045291   SHANKAR M, SIVAPRASAD G, SUMALINI K, KHAN M A A, DEVI I S, NAAIIK R V T B (Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural Univ, Nalgonda- 508 207, Telangana, Email: shankar.ento2007@gmail.com) : Bio-efficacy and phytotoxicity of new combination of mairm-23 (Pymetrozine 29.2 % w/w + Dinotefuran 11.7 % w/w WDG) against brown plant hopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stal.) on rice. J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 349-58.

Bio-efficacy and phytotoxicity of seven insecticides including Pymetrozine 29.2 + Dinotefuran 11.7 WDG (mairm-23) @ 600, 500 and 400 g/ha, Pymetrozine 50 WG @ 300 g/ha, Dinotefuran 20 SG @ 200 g/ ha and Buprofezin 15 + Acephate 35 WP @ 1250 ml/ha were evaluated against brown plant hopper (BPH) in rice along with control. The BPH population pre count treatment was non significant in both seasons. Mairm-23 @ 600 and 500 g/ha and Pymetrozine @ 300 g/ha were recorded significantly lower BPH population followed by next best treatments Mairm-23 @ 400 g/ha, Diinotefuran 20 SG @ 200 g/ha and Buprofezin 15 and Acephate 35 WP @ 1,250 ml/ha as compared to untreated control at 1,3,5,7 and 10 days after first spray. The similar trend was observed at second and third sprayings in both the seasons. The maximum per cent reduction of BPH over the control was exhibited by mairm-23 @ 600 and 500 g/ha followed by pymetrozine 50 WG @ 300 g/ha. The high grain yields recorded on mairm-23 @ 600 g/ha and 500 g/ha were on par with each other and followed by rest of the treatments. Low cost benefit ratio was observed on mairm-23 @ 500 g/ha. No phytotoxicity symptoms and no adverse effects on natural enemies were noticed in application of single and double dosages of mairm-23 @ 500 g/ha. Mairm-23 @ 500 g/ha was effective in controlling BPH population and gave gain higher grain yield, and showed lower cost benefit ratio with no phytotoxicity symptoms and no adverse effects on natural enemies.

9 tables, 11 ref

043504   RAMESH T , RATHIKA S (Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Aduthurai, Tamil Nadu) : Evaluation of rice cultivation systems for greenhouse gases emission and productivity. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(2), 49-54.

A field experiment was conducted at Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai during two consecutive Kharif season to evaluate the different rice cultivation systems for greenhouse gases (CH4, CO₂ and N₂O gas flux) and grain productivity. Rice cultivation systems viz., transplanted rice (TR), wet seeded rice (WSR), system of rice intensification (SRI), drip irrigated rice and aerobic rice (dry seeded rice) were tested. Gas sample was collected at critical stages of rice by static chambers installed in the field. Gas Chromatography (GC) Varian 450 was used for analysis of gas. The results revealed that CO₂ emission was less during tillering stage and reached maximum during flowering stage and thereafter declined under transplanted, wet seeded rice and SRI cultivation. Whereas, drip irrigated and aerobic rice emitted higher CO₂ during tillering stage and thereafter it started to decline. Transplanted rice emitted higher methane at all the stages of observation whereas aerobic rice and drip irrigated rice emitted lesser methane as compared other methods of rice cultivation. During flowering stage, transplanted rice emitted higher CH4 (8.20 mg/m² /day), followed by wet seeded rice (7.70 mg/m² /day), SRI (6.05 mg/m² /day). Aerobic rice (2.13 mg/m² /day) and drip irrigated rice (1.82 mg/m² /day) emitted lesser CH₄ over other methods of rice cultivation. SRI paddy emitted an average of 26.8 % lesser CH₄ and 3.8 % higher N₂O over conventional flooded paddy. Wet seeded rice showed 16.6 and 18.1 % lesser CH₄ and N₂O emission than transplanted rice. In case of drip irrigated rice, an average of 68.6 and 34.4 % lesser CH₄ and N₂O emission was noticed over conventional flooded paddy. Changing rice cultivation from conventional flooded rice to aerobic rice emitted an average of 79.8 % lesser CH₄. But, it was emitted 14.4 % more N₂O over transplanted paddy. Wet seeded rice produced significantly more number of productive tillers (392 m^-2 ) over transplanted, aerobic and drip irrigated paddy. However, it was on par with SRI. Significantly more number of filled grains (157.5 m^-2 ) was recorded under SRI over other methods of rice cultivation. The highest mean grain yield of 5855 kg/ha was recorded under SRI over other methods of cultivation which was 10.5 % higher over transplanted rice. Drip irrigated rice and aerobic rice registered 17.9 and 29.5 per cent lesser grain yield respectively. Even though, these new systems of rice cultivation (drip irrigated and aerobic rice) had better advantages in reducing greenhouse gases emission, the crop establishment was under aerobic condition did not favour enhanced growth and yield over SRI and wet seeded rice. Thus, SRI method of rice cultivation is considered as best method to reduce CH₄ emission (26.8 %) with increased grain productivity (10.5 %) over transplanted rice in the present context of climate change.

3 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

043502   PRASAD S, TOMAR JMS (Ecology and Biodiversity Services (EBS), Ring Road Dehradun-Uttarakhand) : Response of vegetation along landscape positions and soil regimes in Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.) forests of Uttarakhand-India. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(2), 35-40.

The present study was designed to analyze the relationships among vegetation, soil characters, and landscape position in Sal forests of foothills of Himalaya. We used two types of landscape positions i.e. hilltops and hill base. Various geological and environmental processes were primary factors influencing soil properties on hill base and hilltops. Soils on the hilltop were chronologically older and resulted from pedologenesis whereas the soils at hill base are new and somehow made up through sedimentation processes. The present study showed that lower areas (hill base) of sal forests are subject to mild disturbance due to tree biomass extraction in these areas. The western aspect was found moister than the eastern aspect and it is more conducive for the development of the herbaceous community and the study indicated a higher pH value in forest soil that is hazardous for the regeneration of the sal forest. Hilltop is the best-suited place for tree species development where tree density showing a positive correlation with nitrogen content in the soil.

3 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

043501   FAIZULLAH M M, RAMPRAKASH T , ANJAIAH T , MADHAVI M (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural Univ, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana) : Soil microbial dynamics as impacted by diuron, pyrithiobac sodium and quizalofop ethyl applied to cotton cultivated in red and black soils. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(2), Diuron, Pendimethalin, Bacteria, Fungi, Actinomycetes.

Simultaneous two field experiments were conducted during kharif 2018 to study the effect of diuron on soil fungal, bacterial and actinomycetes population dynamics. These experiments were laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) comprising of seven treatments which were replicated thrice. Preemergence herbicides, diuron 80 % WP 0.5 kg ha^-1 , 0.75 kg ha^-1 and 1.0 kg ha^-1 ; and pendimethalin 38.7 % CS 677 g ha^-1 were sprayed two days after sowing. Tank mix application of pyrithiobac sodium + quizalofop ethyl was done at 2-3 leaf stage of the weeds. The non-chemical weed management treatments included polyfilm, mechanical weeding and unweeded control. Soil microbial populations were found to be adversely affected with the application of varied doses of diuron. The higher dose of diuron recorded greater decline in microbial populations. The impact of diuron was more severe in black soils than in red soils on soil bacterial populations. The average percent reduction in fungal population was more in red soil than in black soil. The impact of diuron on actinomycetes population was more severe in black soil compared to red soils at lower rates of application whereas at higher dose, impact was more severe in red soil than in black soil.

3 tables, 12 ref

043499   SATHISH BN, KSHAMA KOPARDE , RADHA BN , DHANUSH C , GAJENDRA CV , HAREESH TS, VACHANA HC (Forest Products and Utilization Dep, Forestry Coll, Kodagu, Karnataka) : Assessment of carbon stock in harvested timber in Kodagu district, central Western Ghats. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(2), 22-7.

Globally, the two most important carbon sinks are vegetation and the ocean. Kodagu district located in central part of the Western Ghats in one of the largest wooded areas with nearly 80 % is under tree cover. The present study is an attempt to through light on the quantity of Carbon stored in the harvested timber. We have collected the data on different tree species harvested and their volume was collected from 2006 to 2017 in the Government timber depots. For each species-specific gravity data was obtained from the secondary data and the same was used to estimate the total carbon stock. The carbon stock varied from year to year. The average volume of timber harvested per year was 9664.46 m³ with an average biomass of 6112.38 t and the average carbon was 2872.82 t per year. From the different species harvested, Dalbergia latifolia itself contributes to 25 per cent total carbon.

