea. Legum Res 2020, 43(2), 276-82.

The study was carried out to evaluate bio-efficacy of some insecticides against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in chickpea during rabi 2014-15 and 2015-16 at the Students’ Instructional Farm (SIF) of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. Minimum surviving and maximum reduction percentage of larval population was recorded in T₅ (Spinosad 45 EC @ 166 ml/ ha), whereas maximum surviving and minimum reduction percentage of larval population was recorded in T₁ (HaNPV @ 250 LE/ha) at 3rd, 7th and 10th days after spray. Significantly higher seed yield was obtained in case of (T₅ ) Spinosad 45 SC (2550 kg ha^-1 in 1st and 2680 kg ha^-1 in 2nd year), respectively. Based on benefit: cost ratio of different treatments, (T₅ ) Spinosad 45 SC ha^-1 was found to be most economic insecticide, because it gave the maximum benefit as compared to remaining treatments.

4 tables, 19 ref

046446   BALAI L P, SINGH R B, SINHA A, YADAV S M (ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Pali-Marwar, Rajasthan, Email: laxmanbhu08@gmail.com) : Evaluation of different fungicides and antagonists in vitro and in vivo condition against Alternaria blight of pigeonpea. Legum Res 2020, 43(2), 268-75.

Efficacy of bio agents and systemic and non-systemic fungicides @ 50, 100, 200, 250 and 500 ppm were evaluated In vitro against Alternaria tenuissima causing Alternaria blight of pigeonpea. The relative efficacy of bio agents were studied in dual culture plate method showed that Hypocrea rufa was found most effective antagonist against test pathogen followed by T. harzianum. Efficacy of six fungicides was tested in poisoned food technique. Among the six fungicides tested, mancozeb was found most effective against test pathogen followed by Chlorothalonil and Iprodione. Propineb was least effective against mycelial growth of test pathogen. Raise in concentration of fungicides was more effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of the pathogen. Field condition studies were found out to be the effect of seed treatment, foliar spray, seed treatment+ foliar spray with six fungicides and two bio agents and their combination used as against pathogen. Artificial inoculation of mass culture of A. tenuissima was done in the inoculated seed treatment and after foliar spray on the plants sixty DAS. Amongst them twenty five treatments, combination of Mancozeb with H. rufa was found most effective in reducing the disease intensity and disease control followed by Mancozeb with T. harzianum and Mancozeb alone, respectively. While, T. harzianum alone was least effective and maximum disease intensity recorded as a compared to control followed by T. harzianum with double dose and T. harzianum and H. rufa combination treatment, respectively. In case of both seed treatment and foliar spray of Mancozeb with H. rufa was found most effective in reducing the disease intensity and disease control followed by combination of Mancozeb with T. harzianum and Mancozeb alone, respectively. Whereas, least effective and maximum disease intensity and disease control were observed T. harzianum alone as compared to control.

4 tables, 38 ref

046445   MILADINOV Z, MAKSIMOVIC I, BALESEVI?-TUBIC S, DJUKIC V, CANAK P, MILADINOVIC J, DJORDJEVIC V (Soybean Dep, Field and Vegetable Crops Institute, Novi Sad, Serbia, Email: zlatica.miladinov@ifvcns.ns.ac.rs) : Priming seed mitigates the effects of saline stress in soybean seedlings. Legum Res 2020, 43(2), 263-7.

Seed germination and seedling growth are the most sensitive plant stages towards salinity. Various techniques can improve emergence and stand formation under salt conditions. Seeds priming is one of the most frequently used technique. Seed priming could develop different defence mechanisms of seeds against salinity stress. This experiment aims to examine the seed priming into potassium nitrate - KNO₃ (1 %), ascorbic acid – ASA (100 mgl^-1) and potassium chloride - KCl (1 %) solutions, that may reduce harmful effects of salinity stress. Salinity was imposed by treatment of seeds with different concentrations of NaCl [0 (control), 50, 100, 200m MNaCl]. All data were analysed statistically by three-way ANOVA. Individual testing of probability was carried out using Tukey’s method p $\le$ 0.05 and p $\le$ 0.01. Correlation dependence was determined using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Test results demonstrated positive effect of seed priming. This was showed by improved soybean seed quality and increased seed germination rate. The intensity of lipid peroxidation, free proline concentration and Na⁺ was decreased, while K⁺ in seedlings increased due to priming treatment. Priming of seeds into ASA solution resulted in increased vitamin C concentration, while priming into KNO₃ and ΚCl solutions reduced the content of vitamin C in soybean seedlings.

7 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

046444   RAJ A B, RAJ S K, PRATHAPAN K, RADHAKRISHNAN N V (Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram- 685 501, Email: sheejakraj70@gmail.com) : Nutripriming with zinc sulphate and borax for early growth and seedling vigour in grain cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]. Legum Res 2020, 43(2), 258-62.

