040769   DHALIWAL Y S, PANDIT A, VERMA A K, GUPTA A (Food Science and Technology Dep, Dr. Y. S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh - 173 230, Email: anivverma@gmail.com) : Physical properties and food value of rice varieties of Western Himalaya. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2020, 11(4), 340-9.

Six rice varieties namely Bhrigu Dhan, Begami, Desi Dhan, Paddy Karad, Sukara Dhan and Lal Dhan grown in the westeren Himalaya, as a dehulled rice grain, were evaluated with the aim of establishing their specific food value. Length, breadth, length/breadth ratio, thousand -kernel weight, density, and bulk density of all varieties were in the range of 7.80-8.70 (mm), 3.12-3.68 (mm), 2.15-2.74,13.79-28.66 (g), 0.10-1.25 (g/mL) and 0.477-0.657 (g/mL), respectively. Maximum length (8.70 mm), 1000 kernel weight (28.66 g) and bulk density (1.25g/mL) were observed for Bhrigu Dhan. Moisture content, crude fat, crude fibre and ash, were in the range of 11.21 to 12.92, 2.35 to 3.26, 2.22 to 2.69 and 1.60 to 1.79 per cent, respectively on dry weight basis. The highest and lowest value for crude protein was recorded in Desi Dhan (12.00 %) and Bhrigu Dhan (7.66 %), respectively; and total carbohydrates were observed highest in Bhrigu Dhan (86.88 %) and lowest in Desi Dhan (82.44 %). The starch content ranged between 81.63 to 88.56 %. The total sugar content was highest in Sukara Dhan (1.40 %) followed by Desi Dhan (1.35 %), Lal Dhan (1.32 %), Paddy Karad (1.29 %), Begami (1.25 %) and minimum was in Bhrigu Dhan (1.05 %), respectively. The highest content of free fatty acid was present in Begami (0.377 %) and minimum in Sukara Dhan (0.293 %) whereas, the maximum amount of free amino acid was present in Bhrigu Dhan (0.443 % as glycine) and minimum was present in Begami (0.333 % as glycine). Begami had highest content of iron and zinc (8.95 and 9.77 mg/100gm). However maximum values for phosphorus and copper were observed for Sukara Dhan 311.05 and 3.020 mg/100 g respectively. The maximum content of magnesium was observed in Paddy Karad 137.33 mg/100 g and manganese in Bhrigu Dhan 3.49 mg/100 g. The highest total phenolic content observed in Lal Dhan (297.45 mg GAE/100 g) and lowest in Begami (231.66 mg GAE/100 g). The amylose content of red rice varieties varied from 23.56 to 26.55 %. Highest amylose value was recorded in Lal Dhan (26.55 %) and lowest in Sukara Dhan (23.56 %). The data for the sensory evaluation of cooked red rice revealed that the appearance score was highest in variety Lal Dhan, and Paddy Karad.

2 illus, 6 tables, 50 ref

044611   HALLER H, BYADAGI A S (Plant Pathology Dep, Dharwad Univ of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad- 580 005, Karnataka, Email: hemachandra.haller@gmail.com) : Management of leaf crinkle disease in blackgram. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(1), 86-90.

Leaf crinkle disease of blackgram was effectively managed employing combined treatments of heat therapy of seeds, seed treatment with imidacloprid 600 FS, spraying the crop with imidacloprid 17.8 SL and growing borders sorghum along. During Kharif 2011 and 2012, sorghum bordered experiment with treatment of heat therapy of seeds, seed treatment with imidacloprid 600 FS and spray with imidacloprid 17.8 SL at 25 days after sowing (DAS) (T₆ ) recorded the least PDI and aphid population. In without border experiment during Kharif 2011, the least PDI recorded was 18.00 with 44.9 per cent reduction in disease over control and 0.8 aphids three leaves^-1 plant^-1 at 60 DAS. The least PDI recorded was 16.67 with 40.00 per cent reduction in disease control and 0.6 aphids three leaves^-1 plant^-1 at 60 DAS was recorded in blackgram border crop experiment and during Kharif 2012 The least PDI recorded was 20.33 with 42.45 per cent reduction in disease incidence over control and 0.6 aphids three leaves^-1 plant^-1 at 60 DAS in blackgram without border experiment, while in border crop experiment of blackgram, PDI recorded was 18.33 with 38.21 per cent reduction in disease incidence over control and 0.8 aphids three leaves^-1 plant^-1 .

4 tables, 16 ref

044610   NAQVI S D Y, RAO G S (Plant Protection Dep, Hamelmalo Agricultural Coll, Eritrea, Email: sethumadhava.g@gmail.com) : Role and utility of well-protected area (sick plot) for the study of plant diseases in Hamelmalo agricultural fields, Eritrea. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(1), 81-5.

A well protected area (WPA) called ‘sick plot’ designed for the study of pathogens and their activity on crops was established at the farm of Hamelmalo Agricultural College, Eritrea with the aims of finding out the soil mycoflora and identify the diseases on various crops grown in the plot. The sick plot, spread in 1032.5 square meter area, having 48 plots each of 3 x 3.5 m with a bio-fencing was planted with some vegetable and field crops for the study of pathogen reactions in the form of symptoms. Dry root rot caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola in Lentils; blights on mustard and cabbage; rusts on chickpea and early blights, fusarial wilts and root-knot nematodal infections on tomato were recorded. This preliminary investigation, Phase-I, was done only to find out the pathogen reactions on the crop plants. It will be continued in various seasons to evaluate colony forming units per gram of soil and to calculate the disease occurrences in Phase-II, and the role of antagosnists and arbuscular micorhhiza on the habitation of variuos field mycoflora in Phase-III.

5 illus, 14 ref

044608   BRHANE D, AHMAD T, MEHARI B, NETSEREAB D, SHIMENDI H, BERIHU S (Plant Protection Dep, Hamelmalo Agricultural Coll, Eritrea, Africa, Email: tufailrm@gmail.com) : Management of bruchid beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in stored cowpea through plant extracts and carbaryl. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(1), 73-5.

Cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus is a major pest of stored cowpea in Eritrea. A comparative study on the effectiveness of plant extracts (5 percent of neem and lantana leaf), wood ash and 2 per cent carbaryl as grain protectants against C. maculatus conducted at Hamelmalo Agricultural College, Eritrea in three replications revealed that the plant extracts significantly reduced the population of C. maculatus at different days of intervals. At 14 DAT, the mortality by carbaryl was high (8.21 %) against wood ash and control with low mortality at 7.67 and 7.34 per cent, respectively. The mean weight loss in control with wood ash, lantana leaf extract, neem leaf extract and carbaryl treatments was 44.9, 41.8, 38.4, 34.2 and 19.5 per cent, respectively. The treated seeds recorded higher germination percentage while the control recorded least (40 %). Among the botanical protectants, neem extract was found most effective against the storage pests.

3 illus, 7 ref

044607   WANKHEDE S M, SHINDE V V, GHAVALE S L (Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli- 415 712, Email: agr_agronomist@yahoo.co.in) : Status of coconut insect pests in managed and unmanaged garden. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(1), 70-2.

In a fixed plot survey carried out at bimonthly interval from April 2018 to February 2019 at Regional Research Station, Bhatye, Ratnagiri, the incidence and intensity of major pests on coconut was recorded. Two plots were selected for observations, one was well managed (good sanitation, use of fertilizer etc.) and another unmanaged (with poor sanitation and no fertilizers). The infestation of major pest’s in managed plot was minimum for rhinoceros beetle (25.73 %), eriophyid mite (41.74 %) and mite grade index 0.71. Whereas, maximum infestation of rhinoceros beetle, red palm weevil and eriophyide mite of 30.31, 0.37, 71.70 per cent, respectively and mite grade index (1.57) was recorded in unmanaged plot. The average data of two fixed plots revealed that the incidence of rhinoceros beetle was in the range of 7.64 to 48.00 per cent, the maximum was in and minimum was February 2019. The infestation of red palm weevil and black headed caterpillar were 1.11 and 0.64 per cent in February 2019. The infestation of eriophyid mite was in the range of 41.65 to 64.98 per cent, the maximum noticed in the month of April, 2018 and the least in October, 2018. The mite damage grade index 1.39 (moderate) was recorded in February 19. However, lowest MGI (0.67) was observed in October, 2018.

3 tables, 13 ref

044605   PRASAD R (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Birsa Agricultural Univ, Ranchi– 834 006, Email: rabindraento@yahoo.co.in) : Management of major insect pests of rice through organic manures with special emphasis on use of neem and karanj cakes. J Eco-Friend Agric 2020, 15(1), 63-6.