3 illus, 7 tables, 12 ref

045287   ELANGO K, NELSON S J, ARAVIND A (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore- 641 003, Tamil Nadu, Email: elaento@gmail.com) : Rugose spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae) : An invasive foes of coconut. J Ent Res 2020, 44(2), 261-6.

An invasive species, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), commonly known as the rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), was observed on coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, India. Mode of entry of RSW into India is unknown, In Tamil Nadu, the incidence of rugose spiraling whitefly, A. rugioperculatus (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodidae) on coconut was first observed in Anaimalai block, Coimbatore during August, 2016. It mainly infests coconut palms and other broad-leaved hosts in its native range. The pest is somewhat superficially similar in its habits and general appearance to spiralling whitefly A. disperses, which itself is an invasive pest that came to India in the mid-1990s. RSW causes stress to the host plant by removing water and nutrients and also by producing honeydew. Presently it is spread all over India and the farmers of our nation are facing hard ships due to this infestation of RSW in coconut ecosystem.

29 ref

045283   BASRI R, ANSARI M S (Plant Protection Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh- 202 002, Uttar Pradesh, Email: rbsiddique21@gmail.com) : Effect of barrier crops as a management tool against Thrips tabaci in onion ecosystem. J Ent Res 2020, 44(2), 239-48.

Impact of barrier crops on the management of Thrips tabaci was studied for two consecutive years. Wheat, mustard and fennel were grown as border crops of onion crop and were compared to imidacloprid treated onion and untreated sole onion crops. Wheat barrier crop (WBC) gave significant result followed by mustard (MBC) and fennel barrier crops (FBC) in relation to reduction in the density of onion thrips. Dispersal of T. tabaci was prevented by presence of vertically tall wheat plants during both the years. The incidence of T. tabaci was variably influenced by abiotic factors. Weather parameters showed positive correlation with thrips population in all the treatments except relative humidity. A non-significant correlation was found between rainfall and thrips density. Yield was significantly higher in WBC than other barrier crops and the control. It was 11.33 and 12.63 t/ha with 2.09 and 3.34 t/ha yield of wheat in 1st and 2nd year, respectively. Wheat as a barrier crop in onion ecosystem managed T. tabaci.

1 illus, 6 tables, 43 ref

045282   KARTHIKEYAN K, SWATHY P S (Kerala Agricultural Univ, Pattambi- 679 306, Kerala, Email: karthikeyan.k@kau.in) : IPM approach against major pests of paddy. J Ent Res 2020, 44(2), 233-7.

The pooled results revealed that the cholrantraniliprole was the most effective insecticide against major pests of rice with yellow stem borer showing 5.15 % dead and 14.37 % white ears; gall midge, 1.82 % silver shoot and leaf folder exhibiting 1.33 % leaf damage, respectively and recording highest grain yield of 2,899 kg/ha amongst treatments. Among the plant oils, eucalyptus was found effective against stem borer with low incidence of dead hearts (4.96 %) and camphor oil was effective against whorlmaggot (0.69 % damaged leaves) and stem borer (19.59 % white ear). Incidence of gallmidge (5.38 % silver shoot) and leaf folder (14.18 % damaged leaves) was lower in neemazal treated plots respectively.

4 tables, 7 ref

045275   RAJAB A M, MORAVVEJ G, ASOODEH A (Plant Protection Dep, Ferdowsi Univ of Mashhad, Mashhad- 91775-1163, Iran, Email: moravej@um.ac.ir) : Rapid, one-step DNA extraction for the identification of German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) using DNA sequence of mitochondrial ribosomal RNA gene (16S rRNA gene). J Ent Res 2020, 44(2), 189-94.

In this study, DNA sequencing was used to study species identification and phylogeny of German cockroach that has medical importance, So, the comparisons can be made with specific region of mitochondrial ribosomal RNA gene (16S rRNA gene) of two collected Blattella germanica the first from central city of Mashhad (GM), Iran, and the second from city of Tehran (GT), Iran, and other individuals of B. germanica from different areas, that already have been recorded in the BLAST database, on the basis of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), nucleotide substitutions, and DNA and putative amino acid sequence data. Also, a phylogeny for these cockroaches based on the DNA sequence of the 16S rRNA genes is offered. Our results indicated that the nucleotide sequence of the B. germanica (GM) matched with sequences from other subspecies, except the (thymine–adenine) SNPs at position 15 and 19 of the 376-bp, and the nucleotide sequence of B. germanica (GT), also, matched with sequences from other subspecies, except (adenine-guanine) SNP at position 360-bp, and (thymine-guanine) SNP at position 368-bp of a portion of the 16s rRNA gene. Therefore, the B. germanica (GM), B. germanica (GT), and B. germanica isolates in BLAST database were different among them. Furthermore, we found that the forward (LR-J-13017) primer and reverse (LR-N-13398) primer were very impressive to distinguish among cockroaches belong sub-order Dictyoptera especially German cockroach. As well, these primers were produced a small DNA fragment of the 16S rRNA gene that includes all SNPs required for B. germanica isolates identification.

3 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

045256   BOHRA B, TRIVEDI P C, MATHUR K (Godrej Agrovet Limited, Mumbai-400 079) : Host range of Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani Causing Root-rot of Guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Linn.) Taub.]. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(2), 167-8.

Seven kharif crops, namely, maize, sorghum, cowpea, soybean, green gram, sesame and ridge gourd were evaluated for pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani causing root-rot of guar. Out of these, three, viz. soybean, green gram and sesame developed 36 to 51 per cent root-rot due to these pathogens and were considered susceptible, while others were resistant, and may be used for crop rotation to reduce the soil-borne inoculum of these pathogens.

1 table, 4 ref

045255   BOHRA B, MATHUR K, TRIVEDI P C (Godrej Agrovet Limited, Mumbai-400 079, Email: b.bohra@godrejagrovet.com) : Detection of root-rot pathogens in seeds of cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Linn.) Taub.]. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(2), 165-6.

Detection of the root-rot pathogens Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani in cluster bean seeds, populanly known as guar seeds (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Linn.) Taub.), was attempted using standard blotter and agar plate methods. Blotter method seemed better, where 30 per cent seeds showed root rot pathogens, of these 17 per cent had colonies of F. solani and 13 per cent had R. solani. In agar plate method, 19 per cent seed showed root rot pathogens, and frequency of F. solani and R. solani was 10 and 9 per cent, respectively. The site of infection of both the pathogens was the seed coat. The sections of infected seeds of guar showed the presence of inter and intra-cellular mycelium of the two pathogens, and sclerotia of R. solani in seed coat and cotyledons

2 tables, 2 ref

045254   SHARADHA H, JAHAGIRDAR S, BASAVARAJA G T (Plant Pathology Dep, Agriculture Coll, Dharwad, Email: shamaraoj@gmail.com) : Integrated management of Asian soybean rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi Syd. & Syd. through fungicide and nutrients in India. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(2), 160-4.

Soybean rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi Syd. and Syd. is the potential disease, causing severe losses in yield and also quality of oil in soybean. The continuous use of chemical fungicides in the management of disease leads to the development of resistance in the pathogen and also causes deleterious effect on existing ecosystem. However, the influence of plant nutrition status on susceptibility and tolerance of crops to diseases is an important aspect to be considered. A field experiments was laid out in split plot design with two main treatments and six sub treatments at the AICRP on Soybean, Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad, Karnataka and Research and Development Unit, Ugar Sugar Works Ltd., Ugarkhurd, (Belagavi district) during kharif season. Results of the integrated disease management with fungicide and nutrients in both the location revealed that two sprays of hexaconazole 0.1 % + KNO₃ 2 % recorded minimum disease severity followed by hexaconazole 0.1 % + neem oil 1 %. Further two sprays of these treatments recorded maximum seed yield, number of pods and 100 seed weight over unsprayed control.

4 tables, 8 ref

045253   PRADHAN B K , BISWAL G, SWAIN S (AICRP, Bhubaneswar– 751 003, Orissa, Email: bipinpradhan99@gmail.com) : Management of sigatoka leaf spot disease of banana with fungicides and petroleum based mineral oil formulations. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(2), 157-9.

The experiment was carried out at Horticultural Research Station, O.U.A.T, Bhubaneswar during 2013-14 and 2014-15 with the objectives of finding out the best treatment for management of sigatoka leaf spot disease (Mycosphaerella musicola) of banana. The investigation revealed that among eight treatments tested, T6 (application of 0.05 per cent propiconazole + 1 per cent mineral oil) recorded its superiority in respect of disease control, yield and quality of fruit than rest of the treatments. This treatment also resulted in least disease severity and more disease free leaves (YLS) (1.29 & 7.7 respectively) along with the highest bunch yield (21.00 kg plant-1) and B:C ratio of 2.60. Difenconazole 1 ml l-1 (0.1 %)+ petroleum based mineral oil (1 %) with the disease severity of 1.89 in 0-6 scale was found to be the second best treatment. Maximum disease severity and lowest bunch weight was observed in control. Hence, the spraying(s) of 0.05 per cent propiconazole + 1 per cent mineral oil is recommended for effective control of sigatoka leaf spot disease of banana.

