043556   JAHAN R , SINGH S K (Botany Dep, A.N. Coll, Patna, Bihar) : Future scenario and problems encountered with the solid waste management in India. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 267-70.

A comprehensive study has been done in this paper to analyze the wide range of municipal solid waste management and future scenario of its strategies to treat its solid waste in India. Its urban population grew at a rate of 31.8 % during the last decade to 377 million, which is greater than the entire population of US, the third largest country in the world according to population. India is facing a sharp contrast between its increasing urban population and available services and resources. Solid waste management (SWM) is one such service where India has an enormous gap to fill, Proper municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal systems to address the burgeoning amount of wastes are absent. The current SWM services are inefficient, incur heavy expenditure and are so low as to be a potential threat to the public health and environmental quality. Improper solid waste management deteriorates public health, causes environmental pollution, accelerates natural resources degradation. Causes climate change and greatly impacts the quality of life of citizens. The information provided is very useful when planning, changing or implementing waste management systems in cities.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

043555   REMLALPEKA C , UPADHYAYA K , LALRAMNGHINGLOVA H , LALREMSANG P, SINGH P D (Forestry Dep, Mizoram Univ, Tanhril, Aizawl, Mizoram) : Three new distributional records of orchids from Mizoram, India – Bulbophyllum lopalanthum J.J.Verm., Schuit. & de Vogel, Cymbidium bicolor Lindl. And Zeuxine flava (Wall. ex Lindl.) Trimen. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 263-6.

Three new reports of orchids have been identified during a field survey in Mizoram viz. Bulbophyllum lopalanthum J.J.Verm., Schuit. & de Vogel Cymbidium bicolor Lindl. And Zeuxine flava (Wall. ex Lindl.) Trimen. Taxonomic description of the species have been given with their classification along with photographs of each.

2 illus, 23 ref

043554   SINGH G , JAIN AK (Soil and Water Engineering Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab) : Mapping groundwater potential zones in the central part of Indian Punjab. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 255-62.

This research work is proposed as a contribution for developing a methodology involving various factors controlling the availability of groundwater resources, keeping in view of choosing the location of drilling in future and increasing chances of taking water more productively, thereby, satisfying the increasing demand of water locally for the people. In the present study, a fence diagram of district Ludhiana in the central part of Indian Punjab has been developed using Rockworks software based on the lithology of 171 boreholes to identify the groundwater bearing zones for future development of groundwater resources which revealed two distinct features viz. sand and clay/heavy soil. Few clay/heavy soil layers were depicted intervening the multiple aquifers while thick sandy beds made the area favorable for groundwater development. The multi parametric data comprising aquifer thickness and its permeability, depth of water levels at different locations, stage of groundwater development, water level elevations and groundwater quality for irrigation purposes was spatially analyzed and integrated on a GIS platform to generate thematic maps. Only 11.6 % of area within the district had water table depth less than 10 m i.e. suitable for using horizontal centrifugal pumps. It was inferred that 15.7 % and 77.5 % area in the district lied in good and moderate groundwater potential zones category respectively, whereas only 6.7% area lied in poor sector, especially in the central part of Ludhiana district. Based upon the analysis, further increase in extraction of groundwater was not recommended in this area.

8 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

043553   ROHIT , SINGH J (R.B.S. Coll, Bichpuri, Agra, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of potassium application on seed yield of mustard in Agra. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 253-4.

Field experiments were conducted at Dry land research farm, Bichpuri, Agra for three consecutive years to find out the response of mustard to potassium application against RDF in terms of seed yield. In Agra, farmers, in general, apply recommended dose of N and P fertilizers omitting potassium (K) from their fertilization schedule. This lack of K may be responsible for low yields and poor crop quality apart from other major physiological and biochemical requirements in plant growth. Seed yield and productivity of mustard still can be further improved in Agra by use of balanced fertilization. Application of 40 and 60 kg k/ha along with RDF increased the seed yield of mustard by 22.77 and 23.15 % respectively over RDF (Only N and P were applied). Seed yield obtained with 40 and 60 kg K/ha were statistically at par during all three years, implying the application of 40 kg K/ha along with 100 % RDF was good enough to meet the K requirement of mustard grown on low to medium status soils of Agra district.

1 table, 9 ref

043552   SAINI AK, PATEL AM, SAINI L H, MALVE SH (Sadarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural Univ, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat) : Growth, phenology and yield of summer Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) as affected by varied application of water, nutrients and hydrogel. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 248-52.

A field experiment was conducted during the summer seasons of 2015 and 2016 on loamy sand soils of Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat to assess the impact of irrigation, fertility and hydrogel levels on growth attributes, yield and economics of summer pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with 3 replications, consisted of 3 irrigation levels [0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 irrigation water: cumulative pan evaporation ratio (IW: CPE)], 2 fertility levels (120: 60: 00 and 150: 75: 00 kg N: P2O5: K2O/ha) in main plots and 3 hydrogel levels (0.0, 2.5 and 5.0 kg/ha) in sub-plots. The pooled results indicated that irrigation at 1.2 IW/CPE being at par with 1.0 IW/CPE enhanced growth parameters viz., plant height, number of effective and non-effective tillers, dry matter production, CGR and RGR and yield of pearl millet. Application of 150: 75: 00 kg N: P2O5: K2O/ha (125 % RDF) significantly improved growth parameters, seed yield, stover yield and harvest index over 100 % RDF (120: 60: 00 kg N: P2O5: K2O/ha). Higher grain yield was a reflection of higher plant height, effective tillers/m, total dry-matter production, grain yield and stover yield of pearl millet under application of 5.0 kg hydrogel/ha. Significantly the highest net returns was obtained under higher levels of inputs viz., irrigation, nutrients and hydrogel.

2 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

043551   NAYAK D , MEHER M , PANIGRAHI S P (Extension Education Dep, Agriculture Coll, Odisha) : Constraints faced by farmers in various agricultural adaptation activities in response to climate change in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 245-7.

In India, Agriculture and its allied sectors are the largest source of livelihood. Climate and agriculture are interconnected and are deeply affected by each other. In our country, the farmers have been suffering a lot due to climate change and they have to adopt some strategies to overcome the problem but at the same time they face some constraints in adopting such practices. Such a study would contribute towards a better understanding of different types of constraints faced by the farmers in various agricultural adaptation activities in response to climate change. The research study was conducted in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha taking 120 respondents from Tirtol and Raghunathpur block. From the study it was revealed that among the personal constrains, lack of literacy and understanding is the main problem with a mean score of 3.91 followed by lack of knowledge about how to cope and small land holding with mean score of 3.75 and 3.57 respectively. Similarly, among the institutional constrains, the major constraint was lack of information sources having a mean score of 3.31 and among the technical constrains the main problem was lack of technical know-how with a mean score of 4.16.

4 tables, 6 ref

043550   ARYA P (Resource Management and Consumer Science Dep, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan) : Insight into the sustainable solid waste management practices and techniques in India. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 240-4.

India, the world’s second highest populated country with population exceeding a billion and one of the fastest urbanizing countries, is a land of physical, climatic, geographic, ecological, social, cultural and linguistic diversity. Human activities create waste, and it is the way these wastes are handled, stored, collected and disposed off, which can pose risks to the environment and to public health where intense human activities concentrate, such as in urban centers, appropriate and safe solid waste management (SWM) are of utmost importance to allow healthy living conditions for the population. India currently is facing a municipal solid waste dilemma, for which all elements of the society are responsible. The community sensitization and public awareness is low. There is no system of segregation of organic, inorganic and recyclable wastes at the household level. Common problems for municipal solid waste management include landfill area, dumping of waste, disposal of waste, government policies for environmental protection, budgetary planning, manpower planning, schedule for transporting the solid waste. This review research explained various aspects of solid waste management practices, waste to energy conversion, waste reuse and recycle and study also includes suggestions for improving existing solid waste management practices.