The field experiment conducted at Birsa Agricultural University farm during 2010 and 2011 revealed that silver shoots (SS), caused by Orseolia oryzae (gall midge) was minimum (1.05, 1.26 and 1.21, 1.96 %, respectively) in plots treated with neem and karnaje cake @ 2.5 t ha^-1 against the highest with plants treated with the sole use of N @ 100 kg ha^-1 through urea (20.15 and 24.45 %) during 2010 and 2011, respectively. The neem cake application also recorded minimum incidence of Scirpohaga incertulas Wlk. (YSB) (1.92 and 2.65 %DH) and was at par with karange cake (2.75 and 3.88 % DH) but significantly lower than that of sole use of nitrogen @ 100 kg ha^-1 through urea (28.34 and 31.75 % DH) and full dose (100 %) of recommended chemical fertilizers N,P,K @ 80:40:40 kg ha^-1 (19.89 and 22.63 % DH) during 2010 and 2011, respectively. However, full dose of RDF remained significantly superior over sole use of N @ 100 kg ha^-1 (in the form of urea) in suppressing the incidence of gall midge and YSB during both the years of experimentation. Full dose of green manure (GM) applied through dhaincha, Sesbania rostrata L. (@ 10 t ha-1) supplemented with 50 per cent RDF (N,P,K @ 40:20:10 kg ha-1) was also found significantly effective than that of RDF (100 %) of in reducing the pest incidence. Almost similar trends were found in case of incidence of Nephotettix spp. (GLH), Cnaphalocrosis medinalis Gn. (leaf folder) and rice hispa, Dicladispa armigera Ol. As regards the yield of paddy grains (41.37 and 43.80 q ha^-1) the maximum was recorded with 100 per cent RDF followed by GM @ 10 t ha-¹ 50 per cent RDF (37.63 and 40.68 q ha^-1) during the respective years. Among the organic treatments, cake (NC) application proved little superior (33.00 and 36.88 q ha^-1) but almost at par with karanj cake (32.33 and 35.68 q ha^-1) in realizing yields of paddy grains during 2010 and 2011, respectively. It was noticed that fertilizer nutrients supplied through organic sources showed remarkable reduction in the prevailing major insect pest’s infestation levels and in turn produced higher yields ie, 25.38 and 28.50 q ha^-1 with FYM, 32.33 and 35.68 q ha^-1 with KC and 32.00 and 36.88 q ha^-1 with neem cake against the significantly lower yields of 20.14 and 24.68 q ha^-1 with N through urea @ 100 kg ha^-1 and lowest 9.75 and 14.68 q ha^-1 from untreated control (No, Po, Ko) during 2010 and 2011, respectively. The findings suggests that balanced dose of N,P,K is effective both in terms of suppression of pest incidence and realization of higher grain yield. Moreover, neem cake and karange cake that contains considerable amount of azadirachtin and karanjin, respectively proved their superiorty and higher effectiveness in pest reduction and yield enhancement in the organic mode of rice production.

1 table, 10 ref

044604   CHOUDHURY A R, SINGH N (Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd, Gachibowlia-500 032, Hyderabad, Email: atunroy.choudhury@ramky.com) : Sustainable end use of black soldier fly for successful entrepreneurial venture. J Eco-Friendly Agric 2020, 15(1), 54-62.

The larvae of Hermetia illucens, colloquially known as black soldier fly (BSF) pose an enormous potential for small-scale entrepreneurship, especially for economically backward nations. Engaging these avid eaters in frugal application towards the societal benefit can open a new dimension to explore feasible business opportunities and mitigate unemployment issues. The present study was tried to emphasize the various possible end applications of the BSF larvae in a holistic and wholesome way. The prime advantage of dealing with these larvae incorporates the minimization of the threat associated with the mortality rates, due to the ancillary applications of the dead larvae towards the nutri-culture industry and production of alternative fuel. Furthermore, the nutrient-rich compost formation due to the larval digestion activity on the municipal organic waste (MOW) fraction creates a new entrepreneurial niche for lower and middle-income nations. The research yields synthesis of primarily three major end products in terms of compost, bio-diesel, and fish meal cake. Initially, the larvae were employed for the degradation and stabilization of MOW and the product of stabilization was further analyzed and identified as compost as per the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) 1985. The departed counts have further compressed by means of compaction machine with capacity 3000 kN and body fluid was segregated. The crude liquid was purified using centrifugation and successively followed by Soxhlet extraction. Ultimately, the separated bottom sludge has been blended with the crushed body skeleton of the larvae and turned into protein-rich fish meal cake. Thus, it’s evident to state that besides substantial societal benefits BSF poses magnificent potential to be explored by the entrepreneurial venture.

3 illus, 8 tables, 60 ref

044603   KUMAR R, SHUKLA R P (Crop Protection Dep, CISH, Lucknow) : Population dynamics of fruit fly, Bactrocera spp. (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Lucknow region of Uttar Pradesh, India. J Eco-Friendly Agric 2020, 15(1), 48-53.

Annual monitoring of the population dynamics of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera spp Hendle (Diptera: Tephritedae) in Lucknow region of Uttar Pradesh, India was conducted by bottle trap and wooden block trap in 2004 and 2005 and factors including temperature, rainfall and host species with respect to the population fluctuation were analyzed systematically. The results showed that the fruit fly was present all the year round in Lucknow region of Uttar Pradesh. In Lucknow destrict, the first catch in bottle trap was in the 7th standard week in both year 2004 and 2005 at an average of 10.53 and 9.67 flies/trap/week, respectively. However, trap catch were observed in the wooden block traps in the 3rd standard week in 2004 and 2005 (14.50 and 3.67 flies/trap/week, respectively). The peak average population of Bactrocera spp. was 420 and 1499 flies/trap/week in 25th standard week in bottle and wooden block traps, respectively in the year 2004. The weathe parameters during 25th standard week showed the average maximum and minimum temperatures of 37.7 °C and 25 °C respectively, maximum and minimum relative humidity was 89 °C and 73 per cent respectively and the total rainfall was 19.4 cm during the first year of experiment. The peak average population (399 and 1398 flies/trap/week) during the year 2005 was attained in the 26th standard week in bottle trap and wooden block trap, respectively. In the corresponding 26th standard week of the second year, the maximum and minimum temperature relative humidity and the total rain fall was 42 and 25.7 °C, 61 and 41 percent and 51 mm., respectively.

2 tables, 23 ref

044602   HIROYOSHI S, MITSUNAGA T, KOHAMA T, REDDY G V P (Okinawa Prefectural Plant Protection Center, Okinawa- 902-0072, Japan, Email: satoshi_hiroyoshi@yahoo.co.jp) : Effects of irradiation stages on male reproduction in the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Brentidae). J Eco-Friendly Agric 2020, 15(1), 37-47.

The sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae), is a notorious pest of sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.), over tropical and subtropical countries. The eradication program for this weevil using female sex pheromone (male annihilation) and sterile insect technique (SIT) has been undertaken in Okinawa and Amami islands in Japan. The effect of the timing of irradiation on reproduction of adult male of this weevil applied with 100 Gy of radiation either 3 days before adult emergence or 1, 5, or 9 days after emergence was investigated. The survival rate in the control (no treatment) group was 100 per cent throughout the observation period (day 10 to 20 of adult life), while survival rates of irradiated groups were reduced to approximately 30 per cent by just a few days after the start of the observation period. Irradiated individuals showed reduced mating rates for several days before their death, suggesting that the mating period ended before death. The earlier the stage that was irradiated, the lower the total sperm production was recorded. However, the main factor driving decreased insemination rates in irradiated individuals reduced mating rates due to decreased sexual behavior and earlier death, rather than disruption of spermiogenesis. Since mating ability decreased several days before death, irradiation at an early stage shortened mating periods by shortening lifespan. Therefore, the release of adult males immediately after irradiation would appear to be an effective means of flooding the field with sterile males and thus suppressing populations of this pest.

5 illus, 7 tables, 31 ref

044601   SHINDE V V, GHAVALE S L, MAHESWARAPPA H P, WANKHEDE S M (ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project on Palms, Ratnagiri) : Feasibility of flower crops under coconut based cropping system in coastal ecosystem of Maharashtra State. J Eco-Friendly Agric 2020, 15(1), 33-6.

Field experiment carried out at ICAR-AICRP on palms at Regional Coconut Research Station Bhatye, Dr. B.S. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri (MS) during 2013 to 2015 with flower crop combinations of T₁ - coconut alone (monocrop), T₂ - coconut + Jasminum sambac, T₃ - coconut + Jasminum multiflorum, T₄ - coconut + Lily spp., T₅ - coconut + Heliconia spp. and T₆ - coconut + Michelia champaka, according to two years of data, showed that the lily flower recorded 1683811 numbers of spikes ha^-1 , Jasminum multiflorum recorded 48656 kg ha^-1 , Heliconia spp. recorded 96982.5 number of spikes ha^-1, Jasminum Sambac recorded 1123.2 kg ha^-1 follwed by Michelia champaka with only 12690 number of flowers only. In respect of economics, coconut +Lily spp. system recorded the highest gross return of Rs. 12,19,962/- ha^-1 followed by Rs. 7,63,197/- in coconut + Jasminum multiflorum system. Coconut +Heliconia spp. recorded Rs. 6,37,495.25, coconut +Jasminum sambac Rs. 553102.53 and coconut +Michelia champaka the minimum gross return of Rs. 255672.00. The gross income realised in the monocropping of coconut was of Rs. 195300.00. The coconut nut yield realised during 2014-15 in the intercropping garden was 165 nuts palm^-1 year^-1 whereas in monocropping it was 96 nuts palm^-1 year^-1 .

1 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

044600   PATADE A A, MALSHE K V, SAGVEKAR V V (Dr. B.S. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Ratnagiri- 415 712, Email: kvmalshe@rediffmail.com) : Effect of pinching on flowering and yield in different varieties of marigold (Tagetes spp). J Eco-Friendly Agric 2020, 15(1), 29-32.