2 tables, 21 ref

045251   TELI P, JAHAGIRDAR S, BASAVARAJA G T (Plant Pathology Dep, Agriculture Coll, Dharwad, Email: shamaraoj@gmail.com) : Screening the rust resistant genotypes against root rot complex of soybean under glasshouse. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(2), 154-6.

Soybean is an important oil seed and pulse crop. Among various disease root rot disease is complex in nature, which causes predominant yield loss. Since disease is soil borne in nature, chemical method of management is expensive, hence, utilization of resistant cultivars in farming is simple, effective and economical in the management of diseases. In present investigation, ten advanced lines, which are resistant to rust disease were screened against root rot complex of soybean in sick soil in pots under glasshouse. The result revealed that, two genotypes viz., DSb 28-3 and DSb 30-2, were showing moderately susceptible reaction. Five of the genotypes depicted susceptible reaction viz., DSb 24, DSb 25, DSb 33, DSb 34 and DSb 21. Three of the genotypes were highly susceptible viz., DSb 23-2, DSb 27 and JS 335 under glasshouse condition.

3 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

045250   CHENCHAIAH K C (ICAR-CTRI Research Station, Kandukur-523 105, Andra Pradesh, Email: kcchenchaiah@gmail.com) : Management Modules for Spodoptera litura and Myzus nicotianae in FCV Tobacco. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(2), 149-53.

Four Management modules for the control of Spodoptera litura and Myzus nicotiana in FCV tobacco under Southern Light Soil condition were evaluated during 2015-16 and 2016-17 crop season. Results obtained during two years were pooled and subjected to RBD analysis. The mean infestations reached its peak during 55 to 65 DAP of the crop in both the seasons. The infestation of caterpillar and aphid was low to medium in both the years. The mean proportion of plants damaged (4.25 to 11.15 %) and damage score (2.1 to 2.45) recorded due to caterpillar in IPM module was less when compared to that of control plots (4.75 to 12.45 % plants damaged and 2.25 to 2.85 damage score). Similar observation was recorded in case of aphid with the mean proportion of plants damaged (6.20 to 11.25 %) and damage score (0.76 to 1.61) in IPM module, while control plots had 5.95 to 13.70 % plants damaged and 1.40 to 2.41 damage score. Significant differences in yield parameters were observed among seasons and as well as in treatments. The seasonal variation in yield is due to changing weather conditions in successive years. The IPM module consisting of Jowar as barrier crop, NSKS @ 0.5 % spray, Spodeptera NPV 250LE spray, Proclaim @ 5g/10 L water spray, Confidor @ 3ml/ 10 L water spray based on ETL gave highest mean yield of green leaf (11,577.5 kg/ ha), cured leaf (1,807.1 kg/ ha), bright leaf (1,091.2 kg/ ha) and grade index (1,206.2). The cured leaf yield recorded 25.63 per cent increase over the control. The mean total income from this module was Rs. 2,10,527/- per ha and the Cost: Benefit ratio was 1: 6.58. It also gave 25.63 per cent higher returns over the control module. This IPM module was demonstrated in 1.0 acre area of a nearby farmers’ field during 2017-18 cropping season and the farmer got convinced with the technology with a production of 8.0 Q/acre cured leaf.

3 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

045249   HAKEEM S A, DAR Z A, SOFI M A, WANI R A, BASHIR S, NISSA S, NASEER S, RASOOL F (Dryland Agriculture Research Station, Kashmir- 190 025, Email: muneerento@yahoo.co.in) : Status and abundance of Maize stem borer (Chilo partellus) in Maize under temperate conditions. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(2), 147-8.

Maize stem borer (Chilo partellus) is a serious threat to cultivation of kharif maize in India. Losses due the pest varied from 24-83 per cent in different agro-climatic zones of the country. Study was undertaken to find out incidence of the pest in relation to date of sowing and stage of crop growth during sowing season of the crop at Dryland Agriculture Research Station, SKUAST, Kashmir. An experiment was laid in randomized Block Design, in which sowing was done at 15 days interval starting from March 1 during 2016 and 2017. The observations on Maize Stem Borer infestation and Dead Hearts were recorded. The study revealed that the borer infestation was considerably high during April 1 and April 16 sown crop. Consequently, the control measures need to be initiated during the period for effective maize stem borer management strategy.

2 tables, 8 ref

045248   RAVI KUMARA R, JAYANTHI P D K (Entomology and Nematology Div, ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesseraghatta- 560 089) : Removal of seed leaves in tomato during transplantation to restrict the infestation of serpentine leaf miner, Liriomyza trifolii Burgess. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(2), 144-6.

The present study explores the potential of removal of seed leaves (cotyledons) during transplantation in tomato on the incidence of serpentine leaf miner, Liriomyza trifolii Burgess. The plants, where the seed leaves were removed consistently, recorded lower infestation of L. trifolii over a period of three weeks (0+0.00, 9.70+2.00, 24.10+2.86 mines per plant, respectively) compared to the plants transplanted along with the seed leaves (4.30+0.83,20.10+2.32, 38.90+5.93 mines/plant, respectively). This study establishes the bencficial role of removal of seed leaves in the management of L. trifolii in tomato.

2 illus, 14 ref

045247   KUMAR R (Vikas Bhawan, Lucknow, Email: drrksingh034@gmail.com) : Growth, Development and reproduction of fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera : Tephritidae) on different Mango cultivars, viz. Dashehari, Langra, Chausa and Amrapali. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(2), 10.5958/2582-2683.2020.00016.7.

India is the largest producer and exporter of mangoes. It produces choicest cultivars in different region of the countries. However, its export is hampered by susceptibility to fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel, as the importing counties are wary of introduction of Indian strain of B. dorsalis into their counties. Consequently, they have imposed many pre export requirements viz., hot water treatment, vapour heat treatment, irradiation, etc. The present study attempts to study growth, development and reproductive cycle of fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, Hendel on four mango cultivars, viz. Chausa, Langra, Dashehari and Amrapali. The development of the immature stages of B. dorsalis was found to differ, when they were reared on four mango cultivars. The incubation period of eggs of B. dorsalis was minimum (1.75 ± 0.11 days) on Chausa cultivar and maximum (3.30 ± 0.13 days) on Amrapali cultivar. Duration of first larval instars was fastest (1.85 ± 0.13 days) on Chausa and slowest (3.55 ± 0.16 days) on Amrapali. The developmental of second larval instars of B. dorsalis varied from 2.25 ± 0.11 to 4.00 ± 0.15 days with the minimum period on Chausa and maximum on Amrapali (F= 35.12; P<0.001). The third larval instar developed fastest (4.45 ± 0.69 days) on Chausa and slowest (7.60 ± 0.22 days) on Amrapali (F=17.53; P< 0.001). The total developmental period of immature stages of B. dorsalis was shortest (19.45 ± 0.68 days) when fed on Chausa and longest (30.65 ± 0.33 days) when fed on Amrapali (F=93.57; P<0.001). The fastest development took place on Chausa cultivar and slowest on Amrapali. The different reproductive parameters of B. dorsalis varied significantly when fed on four different mango cultivars. Fecundity of B. dorsalis on mango cultivar varied from 189.80 ± 1.44 to 561.20 ± 3.21 eggs with the least on Amrapali and highest on Chausa (F= 7288.07; P<0.001). The percent egg viability was least (73.22 ± 1.02 %) when adults were reared on Amrapali cultivar and highest (82.50 ± 0.39 %) on Chausa cultivar (F=20.00; P <0.001).

3 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

045246   ARAIA W, NAQVI S D Y, AHMEDIN A (Agronomy Dep, Hamelmalo Agricultural Coll, Eritrea, Email: syeddanishnaqvi84@gmail.com) : Demonstration of three Seeding methods and two varieties of Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor) with Farmers' Participatory approach in Hamelmalo Area, Eritrea. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(2), 131-7.

A demonstration was carried out on the seeding methods and varieties of Sorghum on farmers’ fields in two locations in Basheri and Genfolom (Hamelmalo area), ZobaAnseba, Eritrea during 2015/16 cropping season. Three methods of sowing (Direct, transplanting and hydro seed priming) and two varieties (Hamelmalo and Hariray) were demonstrated with a total of 6 treatments. A total of 20 farmers in each of the two locations participated in the evaluation of the sowing method at maturity using a scoring scale of 1 to 10. There was no significant difference among the varieties, method of sowing and the interaction in biomass. Hydro seed priming was better in biomass with 4650 kg/ha compared to transplanting (3023 kg/ha) with a difference of 1605 kg/ha or 53.1 % increase, when averaged over the locations even though, it was non-significant. In grain yield, there was significant difference among the seeding methods with Hydro seed priming giving higher yield (962 kg/ha), which is an increase of 283 kg/ha or 41.7 % compared to transplanting (679 kg/ha), when averaged over the locations. The evaluation by farmers was the highest for Hydro seed priming with a score of 8.13 compared to direct seeding, when averaged over the locations. The methods of planting were demonstrated to farmers by organizing field days in the two locations.