4 illus, 26 ref

043549   DEVI M , KUMARI M (Maharishi Markandeshwar Univ Sadopur Ambala, Haryana) : Integrated nutrient management for sustainable crop production: A review. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 237-9.

The increasing food demands of a growing human population and the need for an environmentally friendly strategy for sustainable agricultural development require significant attention when addressing the issue of enhancing crop productivity. Here we discuss the role of integrated nutrient management (INM) in resolving these concerns, which has been proposed as a promising strategy for addressing such challenges. INM has multifaceted potential for the improvement of plant performance and resource efficiency while also enabling the protection of the environment and resource quality. A comprehensive literature search revealed that INM enhances crop yields by 8-150 % compared with conventional practices, increases water-use efficiency, and the economic returns to farmers, while improving grain quality, soil health and sustainability. Lower inputs of chemical fertilizer and therefore lower human and environmental costs (such as intensity of land use, N use, reactive N losses and GHG emissions) were achieved under advanced INM practices without compromising crop yields.

16 ref

043548   CHOUHAN A, RAWAT A K , SINGH V , NARGAVE G (Agronomy Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Effect of chitosan (plant growth enhancer) on yield and economics of transplanted rice. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 234-6.

A field experiment was conducted at Krishi Nagar Farm, Department of Agronomy, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.) during kharif season 2018, on effect of chitosan (plant growth enhancer) on yield and economics of transplanted rice. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with thrice replication. The experimental results revealed that maximum grain yield (4471 kg ha^-1 ), straw yield (7702 kg ha^-1 ), gross monetary returns (93649 Rs. ha^-1 ), net Monetary returns (56068 Rs. ha^-1 ) and benefit-cost ratio (2.49) were recorded under application of 100 % RDF + 1 % Chitosan at 20, 40 and 60 DAT over the rest treatments.

1 table, 14 ref

043547   UMESH MR , KUCHNUR P H , REDDY V , MANJUNATHA N (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Raichur, Karnataka) : Climate resilient heat tolerant maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids yield potential under well-watered conditions in subtropics. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 230-3.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate newly developed heat tolerant maize hybrids canopy development and yield potential during rainy season relatively lower temperature. Four new hybrids tested in 60 and 45 cm row spacings and recommended and 25 % graded fertilizers compared with local hybrids and existing recommendations. Results indicated that row spacing at 60 cm was found optimum to enhance growth and to achieve higher maize grain yield. Increased fertilizer rate at 25 % higher than present recommendation was significant impact on grain yield of these hybrids. Among tested hybrids, RCRMH-2 was out yielded (19.4 %) over local popular maize hybrid 900 M Gold. Light interception, leaf area index, aboveground biomass and yield attributes of maize hybrids was significantly influenced by row spacing and fertilizers rate.It indicated that heat tolerant maize hybrids are well performed during Kharif under well-watered condition.

2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

043546   PANDEY NN , VISHWAKARMA B K , PATIYAL RS (ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Nainital, Aquaculture, Uttrakhand) : Ichthyofaunal diversity of Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 224-9.

An attempt has been made to assess the ichthyofaunal diversity of Alaknanda River which is known as one of a major river system of Uttarakhand state. Alaknanda originates from Satopanth glacier and contributes to the mighty river Ganga. The estimated total length of river network is 10927.9 kms including streams, tributaries and rivulets, which support occurrence of 83 fish species belonging to 39 genera. Conservation and restoration efforts on large rivers often focus on the main streams, but not for subsidiary tributaries, which provide unique habitat and serve as spawning sites and nursery grounds. Despite their abundance on the landscape and important role in ecosystem, tributaries are ignored in commonly used cartographic depictions, but play an important role in the ichthyofaunal diversity.

4 tables, 32 ref

043545   GURLHOSUR S V , QUADRI M W , DOHARE D (Shri Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology and Science, Indore, Madhya Pradesh) : Municipal solid waste management of Indore: A review. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 218-23.

The management of solid waste has become a major cause of concern over the past few years in both developed and developing countries. With rapid increase of population, urbanization and industrialization, there has been a marked rise in living conditions of people and this had led to the generation of varied types of solid waste that needs to be effectively managed. Since 2016, Indore has eliminated garbage dumps, ensured 100 % waste segregation and converted waste into useful products. Indore has been adjudged the cleanest city of India consecutively for three years by the urban development ministry. The paper summarizes the solid waste management practices, strategies, processes and methods used to manage the Municipal solid waste in Indore.

2 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

043544   KRISHNA K , MOHAN Y C , SHANKAR V G , RANI CHV D , KRISHNA L , KIRANBABU T (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Agriculture Coll, Rajendranagar. Hyderabad, Telangana) : Screening of Maintainer lines for Leaf Blast resistance through uniform blast nursery method in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 213-7.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the maintainer lines blast resistance and yield component traits in rice. Present investigation was carried out during rabi 2018-19 with 40 genotypes and TN 1 (susceptible check). The genotypes were screened against leaf blast by adopting Uniform Blast Nursery (UBN) method at Rice Research Centre, Rajendranagar and scored as per Standard Evaluation System (SES) scale (IRRI-2013). Accordingly, based on the disease scoring, the genotypes were categorized as resistant, moderately resistant, moderately susceptible and susceptible types. It was found that 13 lines were resistant to screening reaction, 12 lines were moderately resistant and 10 lines were found to be moderately susceptible and 3 lines were susceptible. Four genotypes viz., JMS 17B, JMS 18B, MTU 1216 and IR-BLZ-F4 were recorded higher mean for yield and its component traits along with blast resistance and hence these genotypes could be directly used as parents for development of heterotic hybrids with blast resistance and higher grain yield. Further the maintainer lines viz., MTU 1216 and IR-BLZ-F4 could be back crossed to any stable Cytoplasmic Male Sterile (CMS) lines for development of new blast resistant CMS lines which can be utilized as female parent in development of heterotic hybrids with leaf blast resistance.

2 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

043543   PRAMANIK K, TRIPATHY P , MANDAL P , PRADHAN M , BISWAL M (Centurion Univ, Paralakhemundi, Odisha) : Effect of micronutrients on total dry matter yield and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in onion (Allium cepa L.). Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 208-12.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of micronutrients on the performances of onion (Allium cepa L. var. Arka Kalyan) with respect to its total dry matter yield during 2014-15 at College of Horticulture (OUAT), Sambalpur, Odisha under All India Network Research Project on Onion and Garlic, India. The experiment was laid out in RBD having four replication with following treatments: T₁ (soil application of Zinc Sulphate @ 10.0 kg ha^-1 ), T2 (foliar application of Zinc Sulphate @ 0.5 % at 30 & 45 days after planting), T3 (soil application of Borax @ 10.0 kg ha-1 ), T4 (foliar application of Borax @ 0.25 % at 30 & 45 DAP), T₅ (Foliar application of Micronutrient Mixture i.e. iron-2.5 %,boron-0.5 %,zinc -3 %,copper -1 %and manganese-1 % @ 0.5 % at 30 & 45 DAP) and T₆ (control i.e. without micronutrients). The recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) used for onion crop was 150:50:80:30 NPK kg ha-1 along with FYM @ 20 t ha^-1 , applied uniformly in all the treatments. The results revealed that foliar application of micronutrient mixture significantly increase the number of leaves plant-1 (12.62), total bulb yield (268.28 qha^-1 ), dry matter yield of leaves (1.18 tha^-1 ), bulb (4.74 tha^-1 ), total dry matter yield (5.91 tha^-1 ), highest gross income (2.68 lakhs/ha) as well as net income (1.95 lakhs/ha) than rest of the treatments. The second-best treatment was found to be foliar application of borax @ 0.25 % at 30 and 45 DAP (T₄) in all parameters. Similar trend was also observed for Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), significantly highest being calculated in T₅ (2.65) closely followed by T₄ (2.26) which was statistically at par with each other.