The field experiment conducted during Rabi season of the year 2017-18, to study the response of marigold varieties (Pusa basanti gainda, pusa arpita and yellow 09) to different levels of pinching (Control-No pinching, pinching after 3 weeks of transplanting, pinching after 5 weeks of transplanting and double pinching - Pinching after 3 and 5 weeks of transplanting), showed that the earliest initiation of flowering (38.00 DAT) and minimum days for 50 per cent flowering (53.00) was recorded in control (no pinching) in Yellow 09. The double pinching in Yellow 09 recorded significantly maximum numbers of pickings (7.15). The longest crop duration (flowering period) and highest yield of 27.54 days and 176.16 q ha^-1, respectively in Yellow 09 variety with double pinching was recorded.

3 tables, 13 ref

044599   RAJPUT A, SHARMA S, RAJPUT S S (Agronomy Dep, J.N.K.V.V, Jabalpur, Email: satya.sharma77@yahoo.com) : Impact of different crop geometries and depths of planting on growth and yield of rice. J Eco-Friendly Agric 2020, 15(1), 26-8.

An experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2010-11 and 2011-12 at Krishi Nagar farm, Department of Agronomy, JNKVV Jabalpur to study the different crop geometries and depths of planting on growth and yield of rice in system of rice intensification. The results revealed that 30 cm × 30 cm planting geometry had superiority in various parameters, viz, growth and yield, and were significantly influenced by plant geometry and depth of planting. Rice variety MR-219 with shallow depth of planting (2.5 cm) was markedly superior in growth parameters, viz., number of tillers/m² at harvest. Almost all the yield parameters, viz, test weight, harvest index, grain and straw yields, were superior with the MR-219 variety and shallow depth of planting.

1 table, 12 ref

044598   QADRI B, BHAT M A (Economics Dep, Central Univ of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, Email: qadribinish@gmail.com) : Collective framework in saffron marketing and improvement of channels. J Eco-Friendly Agric 2020, 15(1), 18-25.

The present study is a review based paper. It was undertaken to examine the role of organizations and committee in marketing in general and saffron in particular. Furthermore, it highlights the pros and cons of intermediaries in marketing. The study identifies less role of organizations and committee in saffron marketing. Almost all studies confirm the gain of intermediaries at the cost of growers. By eliminating the role of these middlemen, growers can manage to get a good price for their produce. But in a real sense these intermediaries actually indirectly gain at the cost of environment because high gains of intermediaries forced the saffron growers to substitute extensive cultivation for intensive cultivation in an ill-conceived manner and within a decade or so, this golden land lost its fertility. The outcome is that the notion of environmental sustainability has vanished from the minds of saffron growers because unhindered intensive cultivation failed to identify and then create a simulation of the real objects of the problem (either of saffron or of environment-related problems). By minimizing the role of these middlemen, growers can manage to get a good price for their produce and the notion of environmental sustainability can get its lost place back in the eyes of the growers. Review of literature shows that for preventing real problems of saffron market inside out and increasing the share of saffron growers in consumer’s rupee there is a need of in-depth review of the production and marketing of saffron. In order to improve the over-all role of organizations and committee in saffron marketing and reduce the number of intermediaries who dominate saffron marketing thereby taking away major part of consumer’s rupee, the present paper advances recommendations.

41 ref

044597   SONI M K, SINGH V K (ICAR- Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera- 226 101, Lucknow) : Response of drip irrigation on different tree architecture of mango cv. Dashehari for quality production. J Eco-Friendly Agric 2020, 15(1), 14-7.

A field experiment was conducted with an objective of improving the yield and quality of mango cv. Dashehari (15 year old) planted at 6.0 x 9.0 m spacing accommodating 185 plants per hectare. The experimental plot was irrigated with drip irrigation system having four emitters per plant of eight LPH capacity based on irrigation level of 80 per cent pan evaporation (PE) replenishment against ring basin irrigation methods used in control. The black polyethylene mulching (100µ thickness) was used to cover 40 per cent area of tree canopy. Recommended dose of fertilizer was applied at different phenological stages. The impact of different canopy shape viz. conical shape, flat top, open centre on light distribution pattern and gas exchange parameters along with flowering and fruiting pattern was studied. There were significant change in light distribution pattern among different shape being maximum diffused light (7777 mol m^-2 s^-1) in open centre and minimum in flat top (4791 mol m^-2 s^-1). Among gas exchange parameters photosynthesis rate (13.15 ì mol m^-2 s^-1) was also found maximum in the open centre as compared to other shape (8.4 to 12.7ì mol m^-2 s^-1) of canopy. Enhancement in flowering, maximum fruit yield in open centre (63.0 kg tree^-1) followed by flat top (59.6 kg tree^-1), conical shape (54.3 kg tree^-1) and minimum yield (48.6 kg tree^-1) in control was recorded. Maximum ‘A’ grade fruit (27 %) was also observed in open centre with application of irrigation at 80 per cent PE per day per plant against minimum ‘A’ grade fruit (11 %) recorded in the control.

4 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

040745   DEVI C B, BAINS K, KAUR H, RAM H (Food and Nutrition Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana - 141 004, Punjab, Email: kiranbains@pau.edu) : Nutritional composition, bioactive compounds and free radical scavenging activity of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) as influenced by harvesting stages and cultivation method. Indian J Nat Prod Resour 2020, 11(2), 118-23.

Wheatgrass is a rich source of protein (24.08 to 30.40 g/100 g DM) when cultivated under indoor and outdoor conditions and harvested at different stages. The ash ranged being 7.68 to 8.46 g/100 g DM. The crude fibre content was high especially under indoor cultivation, the values were in the range of 19.06 to 27.68 g/100 g. Indoor cultivation was far better than outdoor cultivation in terms of higher protein and ash. Late harvesting stage was better for crude fibre but for proteins, the early stage i.e 7^th day was superior. The early harvesting (7^th day and indoor cultivation) was superior for obtaining maximum ascorbic acid from the wheatgrass. For maximum β-carotene in wheatgrass, the optimum stage of harvesting was the 10^th day from the day of sowing during indoor conditions while 7^th day was the right stage for harvesting wheatgrass during the outdoor cultivation. It has an abundant amount of chlorophyll and flavonoids, the content was varying between 4.14 to 17.72 g/100 g and 115.67 to 460.18 QE/g, respectively under different harvesting stages and cultivation conditions. The free radical scavenging activity of indoor-grown wheatgrass was significantly (P ≤0.05) higher in comparison to outdoor cultivated wheatgrass on 7^th and 10^th day of harvesting.

3 tables, 25 ref

044596   CHOVATIA V P, MATHUKIA R K, CHHODAVADIA S K, SAGARKA B K (Agronomy Dep, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh- 362 001, Email: rkmathukia@jau.in) : Crop diversification and intensification through groundnut + sweet corn mix/inter cropping systems for enhancing farmers’ income. J Eco-Friendly Agric 2020, 15(1), 10-3.

For crop intensification and diversification as a strategy of doubling farmers’ income, a field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2016 and 2018 at Junagadh (Gujarat, India) to evaluate groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) + sweet corn (Zea mays L.var. saccharata Sturt) mix/inter cropping systems on medium black calcareous soil. Groundnut + sweet corn intercropping in row ratio of 1:1 (replacement series), 2:1, 3:1 and paired row in row ratio of 2:1 (additive series) and mix cropping in 90:10 per cent and 80:20 per cent were compared with sole groundnut and sole sweet corn. The pooled results over three years revealed that the paired row (45-75-45 cm) groundnut + sweet corn (2:1) additive intercropping recorded significantly the highest groundnut pod equivalent yield (GPEY)of 2210 kg ha^-1 and land equivalent ratio (LER) of 1.42. The next superior treatments in this regard were groundnut + sweet corn (3:1) additive intercropping and groundnut (90 %) + sweet corn (10%) replacement mix cropping having PEY of 1997 & 1765 kg ha-1 and LER of 1.32 & 1.12, respectively. Whereas, the sole sweet corn recorded the lowest GPEY (1191 kg ha^-1) and groundnut + sweet corn (1:1) replacement intercropping registered the lowest LER (0.97). The paired row (45-75-45 cm) groundnut + sweet corn (2:1) additive intercropping recorded maximum net returns of ‘ 72880 ha^-1 and B:C ratio of 2.94, closely followed by groundnut + sweet corn (3:1) additive intercropping and groundnut (90 %) + sweet corn (10 %) replacement mix cropping, which gave net returns of ‘ 63497 and 55279 ha^-1 and B:C ratio of 2.75 and 2.68, respectively.

4 tables, 11 ref

044595   RAM R A, GARG N, PRITI (ICAR- Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow- 226 101, Email: ra.ram@icar.gov.in) : Antimicrobial property of amritpani, cow pat pit, jeevamrita and panchagavya on some pathogens. J Eco-Friendly Agric 2020, 15(1), 7-9.