2 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

045244   CHAVHAN S B, PATIL K J, GANVIR B N (Agricultural Economics and Statistics Section Dep, Agriculture Coll, Nagpur- 440 001, Email: kjpatil2525@gmail.com) : Decomposition analysis of cereals production in Nagpur division. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(2), 122-7.

Agriculture is the most important sector of the Economy in India. Cereals, particularly, wheat and paddy are the mainstay for mitigating food grain requirement for the rising population. Consequently, efficient planning and development efforts are needed. The bottoms up approach i.e., plan for the development of agriculture at desegregated level or at district and/or regional levels and thereafter, aggregate it at the macro or state/country level, has been found useful. Very few such studies have been undertaken at the district/regional levels. The information, particularly, for different districts of Nagpur division and the division as a whole was not available. Consequntly, the present study attempts to undertake a decomposition analysis of cereal production in different districts of Nagpur Division along with the entire division for two periods, viz., Period-I: 1995-96 to 2004-2005; Period-II: 2005-06 to 2014-15; and Overall (Pooled) Period: 1995-96 to 2014-15. Compound growth rates (CGR) were worked out for area, production and yield for five districts, viz., Wardha, Nagpur, Bhandara, Chanderpur and Gadchiroli and the overall Nagpur division. The highest significant CGR in yield of wheat was 4.17 per cent in Gadhchiroli district, while for the production, the CGR for wheat was 4.19 per cent for the Nagpur division as a whole during overall period. The docomposition analysis indicated area effect for increasing production of wheat was maximum, i.e. 596.45 in Gadchiroli district followed by 421.13 in Bhandara district. In all the districts, the decomposition analysis indicated that cubic models provided best fit for area, production and productivity of wheat and rice.

6 tables, 6 ref

045243   RAM R A, GARG N, PRITI (ICAR- Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow- 226 101, Email: neelimagargg@rediffmail.com) : Response of agnihotra ash on the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(2), 118-21.

Ash-1 collected after performing agnihotra with same materials without chanting mantras and timing Ash-2 collected after performing the agnihotra at sun rise and sun set with proper procedure. Different beneficial soil bacteria and yeast viz., Bacillus sp., Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker’s yeast), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (industrial yeast), Saccharomyces cerevisiae were inoculated in Nutrient Agar and Yeast extract Peptone Dextrose Agar medium containing Ash-1 and Ash-2. Growth of these microbes was recorded more in media containing Ash-2 and less in media having Ash-1. Growth of pathogens was restricted in Ash-2, while it was more in Ash-1.

3 tables, 13 ref

045242   SHINDE V V, GHAVALE S L, WANKHEDE S M, HALDANKAR P M, MAHESWARAPPA H P (Regional Coconut Research Station, Ratnagiri, Email: agr_agronomist@yahoo.co.in) : Studies on the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield of coconut orchard in coastal ecosystem of Maharashtra state. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(2), 112-7.

The field experiment on impact of integrated nutrient management and organics including biomass recycling in coconut based cropping system was initiated on a 30 years old healthy D x T coconut plantation at Regional Coconut Research Station, Bhatye, Ratnagiri (M.S.) during the years 2013-14 to 2017-18. The experiment consisted of four treatments viz. T1 : 75 % of recommended NPK +25 % of N through organic recycling with vermi-compost, T2 : 50 % of RDF+ 50 % of N through organic recycling with vermi-compost + vermiwash application +bio-fertilizer application +in situ green manuring, T3 : 100 % of N through organic recycling with vermi-compost +vermiwash application +biofertilizer application +in situ green manuring and green leaf manuring (glyricidia leaves) +composted coir pith, husk incorporation and mulching with coconut leaves and T4 : control: mono-crop of coconut with recommended NPK and organic manure were imposed. The component crops were nutmeg, cinnamon, banana and pineapple. Annual leaf production did not significantly differ among the treatments, however, integrated treatments resulted in higher number of leaves (30.46 Nos.). Five years pooled data on nut yield indicated that application of organic manures in combination with inorganic fertilizer either in 50 % of RDF+50 % of N through organic recycling with vermi-compost +vermiwash application +bio-fertilizer application +in situ green manuring (141.28 nuts/palm/year) or 75 % of recommended NPK +25 % of N through organic recycling with vermi-compost (126.33 nuts/palm/year) resulted the higher nut yield. There was improvement in the nutrient status of coconut leaves with integrated nutrient management practices compared to inorganic or organic manure alone application. The highest benefit: cost ratio (3.03) was recorded in T2 followed by T1 (2.81) as compared to the other treatments.

6 tables, 12 ref

045241   BALIKAI R A, VINOD M, DESAI S (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad- 580 005, Karnataka) : Non-chemical approaches for the management of insect pests in agri-horti crops and storage. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(2), 95-111.

Insects are the largest group of hexapod invertebrates belonging to the Phylum Arthropoda. They are the major enemies of our crops in field and stored products. On one side are the beneficial entomofauna, which positively works for human welfare, whereas, the other side comprises of insect pests which cause a huge negative impact on human and his belongings. Unfortunately, nearly one-sixth of all crops grown worldwide are lost to herbivorous insects and the plant diseases they transmit. In addition to this, due to climate change coupled with intensification in agriculture, there has been a paradigm shift in infestation of insect pests both in time and space. Moreover, over the decade, food security at global level has also emerged as a concern at an alarming rate. The farmers use pesticides as first line of defence and frequently resort to indiscriminate and non-judicious use of pesticides for managing the insect pests. However, these lead to several problems, such as environmental pollution, pesticide residue in the harvested products, development of resistance/resurgence of pests, emergence of new pests, destruction of natural enemies and pollinators, and ultimately, increased cost of production. In this background, a paradigm shift in pest management approaches is urgently required. Such management strategies could be A) Mechanical methods, B) Physical methods, C) Legislative methods, and D) Cultural methods. The literature on these components is being focused in the present review.

6 tables, 96 ref

046596   NEGI D, SAMANT S S (Himalyan Forest Research Institute, Panthaghati-171 013, Email: samantss2@rediffmail.com) : Quantitative estimation of total phenols, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts of Ephedra gerardiana Wall. ex Stapf across different habitats of cold desert biosphere reserve, trans Himalaya, India. Med Plants 2020, 12(4), 598-608.

The present study evaluated phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts of aerial part and root of a high altitude threatened species, Ephedra gerardiana Wall. ex Stapf (Fam: Ephedraceae). E. gerardiana was collected from five distantly located populations in Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve. The concentration of total phenolic contents was recorded in range between 110 ± 3.5 to 132 ± 2.52 (aerial part) and 135 ± 0.6 to161 ± 0.49 (root) mg GAE g^-1 of extracts and flavonoid contents was recorded between 66 ± 1.47 to 87 ± 0.84 (aerial part) and 108 ± 1 to 137 ± 0.48 (root) mg QE g^-1. Total phenolic contents were significantly higher in E. gerardiana population growing on river bed habitat. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant variation among populations. All extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity. The percent inhibition was found to increase with every unit increase in concentration. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging reached up to 82.15 % and 97.55 % at a concentration of 400 µg mL^-1, respectively. Reducing power was ranged from 0.198 ± 0.001 to 0.597 ± 0.005 at concentrations ranging from 50 to 400 µg mL^–1. Therefore, present study results revealed that E. gerardiana is a natural source of antioxidant.

6 illus, 4 tables, 36 ref

041498   BHARGAVA S, MADHAV N V S (DIT Univ, Dehradun - 248 001, Uttarakhand, Email: samirbhargava@outlook.com) : Cyclosporine a loaded nanoemulsions using bio-oil fractions of sesame oil. Indian J Pharm Edu Res 2020, 54(2), 357-66.

Cyclosporine A loaded Nanoemulsions using Bio-oil Fractions of Sesame Oil. Nanoemulsions formulation development is an upcoming approach to deliver peptides. The approach reduces challenges during peptide delivery by many folds. Nanoemulsions contains drugs encapsulated or solubilized in an oily phase, with water as continuous phase. In our research, nanoemulsion have been developed for Cyclosporine a using fractions of Sesame oil as encapsulating agent. The comparison between oil fractions (SOC; SOAM) and Sesame oil have been well proved through Spectral studies like FT-IR, GC-MS and rheology studies. Nanoemulsions have been developed using a modified solvent-evaporation method. FT-IR of oil fraction also shows absence of peaks showing peptide fragments, indicating its encapsulation inside oil fraction. The zeta potential of our selected formulation FSC2 among FSC1-FSC12 has been found to be -15 mV, while its polydispersity is 0.325. The in vitro studies clearly reveals first order release mechanism as best fit model for selected formulation. The r 2 for selected formulation has been identified to be 0.99. The t80 of FSC2 has been found to be 6.5 Hrs. The TEM Studies of formulation reveal spherical appearance of particles with average particle size between 50-220 nm.

12 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

046582   VENUDEVAN B, GEETHA R, PILLAI M A (Agricultural Coll and Research Institute, Vallanadu- 628 252, Email: venudevan005@gmail.com) : Influence of artificial ageing test on seed quality changes in Cassia angustifolia Vahl. Med Plants 2020, 12(3), 463-6.

Deterioration of seed is a complex physiological and biochemical process leading to failure of germination capacity. An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of seed ageing on senna and analyzed the physiological causes for deterioration in artificially aged seeds. The senna seeds were artificially aged for 2,4 and 6 days at 40 ± 10C and 98 ± 2 % RH and the non-aged seeds were considered as control. From the results, it is concluded that physiological parameters like germination percentage, hard seed %, root length, shoot length, dry matter production, vigour index gradually decreased and abnormal seedling % and electrical conductivity was increased with increase in period of artificial ageing (two days of ageing to six days of ageing) in senna. The accelerated ageing technique was adopted to precisely predict the storage behaviour of seeds and also artificial ageing conditions (2 days) revealed the beneficial effects to increase the germination percentage (80 %) and vigour index (8.8) of seeds. It might be due to breaking the hard seed coat dormancy in the freshly harvested senna seeds.

2 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

046577   KUNDRA R, SAMANT S S, KUMAR V, PANDE V (Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla- 171 013, Email: samantss2@rediffmail.com) : Callus mediated organogenesis in Lilium polyphyllum D. Don : A critically endangered Astavarga plant from North Western Indian Himalaya. Med Plants 2020, 12(3), 414-21.

Lilium polyphyllum D. Don (Liliaceae) is a critically endangered herbaceous perennial, commonly known as snow lily or Ksheerkakoli. Bulbs of the plant are of immense medicinal use and have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Over exploitation of the species from wild and degradation of habitats are posing threats to its existence. Therefore, an attempt has been made to develop a propagation protocol and promote mass multiplication from bulb scales of L. polyphyllum. Maximum callus was induced from the bulb scales in basal MS medium containing 2,4-D (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 mg/l), BAP (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mg/l) and NAA + BAP (0.5 + 2 mg/l). Maximum shooting (98.75 %) was achieved in the callus when shifted to MS medium supplemented with BAP (1 and 2 mg/l) and NAA (0.5 mg/l), with an average of 1-2 cm shoot length per culture. The well developed in vitro regenerated shoots were transferred to the rooting medium and 100 % rooting was achieved in half-strength MS basal medium supplemented with IBA and IAA (1 and 2 mg/l). The in vitro regenerated plantlets were shifted to a glasshouse in the sterilized soil and vermiculite mixture for acclimatization. After survival, plantlets were finally transferred to the open environment with 90 % survival success.

2 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

046572   MUTHULAKSHMI P, RAJAMANI K, BOOMIGA M (Medicinal and Aromatic Crops Dep, Horticultural Coll and Research Institute, Coimbatore- 641 003, Email: muthupathology@gmail.com) : Management of leaf blight disease caused by Alternaria alternata in Gloriosa superba. Med Plants 2020, 12(3), 376-80.

Gloriosa superba is a medicinal plant severely infested with leaf blight caused by Alternaria alternata. The effect of fungicides and bio control agents in managing the leaf blight disease under field conditions was carried out at two different locations in farmer’s field. Among the seven treatments, foliar spray of Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin @ 0.05 % at 30, 45,60 days after planting recorded maximum disease reduction over control (70.91 %) as compared to other bioagents treatments followed by the treatment with foliar spray of carbendazim + mancozeb @ 0.1 % at 30, 45,60 DAP which recorded 64.18 % reduction over control on 75 days after planting. This treatment also recorded yield parameters viz., number of flowers per plant (37.0), number of pods per plant (34.0) and number of seeds per pod (54.70). In the control, plant growth and yield parameters viz., plant height (95.83 cm), number of flowers per plant (26.0), number of pods per plant (20.0) and number of seeds per pod (30.80) were found to be the lowest. The maximum seed yield of 442.50 kg/ha was recorded in treatment involving spraying of Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin @ 0.05 % at 30, 45,60 DAP with 15.74 % increase in yield over control followed by foliar spray of P. fluorescens (Pf) 0.2 % on 30 DAP + foliar spray of Bacillus subtilis (Bs1) 0.2 % on 45 DAP + foliar spray of Streptomyces geysiriensis (Pts2) 0.2 % on 60 DAP which recorded 430.20 kg/ha with 12.53 % increased yield over control.

1 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

046566   THIRIBHUVANAMALA G, PARTHASARATHY S, KAMALAKANNAN A, RAJAMANI K (Plant Pathology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore- 641 003, Email: ragumala2000@gmail.com) : Andrographis paniculata (Burn F. Nees) - A new host for root rot pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina Tassi. (Goid). Med Plants 2020, 12 (2), 318-21.

Andrographis paniculata (Burn F. Nees) is one of the most popular annual, medicinal herb belonging to the Acanthaceae family. It is widely planted in India for its use in the treatment of array of mammalian diseases. Root rot like symptoms were observed on A. paniculata plants grown in University Farm, Coimbatore, India. During field visit, typical symptoms of foliar yellowing, wilting, bark shredding and rotting of roots were observed in A. paniculata. The disease incidence was recorded up to 55 %. The fungus associated with root rot was identified as Macrophomina phaseolina based on morphological and molecular studies. Septate colored mycelium with oblong to irregular shaped sclerotia was microscopically documented in culture. Pathogenicity tests confirmed through Koch’s postulates revealed similar root rot symptoms. Further, the PCR assays using the genomic DNA of fungus with primer pair of internal transcribed spacer region and nucleotide sequence comparison confirmed the association of M. phaseolina. In our study, we have reported A. paniculata as a new host for the root rot pathogen, M. phaseolina.

6 illus,15 ref

046565   ABHA MANOHAR K, SHUKLA G, CHAKRABORTY M, KUNDU A, MAITRA S, CHAKRAVARTY S (Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar- 736 165, Email: gopalshukla12@gmail.com) : Effect of pre-sowing seed treatments on germination behaviors of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willd. Med Plants 2020, 12 (2), 309-17.

Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Willde. is a globally vulnerable tropical tree species with immense medicinal and aesthetic value. High demand for its bark in pharmacological industry resulted in severe reduction of its population in wild, thus paving way to adulteration. The declining population can only be restored and multiplied through both in situ and ex situ conservation efforts. The seeds of the species were reported with less germination. The present study was therefore an attempt to improve the seed germination of the species with mechanical, water based and chemical based presowing treatments, which significantly improved the germination as compared to no presowing treatments (55 %) except with boiling water based treatments (11.66- 18.33 %) which significantly reduced germination. Exposing the plumule by rubbing the seed coat with sand paper and soaking the seeds in hot water (70^o C) for 12 h significantly enhanced germination. Chemical based presowing treatments with salicylic acid and thiourea also enhanced germination by 1.67-15 % and 13.33-31.66 %, respectively over control. Higher the concentration of thiourea improved germination than salicylic acid. Temperature of water and exposure time to water also influenced germination. Increasing the temperature of water from room temperature to 70^o C increased germination but further increasing the temperature significantly reduced germination over control. Increasing soaking time by 12-24 h, however reduced germination. In terai region of West Bengal, for faster, higher and smoother germination of S. asoca, adaptation of presowing seed treatment may be recommended especially via soaking the seeds in hot water for 12 h.

9 illus, 1 table, 47 ref

046562   VALI D M, YUVARAJ K M, BHASKAR V V, KADIRI L, PADMAJA V V (Plantation Spices Medicinal and Aromatic Crops Dep, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural Univ, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, Email: mastanv79@gmail.com) : Effect of organic manures and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) cv. Sona. Med Plants 2020, 12(2), 283-9.

A field experiment was conducted during late kharif season of 2018-2019 at College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta to evaluate the effect of different organic manures and bio- fertilizers on growth and yield of senna cv. Sona. Vegetative growth parameters like plant height (87.26 cm), number of branches (17.40), dry matter production (0.867 kg m^-2) and crop growth rate (15.22 g m-2 d^-1) were found maximum by application of 100 per cent recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through urea and was found at par with the application of 100 % RDN through vermicompost in combination with bio-fertilizers. Number of days required for 50 % flowering, total number of leaves, leaf area (cm² ), total chlorophyll content (SCMR values) and stem girth were found significantly maximum by application of 100 % RDN through vermicompost in combination with biofertilizers and was found at par with 100 % RDN through urea. Specific leaf weight and leaf weight ratio were found nonsignificant among the treatments. Cumulative leaf yield was found significantly highest by application of 100 per cent RDN through vermicompost in combination with bio-fertilizers. However, significantly highest leaf yield and pod yield in senna at 115 and 140 DAS was recorded by application of 100 % RDN through urea and was found at par with 100 % RDN through vermicompost in combination with bio-fertilizers.

4 tables, 15 ref

046553   BORUAH R, SAIKIA S, ISLAM S, PURKAYASTHA M D, BORAH A (Horticulture Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat- 785 013, Email: rimboruah58@gmail.com) : Dillenia indica: An underutilized fruit with gamut of food and industrial prospectives. Med Plants 2020, 12(2), 214-9.

The present review aims to evaluate the significant ethnomedicinal properties, phytochemical constituents, bioactivities and pharmacological aspects of Dillenia indica. D. indica is found to be capable of curing many aliments, as it exhibits antiinflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activity. Moreover, the mucilage of D. indica has potential in drug formulation because its properties are similar with those of pharmacological polymers. Besides being bestowed with myriads of health benefits, D. indica is an integral part of culinary dishes of North-east tribes, mainly for its astringent flavour and characteristic delicate aroma. It is widely used for making squash, curries, pickle, chutney etc. The use of D. indica in traditional medicines and herbal formulations is prevalent in India, China and Sri Lanka. Therefore, evaluation and methodical documentation of the ethnomedicinal properties, phytochemical composition, bioactivities and pharmacological aspects of D. indica is necessary so that multifarious benefits of this fruit can be harnessed for creation of benevolent drugs and functional foods, and the present review targets to fulfil this knowledge gap.

1 illus, 1 table, 51 ref

046552   AL-MANSOUR B, ADRAA W (Ministry of Agriculture, Lattakia, Syria, Email: baraaalmansour@yahoo.com) : Concept of aromatherapy in boosting psychological immune system against Covid-19. Med Plants 2020, 12 (2), 205-13.

The new coronavirus (Covid-19) is affecting 210 countries and territories around the world. Till now there is no specific treatment, and vaccine development is in progress. While corona pandemic draws the world’s attention to the vaccine, also it reminds for the importance of immunization that can help us fight against the novel virus. Good health and psychological alertness has been proven to increase human body immune response and thus enhancing resistance towards disease. Aromatherapy is considered as one of the complementary medical approach involves the therapeutic use of essential oils, that may lead to viable options for fighting this disease. This review highlighted on some psychological features related to this virus and how practicing aromatherapy could help us to control or minimize the percussions of Covid-19.

1 illus, 82 ref

046543   ASWANI J S, PUSHPA T N, SRIKANTPRASAD D, PATIL C P, BIRADAR I B, GANGARADDI V (Plantation Dep, KRC Coll of Horticulture, Belgaum- 591 218, Email: aswanijs4@gmail.com) : Influence of biofertilizers and bioformulations on biomass and essential oil yield of menthol mint (Mentha arvensis L.). Med Plants 2020, 12(1), 139-43.

Medicinal and aromatic plants with chemical residues can become a poison than a medicine. So, it is very important to reduce the usage of such chemicals in cultivation practices of such crops. Keeping this in view, a research work was conducted to incorporate organic sources in the conventional menthol mint cultivation. Menthol mint plants were treated with different combination of bioformulations and biofertilizers and plants treated with recommended dosage of fertilizers were maintained as control. The results of the experiment revealed that the combined application of bioformulations and biofertilizers along with recommended dosage of fertilizers recorded higher shade herbage yield (395.57 g/plant), essential oil yield (3.77 g/ plant) and oil content (0.99 %), available nitrogen (234.90 kg/ha), phosphorous (23.66 kg/ha) and potassium (141.69 kg/ha) in the soil, while lowest was noticed in control. No significant difference was observed in menthol content. The combined application of bioformulations and biofertilizers can become an eco-friendly technique of menthol mint cultivation.

4 tables, 18 ref

046540   SHIQIANG X, XIAOBAO Y, SHIKE C, YU M, JIHUA W (Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou- 510 640, China, Email: wangjihua@gdaas.cn) : In vitro culture and rapid propagation of Ilex asprella. Med Plants 2020, 12(1), 114-9.

Ilex asprella is usually used as the main material for a variety of traditional Chinese medicines and herbal tea. With the destructive excavation of the roots of I. asprella, its wild resources have been drastically reduced and is not available in quantity to meet the current market demand. In order to meet the needs of Chinese medicine market and environmental protection, it is necessary to develop a suitable and rapid micro-propagation technology. In this study, we have established an effective in vitro tissue culture protocol for mass production of I. asprella seedlings. Stems were used as explants and 0.1 % mercuric chloride solution treating the explants for 7 min was the best disinfecting method. The optimum medium for induction and proliferation of adventitious buds was developed with modified MS medium with 2.0 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), 0.1 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 0.5 mg/L adenine sulfate (AD).The modified ½ MS medium with 0.5 mg/L NAA, 0.5 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 0.5 mg/L activated carbon was suitable for rooting. The method established in this study provides the basis for large-scale propagation I. asprella seedlings to meet the market demand of traditional Chinese medicine.

1 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

045121   DOLIE S, NONGMAITHEM D (Agronomy Dep, Nagaland Univ, Medziphema- 797 106, Nagaland) : Influence of spacing and weed management practices on weed, growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). J Crop Weed 2020, 16(3), 256-9.

A field trial on groundnut was conducted from July to October 2016. From the experiment it was found that maintaining spacing at 40cm × 15cm recorded significantly highest plant dry matter accumulation (48.34 g plant^-1), test weight (46.45 g), pod yield (1392.03 kg ha^-1), kernel yield (977.64kg ha^-1) and stover yield (2942.36 kg ha^-1). Out of the weed management practices, manual weeding at 30 and 60 days after sowing resulted the maximum decrease in weed population and dry matter of weeds, thereby giving maximum efficiency in controlling weed (66.6 %) and recorded maximum plant growth and groundnut kernel yield (1007.7 kg ha^-1).

2 tables, 16 ref

045120   DASH S K, TRIPATHY P, SAHU G, PATHAK M, PRADHAN B, NAYAK H (Vegetable Science Dep, OUAT, Odisha) : Effect of integrated weed management practices on growth, yield attributes and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) cv. Utkal Gaurav. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(3), 253-5.

The Present investigation entitled, “Effect of integrated weed management practices on growth, yield and its attributes in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) cv. Utkal Gaurav.” was conducted at the field site of AICRP on Vegetable Crops of O.U.A.T, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India during kharif season 2018-19. The objective of the present investigation was to study the impact of weed management on growth and yield attributing characters of Okra. The experiment was laid out in RBD Design with 7 treatments, replicated thrice. The Seven Treatments Schedules were T₁ -weedy check (Control), T₂ -weed free check (3 hand weeding), T₃ - pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @6 ml L^-1, T₄ - Pre-application of pendimethalin @ 6 ml L^-1 + One hand weeding, T₅ - Pre application of pendimethalin @ 6 ml L^-1+ quizalofop ethyl 40-50 g ha^-1 at 20 DAS, T₆ -Post emergence application of metribuzin @ 525g ha^-1 at 20DAS, T₇- Post emerging application paraquate (0.5 kg ha^-1), fluchloralin (1.5 kg ha^-1). Among the different weed management practices, the pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 6 ml L^-1 + one hand weeding (T₄ ) resulted maximum green fruit yield of 113.09 q ha^-1 with maximum B:C ratio of 1.49 excluding fruit yield of 120.49 q ha^-1 under weed free check (T₂ ). However, these both treatments (T₂ and T₄ ) were statistically at par in terms of fruit yield per ha. Although, the weed free check (3 hand weeding) (T₂ ) recorded highest fruit yield but the net return of this treatment is less (B:C ratio 1.19) due to higher cost of cultivation.

2 tables, 12 ref

045119   VINOTHINI N, SAKILA M, POOVARASAN T, BHAVYASREE R K, MANONMANI V (Agricultural Coll and Research Institute, Sirugamani) : Effect of hydropriming on dormancy of black gram (Vigna mungo L.). J Crop Weed 2020, 16(3), 249-52.

Dormancy is a common occurance in pulses especially in black gram. To overcome it, the seed priming may be truly operational where the application of hydropriming under various durations is utilized in current study to judge the efficacy on seedling pattern. Considering the five various durations (viz., 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours) alongwith control (nonprimed seeds), the significant hierarchy was observed in various primed seeds over control. Hydroprimed seeds with duration of three hours showed the highest germination (82%) along with desirable root and shoot lengths and a noticeable vigour index. Hence, the observation may be competent and valuable for implementation in seed or crop production programme in black gram.

4 illus, 16 ref

045117   GUPTA R, DANA S S, MAITY A, BANDYOPADHYAY U K (Fishery Extension Dep, West Bengal Univ of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Chakgaria- 700 094, Kolkata) : A study on the socio-economic status of the fishery-based self-help groups in Nadia district, West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(3), 238-43.

Self-help groups are compact homogenous groups consisting of the rural people generally poor and the purpose of formation of these groups is cash savings along with mutual agreements for contribution to a common fund. The study was conducted to investigate the socio-economic profile of the SHG involved in scientific fish culture Data were collected from randomly selected 16 SHGs from 3 Blocks of Nadia district in West Bengal, India with the help of structured interview schedule using nonparticipant observation technique. The results of the study showed that the maximum groups consisted of middle-aged members within them (75 %) where 70 % were female, half of the respondents belonged to the general caste (50 %). The majority of the respondents (50 %) had education up to primary school with a great majority being (93.33 %) married and housewives (47.5 %). Here the respondents (75.84 %) belonging to the middle income group paid the inter-loan (Rs.1000-7000) on a regular basis. The main information source for the respondents was friends (66.66 %) and main motivators were neighbours and friends (68.33 %).Thus as per the finding of this socio-economic analysis we can say that the self-help group approach acts like a catalyst which induce changes in the socio-economic aspects of the group members that in turn aids in their alleviation from poverty and gives them a secured livelihood contributing to their overall development.

3 tables, 11 ref

045116   GHOSH R K, GHOSH A, MONDAL D, KANTHAL S, BHOWMICK M K (Agronomy Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, West Bengal) : Critical crop-weed competition – A pivotal factor for annual planning of weed pest management towards sustainable crop productivity. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(3), 228-37.

Eco-safe appropriate weed pest management can increase 10.0 % more production through annual planning of weed pest management. The critical crop weed competition period has an immense importance for APWPM that takes the edge of the weed pest losses in crops grown in sequence for sustainable crop production. Field experiments were conducted at the Kalyani CBlock and Instructional farm, Jaguli of BCKV during 2003-18 to study the CCWCP status under APWPM with 6 treatments discretely on 21 major crops with all recommended practices including balanced nutrition. To determine the CCWC, upto 50 DAP weeds are removed by hand, whenever visible in six treatments at 10 days interval besides a weedy check. The weed density and biomass, important growth and yield attributes and yield were recorded. The results indicated that the CCWCP for all crops tested in these experiments was epitomized by maintaining minimum weed biomass upto 30 DAP excepting for onion up to 20 DAP, TR paddy 40 DAP and sugarcane 60 DAP. Therefore, following APWPM during CCWCP the productivity may be increased by an average of TR and DSR paddy, wheat, maize, black, green and Bengal gram, lentil, rapeseed, mustard, groundnut, soybean, sesame, linseed, potato, jute, sugarcane, brinjal, okra, onion and chilli, 45.0, 61.5, 36.4, 42.9, 25.6, 28.4, 40.4, 52.3, 42.5, 49.4, 36.8, 35.6, 41.8, 61.5, 30.0, 51.4, 31.8, 35.6, 32.8, 39.5 and 45.4 %, respectively in comparison to weedy check treatment due to increase of critical growth and yield parameters of respective crops.

1 illus, 5 tables, 14 ref

045115   SEKHAR L, AMEENA M, JOSE N (Agronomy Dep, Agriculture Coll, Thiruvananthapuram- 690 522, Kerala) : Herbicide combinations for enhancing the weed control efficiency in wet direct-seeded rice. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(3), 221-7.

The efficacy of herbicide combinations on weed control was evaluated during the 2018 and 2019 kharif seasons at the Integrated Farming System Research Station, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram of Kerala Agricultural University, India, by conducting field experiments. The major dominant weeds in the field were Leptochloa chinensis, Echinochloa colona, Sphenocleaa zeylanica, Bergia capensis, Monochoria vaginalis, Limnocharis flava, Cyperus iria, Cyperus difformis and Fimbristylis miliacea. Tank mix application of bispyribac sodium with cyhalofopbutyl or fenoxaprop-p-ethyl improved broad spectrum weed control compared to their individual application. A combination of herbicides increased weed control efficiency by 36-50 % compared to the sole application of herbicide broad spectrum herbicide bispyribac sodium. The herbicide combinations bispyribac sodium plus fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, penoxsulam plus cyhalofop butyl (6 % OD) and bispyribac sodium plus cyhalofop butyl resulted in the highest weed control efficiency and grain yield. Herbicide combinations increased grain yield to 16-28 % than sole application and 56-59 % than the weedy check. A combination of the stale seedbed followed by glyphosate plus oxyfluorfen at 15-20 days after land preparation followed by either bispyribac sodium plus fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, bispyribac sodium plus cyhalofop butyl or penoxsulam plus cyhalofop butyl could be a viable option in managing a broad spectrum of weeds especially in areas with high soil weed seed bank. The study also signifies the importance of herbicide combinations for managing complex weed flora and enhanced the weed control efficiency in DSR and will reduce the development of herbicide resistance and weed shift.

1 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

045114   KUMAR R, SHARMA D D, SINGH G, SINGH N (Fruit Science Dep, Dr YS Parmar U.H.F Nauni, Solan- 173 230, Himachal Pradesh) : Effect of different weed management practices on growth, yield and fruit quality of plum (Prunus salicina) cv. Red Beaut. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(3), 216-20.

Weed management in plum orchard is an important practice which is accomplished by mechanical means (tillage, mowing etc.), mulching, use of herbicides and growing cover crops or combination of two or more methods. The conventional method of hand weeding is costly and time-consuming. Cover crops compete for moisture with main fruit crop and affect crop production. Herbicides are a more effective and economical method of weed management. In our research ten different treatments i.e. hand weeding, grass mulching and different herbicide doses were studied for their potential for successful control of weeds. Among the weed management practices, grass mulching was found promising and effective for enhancing growth, yield and quality parameters of plum and was statistically on par with pendimethalin 30 % EC (Pendamil) @ 2.65 L ha^-1 followed by paraquate dichloride 24 % SL (Gramoxone) @ 2.5 L ha^-1.

3 tables, 24 ref

045113   SHARMA R, BANYAL A K (Fruit Science Dep, Dr YS Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Hamirpur- 177 001, Himachal Pradesh) : Effect of summer pruning intensities on growth, quality and yield of low chill peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch.) cv. Early Grande. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(3), 210-5.

A filed trial was conducted to study on the effect of different summer pruning intensities on cropping behaviour in low chill peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch.) cv. Early Grande. The present investigation was conducted on 3-year-old plants in the Experimental farm of Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur (HP). The seven treatment combinations comprising of different of summer pruning intensities were given to peach plants1st week of July and winter pruning last week of February. During the present investigations, the results obtained showed that among different pruning intensities, 60 % Summer Pruning + winter pruning significantly increased the annual shoot growth, shoot diameter, trunk growth, trunk cross sectional area, leaf area and among reproductive characteristics earliness in flowering and minimum duration of flowering, fruit weight, fruit breadth, fruit length and Total Soluble Solid.However, maximum fruit set, fruit retention and reducing sugar was achieved in plants which were treated with 40 % summer pruning + winter pruning.

2 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

045112   DEKA A M, SHEIKH I A, PATHAK D, PRAHRAJ C S (Assam Agricultural Univ, Nagaon- 782 002, Assam) : Effect of tillage practices on growth, yield and economics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in rice fallows of Assam. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(3), 203-9.