2 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

043542   SURYA PRABHA AC, ARULMANI K , VELUMANI R , SENTHIVELU M , PADMINI S (Silviculture and Forest Management Div, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Invasion impacts of Acacia mearnsii on soil properties of Shola forests in the Western Ghats. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 204-7.

The Australian Black Wattle (A. mearnsii) introduced during the 1960s in State Forest lands located in the upper altitudes of the Palani hills, threatens native habitats by out competing indigenous vegetation for water, soil nutrients and organic matter. The present investigation was undertaken to study the soil properties of shola forests invaded by A. mearnsii plantations in the Western Ghats covering the Kodaikanal. Soil samples were collected from shola forests invaded by A. mearnsii in the Kodaikanal forest range of the Kodaikanal Forest Division. For comparison purpose, soil samples were collected from shola forest, pure A. mearnsii plantation, grass land and pine plantations. The soil organic carbon (5.73 %) was highest under shola forest and A. mearnsii invaded shola forest recorded the highest available nitrogen at 0-30 cm depth (465.5 kg ha^-1 ), available phosphorus (29.8 kg ha^-1 ), exchangeable calcium (1.2 meq/100g), magnesium (1.6 meq/100g). A. mearnsii plantation recorded the highest available potassium (490.0 kg ha^-1 ) at 0-30 cm depth and was followed by shola forest (400.0 kg ha^-1 ), and grassland (343.0 kg ha^-1 ). The study has contributed to the understanding of soil characteristics in A. mearnsii invaded shola forests and the baseline data generated can be utilized for undertaking appropriate decision making in the management of forests to control the invasion menace of A. mearnsii thereby improving the soil quality.

4 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

043541   GAIROLA S U (Uttaranchal Univ, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Protection of environment through green pilgrimage: A review article. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 199-203.

A pilgrimage is a divine experience. In Hinduism, pilgrimage is the practice of journeying to the sites of religious powers and knowledge. The word ‘pilgrim’ denotes a person who is on a religious travel. The word pilgrim is derived from a Latin word ‘peregrinus’ which means traveller, globetrotter or a person belonging to other country. In today's world, pilgrimages have become corrupted by consumerism. Pilgrimage sites are often located in spots of natural beauty. In earlier days, a pilgrimage was considered as a holy journey which was full of odds. Increased and improved transportation had enhanced the accessibility of the tough religious sites which had led to multifold dumping of filth and waste. Natural forests had also been affected due to religious observances. Thus, there is an urgent need to shift from the concept of just a "pilgrimage" to "green pilgrimage". This paper highlights the significance of green pilgrimage and its beneficial effects on the environment of the present day. Green pilgrimage is need of an hour. The sustainable behaviour of green pilgrimage surely shows the way to protect the environment by changing the mindset of the pilgrims.

3 illus, 29 ref

043540   SINGH A , PANDEY A K, SINGH U (Mandan Bharti Agriculture Coll, Agwanpur, Saharsa, Bihar) : Awareness about soil health card among the farmers in Saharsa district of Bihar. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 197-8.

Soil health card provide necessary information to farmers about present nutrient status of their soil and recommendations for appropriate doses of different source of nutrient for improving soil health and its fertility. The priority aim is to promote integrated nutrient management for improving soil health and its productivity. An attempt was made to analyse awareness of farmers in utilizing its information. The result showed that majority of the farmers was aware about soil health card and its effectiveness. A proper training of farmers should be done for soil sample collection followed by analysing recommended dose of fertilizers at local level.

1 table, 12 ref

043538   BOSE A , BARDHAN S, SAMANTA K (Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata, West Bengal) : Shoreline change assessment & future projections for a coastal tourism belt of West Bengal, India. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 178-90.

Coastal Tourism is a widely popular and commercially viable form of tourism around the world. However, it is also vulnerable to the active natural forces affecting the coast, for which management of coastal systems based on understanding of shoreline changes and their future projection plays a very important role. In this paper we have analysed the shoreline change dynamics of the well-known Digha--Mandarmani coastal tourism belt of West Bengal, India using Remote Sensing & GIS methods and also project the future shoreline profiles of 2050 with potential impact on the tourism establishments of the area. The Digha coastal zone is facing serious environmental challenges due to coastal erosion and unregulated human interventions. This paper presents a lustrum shoreline study along the Digha coast over the last 15 years using the application of multi-temporal high resolution Satellite datasets. The analysis of past and present changes of shoreline along the coast in Digha and Mandarmani shows significant variations in the form of erosion and accretion with negative consequences to the tourism infrastructure in certain cases. This study also predicts the future changes of Digha- -Mandarmani shoreline assuming business as usual scenario. The GIS maps prepared in course of this research are expected to contribute to the shoreline management measures for sustainable tourism development in this very significant tourism belt of the state.

25 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

043537   PANDIARAJ T, DAS S , KAR PK , MANJAPPA , BAJPEYI CM (Acharya Narendra Deva Univ of Agriculture and technology, Azamgarh-, Uttar Pradesh) : An extensive soil survey on plant micronutrients status in tasar silkworm host plants growing sites in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha State. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 174-7.

A total of 236 composite soil samples were collected at 0-30 cm depths from four the eighteen villages of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. The soils were analysed properly for basic soil physical parameters viz., pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) and micronutrients viz. Zinc (Zn), Boron (B), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Copper (Cu). The results revealed that the soils under the study were moderate to slightly acidic in reaction, safe in limit of EC and medium to high in SOC content. The micronutrient status and their relationship with soil properties were also studied. Among the micronutrients, Zn was found to be sufficient in 30 % cases, medium in 55 % and deficient in 15 %, whereas, B and Mn were found to be sufficient in all the soil samples. DTPA-Fe and Cu in 81 and 89 % are sufficient range, respectively.

2 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

043535   SOWMYA N , VARALAKSHMI N , YAMUNA SHREE A , PANKAJA K (Computer Science Dep, Visvesvarya Technological Univ, Bengaluru, Karnataka) : Predicting with Spatio-temporal analysis of air quality data using regression analysis. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 162-5.

Air pollution has become an extremely serious problem, with particulate matter having significantly greater impact on human health than other contaminants. The small diameter of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) allows it to penetrate deep into the alveoli as far as the bronchioles, interfering with gas exchange within the lungs. Forecasting air quality has also become important. This study aims to forecast air quality using a combination of multiple neural networks and LSTM to extract spatial-temporal relations. The proposed predictive model considers various meteorology data information related to the elevation space to extract terrain impact on air quality. The model includes trends from multiple locations, extracted from correlations between adjacent locations, and among similar locations in the temporal domain. We also predict the PM2.5 values using regression model in this project. Experiments employing Beijing datasets show that the proposed model achieves excellent performance and outperforms current state-of-the art methods.

8 tables, 8 ref

043534   MUSTAFA MO , LAWAL OA , FAFIOYE OO ,BALOGUN RB , ALADESIDA AA , CHUKWUMA EC (Federal Coll of Forest Resources Management, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria) : Appraisals of decline of fauna diversity in Nigeria forests. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 154-61.

Biodiversity of global importance are found in the Nigeria forests. Such biodiversity comprises of several species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, avian fauna, microorganisms, fisheries, mosses, liverworts and plants. Nigeria National Parks are hotspots of several endemic species. However, these biological components are variously reported to be on the decline. This study therefore seeks to attempt an appraisal of the decline fauna diversity in Nigeria forest. The studies found that excessive exploitation, urbanization, industrialization, deforestation, habitat destruction, bush burning, pollution, climate change are the leading cause of loss of fauna diversity. The loss of fauna diversity affects the dynamics of the forest ecosystems in its role as a conservation resource. The paper concludes by suggesting full implementation and enforcement of several environmental conventions, legislations and summits geared towards protection of biodiversity at both international and national level of which Nigeria is a signatory. Furthermore, outlining biodiversity conservation strategies in curriculum of school is another potential option for fauna diversity conservation and preservation.