Antimicrobial property of bio-enhancers viz. Amritpani, Panchagavya, cow pat pit, Jeevamrita was tested against some selected pathogens in vitro conditions revealed significant reduction in the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and complete growth inhibition of Colletotricum gloeosporioides and Fusarium solani.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

044594   NIMISHA T, DEEPTHY K B (Kerala Agricultural Univ, Thrissur-680656, Kerala) : nimishadevadas33@gmail.com. J Eco-Friendly Agric 2020, 15(1), 1-6.

The great challenge of feeding ever growing human populations today is complicated by concerns about the risks of environmental pollution and human health associated with conventional pesticides. Among the recent technological advancements, nanotechnology shows considerable promise to combat these challenges. Most of the conventional pesticides are lost or decomposed while application itself and only 0.1 per cent finally reaches the target pests. Problems such as harmful solvents, poor dispersion, and drift losses can be very well addressed by nanotechnological interventions. Nanotechnology is defined as the branch of science which deals with the characterization, fabrication and manipulation of materials at nano scale,1-100 nm (Hanford et al., 2014). Revolutionary changes in agriculture have been made with the introduction of nanofertilizers, nanopesticides and nanosensors which improved crop production and resource utilization efficiency, facilitate precise and safer application of pesticides as well as detection of pesticide residue in the produce. Important nanoformulations include nanoparticles, nanoemulsion, nanoencapsulation and nanogel. As far as pest management is concerned, these novel nano agricultural products will provide multiple benefits such as reduced use of chemical pesticides, lower environmental pollution and decreased pesticide residual contamination in food and other commodities.

1 table, 39 ref

040728   KAMLESH M, RAGHAVENDRA K V, KUMAR M (ICAR- Central Potato Research Institute Regional Station, Modipuram - 250 110, Uttar Pradesh, Email: raghavendrakv@icar.gov.in) : Evaluation of thiacloprid and mineral oil combination against sucking pests of potato. Indian J Entomol 2020, 82(2), 385-9.

The present study evaluates thiacloprid, a chloronicotinyl, systemic insecticide effective against sucking pests in potato, at its different doses and in combination with HMO. The results reveal that spraying of thiacloprid 240SC @ 4.00 ml/10 l in combination with HMO @ 50.00 ml/ 10 l resulted in the minimum population of whiteflies (0.70/ 5 plants), aphids (6.66/ 100 compound leaves) and leafhoppers (0.49/ plant). This treatment also gave maximum reduction in population (whiteflies- 94.94 %, aphids- 86.26 % and leafhoppers- 89.93 %), and maximum yield (32.86 t/ha) and with maximum B: C ratio (1:2.23).

4 tables, 8 ref

040715   YADAV A, KEVAL R, YADAV A (Entomology Dep, SVPUA&T, Meerut - 250 110) : IPM modules with short duration pigeonpea against pod infesting pests. Indian J Entomol 2020, 82(2), 311-4.

During kharif 2013-14 and 2014-15 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, the damage by major pod infesting pests of pigeonpea was assessed, and the cost benefit ratio of IPM modules worked out. The IPM module M4 consisting sequential sprays of indoxacarb+ imidacloprid+ indoxacarb was observed to be the best (cost benefit ratio being 1:3.72 in 2013-14 and 1:3.96 in 2014-15. The next best module was the M3 with sequential sprays of HaNPV + indoxacarb + HaNPV.

2 tables, 14 ref

040695   TIMMANNA, NAIK M I, CHAKRAVARTY A K, ASHOKAN R, SRIDHAR V (Entomology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Bengaluru - 560 065, Email: thimsento@gmail.com) : Weather based prediction models for thrips and bud necrosis virus disease in tomato. Indian J Entomol 2020, 82(2), 228-31.

Population dynamics study of thrips in tomato crop (cv Arka vikas) were carried out during two consecutive kharif seasons during 2016 and 2017. The observations on thrips number, associated bud necrosis virus disease and natural enemies were recorded at weekly intervals. Pooled data of two kharif seasons revealed that thrips activity was found throughout the cropping period. Population of thrips increased gradually from first week after transplanting to flowering and fruit development stage and later decreased as crop mature. Maximum mean thrips population (3.75 to 3.85 thrips/three leaves) was observed during the 27th to 29th Standard Meteorological Week. The % bud necrosis virus disease was linear with the thrips population and 23.87 % mean cumulative incidence was recorded. The population of suspected natural enemy the mirid bug, Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter was found to be linear with that of thrips. Correlation analyses indicated that minimum temperature, rainfall, rainy days, evening relative humidity and Nesidiocoris population have a significant negative correlation with the thrips population, while sunshine hours and morning relative humidity being observed with significant positive correlations.

1 table, 24 ref

044553   MENON M V, PRAMEELA P, KAVITHA P R (Agronomy Dep, Kerala Agricultural Univ, Thrissur- 680 656, Kerala, Email: meera.menon@kau.in) : Management of chocolate weed (Melochia corchorifolia L) in rice. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 269-71.

Chocolate weed (Melochia corchorifolia L.), hitherto a minor weed in upland rice, banana and sesame, is now common in both upland and lowland rice in the kharif season. An experiment was conducted to develop appropriate management measures for Melochia corchorifolia and the efficacy ofphysical, mechanical, and chemical methods was tested individually to identify the most economic and efficient method to control the weed in rice. Highest dry weight of weeds at 40 days after sowing was observed in the weedy check. Lowest dry matter production was observed in oxyfluorfen treated plots. This was followed by the herbicide treatments pretilachlor + benzsulfuron methyl, 2,4-D, carfentrazone-ethyl and bispyribac sodium. Hand hoeing and soil solarization were on a par with these herbicides. Lowest dry matter production of Melochiacorchorifolia was obtained with the herbicides oxyfluorfen, 2,4-D, pretilachlor + benzsulfuron methyl, carfentrazone-ethyl, and pretilachlor followed by hand hoeing. Highest rice grain yields was obtained in the treatmentcarfentrazone ethyl (4.3 t ha^-1) and oxyfluorfen (4.15 t ha1 ), followed by hand hoeing, which resulted in 3.66 t ha^-1 of grain yield. Hence the best treatment for controlling chocolate weed as well as other weeds in rice, and for obtaining high grain yields was pre emergence application of oxyfluorfen.

2 tables, 7 ref

044552   PARIHAR R (Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, Gobind Ballabh Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar- 263 145, Uttarakhand, Email: roshan_04@rediffmail.com) : Character association and path coefficient analysis for cane yield and quality characters in fourth clonal generation (C4) of Sugarcane (Saccharum sp. complex). J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 256-60.

Thirty five clones of sugarcane were evaluated to study the character association for 14 yield and quality characters. There was a significant character association recorded among the clones at both phenotypic and genotypic level. Cane yield and Commercial cane sugar (CCS) yield were found to have significant positive correlation with germination, number of tillers, and number of millable canes (NMC). Cane height (m), cane thickness (cm) and cane weight (kg), whereas the quality characters like, juice Brix per cent, juice purity per cent and cane yield had shown a significant positive correlation with CCS yield. The partition of correlation into direct and indirect effects indicated that, number of tillers, number of millable canes (NMC), cane height, cane width, cane weight, juice weight, CCS per cent and juice extraction per cent had a high direct effect on cane yield . On the basis of results, it can be concluded that selection program for improving genotypes for cane yield would be effective, if it is based on the number of tillers, number of millable canes, cane weight, and CCS per cent.

2 tables, 36 ref

044551   PARIDA H R, MANDAL J, MOHANTA S (Horticulture and Post-Harvest Technology Dep, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan- 731 236, West Bengal, Email: joydip.mondal@visva-bharati.ac.in) : A note on morphological characterization of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 250-5.

Thirty five brinjal genotypes were assessed and characterized using descriptors of Biodiversity International for nine vegetative, two flowering and nine fruiting traits under red and laterite zone of West Bengal. A considerable variation was noted among the genotypes for different characters. Most of the genotypes showed upright growth habit and no prickles on leaf. Wide variation was noted in corolla colour and flowers per inflorescence. Variation was also observed in prickles on fruit calyx and fruit pedicel. However, most of the genotypes had no curvature on fruit and majority of the genotypes produced single fruit per cluster.

3 tables, 15 ref

044550   BISWAS T, MANDAL J, MOHANTA S (Horticulture and Post-Harvest Technology Dep, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan- 731 236, West Bengal, Email: joydip.mondal@visva-bharati.ac.in) : Evaluation of some cooking type watermelon [(Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai] genotypes under Laterite belt of Eastern India. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 245-9.

Fourteen cooking type watermelon, locally known as khero, were assessed for various growth and yield parameters and yield under red and laterite zone of West Bengal, India. The result indicated the presence of significant variation among the genotypes for all the studied traits.Genotype VC-23 was produced maximum vine length. On the basis of flowering and harvesting time, VC-12-2, VC-22 and VC-25 were identified as early types. Genotype VC-14-1, which produce maximum fruit length, average fruit weight and fruit yield plant-1, can be suggested to grow commercially under red and laterite zone of West Bengal. Genotype VC-12-2, which was an early genotype, produced maximum number of fruits plant-1 and good yielder, can be utilized as valuable breeding material.

4 tables, 15 ref

044549   SHIVRAN J S, JAT M L, JAT R K (Horticulture Dep, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, Email: jitendrashivran@gmail.com) : Crop regulation in pomegranate. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 242-4.

