041036   SINGH A K, SINGH A, ASWIN C, SHASHIDHAR K S (Central Agricultural Univ, Imphal, Manipur - 795 004, Email: dr.amitksingh27@outlook.com ) : Evaluation of agro-chemicals for enhancing the productivity and profitability of late-sown Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) under acidic soils of Manipur. Indian J Agron 2020, 65(1), 94-9.

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 2015–16 and 2017–18 at Imphal, Manipur to investigate the best combination of agro-chemicals for maximizing the productivity and profitability of late-sown Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] under moisture-stress conditions. The experiment was laid out with 9 treatment combinations of hydrogel and thiourea in randomized completely block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The results indicated that productivity and economic efficiency increased by 68.9 % and 39.7 % and 88.3 % and 45.1 % with 5.0 kg hydrogel + 0.05 % thiourea at 50 % flowering and at siliquae formation over the control and water spray twice at 50 % flowering and at siliquae formation respectively. The significant improvement in growth attributes like plant height (116.8 cm), dry-matter accumulation/plant (16.9 g/plant), number of primary and secondary branches (4.1 and 6.3/ plant), leaf-area index (LAI) at 45 days after sowing (DAS): 3.2) and 75 DAS (5.7) and yield attributes such as siliqua/plant (155) seed yield (1.56 t/ha), biological yield (1.56 t/ha), oil recovery (648 kg/ha), protein recovery (263 kg/ha). The economic benefit: in term of gross and net returns (64.58 and 30.99 10³` /ha) and benefit: cost ratio (0.92) reflected that feasibility of the treatment over the control and water spray at 50 % flowering and at siliquae formation.

1 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

042845   SHAMI T K, ADIL S A , HASSAN S , BASHIR M K (Agriculture Univ, Faisalabad - 38040, Pakistan, Email: shami8080@gmail.com) : Spatial market integration and price transmission in major potato markets of Punjab, Pakistan. Indian J Sci Technol 2020, 13(23), 2328–35.

These results suggest for market integration and competition rather than collusion in Potato markets in Punjab, Pakistan, and provide little justification for government intervention designed to improve competitiveness or to enhance market efficiency. The empirical results show as major Potato markets are integrated, i.e., there exist the law of one price. These findings also supported the results of the Granger causality analysis. The results of pairwise granger casualty show the direction of price transmission between the selected Potato markets in Punjab, Pakistan. The study estimated the data by using the Johansen Co-integration (JJ) technique, vector error correction model, and Vector autoregressive (VAR) model. This study investigated market integration and asymmetric price transmission in the potato markets for the seven major Potato markets, i.e., Okara, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, and Rawalpindi in the province of Punjab, Pakistan.

1 illus, 8 tables, 28 ref

044831   SNEHA, DEB P (Horticulture and Post-Harvest Technology Dep, Visva Univ, Birbhum, West Bengal) : Effect of drying methods and pre-drying treatments on physical quality of wood apple pulp powder. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2020, 9(2), 105-8.

The mature wood apple was procured from the local market at bolpur district of West Bengal. Some of the wood apple were treated with hot water and some of them were treated with normal water, then scooped out the pulp with seed from hard shell with the help of spoon, dried the pulp by sun drying and hot air oven drying at 450C and ground the dried pulp in the mixer grinder and formulate the powder. KMS of concentration 0.5 % and 1 % are added to the powder. By this research it was found that, a good quality value added product produced from this fruit in the form of dried powder, as this fruits have some special medicinal and nutritive value. The prepared wood apple (Limonia acidissima L.) pulp powder were compared for its drying characteristics, physical properties like bulk density, true density and porosity and nutritional properties. The wood apple pulp gets completely dried within 25-30 hours in both of the drying methods. The wood apple pulp gets completely dried within 25-30 hours in all drying methods. The dehydration ratio is more in oven dried sample (2.81) and rehydration ratio is more in sundried sample (1.40). So, sun drying is proved to be better than oven drying in terms of drying characteristics. So, dried wood apple pulp powder retains more nutrients than the fresh one. There is no more such of pre-drying treatments on the qualities of wood apple pulp powder. The quality is mainly effected by the drying methods. Sun drying is cheaper, easier and cost-effective than oven drying and also remove more moisture than oven drying. Organoleptically, the hot air oven dried sample was liked very much in terms of its appearance, color and flavor. The low bulk density of sundried wood apple pulp powder would be advantageous in the use of product for preparing complementary foods. So, in terms of drying characteristics and physical properties sun dried wood apple pulp powder exhibited highest index than oven dried. Hence the wood apple pulp could be dried effectively using sun drying, preserved as dried powder and value added for its industrial exploitation. Since sun drying is also cost effective, the wood apple pulp could be sun dried, formulated into powder and utilized for the preparation of jam, jelly and other products with good gelling nature even during off-season.

4 tables, 9 ref

044829   DHEWARE R M, NALAGE N A, SAWANT B N, HALDAVANEKAR P C, RAUT R A, MUNJ A Y, SAWANT S N (Regional Fruit Research Station, Vengurla, Maharashtra) : Effect of different organic sources and biofertilizers on guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Allahabad safeda. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2020, 9(2), 94-6.

An investigation was conducted at Regional Fruit Research Station, Vengurla of Maharashtra, India to standardize the organic nutrient with biofertilizers management protocol for guava. In this experiment, various organic sources along with various biofertilizers combinations were tested on seven year old guava cultivar Allahabad Safeda to study the effect on fruiting and yield. The result obtained showed higher flowering (92.33 %) and TSS (10.370B) by application of Vermicompost (30 kg/plant) + Azospirillum culture (250 g/tree) + PSB @ 250 g/tree. Maximum average weight of fruits (400.00 g), yield of fruits (29.60 kg/tree and 11.84 t/ha) and minimum acidity (0.19 %) was recorded with Vermicompost (30 kg/plant) + Azospirillum culture (250 g/tree) + PSB @ 250 g/tree + Vermi wash foliar spray (dilution with water @ 1:1). Maximum number of fruits produced per plant (85.00 fruit/ plant) was found from plant fertilized with FYM (30 kg/plant). From the present study, it can be concluded that addition of biofertilizers along with organic manures was more effective than use of organic manure alone in enhancing fruit growth and qualitative parameters in guava.

1 table, 16 ref

046343   SOWJANYA S, KUMARI R V, LAVANYA T, JANAIAH A, SEEMA, CHARY D S (Agricultural Economics Dep, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural Univ, Hyderabad - 500 030, Email: sowjanya.nsui@gmail.com) : Opinions and constraints faced by farmers in maintenance of tanks under Mission Kakatiya. The J Res PJTSAU 2020, 48 (1&2), 70-4.

The objective of the study was to record and document the opinions of the sample farmers on advantages and disadvantages of Mission Kakatiya, and factors that influence their participation and non-participation in tank maintenance activities after restoration. In Telangana state one tank each in Warangal and Nalgonda districts i.e a total of two tanks where in all the activities of Mission Kakatiya were completed were purposively selected for the present study. A total of 720 households (360 from each district) were considered. Descriptive analysis and Garrett ranking technique were used to analyse the present study. The study revealed that,100 percent of sample farmers opined that the yield was increased and FYM usage was reduced after application of silt in their fields. 86.19 percent of silt applied sample farmers opined that the number of irrigations were reduced. Cent percent of the tank area farmers opined that the major advantages of Mission Kakatiya are increased ground water level, water availability for irrigation, birds and livestock, increased animal grazing hours and crop yields. Cent percent of the farmers opined that there were no disadvantages of Mission Kakatiya and felt that the restored tank has to be conserved. Availability of irrigation water was found to be the most important factor influencing sample farmers to participate in tank maintenance activities, ranked first. The most important reason for factors influencing non-participation in tank maintenance activities is expecting government to do repairs and maintenance was ranked first. The opinion on benefits of restoration of tanks by sample farmers in non-tank areas was found to be increase in ground water recharge (first rank). 

6 tables, 3 ref

041028   SATAPATHY B S, DUARY B, SAHA S, MUNDA S, SINGH T, CHATTERJEE D (ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Odisha - 753 006, Email: bsatapathy99@gmail.com) : Yield and economics of drum-seeded rice (Oryza sativa) as influenced by broadspectrum herbicides and herbicide mixtures. Indian J Agron 2020, 65(1), 41-6.