2 tables, 55 ref

043533   NSIEN IB , OKONKWO HO , AKPAN UF , ERIC EE , BALOGUN RB (Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Oyo State, Nigeria) : Litter production as indicator of nutrients to the forest ecosystem. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 146-53.

Nutrient cycling within forest ecosystem depend majorly on the quantity of litter falls due to seasonal plant behaviour and the decomposition of the soil organic matter pool due to biotic and abiotic factors of the environment, the rate of organic matter accretion and the qualities of nutrients supplied from external sources. The biomass inputs to the soil ecosystem may be balanced with the mineralization rates so that ecosystem exists in equilibrium. This study seeks to review litter production as critical indicator of nutrients to the forest ecosystem within the context of the following sub-themes: types and sources of leaf litter, seasonality of leaf litter production in the tropical forest, pattern of litters’ production in the forest ecosystem uses of leaf litter production, restoration of land degraded site/erosion, uses of leaf litter production on growth performance of forest species and types of nutrients disposed. The study conclude by re-emphasizing litter production and decomposition as key processes in biogeochemical process of forest ecosystem; and this varies with climate, season, substrate quality, and type of biodiversity. The study recognizes forest plantation as the major pathway for recycling of nutrients in soil system through litterfall or litter production.

1 table, 58 ref

043532   PATEL V, SENGAR SS , SINGH RK , SINGH AK , KUMAR R , PATEL H , SINGH O (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh) : Soil micronutrient status and its uptake in little millet (Panicum sumatresnse) as influenced by integrated nutrient management and seed priming. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 140-5.

A field experiment was conducted in the experimental plots of DKS farm, IGKV, Bhatapara Dist- Baloda Bazaar, Chhattisgarh during kharif season of the year 2019. The soil of the experimental field was alfisol and climate was sub-humid with a total rainfall of 872.2 mm during the crop growth. The objectives of experiment were to the study changes in soil micronutrient status by different nutrient management and seed priming and its effect on yield and micronutrient uptake of little millet (Panicum sumatresnse). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design. The treatments constituted with five nutrient management N1 (control), N2 (125 kg Neem cake + 1.25 t/ha vermicompost), N3 (50 kg/ha N : 50 kg/ha P₂O₅ : 50 kg /ha K₂O and 2 % Borax spray at flowering), N4 (125 kg Neem cake + 1.25 t/ha vermicompost + 50 kg/ha N : 50 kg/ha P₂O₅ : 50 kg /ha K₂O and 2 % Borax spray at flowering) and N5 (Recommended dose of fertilizer i.e. 20 kg/ha N : 20 kg/ha P₂O₅ : 10 kg /ha K₂O) in main plots with four priming treatment P1 (control), P2 (Hydro priming for 8 hrs), P3 (Seed priming with 2 % KH₂PO₄ for 8 hrs) and P4 (Seed priming with 20% liquid Pseudomonas fluorescens) in sub plots. Results revealed that available cationic micronutrients in soil increased significantly and found higher where either higher doses of chemical fertilizers or the chemical fertilizers in combination with organic manures were applied. The grain, straw and ultimately the biological yields were found higher where either higher doses of chemical fertilizers or the chemical fertilizers in combination with organic manures were applied however, the priming treatments did not influenced the yield significantly. The content of cationic micronutrient namely Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn in plant tissue was not affected by any nutrient management and seed priming treatments however, the uptake Fe, Cu and Zn by grain, straw and ultimately total uptake in little millet increased significantly where either higher doses of chemical fertilizers or the chemical fertilizers in combination with organic manures were applied, however manganese uptake was influenced significantly only in grain.

4 tables, 13 ref

043530   PAUNIKAR S, KULKARNI N (Northern Regional Centre, 218, Kaulagarh Road, Deharadun, Uttarakhand) : Effect of Ultra Violet (UV) radiation protectants on indigenous isolates of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema dharanaii (Nematoda: Steinernematidae). Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 126-34.

The paper reports the effect of Ultra-violet (UV) radiation on the survival and pathogenicity of new species of EPN, Steinernema dharanaii (TFRIEPN-15) in the laboratory. To investigate the effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure on S. dharanaii was taken with to PABA (Para Amino Benzoic Acid) and Ranipal (optical brighteners). The study was conducted on the effects of the survival (50 Hz220 V) Ultra-Violet (UV) radiation for different time lengths (30, 60 min, 2, 4, 6, 16 and 24 hours. The pathogenicity of exposed EPN infective juveniles (IJs) to waxmoth larvae, Galleria mellonella were tested under laboratory conditions. The result showed that the exposure of IJs to UV radiation in presence of 0.05 and 0.1 % PABA for 30 min. indicated no immediate effect after evident by 100.0 % survival at par with control without PABA (P>0.05). However, when the same batch of IJs was observed 12 and 24 hrs after exposure, time-dependent and decrease in survival was noted. The IJs exposed to UV light in presence of PABA did not show any deleterious effect on infectivity potential. The infectivity after 24hrs was at par with control unexposed to UV (P>0.05). The exposure of IJs to UV radiation in presence of 0.05 and 0.1 % Ranipal® for 30 min. indicated no mortality effect after exposure, evident by 100.0% survival at par with control (P>0.05). Unlike PABA, there was no mortality observed even when the same batch of IJs were observed 12 and 24 hrs after exposure (P>0.05). There was 100.0 % infectivity noted in all the IJs exposed to UV in presence of Ranipal®. These findings will shed more light on using locally isolated entomopathogenic nematodes under ultraviolet radiation stress with different protectants.

14 tables, 43 ref

043529   OLOWOYO FB , MUSTAFA MO , OKELOLA OE , BALOGUN RB , ADEJOBA OR , ODEYEMI SA , OKPARA IG , ADETUNJI AS (Federal Coll of Forest Resources Management, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria) : Demand for forest foods (snails and mushrooms) in umuahia and ikwuano local government areas of Abia State. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 118-25.

Demand for forest foods with specific reference to mushrooms and snails in Umuahia and Ikwuano local government areas of Abia State, Nigeria were studied. The socio – economic characteristic of respondents, various reasons for consumption, cultural, nutritional and medicinal value; frequency of use of food and nutrients, attributes attached to selected forest product and period of availability were addressed. Simple random sampling was adopted. Structured questionnaire were used for households in Ikwuano and Umuahia. A total of (120) one hundred and twenty questionnaires were administered among eight (8) villages. Data obtained were subjected to simple descriptive statistics. The results showed that the nutritional value of mushroom is the highest with about 85.2 per cent out of the respondents agreeing and medicinal value of snail was accepted among 67.0 per cent of the respondents. The frequency of use from the study showed that mushroom and snail had 42.3 % and 44.4 % seasonal usage respectively. The major attributes attached to mushroom and snail was their moderate sweetness among 85.7 % and 88.1 % of the respondents. The two results indicated a significant descriptive (P<0.05) contribution of the independent variables on the quantity of food and nutrients consumed. The period of availability is been determined by month of harvest. The study shows that 39.8 percent of the respondents agreed that mushroom is available mostly between January and March while 54.55 per cent of the respondent agreed that snail is available almost all the year round between February and December. Availability, nutrient and seasonality determined the consumption of these foods by the Igbo people of Ikwuano Area and Umuahia. In these communities, foods are eaten not only for their nutritional values but also for their medicinal and socio-cultural significance.

2 illus, 7 tables, 21 ref

043525   KAKADE SR , GUPTA S V , BURGHATE R , PATIL B N (Farm Structures Dep, CAET, Akola, Maharashtra) : Effect of different shadenet house on yield of okra crop. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 92-6.