The experiment was conducted at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram with an objective to study the effect of nutripriming with ZnSO₄ and borax on the early growth and seedling vigour and Zn and B content in grain cowpea. Nutripriming treatments had significant effect on germination parameters. Nutripriming with ZnSO₄ either at 0.025 or 0.05 per cent recorded higher values for the germination parameters. These treatments recorded 19.68 and 18.51 percentage higher germination than control. Germination index was 1.4 times higher in seeds primed with ZnSO₄ @ 0.025 and 0.05 percent and also recorded higher values for mean daily germination and speed of germination. The highest co-efficient rate of germination and germination rate index was recorded by seed priming with ZnSO₄ at 0.05 percent and it was closely followed by ZnSO₄ @ 0.025 percent for 4 h. Nutripriming with ZnSO₄ either @ 0.025 or 0.05 percent recorded the lowest mean germination time and time to reach 50 percent germination and also recorded higher Zn and B content. Vigour index also followed the same trend. Hence it can be concluded that nutripriming with ZnSO₄ either at 0.025 or 0.05 percent can be recommended for early seedling growth, seedling vigour and higher Zn and B content in grain cowpea.

2 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

046442   NGALAMU T, MESEKA S, GALLA J O, TONGUN N J, OCHANDA N W, OFORI K (Crop Science Dep, Juba Univ, Juba, Sudan, Email: lingarigwa@yahoo.co.uk) : Yield performance stability of adapted and improved cowpea in the Equatoria region of South Sudan. Legum Res 2020, 43(2), 247-52.

Cowpea is an important food crop with high nutritional and socio-economical values in South Sudan. However, the lack of improved varieties is one of the main production constraints. This study was undertaken to assess the yield stability performance of improved cowpea genotypes across six environments in South Sudan in 2014 and 2015. Nine genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Genotype and genotype x environment biplot analysis method was used to determine yield stability. Highly significant (p< 0.001) genotype x environment interaction effect was detected for seed yield. IT90K-277-2 had the highest while ACC004 had the lowest grain yield. Palotaka was as highly discriminating and repeatable environment compare to the other testing sites. IT07K-211-1-8 and Mading Bor II were the most responsive genotypes, while IT90K-277-2 was the most stable high yielding genotype across the test environments and can be grown by farmers across the region.

3 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

041201   BARDHAN D, KUMAR S, VERMA M R, BANGAR Y C (Livestock Economics Dep, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly - 243 122, Uttar Pradesh, Email: dwaipayanbardhan@gmail.com) : Economic losses due to brucellosis in India. Indian J Comp Microbiol Immunol Infect Dis 2020, 41(1), 19-30.

The annual economic losses due to brucellosis in different livestock species in India were estimated on the basis of secondary seroprevalence data collected from published peer-reviewed literature and government reports. Meta-analysis was carried out to arrive at the pooled prevalence of Bovine brucellosis. Various components of losses included in the study were reproductive losses (due to abortions and increased infertility), production losses, mortality losses in aborted animals and draught power losses. Simple mathematical models were developed to estimate the component-wise losses, which were arrived at INR 9212 crore. To take into account the possibility of variation and uncertainty in various epidemiological and economic parameters, a sensitivity analysis was also carried out by considering two different scenarios, that is, pessimistic and optimistic. In the pessimistic scenario, annual losses were estimated up to INR 19,041 crore, while in the optimistic scenario these are restricted to INR 3169 crore. The Benefit–cost ratio of brucellosis control through vaccination, under different scenarios, implied economic feasibility of vaccination against brucellosis. The study has thus revealed that Brucellosis, from policy perspective, is one of the most important diseases when it comes to mitigating losses due to diseases in dairy animals.

9 tables, 29 ref

046439   YOGANANDA S B, THIMMEGOWDA P, SHRUTHI G K (Agronomy Dep, Agriculture Coll, Mandya- 571 405, Email: sbyogananda@gmail.com) : Performance of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) walp] under organic production system in southern dry zone of Karnataka. Legum Res 2020, 43(2), 229-34.

A field experiment was carried out during kharif 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V. C. Farm, Mandya to study the performance of cowpea under organic production system in red sandy loam soil. The results revealed that application of 100 % N equivalent compost + recommended FYM (10 t/ha) + beejamrutha (seed treatment) + jeevamrutha (500 liter/ ha) recorded significantly higher grain yield during all the years of experimentation (2056, 1987, 2108 and 2365 kg/ha, respectively) and also in their pooled data (grain yield 2129 kg/ha). This increased yield was attributed to more availability of nitrogen (289.5 kg/ ha), phosphorus (40.5 kg/ha) and potassium (182.3 kg/ha) in the soil compared to other treatments. The benefit: cost ratio was higher with application of 100 % N equivalent compost + jeevamrutha + beejamrutha (2.81). Soil chemical properties, viz. soil pH, organic carbon content and electric conductivity, were not influenced significantly by application of organic manures. However, there was an improvement in the soil chemical properties (289.5, 40.5 and 182.3 N, P₂O₅ and K₂O kg/ha, respectively) compared to initial soil data (229, 19.2 and 135 NPK kg/ha).

5 tables, 18 ref

046440   SHINDE P, HUNJE R (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad- 580 005, Email: pavandgs@gmail.com) : Influence of soil application of organic manures and foliar spray of liquid biofertilizers on growth and seed yield of Kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties. Legum Res 2020, 43(2), 235-40.