A field experiment was conducted during winter (Rabi) season of 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 at RARS, Shillongani, Nagaon, Assam in medium low rice lands to study the effect of tillage practices on growth, yield and economics of chickpea raised after rice in rice-fallows of Assam. In rice fallows it is difficult to operate most of the tillage practices properly and timely. In this experiment, 6 tillage practices viz. conventional tillage (2 harrowing + planking) followed by line sowing, direct seeding in untilled field using plough (manually) + mulching with rice straw, direct seeding in untilled field using Zero till drill, reduced tillage (1harrowing +planking) followed by line sowing, reduced tillage (1harrowing +planking) followed by broadcasting seed and broadcasting seed in standing rice 15 days after 50% flowering (relay cropping) were tested in a randomized block design with four replications. Results revealed that among the tillage practices, broadcasting seed in standing rice at 15 days after 50 % flowering (relay cropping) recorded significantly higher plant height, pods plant^-1, 100 seed weight, grain yield (1231 kg ha^-1) and net return (Rs. 50660 ha^-1) which was at par with direct seeding in untilled field using plough (manually) + mulching with rice straw. Benefit cost ratio (3.18) was also highest in broadcasting seed in standing rice at 15 days after 50 % flowering and it was at par with the treatment of direct seeding in untilled field using Zero till drill . Farmers will be benefited due to low cost of cultivation associated with these practices besides advantage of early harvest at least 15 days and thereby escape premonsoon shower, which is a major constraints of chickpea production in this region.

2 illus, 8 tables, 17 ref

045111   SAHA M, BASAK J S, MAJUMDER A (Agricultural Statistics Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, West Bengal) : Application of ANCOVA Model for estimation of missing observation(s) and adjusted treatment means in split plot layout. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(3), 198-202.

In agriculture, split plot experiments are becoming very popular among the researchers to quantify the responses of many factors through a single experiment. But sometimes, data loss in an experiment leads to major problem for analysis of experiment. Proper estimation of these missing observations from the data set leads to restore the orthogonal property of the designed experiments. The present study aims to apply the ANCOVA model in split plot layout with missing observation(s) as well as to compare different treatment mean values on the basis of adjusted mean values using regression coefficients of concomitant variables on response variables.The application of the above model for estimation of missing values (single and two) and analysis methods are showing very optimistic results in the field experiments on four yield parameters of maize during 2017-18. The absolute difference between the estimated missing value and the actual value is negligible in most of the cases. Moreover, the analysis by ANCOVA model with one and two missing observations shows that the adjusted treatment means along with their first order interactions (Federer, 1975) are same with the original data set which contains no such missing observations.

4 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref

046522   KUMAR H, DIXIT G P, SRIVASTAVA A K, SINGH N P (ICAR- Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur- 208 024, Email: bhu.avinash@gmail.com) : AMMI based simultaneous selection for yield and stability of chickpea genotypes in south zone of India. Legum Res 2020, 43(5), 742-5.

Multi-environmental trials have generally significant genotype main effects and genotype x environment interaction (GEI) effect and, therefore different univariate and multivariate stability methods have been used to study the GEI. Among the multivariate methods, the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis is widely used for GEI investigation. This method has been effective because it captures a large portion of the GEI sum of squares; it clearly separates main and interaction effects and often provides meaningful interpretation of data to support a breeding program such as genotypic stability. Based on the AMMI model, a stability index has been used to rank the genotypes. This index is the weightage of stability and yield component and higher the index value better is the genotypes. The index of 40 promising chickpea genotypes were calculated with two different weight of yield (50 % and 75 %) and stability component (50 % and 25 %). These genotypes were evaluated at seven locations viz. Hiriyur, Nandyal, Coimbtore, Dharwad, Lam, Bijapur and Gulbarga representing the south zone of All India Coordinated Research Project on Chickpea program during 2015-16. Ranking of genotypes are done based on two different weight of stability and yield component.

2 tables, 9 ref

045110   RENJITH P S, KUMAR D, SHIVAY Y S, SHEETAL K R (Agronomy Dep, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa- 110 012, New Delhi) : Effect of different phosphorus levels and application methods on growth, productivity and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). J Crop Weed 2020, 16(3), 187-97.

A field experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of different methods of phosphorus fertilization and levels on growth, yield and economics of wheat was conducted during rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. It was conducted in split plot design comprising of four methods of phosphorus application (broadcasting and incorporation, band placement, flood fertigation with 5cm irrigation water, flood fertigation with 2.5 cm irrigation water) in main plots and three phosphorus levels (20, 30 and 40 kg ha-1) in sub-plots along with a no phosphorus control treatment, and replicated thrice. The results revealed that all the treatments with phosphorus, irrespective of dose and method of application, significantly increased growth parameters, yield attributes, grain and straw yield, and economics of wheat over the control treatment. Grain yield significantly increased with increasing doses of phosphorus fertilization up to 30 kg ha^-1, beyond which the yield remained statistically similar up to 40 kg ha^-1. Higher values of growth parameters (plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index), yield attributes, yield (grain and straw) and economics (net return, B:C ratio, return on investment on phosphorus fertilizer)were recorded with the band application of phosphorus fertilizer, which was significantly higher than broadcasting and incorporation at sowing, but statistically similar with flood fertigation treatments. Overall, banding of phosphorus was found a more efficient method and application of 30 kg phosphorus ha^-1 through band placement is the best option to gain better productivity and profitability from wheat crop.

5 tables, 19 ref

045109   HEMALATHA K, SINGH Y (Agronomy Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi- 221 005, Uttar Pradesh) : Leaf colour chart based nitrogen and weed management in rice. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(3), 179-86.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2016 and 2017 in sandy clay loam soils of experimental field at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to find out the effect of leaf colour chart based nitrogen and weed management practices on weed dynamics, yield attributes, yield and economics of direct seeded rice. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four main plot treatments and five sub plot treatments which were replicated thrice. It was found that superior performance of rice in terms of minimum weed density, dry weight and maximum weed control efficiency, yield attributes, yield and economics was observed with application of nitrogen @ LCC  5 (N₄ ). Among weed management practices, maximum weed control efficiency, yield attributes, yield and economics was recorded with application of pyrazosulfuron @ 20 g a.i ha^-1 (PE) fb bispyribac @ 25 g a.i ha^-1 at 15-20 DAS (W₄ ) which was comparable with two hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS (W₁ ) while weedy check (W₀ ) recorded lowest weed control efficiency, yield and yield attributes and economics.

5 tables, 11 ref

045108   MONDAL T, MITRA B, CHOWDHURY A R, DAS S (Agronomy Dep, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar- 736 165, West Bengal) : Yield maximization through higher fertilization and lodging management in irrigated timely sown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under eastern sub-Himalayan plains. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(3), 173-8.

An experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2016-17 and 2017-18 under eastern sub-Himalayan plains of West Bengal, India with the objective to maximize grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) through higher fertilization and lodging management. The design of the experiment was split-plot with 4 nutrient management options viz. No application of fertilizer (F0); Recommended dose(RD) (150, 60, 40kg N, P₂ O₅ , K₂ O ha^-1) (F1); 150 % RD(225, 90, 60 kg N,P₂ O₅ ,K₂ O kg ha^-1)(F₂); 150 % RD (225, 90, 60 N, P₂ O₅ , K₂ O kg ha^-1) + 15 t ha^-1 FYM(F₃)in main-plotsand 4 growth regulator spraying optionsviz.No spaying of chemicals, spraying of water twice (G0 ); spraying of chlormequat chloride twice (G1 ); spraying oftebuconazole twice (G2 ); spraying of chlormequat chloride + tebuconazole twice (G3 )in sub-plots each replicated thrice. It was revealed that 150% RD + 15 t ha^-1 FYM treatment recorded the highest grain yield (5.61 t ha^-1) followed by 150 % RDonly (5.30 t ha^-1). Chlormequat chloride (0.2 %) + tebuconazole(0.1 %) spray at 1st node and flag leaf development stageprovided lowest lodging score(1.65) reflecting its reliability in lodging management. Thus 150 % RD with lodging management through chlormequat chloride (0.2 %) + tebuconazole(0.1 %) sprayingtwiceat 1st node and flag leaf stage indicated its superiority in terms ofbenefit:costratio (B:C) (2.51:1) with higheragronomic N use efficiency(ANUE) (23.84 kg grain kg N^-1) and economic N use efficiency (ENUE) (2.80 kg grain invested in N^-1).

3 tables, 21 ref

041360   KAR N B, GHOSH A, DAS S, BANERJEE D (Government Coll of Engineering & Textile Technology, Berhampore - 742 101, Email: subhasis.tex@gmail.com) : Fuzzy multi-criteria group decision making approach for grading of mulberry silk cocoons. Indian J Fibre Text Res 2020, 45(2), 177-82.

A multi-criteria group decision making method has been applied for grading of silk cocoons which employs the proficiency of three experts as decision makers to alleviate the fuzziness underlying in silk cocoon parameters. Fuzzy-TOPSIS approach of multi-criteria group decision making method has been used in this study. Four quality parameters of silk cocoon, viz. good cocoon percentage, cocoon weight, cocoon size and compactness are regarded as criteria. The 10 cocoon lots are ranked based on Fuzzy-TOPSIS method. The ranking of cocoon lots attained by this method shows a significant agreement with the ranks devised by the sericulture experts.

1 illus, 5 tables, 12 ref