The experiment conducted in the field of the Department of Farm Structures, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra, India for the winter season of 2016-2017.The initial condition of experimental site was fairly uniform and levelled. For conducting experiment, the field is subdivided into four plots of 48 m² (i.e. 8m x 6m), where three shadenet house has been constructed and one as open field for treatment. Three shadenet houses are of different types namely Greenshadenet house (GSH), White shadenet house (WSH), Green and white strips shadenet house (GWSH), Open field (OF). The green and white strips shadenet house found more appropriate to obtain significantly maximum growth of okra as compared to the white shadenet house, green shadenet house and open field. The green and white strips shadenet house found more suitable to obtain suggestively maximum growth, yield parameters and fruit yield of okra The important yield contributing characters viz., number of fruits plant-I (31.25), fruit length (11.82 cm), and fruit weight per plant (481.44 g) were significantly higher under green and white strips shadenet house. The green and white strips shadenet house required minimum number of days (44.25) to first flower initiation. The fruit yield of okra was significantly higher under green and white strips shadenet house (237.55 q/ha). Based on benefit-cost ratio it is economically viable for the farmers to adopt green and white strips shadenet house with mulching for okra which shows B: C ratio as 1.98.

7 tables, 11 ref

043524   BELWAL H , RASTOGI A , SINGH V , ARUNACHALAM A (Environmental Sciences Dep, GB Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand) : Phytoremediation of metal contaminated soil from Yamuna riverine ecosystem in Delhi region. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 83-91.

Soil samples from selected site of Yamuna Riverine Ecosystem in Delhi Region were collected and analysed for various soil quality parameters and heavy metal concentration following standard testing procedures. Half of the Yamuna riverside soil was considered as unpolluted soil and other half was made artificially polluted by spiking of heavy metal salts Pb(CH3COO)2, CuCl2.2H2O, and ZnSO4.7H2O in a concentration of 0.6 gm/kg, 0.7 gm/kg, and 0.8 gm/kg of each of the salts. Experiment was carried out in18 pots sown with coriander and fenugreek seeds separately as well as in combinations. Metal concentration in plants and soil was analysed separately using AAS. Soil pH, NPK was significantly higher (p0.05) with respect to variation in the heavy metal contents in the soils. Soil biological activity, dehydrogenase and respiration were found varying significantly (p0.05). Accumulation of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb) in roots of coriander and fenugreek plants showed differential behaviour with different treatments of the experimental soil. Significantly higher (p0.05) in Pb accumulation in the roots of both the experimental plants.

10 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

043523   BHALEKAR M S , SAWANT K, SAWANT N S , PATHAN D I (AFDO, Malwan, Maharashtra) : Reproductive performance of female trichogaster leerii fed with enriched artemia. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 79-82.

In ornamental fish culture unpredictable and variable reproductive performance is an important limiting factor for successful mass production of juvenile. Pearl gourami, Trichogaster leerii is one of the most popular aquarium fish among the aquarists because of its compatibility with other species. Finding of reproduction study of this species can be successfully applied to many other gouramis. Thus, attempt was made to observe the effect of enriched live food organism diets on reproductive performance of T. leerii. Experiment was conducted in 60x30x30cm glass tank having 54-Lcapacity, filled with water up to a level of 15 cm. The adult females of pearl gourami (length 5.70 ± 0.07 cm and weight 1.9417 ± 0.11g) were fed with different enriched on grown Artemia viz. emulsion of cod liver oil and ground nut oil cake, spirulina powder, EPA/DHA medium. The maximum number of spawn 1874 ± 25.26 were produced by each female fed with Artemia enriched with emulsion of cod liver oil and ground nut oil cake. Therefore, use of enriched Artemia with emulsion of cod liver oil and ground nut oil cake for better reproductive performance of brood stock of T. leerii is recommended.

3 tables, 22 ref

043522   SATHISH BN, KAVYA LB , VACHANA HC , ASHWATH MN , DHANUSH C , GAJENDRA CV , HAREESH TS (Forest Products and Utilization Dep, Forestry Coll, Kodagu, Karnataka) : Assessment of fruit and seed morphometric variation in chrysophyllum roxbergii in Kodagu, central Western Ghats. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 76-8.

Chrysophyllum roxburghii G. Don is am important tropical wild edible fruit species known to have ethno medicinal properties. The present study was carried out to assess the variation in different fruit morphometric traits across the different location in Kodagu, Central Western Ghats. Fruit bearing trees were selected from five different location in Kodagu and fruit parameters such as fruit width, fruit length, fruit weight, pulp weight, seed weight, number of seeds etc were recorded. It was found that, all the fruit parameters were significantly higher in Appanagala location which is relatively a higher rain fall area among the other four locations. Hence, Rainfall could be an important driver in fruit parameters in the present investigation.

3 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

043521   SINGH T V J , RAJU C D , MOHAN Y C , JAGADEESHWAR R , BALRAM M , KRISHNA L (Agriculture Research Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana) : Combining ability and heterosis studies for grain yield and its components in rice (Oryza sativa L). Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 67-75.

An experiment was carried out to study combining ability and heterosis in rice with a set of 32 hybrids along with their parents (B and R lines) and standard checks viz., RNR 15048 and PA 6444 were evaluated for grain yield and yield attributing traits. The mean performance of the F1s for most of the traits recorded higher than that of parents except for milling per cent. The analysis of variance exhibited significant differences among parents, lines and hybrids for most of the traits studied. Degree of dominance was recorded greater than unity for all the traits except for plant height (0.56), panicle length (0.97), panicle weight (0.90), 1000 grain weight (0.77), number of grains per panicle (0.75), spikelet fertility (0.85), kernel length (0.91), and kernel breadth (0.96). GCA variances were lower than SCA variances for most of the traits. The analysis revealed the predominance of non-additive gene action for most of the traits under study. Among the CMS lines studied, JMS 14A was rated as good general combiner in the desired direction for several traits including yield. Among the testers, RNR 26059, RNR 26072, RNR 26074 and PAU 2K10-23-451-2-37-34-0-3 were performed as good general combiners. Among thirty-two hybrids JMS 14A × RNR 26083, CMS 64A × PAU 2K10-23-451-2-37-34-0-3, CMS 23A × RNR26072, JMS 14A × RNR 26084, CMS 23A × RP 5898-54-21-9-4-2-2, JMS 20A × Pusa 1701-10-5-8 and CMS 64A × RNR 26059 were exhibited high SCA effects for grain yield per plant. Thirteen hybrids were recorded positive significant standard heterosis over variety (RNR 15048), whereas six hybrids were recorded positive significant heterosis over the hybrid check (PA 6444). Overall data revealed that JMS 14A × RNR 26083, CMS 64A × PAU 2K10-23-451-2-37-34-0-3, CMS 23A × RNR26072 and JMS 14A × RNR 26084 were identified as potential hybrids for most of the traits based on their sca and heterosis estimates. These combinations could be used for the exploitation of heterosis in a hybrid breeding program.

7 tables, 19 ref

043520   KAYALVIZHI K, RAMESH KUMAR A , SANKARI A (Horticulture Dep, Institute of Agriculture, Kumulur, Tamil Nadu) : A review on nematodes and their management in tuberose. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 53-8.

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) is one of the most important flowers used both as cut and loose flower. It is extensively cultivated in many sub-tropical and tropical parts of the world including India. It is a crop which flowers profusely throughout the year. Due to the longer keeping quality of flower spikes, they are in great demand for making floral arrangement and bouquets. However, the yield loss is huge due to several problems which is a serious cause of concern. Nematode are the thread like worms, predominantly survives in plant rhizosphere, posing threat to tuberose cultivation. Nematodes viz., root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica) and reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) and greasy streak caused by Aphelencoides besseyi have been reported to be responsible for complete wiping out of tuberose flower industry. The symptoms of nematode infestation in broadly categorized as above ground and below ground symptoms. The management strategies include, hot water treatment of bulbs, use of neem cake, use of neem seed kernel extract, use of bio-control agents, nematicide application, genotype screening, mutation induction etc are recommended scientifically. In this review paper the magnitude of nematode problems, symptoms and management measures are discussed in a holistic manner.

5 illus, 41 ref

043519   UPADHYAY S K, YADAV A (Allahabad Univ, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh) : Impact of lockdown on agriculture and biodiversity. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 50-2.

Although Covid-19 pandemic pose a serious threat to mankind and staggered the economic activities, but on the other hand it is considered as "Blessing in Disguise" where pollution is reducing and nature seems to be busy in reclaiming its space in the absence of constant flurry of human activities. This positive impact on environment seems to be short, but have great positive impact on biodiversity so government rather than all human beings learn to reduce the pollution in the long run for the sustainable development. Most of the Indian farmer’s depends upon informal labour for harvesting and other agricultural sector but lockdown and other social distancing measures hugely disruptive the labours. The present review deals with the effects of lockdown on agriculture and society biodiversity.

15 ref

043518   PATHAK R , SHARMA G, PATEL L (National Institute of Hydrology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh) : Evaluation of drought characteristics in Tonk district, Rajasthan. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 43-9.

Drought characteristics were evaluated in the Tonk district along with the impact of climate change in the region. Statistical analyses reveal that there w4 as changing trends in rainfall during the years for the period spanning 23 years (1983-2008). The average annual rainfall in the region varies between 527.76 mm in Malpura block to 618.70 mm in the Todaraisingh block. The average annual rainfall in district was 568.92 mm. The coefficient of variability for the district was 32 %. In order to assess the impact of climate change and its effect in the rainfall pattern, the 1-day maximum rainfall was computed and it indicates that in most of the block there was decrease in 1-day maximum rainfall which is a cause of concern for water resources management. The number of rainy days has been evaluated and it was observed that the average number of rainy days varies between 29 to 31 days and on an average about 28 days of rainfall occur which contributes to the average annual rainfall of 568.92 mm. Departure analysis indicates that in 1985, 1987, 1989, 2002, and 2006 the region was under widespread drought condition and the worst drought condition occurs in 1987 and 2002. Based on the departure analysis, the average drought frequency was once in every 3–6 years. Based on probability analysis using Weibull’s plotting position formula block namely Todaraisingh, Tonk, Niwai and Malpura are drought-prone (Probability < 80 %) and facing regular water scarcity and droughts as compared to Uniara and Deoli which are not prone to droughts. Relative departure index (RDI) was computed in order to priorities block for immediate drought mitigation during its occurrences and it was evident that Malpura is at highest priority followed by Tonk and Todaraisingh.

11 illus, 7 tables, 13 ref

043516   KANOJIA P , PARDESHI S (Arihant Coll of Arts, Bavdhan, Pune, Maharashtra) : GIS based aquaculture farm site suitability analysis along the coastal areas of Raigad District, Maharashtra, India. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 33-6.

The beaches, mangrove swamps, intertidal areas as well as upstream areas are used for coastal aquaculture. Careful selection of environmentally suitable sites is important for the success of aquaculture. This study aimed to analyze and identify suitable sites for aquaculture in Raigad District. More closeness of ponds causes spread of disease from one pond to other very rapidly. In the study area many aquaculture farms are very close to each other and lead disease spread; finally farming had to close. Hence, the success of a fish farming project largely depends on the site selection. Therefore, to identify suitable sites, with considering the local physical conditions by using this technique is useful for the development of aquaculture. In addition, the analysis can be used as an effective tool to diversify existing clustered farms into suitable areas for the successful shrimp farming.

6 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

043514   PANDEY H P , PAUDEL G , POKHREL S , POKHREL N (Ministry of Forests and Environment, Nepal) : Response of environmental variables and carbon enhancement in community forests, Nepal. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 22-9.

Forests are mainly govern by physio-climatic characteristics globally. Nepal possesses a diverse physio-climatic conditions primarily in Middle-hills physiographic zone due to diverse micro-climatic and topographic variation. The site-specific interrelationship between biomass (thereby carbon) with environmental variables are crucial for better understanding on objective-based forest management, which is insufficient for the country. Therefore, the study analyzed the relationships between biomass density, soil organic carbon (SOC) and total carbon density with environmental variables (type of community forests (CFs), elevation, slope, aspect, presence of wildlife, regeneration status (seedling and saplings count), and species richness) in two Middle-hills community forests of Western Nepal. Generalized linear model with log-linked function was used to analyze data Result showed CFs, elevation, slope, aspect and indication of wildlife has significant effect on carbon density of forests. Carbon density found decreased with increased elevation, stepper the slope, lesser the carbon density and north facing landscape harbor the highest carbon density. However, woody species richness and regeneration status has no significant impact on carbon density. Similarly, SOC has impacted significantly by forest type, elevation and aspect but not by species richness, regeneration, and slope and wildlife presence for the study area. In addition, forests have been enhancing biomass stock at least 40 % of annual growth of forest despite users harvest annual allowable cut as prescribed by their operational plan. Study concludes that carbon enhancement in community-managed forests are significant without jeopardizing the conventional material use and biodiversity. Also, environmental factors impacted differentially for biomass and carbon conservation, therefore, a due consideration is needed at management level for objectified forest management.

2 illus, 6 tables, 44 ref

043513   DURGUDE A, PATHAN D , SAWANT N S , PATIL P , SHELAR G (AFDO, Mumbai, Maharashtra) : Effects of stocking density on growth and survival of black molly, Poecilia sphenops fry in circular plastic tubs. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 19-21.

In the study, P. sphenops fry with initial length in the range from 1.0 to 1.1 cm and initial weight ranging from 0.0575 to 0.0590 g were reared at four different stocking densities of 0.33 fry L^-1 , 0.5 fry L^-1 , 1.0 fry L^-1 and 2.0 fry L^-1 for a period of 60 days. For this experiment, the circular plastic tubs (40 L) were used and volume in each tub was maintained up to 36 L. The fry were fed semi-purified flake feed containing 39.48 % crude protein at the rate of 10 % body weight day^-1 . The maximum values of length gain (191.46 %), weight gain (935.96 %), specific growth rate (3.8965 %) and survival (100 %) were recorded for the fry reared at density of 0.33 fry L^-1 . The fry reared at densities of 0.33 and 0.5 fry L^-1 showed significantly (P<0.05) better length gain and survival than that of fry reared at densities of 1.0 and 2.0 fry L^-1 . The fry reared at density of 0.33 fry L^-1 showed significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rate than those of fry reared at other densities. In the study, growth and survival were decreased with increase in stocking density

2 tables, 25 ref

045298   NAVEEN G, GHOSH S M (Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia- 741 235, West Bengal, Email: shanowly@gmail.com) : Studies of the occurrence of gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera on chickpea at new alluvial zone of West Bengal. J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 397-402.

The incidence of 0.06 larvae / five plants of gram pod borer was observed at 8th standard week during rabi, 2017-2018 but in 2018-2019 incidence was observed during 1st standard week with 0.2 larvae / five plants. The gram pod borer population reached peaks with 2.2 and 0.66 during 12th standard week and 9th standard week during rabi, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 respectively. Later declined trend was observed. The data recorded in the experiment were subjected to correlation for both the years, against weather parameters in order to know the influence of abiotic factors on the incidence of Helicoverpa armigera population in chickpea. The correlation analysis showed that, both maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity were positively correlated during both years. Pod damage due to pod borer according to weekly recorded data of larval incidence was 48.73 % during 14th SMW in first year and 24.01 % during 11th SMW in second year.

6 tables, 19 ref

043512   MAITY A K , BANDYOPADHYAY C (Burdwan Univ, Burdwan, West Bengal) : Life history of a super cyclone with weather phenomena: A case study of Amphan. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 13-8.

Amphan was a coastline tropical cyclone that caused widespread damage in East coast mainly West Bengal and Odisha along with Bangladesh. This is the first super cyclone to form in the Bay of Bengal after the 1999 super cyclone that hit Odisha. Its powerful destruction capacity was severe impact upon society and ecology, mainly in West Bengal after landfall in May 20^th of 2020. This paper is based on secondary data which mainly focuses on naming, origin, stages of evolution and characteristics of Amphan.