The field experiment was carried out at WALMI Farm, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during 2015-16 and 2016-17 on organically maintained field to study the influence of soil application of organic manures and foliar spray of liquid biofertilizers on growth and seed yield of kabuli chickpea varieties. The experiment was laid in split plot design with three replications constituting two kabuli chickpea varieties and seven fertilizer treatments. The results revealed that, kabuli chickpea variety BG1105 (V₁ ) recorded significantly higher values for seed yield and its yield attributes compared to MNK-1 (V₂ ) while, application of 100 % organics equivalent to RDP (50 % FYM and 50 % vermicompost) in combination with either of foliar application with Panchagavya @ 3 % or Biodigester @ 10 % or cow urine spray @ 10 % at flowering and 15 days after flowering can be used for obtaining higher seed yield in Kabuli chickpea varieties.

3 tables, 16 ref

046441   LIU B, QU D, LIU J (Jilin Normal Univ, Siping- 136 000, China, Email: liubing3562@126.com) : Light enrichment, flowering asynchrony and reproduction success in two field-grown soybeans in Northern China. Legum Res 2020, 43(2), 241-6.

The flowering process at single plant level in soybean is a continuous dynamic system. Whether a flower can survive to mature depends on where it is located and when it is initiated. A field experiment was conducted to analyse the effect of flowering asynchrony on single flower survival and response of flowers or pods distribution to light enrichment. Our data suggest that early flowers (number 1-5) definitely survive and develop into mature pod because they don’t encounter fierce assimilates competition from other flowers or pods. Later flowers are usually prone to abortion, especially when five or more flowers at the same node in two soybean cultivars (Glycine max L. Merr. namely, Heinong35 and Kennong18). The flowers on sub-raceme frequently fail to develop into pods. Compared with the flowers on main-raceme, that on sub-raceme maybe have weak competitive ability to assimilation. Most flowers on bottom branches successfully develop into pods due to the strong supply of assimilation from the leaves of branches. Light enrichment significantly increase the number of flowers or pods across the main axis. However, the rate of flower abortion is still relatively high by observing the distribution curves of flowers or pods under light enrichment. Soybean plant has the characteristic of excessive flower production and flower abscission is more likely to be expression of biological adaptability.

3 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

046437   PHOGAT M, RAI A P, KUMAR S (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, SKUAST-J, Jammu- 180 009, Email: mamtaphogat@hau.ernet.in) : Interaction effect of phosphorus and sulphur application on nutrient uptake, yield and yield attributing parameters of black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]. Legum Res 2020, 43(2), 212-20.

The experiment comprising of four levels of phosphorus, i.e., 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha^-1 and three levels of sulphur, i.e., 0, 15 and 30 kg ha^-1, was conducted during summer of 2015-16 to investigate the interaction effect of phosphorus and sulphur application on nutrients uptake and yield of black gram cv. Uttara. The treatments were laid in randomized block design (Factorial) with three replications. The results revealed utmost concentration and uptake of phosphorus in seed (0.376 % and 3.59 kg ha^-1) and stover (0.266 % and 6.38 kg ha^-1) and sulphur in seed (0.397 % and 3.79 kg ha^-1) and stover (0.134 % and 3.21 kg ha^-1) with combined application of phosphorus 60 kg and sulphur 30 kg ha^-1, indicating synergistic effect of phosphorus and sulphur on nutrient uptake, respectively. The results also revealed that combined application of phosphorus and sulphur showed synergistic effect on seed and stover yield of black gram with increasing levels of phosphorus and sulphur up to highest level as both the nutrients mutually help absorption and utilization by black gram probably due to balanced nutrition. The seed and stover yield were 955.50 and 2398.30 kg ha^-1 with combined application of phosphorus 60 kg and sulphur 30 kg ha^-1. The yield attributes of black gram viz., plant height, number of pods plant^-1 and 100 seeds weight also increased significantly with increasing levels of phosphorus and sulphur up to highest level and the optimum values were recorded with combined application of phosphorus 60 kg and sulphur 30 kg ha^-1. However, non-significant response of phosphorus and sulphur application has been observed in case of plant population (m^-2).

7 tables, 42 ref

046436   HOANG L H, GUZMAN C D, CADIZ N M , TRAN D H (Hue Univ, Hue City, Vietnam, Email: tdanghoa@hueuni.edu.vn) : Physiological and phytochemical responses of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) and green amaranth (Amaranthus dubius L.) to different salinity levels. Legum Res 2020, 43(2), 206-11.

The physiological and phytochemical responses of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) and green amaranth (Amaranthus dubius L.) to different salinity levels were determined in two experiments conducted in Vietnam. Both experiments were performed in a net house involving pot experiments arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Two genotypes of amaranth were grown in garden soil, saline soil, 50 % garden soil: 50 % saline soil and 25, 50 and 100 mM NaCl. Salinization was imposed at 7, 14 and 21 days after transplanting. Results indicated that salt stress decreased growth parameters and biomass production in all treatments except for 25 mM NaCl. Na⁺ and Cl^- content accumulated in both shoot and root, however, root had greater NaCl content than shoot. Total phenolics, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity increased with increasing salinity levels from 25 mM to 50 mM NaCl; however, at 100 mM NaCl, all these parameters decreased. These results showed that red amaranth was more tolerant to salinity stress than green amaranth.

3 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

046433   VISHNU B, JAYALAKSHMI V, RANI M S (Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal- 518 503, Email: badabagnivishnu@gmail.com) : Genetic diversity studies among chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes under rainfed and irrigated conditions for yield attributing and traits related to mechanical harvesting. Legum Res 2020, 43(2), 190-4.

Genetic diversity among 30 chickpea genotypes was assessed for yield attributing and traits related to mechanical harvesting during rabi 2016-17 under both rainfed and irrigated conditions as separate experiments. The genotypes were grown in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Genetic diversity study grouped 30 chickpea genotypes into five different clusters under both the tested environments. Days to 50 percent flowering followed by days to maturity and 100 seed weight contributed maximum towards diversity under rainfed as well as irrigated conditions. Inter cluster average D2 values stretched between 7.42 and 20.11 under rain fed condition, while it was slightly higher and varied from 8.64 to 28 under irrigated condition. The most divergent clusters were IV and V under both the situations. The traits that are suitable for mechanical harvesting particularly, height of the first pod and plant height contributed more (8.3 per cent and 8.1 per cent respectively) towards the genetic divergence under irrigated than under rainfed condition (3 per cent and 5.5 per cent respectively). While the angle of the primary branch couldn’t show any influence on the divergence under both the tested environments. Promising genotypes with suitable traits for mechanical harvesting besides having yield advantage are‘NBeG 780’, ‘NBeG 857’, ‘NBeG 47’, ‘NBeG 863’ and ‘BG 3061’ of cluster I under rainfed and cluster II under irrigated, ‘GBM 2’ of cluster II in rainfed and cluster I in irrigated, ‘ICCL 85213’ and ‘NBeG 865’ of cluster III under rainfed, ‘DBGV 3104’ of cluster I under rainfed and ‘GL 12021’ of cluster V under both rainfed and irrigated are suggested for utilization in the crossing programs to breed varieties of chickpea for high yield with amenability to combine harvesting.

6 tables, 13 ref

046430   SINGH A K, BISWAS U, KUMAR R R, SWAIN S, SWARNAM T P (Crop Improvement Div, ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur- 208 024, Email: awnindrakumar@gmail.com) : Morphological and genetic diversity among farmers’ varieties of urdbean (Vigna mungo L.) hepper of Andaman and Nicobar Islands agro-ecosystem. Andaman and Nicobar Islands 2020, 43(2), 172-8.

The extent of morphological variation among farmers’ varieties of urdbean was assessed using 21 DUS and 9 agronomic parameters. A set of 56 farmers’ varieties collected from different parts of the Andaman Islands were assessed for genetic diversity. Cluster analysis assigned farmers’ varieties into groups on the basis of agronomic performance rather than their origin and was identified 9 homogeneous clusters, it was able to separate 56 farmers’ varieties based on morphological and agronomic traits. Using cluster analysis by unweighted pair group with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) method and grouping of all farmers’ varieties exhibited the presence of wide genetic diversity by the formation of 9 clusters. Cluste- I had maximum number of farmers’ varieties i.e. 26 while, cluster VIII had only one (ANFVU-11-29). The pattern of distribution of farmers’ varieties into clusters assigned on the basis of agro-morphological performance and demonstrating that geographical isolation may not be the only factor causing genetic diversity. Intra cluster distance analysis revealed that minimum intra cluster distance was observed in cluster I. The maximum inter cluster distance has to be found in cluster VIII and IX. Therefore, it was concluded that more emphasis should be given on cluster I, II, VIII and IX for selecting farmers’ varieties as parents for crossing with the farmers’ varieties of cluster I which may produce new recombinants with desired traits.

2 illus, 6 tables, 12 ref

043029   SINCHANA J K, RAJ S K (Kerala Agricultural Univ, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 522, Kerala, Email: sheejakraj70@gmail.com) : Integrated weed management impact on soil biological indicators in cowpea. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 296–9.

Impact of integrated weed management practices involving stale seedbed, mulching with dried banana leaves, herbicides, viz. pre-emergence (PE) diclosulam, post-emergence (PoE) quizalofop-p-ethyl and imazethapyr and manual weeding on nodulation in bush cowpea and enzyme activity in soil was studied. Stale seedbed recorded significantly higher number of total nodules per plant. Dehydrogenase enzyme activity was also higher in stale seedbed however, urease enzyme activity did not have any significant effect at 15 and 30 DAS. Treatments with imazethapyr recorded lesser number of total nodules than treatments with diclosulam and quizalofop-p-ethyl. Among the herbicide treatments at 15 DAS, PE diclosulam registered significantly higher urease and dehydrogenase enzyme activity than weedy check and comparable activity with hand weeding treatment. Post-emergence imazethapyr showed a reduction in dehydrogenase and urease enzyme activity at 30 DAS compared to 15 DAS. However, PoE quizalofop-p-ethyl registered higher dehydrogenase and urease enzyme activity at 30 DAS compared to 15 DAS and values were comparable or higher than that of hand weeding treatment.

2 tables, 13 ref

043028   GEETHIKA N S, SUBRAMANYAM D, REDDY S T , UMAMAHESH V (Sri Venkateswara Agricultural Coll, Tirupati - 517 502, Andhra Pradesh, Email: subbuagro37@gmail.com) : Effect of plant extracts and rice straw mulch on weed growth and yield of groundnut. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 292–5.

Sorghum (NJ-2647), sunflower (NDSH-1012) and rice (NLR-34449) were grown up to physiological maturity and harvested for preparing plant extracts during Kharif 2017 at Sri Venkateswara Agricultural College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Plant parts of Parthenium hysterophorus, Lantana camera and Cyperus rotundus were collected from the non-cropped area at flowering. The chopped material of above plants were soaked separately in distilled water for 24 hours at room temperature of 210C at a ratio of 1:10 (w/v) and the same was filtered through 10 and 60 mesh sieve separately. A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2017-18 in a randomized block design with 10 treatments to evaluate the performance of different plant extracts each applied at 15 L/ha at 15 and 30 DAS and rice straw mulch 5 t/ha for weed management in groundnut. The application of rice straw mulch 5 t/ha was found to be the best followed by sunflower extract spray for obtaining higher pod yield and maximum net returns, besides effective control of weeds in groundnut in view of sustainability and reduce the load of herbicides in the soil, however pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + HW at 30 DAS produced higher pod yield and net returns.

2 tables, 12 ref

043027   SHAKTAWAT R P S (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Agar Malwa - 465 441, Madhya Pradesh, Email: rpssbkn@yahoo.co.in) : Integrated weed management in blackgram. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 290–1.

An on farm testing (OFT) was conducted in the farmer’s field of Daloda Rail village, Mandsaur district, Madhya Pradesh in kharif season of 2014, 2015 and 2016 to assess the effect of integrated weed management treatments on weed management and yield of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.). Application of imazethapyr 75 g/ha at 18 days after seeding (DAS) and hand weeding at 40 DAS gave 36.91 % mean higher blackgram grain yield as compare to farmer’s practice (0.88 t/ha). Further, this treatment also resulted in significantly higher blackgram plant height, pods/plant, net return and B:C ratio as compared to all other tested treatments and significantly reduced the weed density and biomass as recorded at 45 DAS as compared to all other treatments tested.

3 tables, 7 ref

043026   RAMESH T, RATHIKA S (Agronomy Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Tiruchirappalli - 620 009, Tamil Nadu, Email: agronramesh@gmail.com) : Management of Trianthema portulacastrum through herbicides in greengram. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 286–9.

Field experiments were conducted to select suitable pre- and post-emergence herbicides for the control of Trianthema portulacastrum in greengram. Treatments were consisted of pre-emergence (PE) herbicides, viz. pendimethalin (1.0 kg/ha), oxyfluorfen (100 and 200 g/ha) with one hand weeding at 30 days after sowing (DAS), post-emergence (PoE) imazethapyr 50 g/ha at 15 DAS, combinations of PE and PoE herbicides and hand weeding (HW) twice at 15 and 30 DAS and control. Significantly lesser weed density (137/m² ) and dry weight (30.4 g/m² ) and higher weed control efficiency (89.6 %) were recorded with application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha at 3 DAS + imazethapyr 50 g/ha at 30 DAS than other treatments at 45 DAS. Significantly higher dry matter production (1.34 t/ha), more number of pods per plant (38.4) and seeds per pod (9.8) were recorded with application of pendimethalin1.0 kg/ha + imazethapyr 50 g/ha 30 DAS than other treatments. Application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha on 3 DAS followed by imazethapyr 50 g/ha on 30 DAS recorded significantly higher mean grain yield of 461 kg/ha, mean net returns ( 14443/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.09) over other treatments. Thus, it could be concluded that application of PE herbicide pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha on 3 DAS followed by PoE herbicide imazethapyr 50g/ha on 30 DAS controlled the Trianthema portulacastrum effectively and produced higher productivity and profitability of greengram in irrigated condition.

2 tables, 11 ref

046425   SINGH O V, SHEKHAWAT N, SINGH K (ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Jodhpur- 342 003, Email: neelam.shekhawat@icar.gov.in) : Stability analysis for yield and some of yield component traits in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] germplasm in hot arid climate. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 623-6.

The present study carried out to identify cowpea genotypes suitable for summer season in arid and semi-arid zones of India appeared important for its sustained increase the cultivation. Thirty-eight accessions of cowpea including 3 checks (V-585, FTC-27, GC-3) were evaluated during five consecutive (2012-2016) kharif seasons to estimate stability of performance for nine quantitative traits. The G×E interaction variance was significant for all the observed characters except peduncle length and plant height, suggesting that yield was inconsistent in different years. However, the present study revealed that the genotype C-863 with higher mean performance with compared to check, non-significant deviation from regression line and regression coefficient less than unity was most suitable for favourable environments for the characters like seed yield per plant and number of clusters per plant. The genotypes C-863, C-1085, C-956 for seed yield per plant, C-1013 and C-1126 for number of pods per plant, C-1133 for number of clusters per plant and C-863 and C-1089 for number of peduncles per plant may be effectively used for future cowpea breeding programmes.

3 tables, 6 ref

043025   SARAVANANE P, POONGUZHALAN R, VIJAYAKUMAR S, POOJA K (Agronomy Dep, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Coll of Agriculture & Research Institute, Karaikal - 609 603, Puducherry, Email: psaravanane@rediffmail.com) : Crop-weed competition in blackgram in coastal deltaic eco-system. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 283–5.