A study was conducted during the summer season of 2015 and 2016 at, Gerua, with 10 weed-control practices, to evaluate the efficacy of different broad-spectrum herbicides and their combinations on performance of drumseeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) in lowland ecosystem of Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Asom. Results of the experiment revealed that Cyperus difformis L., Schoenoplectiella juncoides (Roxb.) Lye; syn, Scirpus juncoides Roxb. among sedges; Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beaur.; E. glabrescens, Leptochloa chinensis Kossenko (L.) Nees, among grasses; and Anagallis arvensis L. among broad-leaf weeds were dominant in drum-seeded rice. The composition of grasses, sedges and broad-leaf weeds in weedy check at 60 days after sowing (DAS) was 15.1, 71.5 and 13.4 % respectively. Crop-weed competition throughout the crop-growth period caused 37.4 % grain yield loss. Mechanical weeding by paddy weeder at 20 DAS followed by manual weeding at 40 DAS registered 9.2 % lower grain yield than manual weeding twice. Weed-free condition by repeated manual weeding recorded the highest cost of cultivation of ` 45,000/ha, whereas bensulfuron-methyl + pretilachlor (60 + 600 g/ha) at 10 DAS resulted in the lowest cost of cultivation (`36,000/ha). Though higher grain yield of 5.82 t/ha was recorded in weedfree plots, it did not record higher benefit: cost (B: C) ratio. Bensulfuron-methyl + pretilachlor (60 + 600 g/ha) at 10 DAS recorded the highest B : C ratio (2.28) followed by flucetosulfuron (25 g/ha) at 20 DAS (2.24).

2 tables, 15 ref

044828   CHAUHAN R, SOBHA, CHAUHAN J S (Seed Science and Technology Dep, HNB Garhwal Univ, Uttarakhand) : Standardization on seed testing protocols and seed quality parameters in medicinal plants Embelia tsjeriam-cottam and Trichosanthes tricuspidata. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2020, 9(2), 82-6.

Medicinal plants are rich source of secondary metabolites, biosynthetically derived from primary metabolites but restricted to specific taxonomic genera of plant kingdom and specific parts of plant. Based on experimental result 1 % and 5 % concentration of TZ salt with 18 and 24-hour incubation period shows high colour intensity of foramen. 92 % seed viability shown in seeds of Trichosanthus. 98 % seed viability shown in seed of Embelia. Colour intensity of foramen on Embelia seeds was high, that treated with 1 %, and 0.5 % TZ solution for 18 and 24 hour incubation period. Best treatment for viability test for Indriyas in 1 % TZ solution with 18-hour incubation period with 30-35 °C temperature. 24-hour fan dried seeds reduced their moisture content up 17.59 % while one day sun dried and three day sun dried seeds reduced their moisture content up to 16.07 % and 14.22 % respectively. Fresh seed moisture content of Trichosanthes tricuspidata data was 16.67 %. Dried seeds by silica gel reduced seed moisture content up to 9.01 %, while 7 days sun dried and 15 days natural air dried seed lots reduced their moisture content up to 8.02 and 10.5 respectively. Thousand seed weight of Indriyas is 234.8gm, whereas 1000 seed weight of barbering 6.048gm. 1000 seed weight is helpful for determination of submitted and working seed sample size from a seed lot.

5 tables, 21 ref

044827   UPADHYAY P, KRISHNA S, THAKUR P, AGRAWAL N, YADAV P, PRASAD L C, MISHRA V K (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) : Identification of genetic variability and diversity in selected wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm under three different dates of sowing. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2020, 9(2), 82-6.

Genetic diversity offers crucial platform for improving the plant characteristics. Its exploitation is necessary to tackle the environmental fluctuations and for the effective exploitation of genetic resources in breeding programmes. Although wheat is one of the most thoroughly studied crops in terms of genetic diversity but its yield potential can further be enhanced by studying and identifying the suitable gemplasm and utilizing them in crosses. In this study twenty genotypes of wheat germplasm were undertaken for identification of genetic variability and diversity for adaptation in NEPZ in three different dates of sowing. Observations were recorded on thirteen traits. All genotypes were evaluated for genetic variability and diversity by using Analysis of variance and D² –Statistics. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference among the genotypes for all the traits under study except for Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. The highest estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were observed for no. of fertile spikes per plant (13.85) yield per plot (33.16) respectively. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for days to heading (0.67, 13.08) followed by plant height and biomass. Based on D²-Statistics, 20 genotypes were grouped into seven clusters following Tocher method in which cluster I has maximum number of genotypes. The highest inter-cluster distance was found between cluster II and IV (21.19) followed by IV and VII (17.09). This suggests that genotypes included in these clusters possess wide genetic diversity. Highest cluster mean was found for biomass (692.50) followed by yield per plot and days to heading. On the basis of divergence and cluster mean it may be concluded that maximum heterosis and better transgressive segregants could be obtained in crosses among genotypes of cluster II, IV and VII in breeding programme for varietal improvement in wheat.

2 illus, 5 tables, 25 ref

041027   SHUKLA S K, JAISWAL V P, SHARMA L, PATHAK A D, AWASTHI S K, GAUR A, TIWARI R (Crop Production Div, ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh - 226 002, Email: sudhirshukla151@gmail.com) : Zinc and sulphur nutrition in sugarcane (Sachharum officinarum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) intercropping system affecting soil microbial biomass carbon, respiration and crop growth in subtropical India. Indian J Agron 2020, 65(1), 33-40.

A field experiment was conducted during 2 cropping seasons of 2015–2017 at experimental field Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh to evaluate the sulphur- and zinc-containing complex fertilizers in sugarcane (Sachharum officinarum L.)–potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)-based cropping systems. The experiment was laid out in a splitplot design under 3 replications. The treatments of cropping system (CS) and nutrient management (NM) were kept in main and subplots, respectively. Results revealed that soil organic carbon did not differ significantly with the cropping systems. Higher values of soil organic carbon, soil respiration and soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN) were obtained after harvesting of potato as compared to sugarcane crop in both the cropping systems. Balanced application of NPSZn compound fertilizer improved the SMBC, soil organic carbon (SOC), soil respiration and SMBN. The extent of increase in SMBC and SMBN owing to application of NPSZn was higher at harvesting of potato (component crop) compared to sugarcane. Application of farmyard manure (FYM) with recommended fertilizer (NPK) significantly increased SOC (0.92 %) after harvesting of potato. After harvesting of sugarcane, SOC declined and reached the level of 0.76 %. Recommended dose of NPK and FYM significantly left the highest status of residual level of nutrients (199.45 kg N, 23. 81 kg P₂O₅ and 348.15 kg K₂O/ha) after harvesting of sugarcane crop in both the systems. The statistically at par yield (32.98 t/ha) of potato was harvested in potato– sugarcane system as compared to potato + sugarcane (31.48 t/ha) system. Recommended NPK (T₂)/ recommended NPKS (T₃) were found superior to the absolute control (T₁) and produced significantly higher yield of potato (30.67 to 31.33 t/ha). The highest individual cane weight (1,015 g) was recorded with application of recommended NPK + FYM. Commercial cane sugar was influenced greatly by different levels of nutrients. The highest sugar yield (11.60 t/ha) was obtained with application of recommended dose of NPK along with S and Zn application equivalent to compound fertilizer (NPSZn).

5 tables, 17 ref

046342   BHAVANI G, SREENIVASULU M, NAIK V R, SAGAR G E V, CHARY D S (Agricultural Extension Dep, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural Univ, Hyderabad – 500 030, Email: bhavanig0712@gmail.com) : Profile characteristics of the selected farmers of Seed Village Programme (SVP) with reference to rice crop. The J Res PJTSAU 2020, 48 (1&2), 61-9.

Seed is the critical input in sustainable development of agriculture for enhancing production and productivity. As seed quality is one of the key contributors to crop productivity and food production a robust seed system is most significant for food security in India. The present investigation was carried out in Telangana State. Ex-post facto research design was followed selecting 120 respondents at random from three districts, three mandals and three villages of the mandal. The profile characteristics of respondents of SVP practicing seed production in rice crop was studied on adopting Ex-post facto research design. Salient findings of the study are, most of the respondents were middle aged (67.50 %), had high school level education (34.16 %), with marginal land holding (49.16 %), low farming experience (46.66 %), medium extension contact (42.50 %), medium mass media utilization (45.00 %), medium storage facilities (56.66 %), medium market orientation (42.5 %), medium innovativeness (59.16 %), medium aspirational level (52.50 %), high economic motivation (42.50 %) and medium risk orientation (51.66 %). 

15 tables, 19 ref

046341   SUDHAKARA N R, ANJAIAH T, QURESHI A A, SAGAR G E V, CHARY D S (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural Univ, Hyderabad - 500 030, Email: krishnansudha.99@gmail.com) : Effect of different sources and levels of silicon application on growth, yield attributes and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The J Res PJTSAU 2020, 48 (1&2), 55-60.

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different sources and levels of silicon fertilization on growth, yield and yield attributes of rice during kharif and rabi season of 2018 at College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar. Experiment was laid out in randomized block design with fourteen treatments and three replications consisting of four silica sources and three levels of silicon fertilizers along with one RDF (100:40:40 NPK) and one absolute control. Results showed that application of silica through different sources with different levels significantly increased grain and straw yield as well as yield attributing parameters such as plant height, number of panicles hill^-1, length of panicle (cm), number of filled grains panicle^-1 and 1000 grain weight (g). The application of RDF + FYM + 450 kg silicon per hectare through diatomaceous earth recorded significantly higher grain and straw yield of 8547 kg ha-1and 10204 kg ha^-1 respectively. Higher grain and straw yield under this particular treatment was mainly attributed to higher growth and yield parameters like higher plant height (87.50 cm), number of panicles hill^-1 (19.44), length of panicle (23.47 cm), number of grains panicle^-1 (269.30), and 1000 grain weight (13.67 g) at harvest.