6 illus, 9 ref

045297   LONGKUMER I Y, MISRA A K (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural Univ, Pusa- 848 125, Bihar, Email: dawson567890@gmail.com) : Study of population dynamics of whorl maggot, Hydrellia philippina (Ferino) and gall midge Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason) of rice in Pusa, Bihar. J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 391-6.

Results revealed that the activity of whorl maggot started to appear from 30th standard week in both the years i.e., 2018 and 2019 with per cent mean incidence of 4.28 and 5.37 leaf damage, respectively. Incase of gall midge, the silver shoot symptom was first recorded during 31st standard week with a per cent mean incidence of 4.97 and 5.96 during kharif 2018 and 2019 respectively. The coefficient analysis showed that maximum temperature (r = 0.025, 0.506* ), minimum temperature (r = 0.702**, 0.682**), relative humidity morning (r = 0.106, 0.283), relative humidity evening (r = 0.493, 0.043), rainfall (r = 0.116, 0.143), wind velocity (r = 0.548* , 0.296) and evaporation (r = 0.091, 0.449) had positive relationship with the incidence of whorl maggot damage during both the years. Incase of gall midge, maximum temperature (r = 0.514* , 0.504* ), minimum temperature (r = 0.855**, 0.747**), rainfall (r = 0.013, 0.058), wind velocity (r = 0.339* , 0.352) and evaporation (r = 0.062, 0.536* ) had significant positive influence on the incidence of leaffolder damage during both the years.

5 tables, 11 ref

043511   REENAL M , NIRMALA T, PRIYA K J (Jeyaraj Annapackiam Coll for Women, Periyakulam, Theni, Tamil Nadu) : Effect of Tridax procumbens in treating coffee effluent for heavy metals in jayamangalam, Theni district. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 05-12.

The coffee industry is located in Jayamangalam near Periyakulam, Theni District. The industrial waste water was collected from outlet of the coffee industry in the dumping site of coffee effluent. The effluent was diluted with distilled water and prepared in various concentrations like control T1, 75 % T2, 50 % T3 and 25 % T4, the absorbent was kept soaked from January to May, 2017. The heavy metals concentration of effluent was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. A novel medicinal plant, Tridax procumbens was introduced in 4 different concentrations of effluent during the period of January to May, 2017. Initially the coffee effluent showed the presence of higher concentration of heavy metals such as Zn, Fe, Cr, Cu, Mg, Pb and Mn and after treatment it was lowered. Thus from the present investigation it was evident that T. procumbens was effective to absorb the heavy metals present in the effluent.

5 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

045296   JAVAR S, SAJAP A S (Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Tehran, Iran, Email: sajavar@gmail.com) : Potential of entomopathogenic fungi against the Spodoptera exigua and S. litura larvae. J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 385-90.

To identify the most virulent local fungal isolate, four isolates from Malaysia belonging to important entomopathogenic fungi genera including Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Isaria fumosorosea were tested on the third instar larvae of S. exigua and S. litura under the laboratory conditions. The survival functions and the median letal time (LT₅₀) values were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with differences in LT₅₀ between treatments compared by the log-rank test. An isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae was chosen from four local fungal isolates because it caused the highest mortality in both S. exigua (82.40 %) and S. litura (61.11 %) larvae and the lowest LT₅₀ value in S. exigua (three days) and S. litura (five days).

6 illus, 29 ref

043510   CHOUDHARY O , BAGESHWRI N , CHOUDHARY RS (Maharana Pratap Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan) : Climate resilient farming system for enhancing farmers’ income: A review. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(3), 01-4.

Challenges before the governments is to build systems to sustain focus and integrate activities aligned to sustainable agriculture practices as climate change poses new risk to yields and quality of food crops. The growth story of Indian agriculture since food scarcity to self Sufficiency has been very impressive. In these efforts, land degradation and environmental challenges have however emerged to thwart sustainability of agrifood system. As per reports, climate change could reduce annual agricultural incomes in the range of 15 % to 18 % on an average, and up to 20 % to 25 % for unirrigated areas. The low level of farmers’ income and year to year fluctuations in it are a major source of agrarian distress. Doubling farmers’ income by 2022 is quite challenging but it is needed and is attainable through development initiative, technology, and policy reforms in agriculture. Holistic approach may further encourage the farmers’ to mitigate the negative impact of climate change and to move towards resilient farming system for increasing own farm income as well as nations’ income in general.

1 table, 31 ref

045295   SABBOUR M M, EL-AZIZ S E A (Pests and Plant Protection Dep, National Research Centre, Giza- 126 22, Egypt, Email: shadia.abdelaziz77@gmail.com) : Plant essential oils for the management of two serious stored pests in Egypt. J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 377-84.

The potential of four essential oils (Lavender, Catnip, Geranium, and chamomile) was evaluated against larvae and adults of confused flour beetle and red flour beetle under laboratory and store conditions. Geranium oil gave the highest cumulating mortality percentage 75.3 % and 87.9 % after 7 days of treatment in the state of T. castaneum and T. confusum, respectively. Geranium oil exhibited the highest repellent activity followed by Lavender oil. The ovipositional repellent efficiency of oils on foams and coverage gunny sacks displayed several methods of action by decreasing the egg numbers, which nearly repressed the progeny emergence percentages and high malformation percentages of tested insects. The oviposition was inclusively inhibited. The treated foam with Geranium or Lavender oils and covering gunny bags provided effective protection of the stored wheat.

2 illus, 3 tables, 41 ref

043510   REDDY K P , DEVI M U, RAMULU V, MADHAVI M (Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural Univ, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad) : Optimization of nitrogen and potassium fertigation schedules on nutrients uptake of sunflower. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(2), 178-82.

A field experiment was conducted at Water Technology Centre, College farm, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during rabi 2017-18 with sunflower (var. DRSH-1). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications in a sandy clay loam soil, alkaline in reaction, non saline, low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and potassium. The treatments were nine with combinations of N (75 kg ha^-1 ) and K (30 kg ha^-1 ) fertilizers applied by fertigation through ventury at different intervals viz., 3 days and 4 days. Drip irrigation was scheduled once in 2 days at 0.8 Epan. Fertigation was imposed at 16 DAS to 88 DAS and completed in 19 and 10 splits in 4 and 8 days interval respectively. The source of N and K fertilizers was urea and potassium sulphate respectively. At harvest, the total N content ranged from 0.59 to 0.89  % and 1.37 % to 1.84 % in sunflower stalk and shoots respectively. The total P content ranged from 0.12 to 0.21, 0.24 to 0.32 % in sunflower stalk and shoots respectively. The total K content ranged from 0.91 to 1.46, 0.58 to 0.87 % in sunflower stalk and shoots respectively. At harvest, the highest total uptake of N (281.6 kg N ha^-1 ), P (55.5 kg P ha^-1 ) and K (252.6 kg K ha^-1 ) was noticed in T₇ (75-30 kg N and K₂O ha^-1 at 4 days interval). Significant correlations were noticed between uptake of N, P and K with sunflower seed yield.

4 illus, 4 tables, 7 ref

043509   KUMARI A , KUMARI J , BHATTA S K , BHARDWAZJ K , SAH I , SINGH AK (Ranchi Veyerinary Coll, Ranchi, Jharkhand) : Fish culture in abandoned coal void of Jharkhand. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(2), 76-40.

Opencast mining is a common practice, after the termination of the mining activities, a mine pit is developed filled up with water. The Physico-chemical parameters of mine water have been analysed in view for the development of fish culture. The necessary measures were taken to make the water conducive for fish culture. The Physicochemical parameters were studied on monthly intervals and sample netting was done to assess the average growth of the fish. It was found that cattle manure's application improved the production of fish food, and the fish grows up to 1.5kg in eighteen months. The growth of Rohu and Mrigal was not satisfactory may be due to the desired food. The use of a submersible pump aerator has increased the dissolved oxygen concentration in different depths of the void. The coal void may be developed for fish culture by simple modification i.e., flooding with surface water, which will improve the water quality, submersible pump aerator, and application of organic and inorganic manures as per need.

3 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

043508   DUTTA A , BORAH A , MAHANTA B, DUTTA P (Central Agricultural Univ, Umiam, Meghalaya) : Study on pathogenic interaction of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chit.] and white rot causing fungus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum [Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary] in French bean. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(2), 72-5.

Combine effect of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita and soil borne plant pathogen like Sclerotinia sclerotirum with synergistic effect can cause severe crop of many diseases. Therefore, a study on interaction of Meloidogyne incognita and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on French bean was conducted and the results indicated that the dual inoculation of nematode and fungal pathogen significantly decreased plant growth parameters over the single inoculation of S. sclerotiorum @ 0.2 % W/W and M. incognita @ 1000 J2/kg of soil. The treatment with M. incognita @ 1000 J₂/kg of soil and S. sclerotiorum @ 0.2 % W/W simultaneous inoculation was statistically superior in decreasing the plant growth parameters of French bean. However, the number of galls, egg masses and final nematode population in soil were found maximum in single inoculation treatment than dual inoculation treatments. The highest number of galls, eggmasses and nematode population were observed in the treatment with M. incognita @ 1000 J₂/kg of soil. The maximum disease incidence was recorded in the treatment with M. incognita @ 1000 J₂/kg soil + S. sclerotiorum @ 0.2 % w/w after 15 days inoculation.

2 tables, 20 ref

045292   JOHARI A , HANDAYANI T, DEWI S M, MUSWITA, DEW R S (Jambi Univ, Indonesia, Email: johari_asni@yahoo.com) : The effect of Yam seed (Pachyrhizus erosus Urban) extract on the abundance of Bemisia tabaci Genn. and Aphis gossypii Glover on eggplant plants. J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 359-64.

One of the plants that has the potential as a vegetable insecticide is yam. Yam seed can be used as a vegetable insecticide because they contain rotenone compounds that can kill insect pests. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of yam seed extract on the abundance of B. tabaci and A. gossypii on eggplant plants. The treatment is applied by using active yam seed extract with various concentrations. The test was conducted in the experimental garden with 6 treatments, using concentrations of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% with 6 replications. The results showed that the higher the concentration given, the lower the abundance of B. tabaci and A. gossypii found in eggplant plants. Furthermore, the results showed that the use of yam seed extract effectively reduced the number of B. tabaci and A. gossypii pests on eggplant plants. The results of this study can be used as a reference for the development of plant-based insecticides with active ingredients yam seed extract.

2 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

043507   PANDA J , SAHOO S (Sambalpur Univ, Odisha) : Fish diversity and water quality of wetlands in attabira block of Bargarh District, Odisha, India. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(2), 66-71.

The State of Odisha is endowed with a number of wetlands which provide many services that contribute to human well-being and poverty alleviation. The present study is focused on the status of fish diversity and water quality in five types of wetlands of Attabira block in Bargarh district, Odisha. The sampling sites selected for study are Site 1: running wetland; Site 2: Stable and protected wetland without anthropogenic interference; Site3: disturbed and unprotected wetland with anthropogenic interference; Site 4: Paddy field wetland; Site5: Swampy wetland. The water quality parameters were studied following standard protocol prescribed by CPCB and APHA (1992). The Shannon Weiner’s diversity index was calculated for different fish diversity of above wetlands. The water quality of site 3, 4, and 5 exceeded the permissible limits as prescribed by CPCB. The pollution load could be due to several factors like agricultural runoff, mass bathing and religious activities. The percentage of fish population showed that order Cypriniformes was most dominant constituting 47 % followed by order Siluriformes constituting 17 %, order Anabantiformes 11.7 %. The cultivable and weed and ornamental fishes were also recorded. The highest Shannon Weiner’s Diversity Index was recorded in running wetland followed by pond without anthropogenic interference, pond with anthropogenic interference, paddy field wetland and then swampy wetland respectively. As far as biodiversity status (IUCN-2018) is concerned, out of 17 fish species, 9 fish species are categorized in to least concerned, 3 not evaluated, 2 vulnerable, 1 near threatened and 1 endangered. The study thus strongly emphasized that wetland management is highly essential to restore the degraded wetlands. The implementation of different conservation measures could contribute to the increase and sustenance of fish population and water quality standard of these precious wetland ecosystems.

4 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

043506   LONGKUMER N , DAS S , SAHU AK , PATRA NK , MURRY N (Agril. Economics Dep, Nagaland Univ, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland) : Contribution of non-timber forest products towards rural income and employment in Mokokchung district of Nagaland. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(2), 61-5.

The study was conducted to assess the contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products towards rural economy in Mokokchung District of Nagaland. The survey was conducted in two blocks, namely Changtongya Block and Ongpangkong N Block comprising of 100 respondents from 10 selected villages. Data were collected from primary as well as secondary sources. Majority of the respondents were male. The highest contribution of annual income obtained from wage employment (45.7 %) followed by NTFPs (30 %). The NTFPs identified in the study area were grouped as wild fruits, wild vegetables, medicinal plants, fuel wood and other category. Among the types of NTFPs, highest contribution of average annual income was generated from others category viz, broom grass, wild meat, fish, etc. i.e. Rs. 26,756 (44.4 %) followed by wild vegetables of Rs. 16,890.5 (27.9 %). Maximum annual contribution under non- cash income was from fuel wood i.e. Rs. 6826 per household (49.9 %). Wage earners contributed the highest in employment generation with 135 man days annually (33.5 %) followed by NTFPs collectors with 117 man days (29.1 %). Under gender wise collection of NTFPs, it was found that men spent more time (80 days) as compared to women (37 days) annually. Among the types of NTFPs, maximum time (34.31 %) spent in collection of others category (broom grass, wild meat, fish, etc.) i.e. 40 days followed by wild vegetables 36 days (31.57 %). It was also found that majority of the sample households went for NTFPs collection because of traditional norms, followed by good source of income. From the regression analysis, it was found that dependency ratio and employment from NTFPs affected positively and significantly towards NTFP income.

5 tables, 13 ref

043505   KUMAR E A, SONTAKKI B S , FAIZULLAH M M , VINAY G (Soil Science Dep, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana) : Impact of soil health card scheme on improving soil health and quality: Synthesis of select cases and implications for sustainable agriculture. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(2), 55-60.

The present study attempted a synthesis of recently reported research results on the effectiveness Soil Health Card Scheme of Government of India. This scheme is a vital to achieving the goal of “Doubling Farmers Income”. The ideal ratio of the three most common fertilizers that is, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) should be 4:2:1 whereas it had reached a threatening level of 8.2:3.2:1 in 2012-13 as per a report by Fertilizer Association of India. Excess application of fertilizers leads to wide range of nutrient deficiency symptoms in soils. Fertilizers are the main factors responsible for providing adequate food for the world’s current population of over 7 billion people, fertilizers will be even more important in sustaining the over 9 billion people projected for 2050.While the primary impact of mineral fertilizers is on crop yields, they also have an indirect effect on the soil interms of its health and quality. There was a reduction in use of urea and DAP by 20 to 30 % in paddy and cotton in some states resulted in decreased cost of cultivation. The reduction in cost of cultivation ranged between Rs.1000 and Rs.4000 per acre. In soybean, the total cost of cultivation decreased by 1.7 per cent from 10900 to 10714 per acre but net income increased by 67.7 per cent from 6696 to 11228 per acre. The return per rupee investment also increased from 1.60 to 2.00 after the farmers got their soil tested. In maize, the total cost of cultivation increased by 12.94 per cent from 8176 to 9234 per acre and net income increased by 139 per cent from 3379 to 8105 per acre. The return per rupee investment was also increased from 1.40 to 1.90 after soil testing by the farmers. So, the emerging challenge in present day agriculture is to protect and maintain the soil health which is being deteriorated every year by many of the factors either man made or natural.

6 tables, 14 ref