Pomegranate bears different flowering flushes throughout the year if left without any treatment. It primarily shows three distinct flowering seasons i.e. February-March (AmbeBahar), June-July (MrigBahar) and October-November (Hasta Bahar) with the corresponding harvest period during rainy (June – July), winter (November- December) and spring season (February- March), respectively. Secondly, Three types flowers namely male, hermaphrodite and intermediate are borne on new and old branches in pomegranate for once, two or three times in a year that are influenced bygermplasm, climate and management practicesetc. It gives poor quality and low yield at different times and is not commercially profitable. Good quality and higher yield can be achieved by long-term use of limited cultivation resources at the desired time by crop regulation in pomegranate.In order to escape this, crop regulation in pomegranate is done keeping in mind the availability of irrigation, pest and disease infestation and market prices

1 table, 7 ref

044548   MAURYA D, BHAGYASHREE, AKHTAR S, CHATTOPADHYAY T (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Bihar Agricultural Univ, Bhagalpur- 813 210, Bihar, Email: tirthartha@gmail.com) : Exploring allelic status of selected disease resistance genes in a set of tomato genotypes using gene-linked molecular markers. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 236-41.

The production of the world-wide important vegetable crop tomato is threatened by different diseases and pests. Naturally, breeding approaches targeting the development of disease and pest resistant tomato genotypes is of pivotal importance. With the availability of molecular markers, efficient selection of resistant genotypes in environment-independent manner has become feasible. In this study, we report the identification of resistance alleles for 4 important tomato diseases (i.e., tomato leaf curl, tomato root knot, tomato late blight and tomato mosaic) in 20 tomato genotypes using molecular markers. The Ty3 resistance allele (for leaf curl disease) was found in 5 genotypes, the Mi1.2 resistance allele (for root knot disease) was found in 2 genotypes and the Ph3 resistance allele (for late blight disease) was found in 9 genotypes. The tetra-primer amplicon refractory mutation system (tetra-primer ARMS) assay for the Tm2 resistance gene (for tomato mosaic disease) revealed the resistance allele in 1 genotype.

2 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

044547   NAYAK U S, RATH K, KHUNTIA A (Orissa Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Odisha, Email: usnayak74@gmail.com) : Effect of environmental factors on the seasonal incidence and infestation of Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee in summer brinjal under North Central Plateau Agro-climatic Zone of Odisha. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 229-35.

The seasonal incidence and damage intensity of Leucinodes orbonalis and their relationship with different weather parameters was observed during the summer seasons of 2010 and 2011 at Keonjhar, Odisha. The peak moth activity was recorded during 14^th and 19^th SMW in 2010 and during 13^th and 19^th SMW in 2011, whereas, the maximum larval population of L. orbonalis was observed one week after the maximum adult activity in each case. The shoot damage was initiated from 4th SMW in both the years and the highest shoot damage was observed during 13^th SMW in 2010 and during 12^th SMW in 2011. However, the peak infestation on flower buds and fruits occurred during 15^th and 20^th SMW in 2010 and on 14^th and 20^th SMW during 2011, respectively. In all the cases the peak incidence and infestation stage has coincided with higher atmospheric temperature. From the correlation study it was established that all the temperature factors (maximum, minimum and average) influenced positively and relative humidity had a negative influence on the population build up and infestation of L. orbonalis. Besides, among the environmental parameters temperature and relative humidity had maximum contribution towards the variation in the incidence and infestation of Leucinodes orbonalis.

4 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

044546   BHAGYASHREE, MAURYA D, CHATTOPADHYAY T (Horticulture Dep, Bihar Agricultural Univ, Sabour- 813 210, Bihar, Email: tirthartha@gmail.com) : Simultaneous detection of Mi1.2 and Ph3 resistance alleles for root knot and late blight diseases in tomato through duplex polymerase chain reaction. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 223-8.

Molecular markers have become an indispensible tool for tomato disease resistance breeding programme. For the tomato root knot and late blight diseases, molecular markers for identification of the resistance alleles of theMi1.2 gene and the Ph3 gene has been reported in recent past. In this study, we report the duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) strategy, where both the markers for Mi1.2 and Ph3 resistance loci are used in a single reaction for simultaneous detection of the allelic status of the aforementioned genes present in a tomato genotype. We have authenticated the strategy using 12 tomato genotypes through separate and duplex PCR and have obtained identical results. Thus, the duplex PCR strategy will be very much useful to breeders as the strategy will reduce the amount of labour, time and reagents required for detection of these two important resistance alleles in diverse tomato genotypes

4 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

044545   KORAV S, RAM V, RAY L I P (PG-Studies Coll, Umiam- 793 103, Meghalaya, Email: santoshkorav@gmail.com) : Critical period for crop-weed competition in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under mid altitude of Meghalaya. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 217-22.

A field experiment was carried out during kharif and rabi seasons of 2016-17 at the experimental farm of the College of Post Graduate Studies (CAU, Imphal), Umiam, Meghalaya, India. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, replicated thrice with twelve treatments viz., weeds until 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 days after emergence (DAE), weedy check and weed free until 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, weed free check. Critical period for crop-weed competition under 5 and 10 per cent relative yield loss were determined through Logistic and Gompertz equations. The results showed that weed dry matter tended to decrease with increasing weeds free condition up to harvest. It was observed that the lowest weed dry matterassociated with weed free check. While, weedy check resulted in the highest weed dynamics. The highest values of yield and yield attributes were higher with weed free check, and lowest with weedy check. The critical period for weed competition under 5 per cent YIELD LOSS at kharif was 16 to 66 and rabi was 15 to 63 DAE. The estimated critical period for groundnut at 10 per cent YIELD LOSS were 22 to 62 and 21 to 61 DAE in kharif and rabis easons, respectively. The accumulated heat units of kharif and rabi seasons followed linear and quadratic trend might be the reasons for variations in the competitive period of seasons. The present study was concluded that early groundnut stage up to 15-16 DAE is more sensitive for crop weed competition to cause significant yield loss. And early stages rabi groundnut was more susceptible for competition than kharif as compare to later stage.

3 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

044544   FANISH S A, RAGAVAN T (Agronomy Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore- 641 003, Tamil Nadu, Email: fanishsoloman@gmail.com) : Study the combined effect of brown manuring with post emergence herbicide on weed management in planted sugarcane. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 211-6.

Field experiments were conducted to study the combined effect of brown manuring with post emergence herbicide on weed management in planted sugarcane.Weeds are one of the major biotic stress and its management was the very costliest agronomic input in the successful crop production. In sugarcane, weeds alone causes yield reduction up to 40 %. Indiscriminate use of herbicides can accelerate weed flora shift and resistance besides causing environmental pollution and non-target toxicities. Brown manuring is a no till version of green manuring using a post emergence herbicide. BM had multiple benefits including weed management. In Sugarcane its wider inter row space and its initial slow growth would allow to formulate an integrated weed management (IWM) module with brown manuring and herbicide. In this study, for Brown Manuring (BM), Sesbania aculeate was grown as intercrop with sugarcane for initial 35 days, and then, knocked down by spraying of 2,4-D.Treatments included BM of sesbania and in- situ incorporation of sesbania, with one intercultural operation at 90 DAP (Hand hoeing or Post emergence application of Metribuzin or halosulfuron). In addition, three controls, namely atrazine 1 kg a.i. ha^-1 + power weeeding at 45 and 75 DAP, hand weeding twice and unweeded control were also adopted and the experiments were laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. A pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 2.0 kg a.i.ha^-1 was made in all sesbaniaraisedplots.The results showed that application of pendimethalin 2.0 kg ha-1 + Sesbania (brown manuring) + hand hoeing at 90 DAP recorded minimum number of weeds and weed dry weight.The higher weed control efficiency (78.96 %), cane yield (100.5 t ha^-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.72) were found with PE application of Pendimethalin + Sesbania (Brown manuring) + hand hoeing at 90 DAP compared to POE herbicides and in situ incorporation of Sesbania.

2 tables, 12 ref

044543   SHAH M H, PRAMANIK K (Agronomy Dep, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, Email: kalipada.pramanik@viswa-bharati.ac.in) : Bio-efficacy of herbicides weed management in groundnut under lateritic soil of West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 199-210.

A field experiment was carried out during rabi season at Agricultural Farm, Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, Birbhum to study ‘Effect of fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl on growth and productivity of ground nut in lateritic soil of West Bengal’ during 2017-18. The experimental soilcontains high percentage of sand (62.0 %) and low percentage of clay (25.5 %). The soil was somewhat acidic, low in soil organic carbon, available nitrogen and phosphorus whereas potassium content in soil is medium. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten treatments i.e. T₁ -Fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl @ 100+100g ha^-1, T₂ -Fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl @ 125+125 g ha^-1, T₃ -Fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl @ 150+150 g ha^-1, T₄ -Fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl @ 175+175 g ha^-1, T₅ -Fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl @ 250+250 g ha^-1, T₆ -Imazethapyr @100.0 g ha^-1, T₇ - Fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen@ 125+125 g ha^-1 (Fusiflex), T₈ -Hand Weeding at 15 and 30 Days after Sowing (DAS), T₉ -Weedy check and T₁₀-Weed free check and replicated thrice. Result showed that weed management had positive and favourable influence in improving plant height, yield attributes like number of pods plant^-1, number of kernel pod^-1 and 100 kernel weight of groundnut under study. The doses of fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl at (125+125,150+150, 154.4 and 250+250 g ha^-1) significantly reduced the weed infestation and registered lower weed density, weed dry weight, weed index, higher weed control efficiency and yield attributes and yield of groundnut over T₆ -Imazethapyr @ 100.0 g ha^-1, T7 - Fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen @ 125+125 g ha^-1 (Fusiflex) and at par with two hand weeding. Although fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl at 175+175 g ha^-1 registered the higher gross return, net return and B:C ratio but it was at par with fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl @125+125 g ha^-1, fomesafen + fluazifop-p-butyl at 150+150 g ha^-1 and fomesafen + fluazifopp-butyl @250+250 g ha^-1. Fomesafen+ fluazifop-p-butyl @125+125 g ha^-1 appeared as effective and economic for managing broad spectrum weedsof rabi ground nut in lateritic soil of West Bengal.

6 tables, 39 ref

044542   DASH A P, DE D K, NATH R, SARKAR A, MOHANTY S, BHATTACHARYYA P K (Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, Email: bhattacharyya.pk@gmail.com) : Effects of drought stress on relative water, chlorophyll and proline content in tolerant and susceptible genotypes of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 192-8.

The present experiment was carried out in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India to study the effect of imposed drought on relative water content, chlorophyll content and proline accumulation in five drought tolerant (PL-406, IPL-324, LL-1146, IPL-325, K-75) and five drought sensitive (L1112- 20, LP-112, ILL-10803, KLS-113, KLS-107) genotypes of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). For this purpose, the genotypes were grown under both control (0.0 bar) and stress under drought (-9 bar) condition by using PEG- 6000 as osmoticum. The experiment was laid out in an asymmetrical factorial completely randomized design with three replications. Roots, shoots and leaves of ten days old seedlings were harvested and physiological & biochemical analysis were carried out for the above parameters. From the study, it was revealed that relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll content (chl a, Chl b & total Chl) were reduced, while proline content was increased due to imposition of drought stress with compared to respective control. However, the tolerant genotypes exhibited lower relative reduction for RWC and chlorophyll content and proline content increased more as compared to susceptible ones under drought stress condition. The results suggested that higher levels of RWC, chlorophyll content and proline accumulation in tolerant variety of lentil could play an important role in drought stress tolerance.

3 tables, 24 ref

044541   CHAKRABARTY R, KALITA H (Assam Agricultural Univ, Nagaon– 782 002, Assam, Email: ranjana_74@yahoo.co.in) : Study of disease complex in rabi oilseeds grown in kharif rice (Oryza sativa L.) – lands under agro-climatic condition of Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 186-91.

A field experiment was conducted at Shillongani during rabi seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18 in loamy soils of Central Brahmaputra Valley Zone (CBVZ) of Assam to study the diseases of rapeseed (Brassica campestris) and linseed (Linumusitassimum), their severity, yield loss and population of soil microorganism (fungi, actinomycetes and bacteria) under rice (Oryza sativa)-fallow and conventional system as well as under protected and unprotected conditions. In rapeseed, Alternaria leafblight (ALB) caused by A. spp.and collar rot caused by Sclerotiumrolfsii were the major diseases. The severity ofALB at 60 days after sowing (DAS) was higher under conventional system (26.60 and 29.23 % in 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively) than in rice-land (24.17 and 24.06% in respective years). In conventional system, its severity was 17.23 % in 2016-17 and 19.67 % in 2017-18 under protected condition and 35.97 and 38.78 % in respective years under unprotected conditions. However, in rice-fallows, it was 15.97 and 16.23 % under protected and 32.37 and 31.89 % under unprotected conditions. Collar rot of rapeseed was observed only in the first year of study. The per cent severity was higher in rice-lands (0.92) than in conventional system (0.43). The yield loss ranged from 9.6-12.2 % under rice-fallow. In linseed, Fusarium wilt caused by F.oxysporum was the major disease. The severity of Fusarium wilt was slightly higher under conventional system (1.62 and 2.63 % in respective years) than in rice-lands (1.40 % and 2.18 %). Its severity was 0.31 and 1.01 % in rice-fallows under protected conditions and 2.49 and3.34 % under unprotected conditions in the years of experimentation, respectively. However, under conventional system, it was 0.53 and 1.27 % in protected and 2.70 and 3.98 % in unprotected conditions in the respective years. The seed yield of linseed in rice-lands (9.34 and 8.92 q ha-1) was higher than those in conventional system during both the years. Soil moisture was higher in rice-lands than in conventional system irrespective of crop grown during the growing period. Rice-lands registered higher population of bacteria and lower fungi and actinomycetes in soil at 90 DAS as compared to those under conventional.

1 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

044540   PAPPACHAN A, RAHUL K, IRENE L, SIVAPRASAD V (Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Berhampore- 742 101, West Bengal, Email: agrico.pappachan@gmail.com) : Molecular identification of fungi associated with mulberry root rot disease in Eastern and North Eastern India. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 180-5.

Root rot of mulberry is a devastating disease which completely kills the whole plants and renders plantation unfit for mulberry cultivation. Five fungal cultures were isolated on PDA from root samples infected with root rot disease from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and West Bengal. Pathogenicity of isolates was confirmed by modified root inoculation method. Four isolates were characterized by white and cottony colonies, turned into bluish brown producing hyaline, thick walled, slightly curved short and bent falcate macroconidia and oval/cylindrical, hyaline, smooth microconidia belonging to Fusarium spp. All the isolates produced abundant terminal or intercalary, smooth, globose to subglobose chlamydospores. A fungal isolate with chocolate brown colony producing medianly septate, dark brown, thick walled ellipsoidal conidia with truncate base and longitudinal striations was identified as Lasiodiplodia sp. Total genomic DNA was isolated from the fungal isolates and ITS regions were amplified using universal primers ITS1 and ITS4. BLAST analysis revealed that isolates from Karjora and Pipulkhola (West Bengal), shared maximum nucleotide identity (98.7% and 99.8%) with Fusarium solani F5 (MG711899) and F. solani Fs2 (KC156594), respectively. Similarly, the isolate from Sille (Arunachal Pradesh) and Jorhat (Assam) exhibited maximum nucleotide similarity (98.09% and 98.67%) with F. solani OSHSL-5.4 (KR017036) and F. solani AV1 (MH517359), respectively. Isolate from Kolasib (Mizoram) was 99.03% homologous to Lasiodiplodia theobromae Bl16 (MK813947).

6 illus, 28 ref

044539   MONDAL R, GOSWAMI S, GOSWAMI S B, JANA K (Agronomy Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia- 741 252, West Bengal, Email: kjanarrs@gmail.com) : Effect of different nutrient management practices on growth, grain yield, production economics, soil nutrient availability of transplanted kharif rice (Oryza sativa L.) and correlation studies. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 172-9.

A field experiment was conducted to study the “Effect of different nutrient management practices on growth, grain yield, production economics and soil nutrient availability in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.) and correlation” during kharif -2016 and 2017 at Regional Research Station, Gayeshpur of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal. The treatments of different nutrient management practices were T₁ - Control, T₂ -N₆₀, T₃ -N₆₀P₃₀, T₄ -N₆₀P₃₀K₃₀(RDF: Recommended dose of fertilizer), T₅ -N₈₀P₄₀K₄₀, T₆ -N₆₀P₃₀K₃₀ + ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha^-1, T₇ -75 % RDF+ 25 % MC and T₈ -50 % MC+ 50 % VC, and laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) replicated three times. The results revealed that rice plot fertilized with the higher dose of NPK @ 80, 40, 40 recorded highest plant height, LAI, dry matter accumulation and available nutrient status of the soil but the combination of NPK @ 60:30:30 (kg ha^-1) + ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha^-1 recorded the highest tiller number and seed yield of 3.96 t ha^-1 which was 6.73 per cent more yield (3.71 t ha^-1) than the treatment T₅ (N₈₀P₄₀K₄₀).The result can be more specifically ascertained by the correlation analysis where linear association between dry matter harvest and seed yield (0.836) and other yield attributing characters are distinct. On the other hand, effective tillers (0.958), panicle length (0.861) and weight (0.827), no. of filled grains (0.884) panicle^-1, test weight (0.969) registered highly significant positive phenotypic correlation with seed yield as because seed yield is a complex character and it is the end product of association and interaction among all the traits.

1 illus, 7 tables, 24 ref

044538   MUKHERJEE P K, SINGH B P, CHANDER M (ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly- 243 122, Uttar Pradesh, Email: pkm_agronomy@yahoo.co.in) : Convergence of dynamic extension approaches for promoting bajra napier hybrid among the livestock farmers :a success story in Uttar Pradesh. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 167-71.