3 tables, 11 ref

041024   PARIDA P, BEHERA B, BEHERA S D (Agronomy, Odisha Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha - 751 003, Email: bdbehera1@rediffmail.com) : Weed management in rice (Oryza sativa)–fallow for enhancement in productivity and profitability of rice–zero till toria (Brassica campestris) system. Indian J Agron 2020, 65(1), 10-6.

A field experiment was conducted during 2013–14 and 2014–15 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India to develop management practices for rice (Oryza sativa L.)–toria (Brassica campestris L.) cropping system in rice fallows. During the rainy season (kharif), 7 crop-establishment methods were tried in rice in randomized block design with 3 replications. During winter (rabi) season zero-till toria was raised on residual soil-moisture conditions. The residual effects of 7 crop-establishment methods imposed in rice and 3 weed-management practices in succeeding toria were tried in split-plot design with 3 replications. Pooled over seasons, transplanting in rice + bispyribac-Na @ 0.02 kg/ha at 21 days after transplanting (DAT) + mechanical weeding at 35 DAT and sequential application of glyphosate 1.0 kg/ha as pre-planting desiccation (PPD) and quizalofop ethyl 0.05 kg/ha as post-emergence recorded the maximum rice-equivalent yield of 5,792 kg/ha and 2 treatment combinations, viz. transplanting + bispyribac-Na @ 0.02 kg/ha (21 DAT) + mechanical weeding (35 DAT) in rice and glyphosate 1.0 kg/ha (PPD) alone or quizalofop ethyl alone in toria recorded similar system yield. Transplanting in rice + bispyribac-Na @ 0.02 kg/ha at 21 days after sowing (DAS) + mechanical weeding (35 DAS) and glyphosate 1.0 kg/ha in toria gave the maximum system net return of ` 40,392/ha. Line sowing in direct-seeded rice with pendimethalin as pre-emergence spray + hand-weeding (35 DAS) or transplanting in rice with bispyribac-Na @ 0.02 kg/ha as post-emergence spray (21 DAS) + mechanical weeding (35 DAS) and glyphosate 1.0 kg/ha (PPD) in toria may be recommended for maximizing productivity and profitability.

5 tables, 18 ref

044825   FATMI U, SINGH D (Horticulture Dep, Sam Higginbottom Univ of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh) : Flower quality, yield and bulb production of different varieties of tuberose as affected by different planting time and geometry under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2020, 9(2), 74-7.

A field trial sponsored by UPCST, Lucknow, with nineteen (19) varieties of tuberose and three (3) spacings were conducted in the Deptt. of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj, during 2018-2019 to find out the most suitable time of planting and plant geometry for flower quality, yield and bulb production. The experiment was conducted in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Among March and April planting time, March planting resulted in significantly higher no. of bulbs produced per plant as well as higher bulb yield (quintal) per hectare. Among the different plant geometry (20 x 30 cm² , 25 x 25 cm² , 30 x 30 cm² ), spacing of 30cm x 30cm resulted in significant earliness in bud emergence, spike length, no. of florets per spike, floret diameter, floret length, duration of flowering, vase life and no. of bulbs produced per plant. However, spacing of 25cm x 25cm resulted in significantly higher bulb yield per hectare.

2 tables, 13 ref

041023   SHUKLA S K, SHEE S, MAITY S K, AWASTHI S K, GAUR A (ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh - 226 002, Email: sudhirshukla151@gmail.com) : Growth, nutrient accumulation and crop yields as influenced by crop residues recycling and Trichoderma inoculation in rice (Oryza sativa)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) and sugarcane–ratoon–wheat cropping systems in subtropical India. Indian J Agron 2020, 65(1), 1-9.

A field experiment was conducted during 2013-15 at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh study the effect of crop-residues recycling and Trichoderma inoculation on growth, nutrient accumulation and crop yields in 2 cropping systems, viz. rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)– rice–wheat and sugarcane–ratoon–wheat. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, with cropping systems in main plots and residues management practices in subplots. Among the different crop residue treatments, the highest available N (222.8 kg N/ha and 164.8 kg/ha at 0–15 and 15–30 cm depth, respectively) was recorded in the treatment where full residue was recycled along with Trichoderma. The leaf-area index was higher in wheat (3.97) than rice crop (3.07) at the maximum growth stage. Wheat crop grown in sugarcane-based system accumulated higher dry matter (8.02 t/ha) than wheat grown in rice–wheat system (7.71 t /ha). A significant increase in cane-equivalent yield was obtained in sugarcane-based system as compared to rice–wheat system. Cane-equivalent yield ranged from 103.3 to 138.3 t/ha in sugarcane–ratoon–wheat system, considering yields of ratoon-cane and wheat crops. Residue recycling + Trichoderma resulted in higher cane-equivalent yields in both the cropping systems. The residue burning/ removal caused significantly low yields in succeeding crop and cane-equivalent yields in both the cropping systems. The benefit: cost ratio (2.96) was the highest with sugarcane–ratoon–wheat cropping system under residue recycling + Trichoderma. Thus, residue recycling along with application of Trichoderma proved effective in both the cropping systems, but higher benefits could be achieved under sugarcane–ratoon–wheat cropping system.

4 illus, 6 tables, 21 ref

046340   SRUTHI K, ESWARI K B, PRASAD A S H, RAJU D, MADHAV M S, DHANDAPANI A, SWAPNA K (ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, Email: kanneboinasruthi30@gmail.com) : Path analysis for grain yield in rice. The J Res PJTSAU 2020, 48 (1&2), 48-54.

The present study was carried out to estimate the direct and indirect influence of yield related traits on single plant yield in rice. A total of 150 genotypes were evaluated for 19 traits including 14 yield and yield related traits and 5 grain quality traits. Path coefficient analysis revealed that biomass was an important component trait of grain yield because it had relatively large positive direct effect on grain yield, which was strengthened through positive indirect effect via harvest index, total number of tillers, kernel length and gel consistency. The trait harvest index was next to the biomass as it had next highest direct effect on grain yield followed by kernel length and total number of tillers. Therefore direct selection of biomass, harvest index and total number of tillers would be highly effective for improvement of grain yield.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

046339   MADHAVI P, JAYASREE G, ANJAIAH T, PRATIBHA G, HUSSAIN S A (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural Univ, Hyderabad- 500 030, Email: honey.madhu76@gmail.com) : Effect of water management practices and nitrogen sources on spad, N content and uptake in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The J Res PJTSAU 2020, 48 (1&2), 39-47.

A field study was carried out for two years on clay loam soil during Rabi 2015-16 and 2016-17 at college farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India with a view to study the relationship between SPAD value, plant nitrogen content and uptake. The experiment was laid out in a Split plot design under two types of water management practices i.e., Continuous flooding (CF) and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) with five treatments viz., T₁ - N0 :P₂O₅  @ 60 kg ha^-1: K₂O @ 60 kg ha^-1 (Control); T₂ - Nitrogen @ 120 kg ha^-1(Prilled Urea): P2O5  @ 60 kg ha^-1: K₂O @ 60 kg ha^-1 T₃ - Soil test based fertiliser application; T₄ - Nitrogen @ 60 kg ha^-1+ 60 kg ha^-1 through green manure and T₅ -Nitrification inhibitor Coated Urea. MTU-1010 variety was cultivated and recommended management practices were followed. In continuous flooding plots always 5 cm level of water was maintained, while in alternate wetting and drying, when hairline crack appeared on surface of soil, irrigation was given. Significantly higher SPAD values, N content and N uptake was recorded in the crop raised under continuous flooding over alternate drying at all crop growth stages. Among different nitrogen sources, higher SPAD and N uptake was observed with Soil test crop response (STCR) treatment. High N content was observed with green manure treated plot followed by coated urea and STCR treatment. Interaction effect of water management methods and nitrogen sources on SPAD, N content and N uptake was significant. Strong relationship between SPAD and plant N content was observed at flowering stage, whereas for SPAD and N uptake, a good correlation was noticed at harvest. 

1 illus, 5 tables, 17 ref

041022   NAVEEN J, SAIKIA M, BORAH N, PATHAK K, DAS R (Agronomy Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat - 785 013, Assam, Email: jaminaveen17@gmail.com) : Yield performance of organic baby corn (Zea mays l.) as influenced by nutrient management and moisture conservation practices in sandy loam soils of Assam. Indian J Agric Res 2020, 54(2), 256-9.