A field experiment was carried out at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal, U.T. of Puducherry, India during rainy season (Kharif) of 2019 with ten treatments replicated thrice in a randomized block design to study the critical period of crop-weed competition in irrigated blackgram in deltaic coastal ecosystem. The weed spectrum comprised of Echinochloa colona (L), Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.), Trianthema portulacastrum (L.), Cleome viscosa (L.), Eclipta prostrata (L.) and Cyperus rotundus (L.). The density and dry weight of weeds significantly increased when crop-weed competition was prolonged from 15 days after sowing (DAS) to the maturity of the crop. The highest seed yield (706.5 kg/ in coastaha) was obtained when blackgram was maintained weed free till harvest closely followed by weed free till 60 DAS (652.1 kg/ha) and weedy condition till 15 DAS (608.6 kg/ha). The critical period of crop-weed competition was found to be 17 to 50 DAS. Weedy condition upto 15, 30, 45, 60 DAS and throughout crop growth resulted in a yield loss of 9.66, 39.19, 59.13, 75.87 and 86.30 %, respectively

3 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

043024   NATH S, DHYANI V C, SINGH V P, CHATURVEDI S, PRAHARAJ S, SARVADAMANA A K (G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar - 263 145, Uttarakhand, Email: supravanath96@gmail.com) : Biochar and herbicide application effect on weed dynamics and yield of dry direct-seeded rice. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 280–2.

Field experiment was conducted during rainy season (Kharif) 2018 to study the bio-efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides in dry direct-seeded rice. The treatments were weedy check, weed free, pendimethalin applied as preemergence at 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg/ha fb post-emergence application of bispyribacsodium at 0.025 kg/ha with amendment of biochar at 4.0 t/ha and without amendment of biochar. Total weed dry matter accumulation was maximum at 60 DAS. The highest grain yield was obtained in weed free treatment which was 7.38 % higher than pendimethalin as pre-emergence at 1.5 kg/ha followed by bispyribac-sodium at 25 g/ha under biochar condition. Recommended dose of pendimethalin (1.0 kg/ha) along with biochar had 7.5 % less yield compared to 1.0 kg/ha pendimethalin without biochar amendment. Higher dose of pendimethalin reduced grain, straw and biological yield, setback on yield was more pronounced in non-biochar amended soil. Addition of biochar decreased the B:C compared to without biochar treatments.

2 tables, 13 ref

043023   KUMARI S, KAUR T, BHULLAR M S (Agronomy Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana - 141 001, Punjab, Email: snehak723@gmail.com) : Integrated weed management with brown manuring and herbicides in dry-seeded rice. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 276–9.

The study was carried out in rainy season in 2015 at Ludhiana, India. Present study evaluated the effect of timing of brown manuring with Sesbania aculeata alone and its integration with herbicides on weed incidence and rice grain yield. Sesbania seed was broadcasted at time of rice sowing and brown manured using 2,4-D at 580 g/ha at 4- and 5-weeks age. BM plots had significantly lower weed density and biomass than without BM (sole rice). BM at 4 weeks was more effective in suppressing weeds than BM at 5 weeks age. Among weed control methods, sequential application of pendimethalin and bispyribac gave best weed control and highest rice grain yield. Combination treatments of BM (4 weeks) with pendimethalin and, sole rice with pendimethalin and bispyribac gave similar rice grain yield. It was concluded that BM has weed control potential equivalent to one post-emergence herbicide, however, for getting the highest rice productivity it must be used in combination with pre- and postemergence herbicides.

2 tables, 10 ref

043022   LINU C, GIRIJA T (Horticulture Coll, Thrissur - 680 656, Kerala, Email: linu797@gmail.com) : Physiological response of rice to herbicide application. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 270–5.

The experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy in the year 2018 with the rice variety ‘Jyothi’. The experiment was laid out in RBD with three replications. Treatments included recommended and double the recommended doses of 2,4-D, metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron-ethyl and penoxsualm and two controls (hand weeded and unweeded). Herbicides were sprayed at 20 days after sowing (DAS). Biochemical parameters were estimated at one week after herbicidal application and at the time of flowering. Biochemical parameters such as soluble protein, total amino acid and nitrate reductase enzyme activity showed a decline in herbicide treatments compared to hand weeded control. Proline content and catalase enzyme activity showed an increase with herbicide application while other physiological parameters like Indole acetic acid (IAA) content, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis showed a decline. Double the recommended dose of herbicides affected these parameters more adversely as compared to the recommended dose of herbicides. Even though double the recommended dose of herbicide exhibited higher weed control efficiency, it reduced the yield of rice plant.

12 tables, 26 ref

046422   SARKAR S , PANDA S , YADAV K K, KANDASAMY P (Agronomy Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani- 741 235, Email: smritikanasarkar12@gmail.com) : Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) an important food legume in Indian scenario – A review. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 601-10.