India ranks first among the world’s milk producing nations and among the states, Uttar Pradesh (UP) contributes maximum percentage share (16.5 %) in total milk production of India. However, the productivity of livestock in UP is very poor in comparison to Punjab. In the key issues of livestock production, lack of availability of quality green fodder is important for livestock productivity and infertility problems. The fodder production in the country is not sufficient to meet the requirements and the country faces a net deficit of 33.10 % green fodder and 11.41 % dry crop residues.For improving green fodder availability, ICAR-IVRI has taken up an action research for promoting perennial green fodderBajra Napier Hybrid (B-N Hybrid) among the livestock farmers. Convergence of dynamic extension approaches like awareness and training, participatory selection of varieties, exposure visit to the demonstration plots, distribution of planting materials, crop establishment and monitoring through participatory mode, recording of farmers feedback as success stories, diffusion of technologies in wider spectrum through ICT modules like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, MobileApp etc. involvement of state extension functionaries, using Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, interface meeting among the stakeholders made significant impact in adopting B-N Hybrid cultivation in large scale by the farmers. About 615 livestock farmers including mahila kisans were directly benefitted from distribution of planting materials of 6.64 lakh cuttings (Variety CO 4: 2.50 lakh and CO 5: 4.14 lakh) equivalent to the planting area of 22.15 hectares of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. At present, Farmer-to-Farmer extension (FFE) approach is mobilising faster diffusion of this technology within the state of UP and beyond UP.

2 tables, 5 ref

040672   KAVYA YADAV G A BHASKAR H (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Kerala Agricultural Univ, Vellanikkara - 680 656, Kerala, Email: haseena.bhaskar@kau.in) : Efficacy of horticultural mineral oil against Tetranychus truncatus ehara. Indian J Entomol 2020, 82(1), 123-7.

Laboratory bioassays were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of horticultural mineral oil (HMO) alone and in combination with neem oil, at different concentrations against egg and gravid female of Tetranychus truncatus. HMO alone, at concentrations of 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 % and combinations of HMO with neem oil viz., HMO (2.5 %) + neem oil (2.0 %), HMO (3.0 %) + neem oil (2.0 %) and HMO (1.0 %) + neem oil (1.0 %) gave 100 % mortality of eggs. Adulticidal effect was concentration and time dependent. Significantly more mortality of adult was obtained with HMO 3.0 % (92 %) followed by its 2.5 % (84 %), neem oil 2 %(81.33 %) and the treatment combination HMO 3 %+ neem oil 2 % (77.33 %), which were on par with each other. The study revealed that HMO possesses appreciable ovicidal and adulticidal action and is suitable for mite management.

1 table, 18 ref

044537   KUSUMAVATHI K, SARKAR S, SETHI D, MOHAPATRA A K (Orissa Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751003, Odisha, Email: kusamavati1994@gmail.com) : Influence of liming to green manure crop and different sources of phosphorus in lowland rice of Odisha. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 162-6.

An experiment was carried out to study the impact of liming to green manure crop and different sources of phosphorus in lowland rice of Odisha consisting of STBF (Soil test based fertilizer) 100 kg N + 40 kg P₂O₅  + 50 kg K₂O ha^-1, STBF + green manuring with Sesbania and STBF + green manuring with Sesbania + liming @ 0.2 LR to green manure crop as main plots, three sources of fertilizers in sub plots such as urea + SSP + MOP, DAP as basal and urea as top dressing + MOP, urea as basal and DAP as top dressing + MOP and replicated thrice following the split plot design. The highest yield of grain (4.85 t ha^-1) and straw (6.39 t ha^-1) were recorded in STBF + green manuring with Sesbania + liming @ 0.2 LR to green manure crop along with DAP as basal and urea as top dressing + MOP treatment due to the highest (341.16) number of effective tillers per m²  and the lowest nutrient uptake by weeds as liming is an effective ameliorative practice that integrated in the acid soil management program to raise and maintain a near neutral pH range for optimal crop growth and yield potential.

4 tables, 12 ref

044536   MAHAPATRA N S, DAS A, BHATTACHARYYA P K, BHATTACHARYA S, PAL S, BARPETE S (Agronomy Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, West Bengal, Email: arpitacoh@gmail.com) : Studies on genetic variability, divergence and association of characters in grass pea. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 155-61.

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) (2n=14), can be treated as an “insurance crop” because of its credible yields when other crops fail due to prolonged drought and flood condition. The present investigation was carried out during winter season of 2018-19 with 20 different genotypes of grass pea at the Regional Research Sub-Station, Chakdah, Nadia,West Bengal in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Observation has been recorded on eight yield attributing traits to evaluate the genetic variability among the grass pea lines and to assess correlation between yield and yield attribute traits. Result reflected adequate variability on yield and yield attributing characters among the tested genotypes. High to moderate heritability (%) coupled with high to moderate genetic advance was observed for plant height (cm), days to 50 % flowering, number of pods plant^-1. The estimates of genotypic (GCV) and phenotypic (PCV) coefficient of variation for number of seeds pod-1, number of branches, seed yield plant^-1 (g) exhibited higher differences which indicated that environment play a key role in influencing the expression of these characters. Plant height, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod -1exhibited positive and significant correlation with seed yield plant^-1 (g) at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Genotypic path co-efficient analysis revealed that during selection greater emphasis should be given on number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1 and 100 seed weight (g) for improvement of seed yield. D²  analysis of the present study resulted in five clusters among which maximum inter cluster distance was found between Cluster V and I (14.755). So, the genotypes from these two clusters might be used as parents in the hybridization programme to generate breeding material with high diversity to get encouraging results.

5 tables, 38 ref

044535   TRIPATHY B, TRIPATHY P, SAHU G S, DASH S K, PRADHAN B , SAHU P, NAYAK N J, PRADHAN P, SOURAV S, MISHRA S (Vegetable Science Dep, Odisha Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Email: barshatripathy185@gmail.com) : Evaluation of brinjal (Solanum melangona L.) landraces of Odisha for fruit yield and its components. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 151-4.

Field experiment was conducted at AICRP on Vegetable Crops of OUAT, Bhubaneswar during Rabi, 2017-18 to study the performance of local landraces of brinjal of Odisha. Fifty two local landraces of brinjal including four check varieties were grown by adopting Randomized Block Design replicated twice. The results revealed significant variations among the traits. The plant height varied from 65.68 cm (BBSR-200) to 161.44 cm (Utkal Jyoti), while primary branches plant^-1 from 2.40 (Nayagarh spiny brinjal) to 5.70 (BBSR-114). Invariably, days to 1^st and 50 % flowering varied from 42.50 days (BBSR-145-1) to 64.30 days (Jammusahi local) and 51.10 days (BBSR-11-4) to 71.90 days (Jammusahi local), respectively. Fruit length varied from 7.41cm (BBSR-09-8-1) to 21.10 cm (Arka Nidhi) while that of fruit breadth 9.67 cm (selection from Hajari local) to 31.40cm (Keonjhar local^-1). Maximum fruits plant-1 was recorded in Selection from BBSR-192-1 (40.59). Similarly, average fruit weight varied significantly among the total genotypes from 50.85 g (BBSR-114) to 233.97 g (Jammusahi local). Incidence of wilt revealed significant variations among local landraces which varied from 0.00 % (BBSR-08-2, BBSR-09-4, BBSR-09-16, BBSR-10-25, BBSR-10-26, Selection from BBSR-192-1, Selection from BBSR-145-1, Jammusahi local) to 22.76 % (Dhenkanal local). Total fruit yield plant^-1 varied significantly ranging from 865.80 g (BBSR-195-2) to 3045.70 g (Selection from BBSR192-1).Thus, the availability of wide variability among the local landraces provided enough opportunities for their improvements in brinjal. Selection from BBSR-192-1 was identified as best landrace having highest fruits plant^-1  with total yield plant^-1 having resistance to bacterial wilt. Similarly, Jammusahi local may be taken as a parent for development of large green round fruited genotype with resistance to bacterial wilt in further crop improvement programme.

1 table, 16 ref

044534   MOUNIKA D, LUTHER M M, SEKHAR K C, BABU G K, LALITHA K J (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, ANGRAU, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Email: dmounika358@yahoo.in) : Targeted yield approach and a framework of fertilizer recommendation in rice. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 142-50.

A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural College farm, Bapatla, during kharif and rabi 2017-18 and 2018-19. The experiment was conducted with variety of rice BPT-5204 in a Randomized Block Design with ten treatments and three replications. The soil NPK status at post harvest of rice, gross returns, net returns, returns rupee-1 investment andgrain yield, yield attributes were recorded with soil test based fertilizer recommendation with 10 t ha^-1 FYM application which was at par with soil test based fertilizer recommendation alone and 7.5 t ha^-1 targeted yield recommendation along with FYM (T₅  and T₁₀) and RDF with FYM (T₆ ).

4 tables, 18 ref

044533   MUKHERJEE B, REJA M H, NALIA A, GHOSH A, KUMARI V V, NATH R (Agronomy Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, West Bengal, Email: bishalmukherjee@gmail.com) : Assessment of medium duration lentil varieties in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 138-41.