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2016-17 to study the effect of nutrient management and moisture conservation practices on yield attributing characters, yield and economic return of organic baby corn grown in a sandy loam soil under rainfed condition. The experiment was laid out in RBD factorial design with three replications. PAC 321 was used as the test variety of baby corn. Among the treatments enriched compost @ 2.5 t ha^-1 has shown the significantly better results with respect to yield attributing characters and cob yield followed by application of FYM @ 2.5 t ha^-1+lime+ash (1000:10:1). Treatments with straw mulch @ 2 t/ha recorded significantly higher results with respect to different yield attributing characters, cob yield, green fodder yield and high monitary return with B:C ratio.

3 tables, 12 ref

041021   BOATENG S K, TETTEH R (CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, Bunso, Eastern Region, Ghana, Email: bkwasi16@yahoo.com) : The effect of leguminous cover crops on growth and yield of garden eggs. Indian J Agric Res 2020, 54(2), 252-5.

The use of cover crops is a way of sustainable agriculture in which nutrients are recycled and the use of inorganic fertilizer is reduced. Leguminous cover crops for instance are known to enrich the soil through the fixing of nitrogen in the form of nitrates in the soil for plant use. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of some leguminous cover crops on growth and yield of garden eggs. The study consisted of five treatments, namely Bare ground (control), fertilizer (NPK 15:15:15), Mucuna pruriens, Glycine max and Phaseolus lunatus laid in a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates. Data collected were on vegetative growth and yield parameters. Results showed that plant height of garden eggs was highest in Phaseolus treated plots and this was followed by the Glycine max plots. Phaseolus treated plots had the highest yield in terms of the number of fruits harvested and weight of fruits harvested.

2 tables, 19 ref

041019   REDDY M U M, ROJA M, REDDY M D, BARMAN S (Agronomy Dep, Centurion Univ of Technology and Management, Gajapati - 761 211, Odisha, Email: umareddy4688@gmail.com) : Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus management on growth and yield of foxtail millet [Setaria italica l.] during summer season in Odisha, India. Indian J Agric Res 2020, 54(2), 242-6.

A field experiment was conducted during summer (Feb–May) of 2018 at Bagusala Research Farm, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Parlakhemundi, Odisha on sandy loam soil. Treatments consisted of four nitrogen levels -0, 20, 40 and 60 kg N ha^-1 and three levels of phosphorus viz. 0, 20, 40 kg P ha^-1. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with nitrogen levels as main- plot and phosphorus levels as sub-plot. Observations on plant height, dry matter, yield attributes and grain and straw yield, cost of cultivation, gross and net returns and B:C ratio were recorded. Application of 60 kg N ha^-1 and 40 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 resulted in highest growth, grain and straw yield as compared to other treatments. The grain (1546 kg ha^-1) and straw yield (2277 kg ha^-1) was significantly higher with application of 60 kg N ha^-1 over that of 0, 20 and 40 kg N ha^-1. The maximum gross and net returns and B: C ratio were recorded with application of 60 kg N and 20 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 .

4 tables, 17 ref

041015   GUNATHILAKE D M C C, PRASAD A, SINGH I R (Fiji National Univ, Fiji, Email: cchampathi@gmail.com) : Present status of herbicide and inorganic fertilizer use for sugarcane farming in Fiji islands. Indian J Agric Res 2020, 54(2), 222-6.

Sugar industry is important to Fiji’s economy as it contributes 1.1 % of GDP. Sugarcane is cultivated as an intensive mono-cropping in Fiji, inorganic fertilizer and herbicides were commonly used. This survey was conducted to evaluate the present status of herbicide and inorganic fertilizer application to sugarcane and assessed the farmer’s knowledge and perceptions. As well, this survey evaluated present socioeconomic status of sugarcane farmers. Results revealed that average Fiji sugarcane farm land size was 11.5 acers (4.6 hectares). Diuron (800-900g/kg Diuron), Amine (720g/L 2,4-D Dimethyl Amine Salt) and Glyphosate (Glyphosate isopropyl amine salts) were the most popular herbicide. The 30 % of farmers used Glyphosate together with Amine and Diuron. Most farmer (>80 %) were aware about correct application dosage and 81 % of farmers use protective equipment during application. Labasa sugarcane farmers used more herbicide and chemical fertilizer than other areas. Most sugarcane farmlands become infertile due long-term use for intensive mono-cropping. At present most farmers heavily depend on inorganic fertilizer. Almost all farmers who participated to this survey aware of environment and health effect of herbicide and chemical fertilizer. The 78 % farmers pass 40 years’ age and most of them were not happy about sugarcane farming due its less profit in comparison to past. Therefore, currently, very few selected farmers are farming sugarcane as their livelihood profession.

4 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

041012   ABOLLA N B C, SARTOHADI J, UTAMI S N H, BASUKI T (Soil Science Dep, Gadjah Mada Univ, Yogyakarta. 55281, Indonesia, Email: junun@ugm.ac.id) : Improvement of soil quality through minimum tillage for sen cropping pattern in Indonesia. Indian J Agric Res 2020, 54(2), 205-10.

There have not been sufficient studies on Sen cropping patterns, a system of planting several food crops in one planting hole. A study to examine the effectiveness of minimum tillage on the Sen cropping pattern, concerning the soil quality improvements and their effects on crop productivity, was conducted on a field plot. The tillage treatment consisted of minimum planting with planting hole sizes of 20x20x20 cm, 30x30x20 cm and 40x40x20 cm, including one control planting hole. A total of 36 planting holes were tested. Improvement of soil physical-chemical properties was measured by comparing the measurements results at initial soil conditions and at 14 days after planting. The results showed that the 20x20x20 cm hole treatment was able to improve the physical-chemical quality of the soil with the best value compared to other treatments. The optimum improvement of soil quality to increase plant productivity was achieved at 40x40x20 cm hole treatment.

3 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

041011   RAJASEKARAN N (Sree Saraswathi Thyagaraja Coll, Pollachi - 642 107, Tamil Nadu, Email: n1_rajasekaran@yahoo.com) : Input use and efficiency across stages of crop production: a micro level decision making process of farmers. Indian J Agric Res 2020, 54(2), 199-204.

The area specific technology has put limits on the applicability of diffusion model in a resource diverse country like India and it accentuated the relevance of Schultz’s high-Pay off input model which emphasizes on rational resource allocation as the key for input use efficiency. In this backdrop, the study seeks to analyze the efficiency of input use across different stages of crop production. This study analyzed the input efficiency across different stages of crop cultivation for different crops in two diverse agro climatic regions like assured irrigated wet region representing modern agriculture and drought prone rainfed zone representing the traditional agriculture. The linear regression and Controlled Cobb-Douglas model results indicate that while vegetation stage inputs contribute more on output in wet area, maturation stage inputs are more efficient in dry area. The findings vividly manifest that there remains a multitude of input efficiency differentials across crops, across stages of production and across regions.

4 tables, 18 ref

040998   NGUYEN H L, TRAN P D, TRAN D H (Hue Univ, Hue City, Vietnam, Email: tdanghoa@hueuni.edu.vn) : Path analysis for agronomic traits and yield of salt tolerant rice cultivars under moderate salinity condition in Central Vietnam. Indian J Agric Res 2020, 54(1), 107-11.

This study was done with the aims to determine: (i) the correlation between agronomic traits and yield and (ii) the direct and indirect effects of agronomic traits on salt-tolerant rice yield. The field experiment was conducted directly on moderate salinity level of EC= 6.35 dS m^-1 during the 2017 winter-spring cropping season in Central Vietnam. Ten salt-tolerant rice cultivars were studied. Results showed that yields of salt-tolerant rice cultivars had a positive correlation with traits of plant height, panicles per plant, panicle weight and dry biomass, r = 0.3624*, 0.7019***, 0.4530** and 0.7837***, respectively. Total panicles per plant, panicle weight, and the number of grains per panicle directly affected rice yield with coefficients of dC = 0.5524, 0.8294 and 0.4355, respectively. Therefore, these traits should be used as good indicator traits for selecting salt-tolerant rice cultivars for the moderate salinity soil in Central Vietnam.

4 tables, 25 ref

040994   DAS B, BORA D (Economics Dep, Dibrugarh Univ, Dibrugarh - 786 004, Assam, Email: debakshibora451@gmail.com) : Determinants of farm productivity in flood prone area: A study in Dhemaji District of Assam. Indian J Agric Res 2020, 54(1), 83-8.