According to Indian Institute of Pulses Research Vision document, India’s population is expected to touch 1.68 billion by 2030 and the pulse requirement for the year 2030 is projected at 32 million tonnes with anticipated required annual growth rate of 4.2 %. Pigeon pea is an important legume crop cultivated across several countries throughout the tropics and subtropics. They are cultivated in India, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Caribbean, East and West Africa. Commonly known as ‘Arhar’ in Northern India, this protein rich pulse crop has growing demand in Asia. Among the pulses pigeon pea is the second most important kharif grain legume after chickpea in India and grown predominantly under rainfed conditions. The kernels are nutritionally rich containing 20-22 % protein. Its cultivation would be able to provide 40-60 kg N/ha to the subsequently grown crop. The leaves and immature stems can be used as a green manure. Fallen leaves can also be used as mulch and thus help to enhance the water holding capacity of soil. Its beneficial effect as an intercrop has also been reported. Sometimes ground dry peas are mixed with wheat flour just to improve the flour quality and its protein content. Additionally, pigeon pea shares a vital part in India’s pulse import and export. Keeping all these in view the present review depicts the various aspects of pigeon pea cultivation and its status in Indian trade on pulse.

1 illus, 1 table, 105 ref

043021   KAUR M, PUNIA S S, SINGH J, SINGH S (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana 141004, Email: maninder.sindhu@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of multiple herbicide resistance in littleseed canarygrass (Phalaris minor) populations from Haryana in India. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 265–9.

Phalaris minor is seriously affecting wheat productivity and profitability in Haryana. The menace of P. minor has worsened after it evolved resistance to herbicides. For rational recommendation and implementation of management strategies, it is imperative to assess and quantify the level of resistance in P. minor populations. In dose-response assay, it was found that P. minor populations ‘Naggal’ and ‘Kalvehri’ exhibited multiple resistance to herbicides from different chemical families. ‘Naggal’ was 13-, 18-, 26- and 22-fold resistant to clodinafop, pinoxaden, sulfosulfuron and mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron, respectively and ‘Kalvehri’ was 15-, 29- and 16-fold resistant to pinoxaden, sulfosulfuron and mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron, respectively. All tested populations were resistant to ACCase inhibitors with more number of populations being highly resistant to clodinafop than pinoxaden. However, majority of the populations were susceptible to ALS inhibitors particularly mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron. The evolution of multiple herbicide resistance in P. minor is a big challenge for scientists and farmers alike.

2 tables, 19 ref

043020   DHANDA S, CHAUDHARY A , KAUR S, BHULLAR M S (Agronomy Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana - 141 004, Punjab, Email: sachin-agr@pau.edu) : Herbicide resistance in Rumex dentatus against metsulfuron herbicide in Punjab and Haryana, India. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 259–64.

Over-reliance and continuous use of similar mode of herbicides lead to increase in selection pressure which resulted in evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds. Metsulfuron-methyl is used for the control of broad-leaf weeds in wheat since 1990s. There are reports of failure of control of Rumex dentatus with metsulfuron from farmers’ fields in North-Western India. Pot studies were conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during winter (Rabi) 2018-19 and 2019-20 to quantify the status and level of herbicide resistance in R. dentatus in Punjab and Haryana. Rumex populations were collected from farmers’ fields in both years. Fifty six and 33 biotypes of R. dentatus from farmers’ fields of Haryana and 6 and 19 biotypes from Punjab were collected in first and second year, respectively. Biotypes were screened using recommended dose of metsulfuron-methyl (5 g/ha) along with unsprayed in pot study. Results revealed that 38 out of 56 biotypes of R. dentatus collected from Haryana in first year were found resistant to metsulfuron whereas only one biotype showed resistance from Punjab. Further, 23 biotypes out of 33 biotypes collected in second year were found resistant from Haryana whereas 14 biotypes out of 19 were found resistant in Punjab. This indicated that R. dentatus has evolved resistance against metsulfuron-methyl in different regions of Punjab and Haryana.

3 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

043019   VARSHA GUPTA*, D.S. SASODE, EKTA JOSHI, SUSHMA TIWARI AND Y.K. SINGH (Rajmata Vijyaraje Scindia Krishi Vishva Vidyalaya, Gwalior - 474 002, Madhya Pradesh, Email: drvarshagupta11@gmail.com) : Weed flora dynamics and yield of mustard as influenced by tillage and weed management in pearlmillet-mustard-cowpea cropping system. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 254–8.

The effects of tillage and weed management practices were evaluated for four years (2014-15 to 2017-18) in pearlmillet-mustard-cowpea cropping system. The results revealed that conventional tillage during Kharif (rainy) and Rabi (winter) seasons and zero tillage with previous crop residue application significantly increased the grain yield by 36 and 15 % and reduced the total weed biomass by 57 and 26 %, respectively compared to zero tillage without residue application. Among different weed flora, conventional tillage during Kharif and Rabi season fb the zero tillage with previous crop residue reduced the population of P. minor by 24.6 and 16 %, C. arvensis and M. hispida by 50 and 29 % and C. rotundus by 42 and 10 % with weed control efficiency of 79 and 65 %, respectively at 60 DAS over zero tillage without residue application. However, among different weed management practices, the pre-emergence application of oxyfluorfen 0.23 kg/ha with one hand weeding at 30-35 DAS resulted in significant reduction of total weed biomass, highest grain yield, weed control efficiency and net returns. The integrated weed management approach reduced the narrow-leaved weeds by 75 %, broad-leaved weeds by 86 % and sedges by 90 % as compared to the weedy check.