A field experiment was conducted at District Seed Farm, AB block, Kalyani, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, during rabi seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17 respectively to assess the performance of 8 medium duration lentil varieties (BM^-1, BM^-2, BM^-3, BM^-4, BM^-5, BM^-6, BM^-7 and Subrata) in terms of phenology, yield attributing characters and yield in randomized block design replicated thrice. The result of the experiment revealed that among the 8 varieties evaluated, BM^-2 produced significantly highest yield (1604.46 kg ha^-1) followed by BM^-7 (1381.33 kg ha^-1). The trend remained the same as per pooled data, with BM^-2 recording higher100 seed weight (2.09 g), highest number of primary branches plant^-1 (4.85) and maximum pods plant^-1 (102.89) respectively. In respect to phenology, yield and yield attributing characters, BM^-2 variety performed better as compared to all other lentil varieties. The maximum plant height was witnessed in Subrata (43.64 cm) followed by BM^-2 (38.27 cm) respectively. On analyzing the pooled data over two years, it was revealed that, the variety BM2 along with its good yield attributes was also an early maturing one (104.70 days) compared to others. Hence, this variety could be considered for recommendation in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal. Other short duration varieties tested were BM6 (107.25 days) and BM^-7 (107.95 days) respectively. Subrata waslate maturing type and took 118.42 days to complete its life cycle.

2 tables, 9 ref

044532   MAJUMDAR S G, MISHRA D C, RAI A (ICAR- IASRI, New Delhi- 110 012, Email: sayanti23gm@gmail.com) : Effect of genotype imputation on integrated model for genomic selection. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 133-7.

Genomic selection is a very recent area of study in case of molecular breeding of livestock or crop species. There are various statistical models available for genomic selection. The performances of these models depend on several factors like sampling population, genetic architecture of target species, statistical models as well as missing genotypes. Missing genotype is very common problem in high throughput sequencing data. These missing genotypes are necessary to be imputed in order to implement the genomic selection models. Different statistical models of genomic selection behave differently in imputed data. So, it is highly imperative to evaluate the performances of statistical models under different levels of imputations to know the behavior of the models. In this article, performance of three statistical models viz. Sparse Additive Models (SpAM), Hilbert-Schmidt Independence Criterion Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (HSIC LASSO) and Integrated Model for genomic selection are compared after incorporating the various degree of imputation (0, 2, 5 and 10 %) in the real data. Results indicate that integrated model is found to be more robust against the level of imputation of the genotypic data.

3 illus, 36 ref

044531   BASHMA E K, SUDHA B (Kerala Agricultural Univ, Thiruvananthapuram- 695002, Kerala, Email: sudha.b@kau.in) : Integration of soil and foliar nutrition in influencing the yield related characters, yield and economics of nendran banana (musa aab group) and the soil nutrient status of cropped field. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 127-32.

A field experiment on crop nutrition of Nendran banana (Musa AAB group) was conducted at the Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, Kerala Agricultural University during 2016 April to 2017, to assess the influence of an integrated nutrient management schedule combining both soil and foliar nutrition on the yield and economics of crop and properties of soil. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design with eight treatments and three replications. Yield, Net returns and B: C ratio were found higher for the treatment which received 100 per cent of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) + foliar spray of KAU Banana micro mix (1 %) at 3 MAP and was comparable with 75 per cent of RDF + foliar spray of 19:19:19 fertilizer mixture (0.5 %) at 2 and 4MAP + foliar spray of KAU Banana micro mix (1 %) at 3 MAP. The yields were 25.34 and 24.58 t ha-1; net returns 5.88 and 5.64 lakh Rs ha^-1 and B: C ratios 2.37 and 2.33 respectively. Significant earliness in bunch emergence and favourable yield attributes (number of hands and fingers bunch^-1) were also noticed with these two treatments. The nutrient status of soil after crop harvest was found declined in treatments which received only foliar sprays of 19:19:19 fertilizer mixture (0.5 %) at monthly intervals except for soil application of 10 t ha^-1 of FYM as basal. In all other treatments wherein soil and foliar nutrition were applied in an integrated way in addition to basal FYM, the soil nutrient status was maintained well above the initial level.

4 tables, 18 ref

044530   RAY J, BORDOLUI S K (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur - 741252, West Bengal, Email: sanjoykumar@gmail.com) : Effect of GA3 on marigold seed production in Gangetic alluvial zone. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 120-6.

Marigold (Tagetes sp.) is native to the New World and blessed flowers of the Aztecs, journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean twice to travel 3,000 miles north of their centre of origin. It is one of the commercially exploited flower crops of both tropics and subtropics. The field trial was conducted in new alluvial zone at Horticulture Research station, Mondouri, B.C.K.V., Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal during Rabi season of 2017-18 to 2018-19. The field experiment was carried out to assess the potential of growth, flowering and seed production of twelve marigold genotypes through the influence of GA₃  as foliar application was made over two consecutive years. Field performance of twelve genotypes of marigold was observed for different parameters like plant height (cm), branches plant^-1, days to first 50 % flowering, number of flowers plant^-1, flower diameter(cm), number of seeds flower^-1, test weight (g) and seed yield plant^-1(g). As largest size of flowers and highest seed yield plant^-1 only were recorded after PusaNarangi (V9 ), it could be considered as the best performer genotype considering its higher number of flowers plant^-1 and number of seeds flower^-1.Concomitant consideration of seed yield and its important attributes may indicate to recommend foliar application of 100 ppm GA₃  for enhancement in seed yield in all the genotypes, especially for Pusa Narangi (V₉ ), Yellow Single (V₁₀), Bidhan Basanti (V₂ ) and Bidhan Marigold^-1 (V₁ ).

4 illus, 11 ref

042451   MADHAV N V, ESWARAIAH C, NAYAK A S (Anurag Pharmacy Coll, Kodad, Khammam, Telangana) : Design, synthesis and antimicrobial activities of 1,4-dihydropyridines. Int J Res Pharm Chem 2020, 10(1), 50-3.

Eight differently substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines have been synthesized by conventional and microwave irradiation methods using three components viz., ethyl acetoacetate (1) appropriate aldehyde (2) and ammonium acetate (3). The synthesized compounds have been purified and characterized by analytical and spectral data. The methods employed have been compared in terms of yields, reaction times. Microwave methods are easy simple, eco-friendly and the reactions are rapid and high yielding. The synthesized compounds have been screened for their antimicrobial activity by standard experimental procedures using ciprofloxacin as standard drug.

2 tables, 9 ref

044529   LAMA A, SINGH K N, SHEKHAWAT R S, GURUNG B (ICAR- Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi- 110 012, Email: chllm6@gmail.com) : Price dynamics of major high valued seed spices in India: An econometric insight. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 110-9.

Modelling and forecasting of volatility has attracted the attention of researchers for decades now. Agricultural commodity prices are characteristically fluctuating. In this paper volatile price series of spices namely Black pepper, Cardamom and Cumin are modelled and forecasted using family of Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedastic(GARCH) model. For Cumin series due to presence of kurtosis in its residual series we have fitted GARCH model using t distributed error term. For Cardamom and Black pepper series, owing to its asymmetric nature Exponential GARCH model fitted the best. The forecasting efficiency of these models was compared with Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model using root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Superior results were obtained for GARCH models over the basic ARIMA model. Further, to understand the price behaviour, Coppocks Instability Index (CII) and Growth Rates (GR) for all selected spices were calculated. The study concludes by stating number of policy implications which could be advocated based on the findings.

4 illus, 9 tables, 15 ref

044528   TRIPATHY S K (Agricultural Biotechnology Dep, Odisha Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751 003, Email: swapankumartripathy@gmail.com ) : Genetic variation for micronutrients and study of genetic diversity in diverse germplasm of rice. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 101-9.

An experiment was carried out to explore high iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) donors, and to study the extent of genetic divergence based on such micronutrients and agro-morphological traits including seed yield in a set of 92 diverse germplasm lines of rice. Grain Fe (8.3-52.15ppm) and Zn content (3.0-52.7ppm) revealed wide variation among the germplasm. P44 mutant selection1, ORCZ 75-3-1, Basudha, Malliphulajhuli, Tikimahsuri and Nikipankhia were rich in both Fe and Zn. P44 mutant selection1 and ORCZ 75-3-1 had high yield potential while above local land races were poor yielding. The total set of genotypes were grouped into 12 distinct clusters. Jabaphulla, Parijat and Sakaribanki emerged as most divergent genotypes, but moderate low in Fe and Zn content. Interestingly, most of the local land races and the breeding lines clubbed into two separate distinct clusters respectively. The Fe and Zn dense genotypes identified above belong to the same distinct single cluster that showed high Fe and Zn content. Hence, such donors may serve as valuable material for Fe and Zn biofortification breeding.

2 illus, 4 tables, 36 ref

044527   MAITY B, DAS T K, PAL P K, PRADHAN K (Agricultural Extension Dep, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, Email: biman100002@gmail.com) : Enumerating the various constraints of pulse cultivation perceived by the growers in northern part of West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2020, 16(1), 94-100.

Pulse is considered as main source of vegetable protein and also called as poor men meat. But in relation to the cultivation practice of pulse, the growers face lots of problems which are highlighted in the present study. The study conducted in four villages in Northern part of West Bengal. Randomly 100 respondents were selected for this study. An interview schedule was prepared to collect the data. Collected data were analyzed through statistical tools. The study revealed that in the districts, lack of infrastructural facility and good seeds at the time of sowing are the main infrastructural constraints. High cost of labour is a socio-economic constraint and proper knowledge about quality seeds is institutional constraint and lack of support price is a policy constraint which creates hindrances to the growers in pulse production. Therefore, the existing line departments are required to take proper initiative for mitigating various constraints faced by the pulse growers.

1 illus, 7 tables, 8 ref