Floods have threatened the agricultural productivity in Assam every year. Quality of soil, which is one of the important factors, that determines the production and income of farm, has been damaged by flood. Various study and secondary data reveal that deposition of sand due to flood has negative impact on farm productivity. This paper tries to investigate the impact of flood induced sand deposition and other factors on farm productivity in Dhemaji district, one of the mostly flood effected area of Assam. The study is based on primary survey which included 10 flood effected villages and 276 agricultural plots for testing the quality of soil. After testing the soil quality, the paper attempts to establish the relationship between quality of soil and paddy productivity. To identify the factors affecting the productivity of the paddy and estimate the damage due to flood induced sand deposition, the study used regression models by taking productivity of paddy as dependent variable. The regression model is estimated using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method. In order to ensure the validity of OLS results, this study also tested a Tobit model. Results of the paper revealed that sand deposition created huge damage to the paddy fields and poor agricultural outcomes from the degraded lands were forcing people to look for other livelihood and opportunities.

1 illus, 6 tables, 12 ref

042790   MANZANO J PV (Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Dep, Mariano Marcos State Univ, Batac City, 2906 Ilocos Norte, Philippines, Email: vpmanzano@mmsu.edu.ph) : Peanut production through innovative water management strategies. Indian J Sci Technol 2020, 13(17), 1764–77.

A study on enhancing peanut production through drip irrigation (DI) technology was conducted to increase the productivity and profitability of peanut production in the Ilocos region, Philippines. It sought to develop irrigation management strategies suitable for peanut. Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) simulation was done, and field validation was conducted to achieve the objectives. The simulation activity led to the determination of the top three promising drip irrigation management schemes suitable for peanut production, which were then field validated through actual field set-up in three different locations. The best scheme (DI S9 410mm) was then pilot-tested at the farmers' field and compared with Farmers' Practice (FP) d using t-test. Using the DI scheme, dry pod yield was increased from 1.59Tha^-1to 2.09Tha^-1 or 31.45 % increase as compared to the farmer's practice. This result is a little higher than the target increase in yield of 30 %. Findings indicate that the DI is a much better method than FP, increasing the dry pod yield to as much as 70.21 % during the dry season. Yield increase could be attributed to more even application of water and less water stress. On the other hand, water productivity was only increased by around 16 % due to farmers' limited water application. In terms of seed quality based on seed size, DI and FP are comparable. Results the economic analysis showed that yield of peanut under DI were higher by about 0.84Tha-1 to 1.16Tha-1 as compared to FP with a Return of Investment (ROI) of 0.25. In the long run, the profitability of DI could be improved through water productivity and yield improvements. Water savings was not a factor in profitability due to under-irrigation by farmers. The use of DI technology with the developed irrigation scheme substantially contributed to the goal of increasing the productivity of and profitability of peanut. It is especially useful for areas with limited water supply for irrigation.

5 illus, 7 tables, 11 ref

044778   SINGH J, MISHRA S (Arya Mahila Post Graduate Coll, Varanasi- 221010, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of shunthi lepa in amavata: A case study. J Med Plants Stud 2020, 8(1), 50-1.

Shunthii. e. Zinziber officinale a drug known in Ayurveda for its Shulaprashaman (pain reliever), Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory) and Amapachana (enhance metabolic activity) properties. By considering its properties from various Ayurvedic literature it is selected in context of Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis). Shunthi has katu rasa, Ushna Virya, Madhura Vipaka & Tikshna-laghu-Snigdha Guna. Due to this it has vata-kapha-samaka (vata-kapha-reducing) property and shothahara (antiinflammatory) and vedanasthapana (analgesic) karma (pharmacological action).It was used locally over affected joints with Luke warm water as a paste preparation. In this way Shunthi Lepa helps to reduce local pain, swelling, tenderness and stiffness of affected joints of Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis) patient.

8 ref

044777   HOP N V, XIONG C C, YUN X, HA N T, HANH N T (Fujian Agriculture and Forest Univ, Fujian, China) : Diversity and indigenous knowledge of using medicinal plants of the Dao people in Ta Dung National Park, Vietnam. J Med Plants Stud 2020, 8(1), 45-9.

The paper presents research results on the diversity and indigenous knowledge of using medicinal plants of the Dao people in Ta Dung National Park, Dak Nong Province, Vietnam. Through the transect survey method and interview, 63 medicinal plants, 61 genera, belonging to 40 families were recorded by Dao people. In which, three species are listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book (2007) and the Vietnam Red List of medicinal plants (2006). There are five life-forms of medicinal plants: woody, herbaceous, shrub, vines, and epiphyte, distribution in four habitats: forests, around villages, along roadsides, and along streams. There are eight parts used of medicinal plants were identified: leaves having the highest frequency of use. These medicinal plants are harvested mainly year-round and a few are seasonal. There are three ways to the preservation and 12 methods to use medicinal plants to treat 18 different disease groups, the most common being women’s diseases, skin diseases and digestive diseases.

1 illus, 9 tables, 12 ref

040992   KUMARI K V, SHANMUGAM P M (Institute of Agriculture, Tiruchirappalli - 621 712, Tamil Nadu, Email: pms73@tnau.ac.in) : Evaluation of rice (Oryza sativa) varieties suitable for organic farming. Indian J Agric Res 2020, 54(1), 71-6.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the rice varieties suitable for organic farming. The experiment was carried out in the rabi season of 2013-14 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study the yield, quality and economics of different rice varieties. The experiment was laid out in a RBD replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of 12 rice varieties viz., Bhavani, White ponni, Mappillai samba, Kitchili samba, IR 20, CO 43, CO(R) 48, CO(R) 51, CB 05022, KDML 105, Red kavuni and Jeeraga samba. The culture CB 05022 produced significantly higher grain yield of 4877 kg ha^-1 and registered a yield increase ranging from 32 to 82 per cent over the other varieties under evaluation. With regard to quality parameters, grains of the culture CB 05022 was medium slender based on the kernel length and L/B ratio. The highest net return of ` 40,015 ha<sup>-1</sup> with B:C ratio of 2.28 was realised under the rice culture CB 05022 followed by Kitchili samba (net return: ` 32,423 ha^-1; B:C ratio: 2.04) and Jeeraga samba (net return: ` 31,431 ha^-1; B:C ratio: 2.01). It is inferred that varieties and cultures differ widely among themselves when grown under organic farming. In terms of grain yield, quality and economics, the culture CB 05022 performed better under the organic production system.

2 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

044775   AHMED A A, DUTTA P (Plant Pathology Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat, Assam) : Effects of green synthesized silver nanoparticles on soil properties. J Med Plants Stud 2020, 8(1), 34-7.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized using culture filtrate of fungal antagonist Trichoderma asperellum for which silver nitrate was used as the precursor. The Ag NPs thus formed were then characterized by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zetasizer, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX). The UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a characteristic Surface Absorption Band at 420 nm which confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles. DLS and TEM study revealed the uniform and well-dispersed nature of the biosynthesized nanoparticles with a spherical shape. The average particle size recorded was 8.26 nm with polydispersity index of 0.857. The charge of silver nanoparticles determined by zeta sizer had a negative potential value of -1.34 mV which indicated stability on dispersion. EDX results showed biosynthesized material contained 32.18 % silver, 10.16 % oxygen, and 57.66 % carbon. The silver nanoparticles were applied at 100 % concentration to the collected soil samples from tea garden and a few soil parameters viz. soil pH, soil microbial count, soil organic carbon and soil microbial biomass carbon were evaluated in both treated and untreated soil samples. All the parameters showed increased values, except, the soil microbial count which was seen decreased, in the Ag NPs treated soil samples.

1 table, 20 ref

040980   KAUSHAL J, KONGALA P R, LAL A M, SRIVASTAVA S, RIYAZUDDIN R, RAMTEKE P W (Biological Sciences Dep, Sam Higginbottom Univ of Agriculture, Prayagraj - 211 007, Uttar Pradesh, Email: kprasadaraojc@gmail.com) : Pollen viability and associated traits in relation to fertility and yield of popular rice varieties under late sown condition. Indian J Agric Biochem 2020, 33(2), 188-92.

A field experiment was undertaken to determine the pollen viability and associated traits in relation to fertility and grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L) of Indica popular (MTU 1010, MTU 1001, IR 64 and ADT 43) and Japonica (Hatsushino and Akitakomachi) varieties under late sown condition. The 11 characters viz; days to 50 % flowering, panicle number, spikelets number, spikelet fertility, pollen viability (%), germination (%), glucose, fructose, peroxidase, starch and grain yield were recorded and analyzed. It was observed that days to 50 % flowering minimum (earliest 82.3 days) for MTU 1001, followed by MTU 1010 (89.33 days) and the longest duration i.e., 130 days in Hatsushino variety. For pollen viability and pollen germination (%), highest i.e., 76.78 % and 59.0 % was exhibited by MTU 1010, followed by 75.50 % and 57.0 %, respectively in IR 64 and the lowest was in MTU 1001. The starch, glucose, fructose and peroxidase in association to pollen viability was investigated and it was observed that the highest % of starch was recorded in IR 64(79 %), followed by MTU 1010(78 %) and lowest in MTU 1001(74 %) and for glucose content, the highest (134mg) was in MTU 1010 Hatsushino (133mg) were at par each other but lowest was in MTU 1001(110mg). As for fructose, the highest (1.82mg) in MTU 1010 followed by Hatsushino (1.73 mg) and lowest in MTU 1001(1.58 mg). For peroxidase assay, the highest in MTU 1010 (416 U/10ml) followed by IR 64 (400unit/10ml) and the lowest was in MTU 1001(243 U /10ml). The spikelet fertility was high (52.60) in MTU 1001, followed by IR 64(38.13) where as grain yield was highest in MTU 1010 (7.39q/ha), followed by MTU 1001(6.27q/ha) and the lowest in Hatsushino (3.00 q/ha) was recorded. From the results, it indicated that MTU 1010 was found significantly superior, followed by IR 64 among all the varieties under late sown at Allahabad subtropical agro-climate.