3 tables, 17 ref

046420   LAKHRAN L, AHIR R R (Plant Pathology Dep, Shri Karan Narendra Agriculture Coll, Jobner- 303 328, Email: lalitalakhran782@gmail.com) : In-vivo evaluation of different fungicides, plant extracts, biocontrol agents and organics amendments for management of dry root rot of chickpea caused by Macrophomina phaseolina. Legum Res 2020, 43(1), 140-5.

The present study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of various fungicides, plant extracts, biocontrol agents and oil cakes against Macrophomina phaseolina causing dry root rot of chickpea. Among the tested biocontrol agents against Macrophomina phaseolina, T. viride was found the most effective against the fungus followed by T. harzianum, Bacillus subtalis and P. fluorescens was the least effective in reducing root rot incidence. Among the fungicides carbendazim was found most effective and recorded minimum root rot incidence. Among plant extracts, garlic extract was found most effective in reducing root rot incidence followed by neem leaf extract. In the case of organic amendments, Neem cake was the most effective in reducing the root rot incidence while wool waste and goat manure was found least effective in controlling root rot incidence.

7 tables, 39 ref

043018   PATEL B D, CHAUDHARI D D, MOR V B, PATEL V J, PATEL H K (Anand Agricultural Univ, Anand - 388 110, Gujarat, Email: bdpatel62@yahoo.com) : Effectiveness of herbicide mixture on weeds and yield of summer groundnut. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 250–3.

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive summer season of 2018 and 2019 in loamy sand soil at B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand to study the effect of integrated weed management in summer groundnut. Results indicated that pre-emergence application of oxyfluorfen 180 g/ha PE fb interculturing (IC) + hand weeding (HW) at 40 DAS found to be effective for controlling weeds, and higher pod yield (3.99 t/ha) of groundnut, followed by oxyfluorfen 180 g/ha PE fb imazethapyr 100 g/ha PoE, IC fb HW at 20 and 40 DAS, oxyfluorfen 180 g/ha PE fb imazethapyr + imazamox 70 g/ha PoE (pre-mix) and fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen 250 g/ha ePoE (pre-mix) fb IC + HW at 40 DAS.

3 tables, 8 ref

043017   CHAVAN A A, NARKHEDE W N, KARLE A S (Agronomy Dep, Agriculture Coll, Parbhani - 431 402, Maharashtra, Email: ashachavan1992@gmail.com) : Effect of organic weed management practices on weed control and yield of soybean-gram cropping system under irrigated condition. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 245–9.

The significantly lower weed density and biomass, at 40 days after seeding (DAS) was recorded in weed free plots followed by soil solarization with 25 μ polythene mulch during summer + one hand weeding at 25 DAS in soybean and gram during both the years. Among the weed management practices, combination of stale seedbed + reduced spacing + mulching with wheat straw (2 t/ha) + one HW at 25 DAS recorded higher  soybean equivalent yield. Higher net  returns and  benefit: cost ratio was observed in soybean + sun hemp incorporation after 35-40 DAS in Kharif and gram + safflower (2:1) intercropping in Rabi season, followed by stale seedbed + reduced spacing + mulching with wheat straw (2 t/ha) + one HW at 25 DAS. Application of two hand weeding (20-25 and 45-50 DAS) recorded higher values of yield attributes.

7 tables, 11 ref

043016   KUMAR M, SINGH R P, PANDEY D, SINGH G (Agronomy Dep, Narendra Deva Univ of Agricultural & Technology, Ayodhya - 224 229, Uttar Pradesh, Email: manojbu123@gmail.com) : Effect of nitrogen levels and weed control methods on yield and economics of wheat under zero-tillage conditions. Indian J Weed Sci 2020, 52(3), 241–4.

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17 to study the effect of nitrogen and weed control on wheat yield, nitrogen uptake and economics of wheat. The treatments comprised of 4 levels of nitrogen, viz. 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg/ha, and 5 weed control methods, viz. weedy check, hand weedings at 30 and 60 days after seeding (DAS), clodinafop + metsulfuron (60 + 4 g/ha), fenoxaprop + metsulfuron (120 + 4 g/ha) and sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (25 + 4 g/ha). Weed density was reduced with increased rate of nitrogen from 90 to 180 kg/ha. Crop fertilized with180 kg N/ha was at par with 150 kg N/ha but produced significantly higher weeds biomass than the rest of the nitrogen levels. The uptake of nitrogen by weeds was significantly higher with 180 kg/ha than the other N-levels. Post-emergence spray of clodinafop + metsulfuron (60 + 4 g/ha) recorded significantly the lowest weed population followed by sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (25 + 4 g/ha) and fenoxaprop + metsulfuron (120 + 4 g/ha). Hand weeding twice (30 and 60 DAS) recorded the significantly lowest weeds biomass, followed by clodinafop + metsulfuron (60 + 4 g/ha). Weedy check recorded significantly maximum amount of nitrogen uptake by weeds. Nitrogen applied at 180 kg/ha recorded the highest wheat grain yield (3.82 and 3.98 t/ha), crop nitrogen uptake (96.81 and 99.69 kg/ha), gross returns ( 73700/ha), net returns ( 49600/ha) and B:C ratio (2.06).

3 tables, 7 ref