3 tables, 27 ref

040979   KATIYAR A, MISHRA S P (Crop Sciences Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Satna - 485 334 (Madhya Pradesh), Email: alkaphdbiochem@gmail.com) : Seed storage protein profiling of sulphur applicated chickpea varieties grown under rainfed condition. Indian J Agric Biochem 2020, 33(2), 184-7.

Chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.) is an important legume crop in India. An experiment was conducted to determine the seed storage protein profiles of five chickpea varieties JG-11, JG-315, PUSA-1103, DCP 92-3 and KGD-1168 at three different levels of sulphur such as S₀, S₁₅ and S₃₀ kg/ha in the form of gypsum grown under rainfed conditions. Analysis was based on biochemical marker sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE). The results of SDS-PAGE for seed storage proteins showed 19 polypeptide bands with molecular weights of the resolved peptides from 97.4 kDa to 14.3 kDa. Out of these, ten polypeptides having molecular weights 97.4, 66, 46, 19, 18, 16.8, 16.4, 6.2, 6 and 5.5 kDap were universally present, while rest 09 polypeptide bands varied in their expression. The number of bands observed ranged from 14 to 18. The maximum number of polypeptide band was recorded in variety JG-11 by the application of 15 and 30 kg S/ha, while minimum number of polypeptide band was recorded in variety KGD-1168 without application of sulphur. Based on analysis of cluster, it was clear that variety JG-315 without application of sulphur (control) and KGD-1168 with the application of 15 kg S/ha had most distinct bands compared to other varieties. It was concluded that JG-315 and JG-11 varieties by the application of 15 and 30 kg S/ha were found to be suitable for identifying seed storage protein profiles which could be useful in the studies of genetic diversity.

3 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

040976   KATOCH R, SOOD V K, TRIPATHI A (Crop Improvement Dep, CSKHPKV, Palampur - 176 062, Himachal Pradesh, Email: rajankatoch@yahoo.com) : Influence of chemical treatments on the nutritional attributes of maize (Zea mays l.) stover. Indian J Agric Biochem 2020, 33(2), 167-75.

The effect of different chemical treatments for improving quality and digestibility of stover from 25 maize genotypes was investigated. Treatment with urea, aqueous ammonia and dilute acid resulted improvement in CP content of maize stover. Chemical treatments resulted alterations in fibre and ADL components of maize stover. Decrease in NDF [14.76 % (PMG-18)] and ADF [8.82 % (PMG-93-1)] contents of stover was observed with urea treatment. Reduction in lignin content of stover was observed with alkali and sodium chloride treatments. Total carbohydrates content increased with alkali treatments. Acid hydrolysis resulted reduction in silica content of stover to the extent of 58.84 %. Significant reduction in total phenolic and total tannin contents was observed in stover from genotypes PMZ-4 and PMG-14 with alkali and ammonia treatments. Digestibility of stover improved with chemical treatments and the treatment with urea was most effective treatment among other treatments. The results of the study indicated that urea, aqueous ammonia and alkali treatments could be effective for improving quality and digestibility of maize stover.

9 tables, 36 ref

040972   GUPTA C, NAZARENO M A, PRAKASH D (Amity Univ, Noida - 201 313, Email: charumicro@gmail.com) : Potential of some agri-waste as antioxidants of nutraceutical importance. Indian J Agric Biochem 2020, 33(2), 140-5.

There has been increased concern over management of agri-horticultural waste to develop useful product and prevent environment pollution. Some selected agri-wastes like peels, leaves, twigs, flowers, pod pericarp, seed meal and seed coat from Allium cepa (Onion), Arachis hypogaea (Groundnut), Brassica campestris (Mustard), B. oleracea (Cauliflower), Capsicum annum (Mircha), Helianthus annus (Sunflower), H. esculentus (Lady finger), Pisum sativum (Peas), Solanum melongena (Brinjal), Solanum tuberosum (Potato), Sesamum indicum (Til) were studied for their total phenolic contents (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AOA). The TPC determined as mg/g Gallic acid equivalent (GAE) were high in Arachis hypogaea seed coat (146.2 mg/g GAE) followed by peels of Allium cepa (Red) 64.1 and 57.5mg/g GAE (violet variety). The AOA of A. hypogaea red seed coat residues was 89.8 % followed by Allium cepa variety red peels with 75.8 % and Solanum melongena fruit pulp with 60.0 %. Sesbania sesban leaves exhibited AOA 67.7 % with TPC 35.4 mg/g GAE, Trigonella foenumgraecum (aerial parts) AOA 26.2 to 66.7 % with low TPC, Vicia faba and V. cylindrical (leaves, pod pericarp, twigs) AOA 39.2 to 78.6 % and TPC 16.4 to 63.1 mg/g GAE. Antioxidants provide protection from damage caused by reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, protein, enzymes and DNA damage. Thus this study depicts that agri-horticultural wastes are cost effective source of antioxidant phytochemicals that can play important protective role in various ailments.

3 tables, 16 ref

040969   SRIVASTAVA G P (C.S.Azad Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur - 208 002, Uttar Pradesh, Email: gpscsau08@gmail.com) : Green vegetation fractionation technology – a review. Indian J Agric Biochem 2020, 33(2), 105-14.

Availability of abundant sunlight and excessive photosynthesis in our country has resulted in the production of different kinds of huge lush green vegetations which form bulk mass of raw material and incomparable wealth. These vegetations could be utilized by fractionation technology to yield useful products of much economic value. However, all the vegetations can not be exploited through this technology. Only those vegetations which are succulent, have good protein content and less fibre, have high extractability, are free of mucilage and antinutritional constituents or have their low contents are suitable for fractionation. Green vegetation fractionation technology, a bioengineering process comprises of two steps. The first step involves the pressing of green vegetation / green foliage to obtain juice which in turn is coagulated by heat / steam to yield three products namely fibrous residue (FR), leaf protein concentrate (LPC) and deproteinised juice (DPJ). Fodder crops such as berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) and lucerne (Medicago sativa L.); by-product leaves of crops e.g. potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), beet root (Beta vulgaris), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) and turnip (Brassica rapa); water weeds such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes); weeds of cultivated crops such as bathua (Chenopodium species); tree leaves e.g. mulberry (Morus alba L.) and gliricidia (Gliricidia maculata L.) and wild plant species such as chakvad (Cassia tora L.) appeared to be the promising green vegetations suitable for fractionation. The fractionation of green vegetation can be conducted at the laboratory scale by using electrically operated green vegetation mincer which can process 6 to 8 kg green vegetation per hour. For fractionation at large scale, Screw Press Machine could be used which can process the vegetation at the rate of 100 kg per hour. Fibrous residue, the first product of fractionation containing on an average 11 % protein, 5 % ether extract, 9 % ash and 75 % carbohydrate on dry weight basis has variety of uses depending on the source. It forms excellent cattle or pig feed in the fresh or dried forms or as silage and could be used as substrate for the production of mushrooms, as soil amendment or as raw material for the production of ethanol/ methanol. LPC, the second product of fractionation contains on an average 50 % protein, 10 % ether extract, 6 % ash and 34 % carbohydrate on dry weight basis. Besides these major nutrients, it is also rich in pigments like chlorophylls and xanthophylls and in -carotene, the precursor of vitamin A and tocopherol. It could be used as poultry feed, as milk replacement for calves, as human food and as a source of -carotene in human nutrition. DPJ, the third product of fractionation containing on an average 5 to 6 % dry matter and having 18 % protein, 1 % ether extract, 15 % ash and 40 % soluble carbohydrate in the dry matter could be utilized as cattle feed by mixing with FR, as a fertilizer with irrigation water for the improvement of soil fertility, as medium for tissue culture and as a substrate for the growth of yeast or other microorganisms yielding various products of pharmaceutical importance or other uses. Green vegetation fractionation technology appears to be very much relevant in the present era of our concerted efforts for utilizing efficiently the abundantly available green biomass such as fodder crops, by-product foliage of crops, water weeds and other weeds of cultivated crops, tree leaves and wild plant species or other plant species which may be identified in future as suitable for fractionation. The technology appears to have great potential in raising the income of such farms on which fodder crop production is integrated with dairy and poultry production. This review also includes priorities in green vegetation research which may serve as guidelines for future researchers in the area.

4 illus, 3 tables, 57 ref

040968   SINGH N, SINGH A, DAHIYA P (Amity Univ, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Email: nsingh19@amity.edu) : Performance of potent isolate of Trichoderma harzianum (Th9) possessing mycoparasitic property against late blight causing fungus Phytophthora infestans in addition to enhancing defensive enzymes activities in potato crop. Indian J Agric Biochem 2020, 33(1), 99-101.

Late blight of potato caused by fungal pathogen Phytophthora infestans is an important disease in potato growing areas around the globe resulting in food shortage, hunger and atleast 50% of crop losses. In the present investigation, two strains of Trichoderma, indigenously isolated Trichoderma harzianum (Th9) and commercial strain of same species tested were used against destructive fungus, Phytopthera infestans through in-vitro studies. Both strains of fungal bioagents showed variation in their potentiality against the rot causing fungus Phytopthera infestans. Trichoderma harzianum (Th9) exhibited highly potential properties as compared to the commercial strain. Biochemical studies revealed that enzymes chitinase and $\mathrm{\beta }$ 1,3 glucanase known for systemic resistance were found in higher concentration in healthy plants of potato as compared to the diseased one. The Th9 strain was, therefore, selected for further Integrated pest management studies either for pure applications and/or as core component of IPM packages on potato crops under field conditions.

1 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

040967   SINGH N, KENDURKAR P S (Home Science Dep, H.N.B.G.P.G Coll, Prayagraj - 211 008, Uttar Pradesh, Email: sudhi2000@gmail.com) : Nutritional profile of grains and dhals of certain promising varieties of chickpea (Cicer arietinum l.) and green gram (Vigna radiata l.). Indian J Agric Biochem 2020, 33(1), 93-8.

Grains of promising varieties of chickpea and green gram were analyzed to depict the relative nutritional status of their whole grains and dhal as affected by processing treatment. No single variety in both the groups was found to possess superior levels of all the nutritional characteristics, however, variety KGD 1168 of chickpea and T44 of green gram were found noticeable in certain characteristics having direct bearing on their nutritional status. Significant varietal differences were observed in oil, protein, methionine and tryptophan content in both chickpea and green gram. Compared to whole grains, dhal samples of both chickpea and green gram varieties possessed superior nutritional status in having considerably higher levels of oil, protein, methionine and tryptophan with significantly lower levels of polyphenols. With the exception of oil content, green gram varieties were found significantly superior to chickpea in all the nutritional characteristics.

6 tables, 22 ref

040966   KATIYAR A, MISHRA S P (Crop Sciences Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Satna - 485 334 (Madhya Pradesh),, Email: alkaphdbiochem@gmail.com) : Peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities in sulphur applicated chickpea (Cicer arietinum l.) grown under rainfed condition. Indian J Agric Biochem 2020, 33(1), 87-92.

Five varieties of chickpea alongwith three different doses of sulphur such as S₀, S₁₅ and S₃₀ kg/ha in the form of gypsum were grown at Agriculture Farm, Rajoula, Chitrakoot, Satna, M.P. under rainfed conditions for studies of enzyme activities at vegetative stage (fresh leaf samples) and reproductive stage (fresh seed samples). The enzyme activity such as peroxidase (POX) in vegetative and reproductive stages ranged from 25.26 to 32.27 and 20.56 to 26.20 U/min/g/fresh wt, respectively. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity in vegetative and reproductive stages ranged from 13.51 to 26.13 and 21.21 to 30.13 Unit g/f.wt, respectively. The maximum peroxidase enzyme activity was found in vegetative stage alongwith application of 30 kg/ha of sulphur as compared to vegetative stage, whereas the maximum SOD activity was recorded in reproductive stage as compared to vegetative stage alongwith application of 30 kg/ha of sulphur.

2 tables, 20 ref

040965   THAKUR M, BAISHYA S (Biochemistry & Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat - 785 013, Assam, Email: samindra.baishya@yahoo.com) : Quality analysis of buckwheat (fagopyrum esculentum moench) genotypes of Assam. Indian J Agric Biochem 2020, 33(1), 81-6.

Sixteen buckwheat germplasm were evaluated for biochemical constituents of quality significance. The germplasm varied significantly in their proximate composition with moisture content ranging from 7.52-9.11 %, crude protein from 7.23-9.53 %, crude fat 1.97-3.62 %, ash 1.83-2.93 % and crude fibre from 3.71-4.78 % on dry weight basis. Buckwheat flour contained 63.18-72.61 % starch consisting of average 23.21 % amylose. The resistant starch was found varying between 15.20-20.53 %. Total soluble protein ranged from 4.58 % to 7.40 % with globulin as the major fraction (2.12-3.53 %). The buckwheat germplasm contained high level of calcium (0.18 %), phosphorus (0.26 %) and potassium (0.26 %). Total phenolic content was found between 378.41 to 652.71 mg/100g and flavonoids between 33.80 to 60.11 mg/100g on dry weight basis. The local genotypes were found comparable with the released genotypes in their nutrient composition and BWC-1, BWC2 and Kharupetia-2 along with buckwheat accessions EC-218742 and EC-27242 were found superior over others in terms of nutritional quality.

4 tables, 39 ref

040953   VERMA A, SHARMA A, MAHATMA M K, THAWAIT L K, RADHAKRISHNAN T, RAI P K (ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagadh, Gujarat, Email: verma.aman1980@gmail.com) : Designer Oils: A Stride for Future. Indian J Agric Biochem 2020, 33(1), 1-10.

One of the biggest challenges in agricultural sector is to boost up production systems, along with the development of genetically sound crops to get an efficient and sustainable agricultural produce, generating new seed quality traits, especially in oilseed crops. Present review aimed on the alteration of oilseed crops to improve their nutritional composition and industrial utility. Such modifications will include production of high palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, omega-3 longchain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, ricinoleic acid, unusual monoenoic fatty acids, reduction in erucic acid and very long chain saturated fatty acids (VLSFA). Manipulation of triacylglycerol structure is another area included in this review so as to enhance the nutritional value of ‘designer’ oils. The focus is also laid on to how new technological interventions, such as synthetic biology, next-generation sequencing, LC-MS/MS targeted lipid analysis, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) technique and lipidomics are mediating in the development of desired traits in transgenic oilseeds. Transgenic oilseeds producing novel fatty acids will be a better source for providing renewable raw materials that may compete with and eventually replace other nonrenewable sources.

1 illus, 2 tables, 82 ref

042668   SOLANGI M H, MAHAR M A, LARIK A S , MAHESSAR M R (Electrical Engineering Dep, Mehran Univ of Engineering Technology Jamshoro, Pakistan, Email: muzamilhussain19.mh@gmail. com) : Design a perturb & observe MPPT algorithm for PV system based asymmetric cascaded halfbridge multilevel inverter. Indian J Sci Technol 2020, 13(4), 439 – 52.

This research proposes a Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm to extract maximum power point for photovoltaic (PV) system which then used as a direct current (DC) source for an asymmetrical cascaded half-bridge (ACHB) multilevel inverter (MLI). The whole system is modelled in MATLAB/SIMULINK. An approach is used to give input DC sources to asymmetrical cascaded halfbridge MVI with two PV systems. For PV system, a P&O maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm is used to control the duty cycle of DC to DC boost converter for maintaining the constant output voltage. The switching pattern of MLI done by using pulse width modulation (PWM) technique. The proposed switching sample based on Multi Carrier (MC) PWM which reduces the voltage of components, decrease size, cost and also switching losses. ACHB MLI is attractive for its features as it gives higher level of output voltage by using fewer number of switching devices. Finally, two PV systems of different output voltages are integrated with asymmetrical cascaded half-bridge MVI. The results of the proposed model are verified in MATLAB/SIMULINK. Dual P&O MPPT algorithms based PV system is used as input DC source for asymmetric cascaded half-bridge MLI which provides higher level output voltage as compared to conventional two-level inverter. 

10 illus, 5 tables, 26 ref

044662   EBRAHIM S N, GIRIJA V (ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ambalavayal- 673 593, Kerala) : Effectiveness of home science vocational training programmes imparted by KVKS (Krishi Vigyan Kendras). J Ext Educ 2020, 32(1), 6455-62.

Vocational training programmes play a positive role in the empowerment of women. The present study was planned with a specific objective to study the effectiveness of vocational trainings in home science discipline as rated by women trainees of a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). Training effectiveness was evaluated on five levels, viz. coverage, utility, teaching quality, knowledge and skill acquired. It was found that a great majority of trainees had perceived training as moderately effective. Programme effectiveness scores did not differ significantly among the four training groups. Mass media exposure, information seeking behavior, attitude towards training and entrepreneurial behavior had significant relationship with training effectiveness.

5 tables, 3 ref

044661   ANTONY R R, THOMAS A (Agricultural Extension Dep, Agriculture Coll, Thiruvananthapuram- 695 522, Kerala) : Entrepreneurial behaviour of agripreneurs in agro food parks. J Ext Educ 2020, 32(1), 6448-54.

The study was conducted in Agro Food Parks (AFPs) of Kerala, to analyse the entrepreneurial behaviour of agripreneurs in AFPs. A sample of 80 respondents was randomly selected from the four functional AFPs. Ex-post facto research design was employed for the study. It was observed that about 66 per cent of the respondents had medium entrepreneurial behaviour. The results of correlation analysis revealed that the entrepreneurial behaviour was positively and significantly related with education, cosmopoliteness, market perception, management orientation, extension orientation, group cohesion, environmental orientation, problem solving ability, credit orientation and economic motivation.

3 tables, 9 ref

044660   SAHA G S, DE H K, MAHAPATRA A S, PANDA N (ICAR- Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar- 752 104, Odisha) : Factors contributing to the success of Aquaculture Field Schools. J Ext Educ 2020, 32(1), 6441-7.

ICAR- Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) had piloted four Aquaculture Field Schools (AFS), a model of farmer to farmer extension, in Odisha and Chhattisgarh states in India. The AFS’ are attracting farmers and stakeholders as they provide a platform to share experience and enable cross learning. In this research, an attempt has been made to identify the factors that contribute to the successful performance of AFS. Data were collected from 166 user farmers, selected randomly from the list available with operators. Five variables viz., age of fish farmer, frequency of visit to AFS, duration of visit, interaction with the fellow farmers and advocation of advanced technologies of ICAR-CIFA to other farmers were observed to be significantly contributing to yield of fish. The Multiple correlation coefficient, R=0.48, indicated that there is a significant and positive correlation between the observed and predicted value of fish yield.

2 tables, 9 ref

044659   THOMAS A, BABU M N (Ag. Extension Dep, Agriculture Coll, Vellayani-695 522) : Crowdsourcing knowledge: An extension approach for remunerative and sustainable home garden farming systems in Kerala. J Ext Educ 2020, 32(1), 6429-40.

Kerala has pioneered development models through farmer participatory approaches. Involving the grassroots in scientific studies can help improve crop variety adoption and refined technology recommendations. Participatory tools like Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Participatory Technology Development (PTD), On Farm Testing (OFT), Front Line Demonstrations (FLD) and Participatory Breeding Programmes (PBP) are all time-tested examples of its successful use in researches. Crowdsourced citizen science approach called tricot – ‘triadic comparisons of technologies’ is popular today, where farmers are made to adopt three crop varieties or technologies randomly assigned to them from a broader set of varieties/technologies for final choice aimed at continuous adoption. The results of this study conducted during 2019-2020 revealed that more than 80 % of the farmers fully adopted the technology prescribed in the checklist as a result of crowdsourcing knowledge. The results on attitude of farmers towards crowdsourcing revealed that majority of the farmers posessed favourable attitude towards crowdsourcing approach.

6 tables, 8 ref

044658   MOHAMMED I, ADONIKAM N U (Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Dep, Federal Univ of Technology, Niger State, Nigeria) : Farmers' willingness to take part in sorghum-based innovation platform in Niger State, Nigeria. J Ext Educ 2020, 32(1), 6422-8.

The research examined the determinants of farmers’ willingness to partake in sorghumbased innovation platforms, ascertained the factors influencing their willingness and constraints to their participation. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit data from 350 registered respondents drawn from Niger State, Nigeria. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Probit and multiple regression. The result reveals that the farmers' mean age was 40. About 85 % of them were married with a household size of 1-5 persons. The result of probit showed that availability of active labour force, income from the sorghum, number of trainings, access to extension service and market access were the major determinants to farmers’ participation in sorghum innovation platform. Major constraints were, untimely meetings, poor means of transportation, information gap and complexity of innovation. The study concludes that farmers were willing to participate in sorghum-based innovation platform but do not have enough capital base. The study recommends that farmers should be linked up with credit institutions and timely meetings should be conducted.

4 tables, 4 ref

044639   PAZHANISAMY M, SOWMIYA S, SATHYASEELAN V, SENTHILKUMAR M (Entomology Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar- 608 002, Tamil Nadu, Email: mpsamy26@rediffmail.com) : Effect of some weather factors on the population dynamics of leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) infesting in Bhendi. J Ent Res 2020, 44(1), 73-6.

The results of revealed that the leafhoppers incidence was noticed from 6th MSW and 23th MSW with population of 11.38 and 15.10 leafhoppers/3 leaves/plant during the rabi and kharif 2018, respectively. The population increased with the advancement of crop growth and reached its peak at 24.89 leafhoppers/3 leaves in 16th MSW during rabi 2018 and 27.40 leafhoppers/3 leaves in 31st MSW during kharif 2018. Later, the population declined. The present studies concluded that leafhopper populations on bhendi plants favoured minimum temperatures while humidity did not significantly affect the dynamics of leafhopper in rabi 2018 while it was opposite during kharif 2018.

3 tables, 18 ref

044638   AL-GERRAWY A J A, AL-SHAMMARY A J M (Plant Protection Dep, Wasit Univ, Iraq, Email: aabbood@uowasit.edu.iq) : Life tables and population parameters of sesame webworm Antigastra catalaunalis (Dup.) [Lepidoptera: Pyralidae] on sesame at different temperatures. J Ent Res 2020, 44(1), 67-71.

This study examined the relationships of individual development and population growth with temperature based on an age-specific life table of A. catalaunalis reared on sesame leaves in the laboratory at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C. The life table of this insect was not completed at 35 °C because of the adults were not emerged from pupae at this temperature. The shortest values of adult pre-oviposition period and mean generation time were 2.6 days and 21.359 days, respectively at 30°C, while the highest values were 5.8 days and 75.770 days, respectively at 15°C. the fecundity, net reproductive rate (Ro) and intrinsic rate of increase (rm) were 78.05 eggs/female, 29.681 offspring and 0.159 days-1, respectively at 30 °C that exceeded their values at other temperatures. The results of this study indicated that A. catalaunalis has strong reproductive potential within 25-30 °C, and that this temperature range could result in rapid population growth associated serious damage to sesame crop at an appropriate temperature.

5 tables, 21 ref

044635   GAIKWAD B B , BHOSLE B B, BHEDE B V (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani- 431 402, Maharashtra, Email: entomologist007@rediffmail.com) : Screening of different varieties of okra against shoot and fruit borer Earias vitella. J Ent Res 2020, 44(1), 51-4.

The screening of different varieties of okra against Earias vitella revealed that Arka anamika was superior to all other varieties on the basis of least shoot infestation and fruit infestation and giving highest yield followed by Champion. Variety No. 10 was found most susceptible.

2 tables, 7 ref

044633   BENOUFELLA-KITOUS K, AOAUR-SADLI M, FELLAG H (Mouloud Mammeri Univ, Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria, Email: ben.kitous@yahoo.fr) : Evaluation of insecticidal properties of sage, Salvia officinalis leaves against Aphis fabae Scopoli, 1763 (Homoptera: Aphididae). J Ent Res 2020, 44(1), 35-40.

Active and non-polluting natural substances are a promising alternative solution for the protection of crops. This is the context of this study, which aims to evaluate the insecticidal potential of sage in order to control the black bean aphid. The aqueous solution of faba bean, Salvia officinalis was tested at different doses (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 %) on batches consisting of different larval stages of A. fabae. The results obtained indicate that this plant has a toxic effect on the aphidian populations with a high mortality of 98.54 % at a dose of 40 %. The highest mortality is noted 9 days after treatment. The insecticidal effect of sage seems to depend on the dose and time.

6 illus, 29 ref

044632   REMYA S, RANI O P R (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Kerala Agricultural Univ, Thrissur- 680 656, Kerala, Email: sremya901@gmail.com) : Capsule formulations of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin for the management of banana rhizome weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar). J Ent Res 2020, 44(1), 29-34.

The experiment was laid out as a pot culture study using five month old plants of banana variety Nendran. Plants were artificially infested with second instar grubs of Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) and capsule formulation of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin were placed in the rhizosphere @ four per plant. The efficacy was determined by determining the damage Index (DI), number of tunnels caused by the pest and the number of weevils present by destructive sampling. When applied prophylactically, chitosan based capsules were found to be superior to talc based capsules with DI values 36.67 and 46.67, respectively. Reduction in pest population observed was on par in plants treated with talc based and chitosan based capsules (55.56 and 47.22 %). In curative treatment, both the capsules were equally effective with DI 26.67 and 30. There was 50 % reduction in pests when treated with chitosan based capsules, while it was 58.3 % in talc based capsules, the effect being similar. The experiment revealed that Metarhizium capsules based on talc or chitosan when applied as prophylactic and curative methods can effectively manage the banana weevil.

3 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref