001666   Harpal Singh;Kushwaha H L;Singh A K;Amit Singh (Agricultural Engineering and Energy Div, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur-342 003) : Feed and fodder management on arid zone-status & strategies. Indian Dairyman 2008, 60(4), 23-33.

8 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

001665   Harendra Singh;Chaudhary B S;Ahmad B (Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Amar Singh College, Lakhaoti, Bulandshahr-245 407) : Effect of phosphorus, sulphur and phosphate solubilizing bacteria on growth, yield and uptake of nutrients by cowpea. Ann Pl Soil Res 2008, 10(1), 56-8.

The results of field experiments revealed that the increasing levels of P and S up to 50 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 and 40 kg S ha^-1 respectively significantly increased the plant height, number of branches, pods/plants, seeds/pod, test weight, seed and straw yield and protein content in seeds Nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur content in seed and straw and their uptake and net return were significantly higher with 50 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 and 40 kg S ha^-1. The inoculation of seeds with PSB significantly enhanced all the growth and yield attributes, grain and straw yield, protein content and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur in seed and straw.

2 tables, 5 ref

001664   Gupta S;Sharma C M;Kishan Kumar V S (Forest Products Div, Forest Research Institute, P.O. New Forest, Dehra Dun-248 006, Email: Krishna@icfre.org) : Role of nodal shaving and end coating in drying of Dendrocalamus strictus. J Timb Dev Ass India 2007, 53(3-4), 30-9.

The study investigates some of the drying characteristics of Dendrocalamus strictus. It was observed that the samples in which the nodes were trimmed off (T1) and the samples whose nodes were trimmed off and ends were coated with bituminous paint (T2) showed higher weight loss (drying) as the days progress compared to control samples. It is also seen that the samples that were given an end coat with bituminous paint keeping the nodal portions undisturbed (T3) are the slowest in drying.

2 illus, 8 tables

001663   Gupta R K (NO, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Directora, Main Campus, Chatha, Jammu-180 009) : Ginger a wonderful spice. Vegetos 2008, 21(1), 1-10.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is the underground stem of the herbaceous tropical plant grown as annual. The various names include A drak (Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu); Aradraka (Sanskrit, Kannada); Ada (Bengali, Oriya); Adu (Gujrati); Inchi (Malayalam); Ale (Marathi); Inji (Tamil), Allamu, Sonthi (Telgu). It was cultivated in the world in an area of about 321,732 ha with 835,173 Mt production during 2001. India contributes to about 36.5% of the world ginger with production as 275,000 Mt during 2001 from an area of about 80,000 ha. The productivity is around 3,379 kg/ha. India continues to be the largest producer of ginger in the world and has an established trade since middle ages. During 2002-03, the ginger production in India was 276,970 Mt from an area of about 88,200 ha. During 2004-05, the export of ginger oil was 16.30 tonnes and that of ginger oleoresin as 116.50 tonnes with value as 80.10 and 132.61 million rupees, Nigeria, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and Australia. Indian ginger is exported to USA, UK, Netherlands and Canada. However, Jamaica and India produce the best quality ginger in the world. Ginger is grown in almost all the states in India but Kerala produces around 50 of dried ginger while Meghalaya around 49 thousand tonnes annually. Both states contribute about 70% of the total ginger production in India. The other ginger growing states include Arunachal Pradesh, Orissa, Mizoram, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

18 ref

001662   Gulati S K (Faculty of Veterinary Science (B19), Sydney Univ, NSW 2006, Australia) : Improving the fatty acid composition of cow's milk for infant nutrition. Indian Dairyman 2008, 60(3), 93-4.

2 tables, 4 ref

001661   Gowda N K S;Ledoux D R (NO, National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bangalore-560 030, Email: nksgowda@rediffmail.com) : Use of antioxidants in amelioration of mycotoxin toxicity. Anim Nutr Feed Technol 2008, 8(1), 1-11.

Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites of different species of fungi naturally occurring in various feed stuff. Two mycotoxins of major significance to livestock production are aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and ochratoxin A (OTA). They cause pathological lesions in liver and kidney through cell damage, release of free radicals, and lipid peroxidation. Several synthetic and natural antioxidants have been used to ameliorate the toxic effects of these mycotoxins. Vitamins (A, E, C) and provitamins (a - carotene, carotenoids), phenolic compounds, curcuminoids, and sulfur containing compounds (glutathione, methionine) are known to exhibit antioxidant action against AFB₁ and OTA. Some of these compounds are also effective in preventing carcinogenesis during mycotoxicosis. There is a need to evaluate the antioxidant potential of these compounds with emphasis on their stability, effective level of inclusion and effect on other biochemical or tissue functions. Ascertaining and confirming the antioxidant properties of cultivable medicinal/aromatic plants would add value to these products and contribute to their commercial viability.

^iia3 tables, 69 ref

001660   Golakia P R;Monpara B A;Poshiya V K (Main Oilseeds Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh-362 001) : Heterosis for yield determinants over environments in castor, Ricinus communis L.. J Oilseed Res 2008, 25(1), 25-8.

Forty four castor hybrids developed by line x tester mating design (four pistillate lines x 11 male parents) were studied along with parents and a standard check for heterosis of yield determinant characters. Significant desired heterobeltiosis ranged from 18.7 to 39.6% and standard heterosis ranged from 17 to 32.8% for seed yield/plant. Other characters also showed considerable heterosis over better parent and standard check. However, magnitude of heterosis was found to vary substantially from cross to cross and character to character. Five superior hybrids sorted out on the basis of seed yield/plant per se showed no indication of yield heterosis over better parents contributed by heterosis arising from yield components. However, effective branches/plant found to be major contributor toward seed yield so far standard heterosis is concerned. The JP 88 x DCS 89, JP 65 x DCS 89, JP 88 x PCS 124, JP 88 x Jl 274 and JP 65 x Jl 309 were the promising hybrids over standard check (GCH 6), need to be tested in different agroclimatic zones to prove theiryield superiority over the environments.

2 tables, 7 ref

001659   Gokhale D N;Wadhvane S V;Kalegore N K;Khalge M L;Shaikh F G (Agronomy Dep, College of Agriculture, Latur-413 512) : Response of linseed, Linum usitatissimum L. varieties to row spacing and phosphorus level under irrigated condition. J Oilseed Res 2008, 25(1), 94-5.

^ssc1 table, 7 ref

001658   Gnanavel I;Babu S (Agronomy Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Integrated weed management in irrigated hybrid cotton. Agric Sci Dig 2008, 28(2), 93-6.

Field experiment was conducted during January-July, 2005 to study the effect of integrated weed control methods in irrigated cotton hybrid. Pre-emergence application of fluchloralin at 1.00 kg ha^-1 followed by post-emergence directed application of glyphosate at 0.80 kg ha^-1 at 45 DAS recorded the least weed count (19.39 m^-2) and weed dry matter production (124.70 kg ha^-1) favouring higher seed cotton yield (25.34 q ha^-1). Application of fluchloralin and pendimethalin at lower doses in combination with one hand weeding produced significantly higher seed cotton yields than application of these herbicides alone in higher doses.

2 tables, 3 ref

001657   Gnanasekaran M;Vivekanandan P;Muthuramu S (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dept, Agricultural college and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu) : Correlation & path analysis in two line rice hybrids. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 689-92.

Experiment was conducted with 32 crosses involving four TGMS (Thermo sensitive Genie Male Sterility) lines and eight non-TGMS testers to study the association among the yield and yield related traits. Correlation coefficient analysis revealed that plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length, panicle exsertion, number of grains per panicle, spikelet fertility, kernel L/B ratio and harvest index had significant and positive association with yield. The path analysis indicated the role of number of productive tillers per plant and number of grains per panicle since they had high direct effect on grain yield.

2 tables, 12 ref,

001656   Gayathiri M;Anburani A (Horticulture Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Influence of soil and foliar application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth in Kacholam (Kaempferia galanga L.). Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 475-77.

Pot culture experiment was carried out to study the influence of organic sources of nutrients on growth in kacholam. The treatment consisted with different organic sources viz., farmyard manure (30 t ha^-1), pressmud (30 t ha^-1) and neemcake (5 t ha^-1) as basal along with the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers (50:50:50 NPK kg ha^-1), whereas vermiwash (1:5 dilution), panchagavya (3%) and humic acid (0.2%) were given as foliar spray at monthly intervals starting from 30 days after planting. The results revealed that the growth parameters viz., days for sprouting (6.3), plant height (20.99 cm), number of shoots (9.00), numbers of leaves (27.67), and leaf area (143.56 cm^-2) were recorded the highest in the treatment of pressmud @ 30 tha^-1 along with inorganic fertilizers @ 50:50:50 NPK kg ha^-1 and vermiwash (1:5 dilution).

2 tables, 6 ref

001655   Gayathiri M;anburani A (Horticulture Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002) : Influence of organic and inorganic nutrients on yield in kacholam (Kaempferia galanga L.). Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 453-58.

Pot culture experiment was carried out to study the influence of organic and inorganic nutrients on yield in kacholam. The treatments consisted of different organic sources viz., farmyard manure (30 t ha1), pressmud (30 t ha1) and neemcake (5 t ha^-1) as basal along with the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers (50 : 50 : 50 NPK kg ha^-1), wherein vermiwash (1:5 dilution), panchagavya (3%) and humic acid (0.2%) were given as foliar spray at monthly intervals starting from 30 days after planting. The results revealed that the yield parameters viz., number of rhizomes per plant (19.00), fresh weight of rhizomes (76.66 g plant^-1), dry weight of rhizomes (75.16 g plant^-1), yield of rhizomes (1455.77 g plant^-1) and essential oil content (2.12%) were the highest in the treatment combination of FYM @ 30 t ha^-1 along with the recommended dose of inorgnic fertilizers @ 50 : 50 : 50 kg NPK ha^-1 and foliar application of vermiwash (1:5 dilution) when compared to other treatments.

2 tables, 6 ref

001654   Gavit A F;Magar N M;Patil S S;Patil T R (Agriculture Research Station, MPKV, Jalgaon-425 001) : Physiological analysis of growth and yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.). Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 553-6.

Field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2001-02 to study the production potential of 12 genotypes of pigeonpea and to assess the physiological basis of yield. It revealed that the genotype PT-25-5-26 gave higher yield than the remaining genotypes. Their superior performance was due to higher number of branches, total dry matter, number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, 100 grain weight and harvest index. They were physiologically more efficient in terms of LAI, AGR, CGR and NAR etc. These characters seams to be important for crop improvement and breeding programme for ideotypes in pigeonpea.

5 tables, 16 ref

001653   Garg M R;Bhanderi B M;Sherasia P L (Productivity Systems, Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology Laboratory National Dairy Develop, Anand-388 001, Email: mrgarg@nddb.coop) : Assessment of macro and micro minerals status of milch animals for developing area specific mineral mixture for Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. Anim Nutr Feed Technol 2008, 8(1), 53-64.

Study was conducted in Bharatpur district (tropical zone) of Rajasthan, to assess the prevalence of macro and micro-minerals deficiency in animals, by analyzing feed and fodder samples (n=240) at random from various locations. The calcium content (0.14%) was low in concentrate ingredients, except mustard cake (0.74%). Phosphorus content (0.45 %) in concentrates was higher in comparison to roughages. The average calcium content in straws (0.34%) was higher in comparison to phosphorus (0.10%). The calcium and phosphorus content in green berseem were 1.33 and 0.31 per cent, respectively. The magnesium content in feedstuffs was adequate (0.38%) to meet the requirement of large ruminants (0.20%). The feed ingredients of the surveyed area were rich in potassium content (1.55%), whereas, sodium content was consistently low in dry roughages (0.14%) and concentrate ingredients (0.064%). The sulphur content was low in crop residues (0.13%), whereas, concentrate feed ingredients (0.18%) were better source of sulphur. Cobalt was occasionally deficient in the diet of animals. However, iron and manganese contents were adequate in the diet of animals, with traditional feeding system. The average copper content was low in straws (5.40 ppm), moderate in green fodders (9.68 ppm) and concentrate ingredients (9.87 ppm). Molybdenum content in feeds was within safe limit (average level< 1.25 ppm). Selenium content in most of the feeds and fodder samples was adequate (0.61 ppm) and its supplementation in the diet was not necessary. Zinc was acutely deficient in most of the feedstuffs (average level < 26.30 ppm) and needed to be supplemented in the ration of animals for proper productive and reproductive functions. -It was apparent from the present study that the feeds and fodders available in tropical zone of Rajasthan may not meet the requirements for calcium, phosphorus, sodium, sulphur, zinc, copper and cobalt in order to sustain a milk production of ~ 8 kg/day. Hence, it is necessary to supplement these minerals in the ration by formulating area specific mineral mixture.

3 tables, 30 ref

001652   Garg M R;Bhanderi B M;Kumar S Sathish; Sherasia P L (Regional Demonstration and Training Centre, National Dairy Development Board, Vasavi College Post, Erode-638 316, Email: mrgarg@nddb.coop) : Macro and micro mineral status of dairy animals in hilly zone of Kerala. Anim Nutr Feed Technol 2008, 8(1), 13-23.

Study was conducted in the hilly zone of Kerala, to assess the status of certain macro and micro-minerals in dairy animals, by analyzing feed and fodder samples. Paddy straw was major dry roughage available for feeding dairy animals and found to be low in Ca (0.11%), P (0.09%), S (0.11%), Cu (1.79 ppm) and Zn (11.69 ppm). Amongst green fodders, mainly local grasses and hybrid napier were available and found to be good sources of Ca (0.43%), Mg (0.34%), Cu (13.83 ppm), Mn (74.52 ppm) and Fe (1379 ppm). Azolla was subsidiary green fodder grown in stagnant water by the farmers and found to be a good source of various minerals. The feeds and fodder were found to be rich in K content (1.83%) and Fe (192-3600 ppm). Groundnut cake and copra extraction were major concentrate supplements in the surveyed area. Groundnut cake, copra extraction, rice bran and wheat bran were good sources of P (0.57-1.13%), Mg (0.25-0.45%), S (0.24-0.33%), Cu (17.82-41.22 ppm), Zn (38.40-84.12 ppm) and Mn (44.51-174.5 ppm). The Na content was lower in concentrate ingredients (0.014%) and roughages (0.06%). Se content in feeds and fodder was adequate (0.18-0.83 ppm), however, Co was found to be marginally deficient in feedstuff's (0.10-1.19 ppm). It was apparent that in view of the feeding practices followed in the survey area, levels of certain minerals such as Ca, P, S, Zn, Cu and Co were inadequate and much below the requirement of animals yielding 8-11 kg milk (4% fat) per day. Supplementation of area specific mineral mixture with highly bio-available mineral salts could be a cost effective method to improve productive life and productivity of animals in the zone.

1 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

001651   Gajbhiya V A;Sakhare R S;Ghorpade P B; Waghmare V N;Allurwar M W;Shamkuwar G R (NO, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, ARS, Sindewahi, Dist. Chandrapur) : Genetic diversity analysis in promising germplasm lines of lathyrus (Lathyrus sativus L.). Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 685-7.

Genetic divergence among 60 Lathyrus genotypes (Lathyrus sativus L.) comprising of 4 exotic and 56 indigenous representing different eco-geographic origin was assessed using Mahalanobis D₂ statistics. The genotypes were grouped into fifteen clusters. The D₂ values of the different strains ranged between 1.05 to 132.20 and inter cluster distance ranged from 2.00 to (117. Maximum numbers of genotypes were found in cluster XI (8), XIII (7), V and IX (6). The cluster wise number of genotypes grouped are-1(2), II (4), III (4),IV (2),VI (2), VII (4), VIII (2), X (1), XII (3), XIV (4) and XV (5). All the clusters had indigenous genotypes except cluster VIII, while cluster XII had both the exotic and indigenous genotypes. The genotypes falling in cluster XIII had the maximum divergence followed by cluster VIII and XV. The maximum and minimum divergence was revealed between cluster VIII and I and between cluster XIII and II, respectively. The cluster IV and X showed higher mean values for most of the characters, while cluster I, III, V, VII and XIV had lower mean values for most of the characters. From the results of the present study, genotypes falling in divergent clusters may be selected and used in Lathyrus improvement programme.

3 tables, 5 ref,

001650   Farooqui K D;Khan F A (NO, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar Campus, Srinagar-191 121, Email: fakphtskuastk@rediffmail.com) : Use of manitol for screening drought resistance in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Agric biol Res 2008, 24(1), 9-17.

Laboratory technique for screening drought resistance rice cultivars was suggested using mannitol. a hexahydric sugar alcohol responsible for creating moisture stress conditions in the laboratory. Preliminary trials were conducted with IR- 48 and Ratna, drought resistant and drought susceptible varieties, respectively. The concentration of 2.5%. 5.0%. 7.5% and 10.0% of d-mannitol were used to determine the exact concentration which could give largest differential response in germination and seedling growth. Thus concentration of 7.5% was used to study the response of 76 rice varieties in so far as shoot and root growth are concerned. Root length was considered to be of much selection value. Varieties producing maximum root length under water stress conditions in laboratory proved high yielding under field condition as well.

1 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

001649   Dubey K (Botany Dep, S N Govt. PG College, Khandwa-452 001) : Weed flora of cotton fields of East Nimar (M.P.). Indian J appl pure Biol 2007, 22(2), 373-5.

Deals with the weed flora of cotton fields. Cotton Gossypium spp is one of the important kharif crop of this area. Many weed species have been recorded in the cotton fields of Khandwa and surrounding area. The trend of use of pesticides also shows dependence of cultural practices only for weed eradication in these fields. In comparison to the insecticides and fungicides the use of herbicides is very less. The growth and development of cotton crop is adversely affected in these fields.

2 tables, 5 ref

001648   Dhange A M;Karanjikar P N;Gutte A V (NO, Marathwada Agricultural Univ, Parbhani-431 402) : Impact of land configuration and phosphorus management on performance of niger, Guizota abyssinica Cass. J Oilseed Res 2008, 25(1), 108-9.

^ssc2 tables, 3 ref

001647   Deo A K;Sarnaik D A;Kuruwanshi V B;Pal D P (College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Agricultural Univ, Raipur-492 006) : Effect of treatment of stem cutting with IBA and NAA on sprouting, rooting and root biomass in bougainvillea var. refulgens. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 557-8.

1 table, 8 ref

001646   Deb A C;Khaleque M A (Genetics & Breeding Dep, Rajshahi Univ, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh, Email: anil_deb2001@yahoo.com) : Discriminant function selection in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Indian Biol 2007, 39(1), 51-60.

In genetic and breeding research quantitative characters are no doubt important and most of the quantitative characters are economically important. Selection indices for seed yield were constructed to identify the character or character association over straight selection, which may be useful during selection breeding programme for higher yield. In constructing the selection indices, all the nine agronomical characters viz. date of first flower (DFF), number of primary branches at first flower (NPBFF), number of secondary branches at first flower (NSBFF), plant height at maximum flower (PHMF), plant weight just after harvest (PWH), number of pods per plant (NPd/P), pod weight per plant (PdW/P), number of seeds per plant (NS/P) and seed weight per plant (SW/P; were included of which SW/P was dependent character. In the present investigation, the maximum genetic gain (GA) of 98716.34% was exhibited when NPBFF, NSBFF, PHMF, NS/P and SW/P were included in the discriminatnt function. Among these four yield components, NS/P and NPBFF showed significant phenotypic and very high genotypic correlation with yield, respectively and PHMF and NSBFF indicated high direct positive effect, hence they may be considered as primary yield components. The second highest GA was 89128.85% when all the nine quantitative characters were included in the discriminatnt function. This was followed by 85205.56% GA when all the characters except NSBFF were included in the discriminatnt function.

3 tables, 26 ref

001645   Das S K;Tripathi H (Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Dep, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Aizawl-796 014, Email: hematripathil@yahoo.co.in) : Livestock feeds and feeding practices in rural sundarbans delta of India. Anim Nutr Feed Technol 2008, 8(1), 137-42.

Study was to explore, understand and document livestock feeds and feedings practices traditionally followed by the rural people in Sundarbans delta of India A qualitative participatory case study design was used for the present study with an anthropological approach to field research in the four identified villages. Various tools of participatory rural appraisal like semi-structured interview, micro-environment mapping, listing, on-site observation, seasonal analysis, and photography were applied for generation, collection, and documentation of various issues from local people's perspectives. The study reveals that livestock feeding mainly consists of grazing complemented and supplemented with stall feeding. Grazing or tethering contributed bulk of the feed. Stall feeds mainly comprised of paddy and its byproducts. Grazing practices varied with the sowing and harvesting time of paddy, and also with the intensity of cropping. Grazing starts freely in the agricultural field after harvesting of wet paddy (November to January) and continued until sowing (May to July). Tethering starts from sowing and continued till harvesting. Movement of domestic fowls was restricted mainly at the time of wet paddy sowing. The study provided valuable information that may be taken into consideration while planning an extension intervention in order to improve the situation. Many locally available grasses and plants can effectively and efficiently be utilized as valuable livestock feeds which presently remain unutilized. Seasonally of feed scarcity may be overcome to some extent by adopting the practice of hay feeding.

^ssc4 tables, 5 ref

001644   Das P P;Roy B;Sardar P (Animal Nutrition Dep, West Bengal Univ of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata-700 037, Email: parimalsardar2004@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of paddy straw based complete feeds through in vitro dry matter digestibility. Anim Nutr Feed Technol 2008, 8(1), 127-32.

Study was undertaken to evaluate three potential complete feeds made from locally available feed ingredients through in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Three fistulated steers used as donors of rumen inoculums were fed the same three complete feeds (CRI, CRII and CRIII) after proper adaptation. The roughage: concentrate ratio in CRI, CRII and CRIII was maintained at 60: 40 but the cost/kg diet were Rs. 3.33, 3.70 and 3.91/kg diet, respectively. The CP, EE and TA of the three complete feeds ranged between 11.45-11.50, 3.07-3.32 and 12.61-13.21 per cent, respectively, indicating little variations. However, variation was apparent in the fibre fractions of the three feeds attributable to varying contents of the fibrous feed ingredients. Overall IVDMD (%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in CRI (50.67+0.82) followed by CRIII (47.00±0.89) and in CRII (43.33 <145><255>0.67). Overall TVFA (meq/100 ml) production was significantly (P<0.05) higher in CRI (12.76 ±0.30) than CRII (11.01 ±0.63) and CRIII (11.05 ±0.43) but values between CRII and CRIII did not differ significantly. It may be concluded that CR1 is superior to CRII and CRIII in terms of IVDMD, in vitro TVFA production and cost of formulation.

^ssc3 tables, 18 ref

001643   Chuadhary J L;Jat H R (Zivestock Research Station, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur-313 601) : Effect of feeding different levels of cottonseed on the reproductive performance of surti buffaloes. Anim Nutr Feed Technol 2008, 8(1), 81-8.

Eighteen lactating Surti buffaloes in early stage of lactation were divided into three groups of six animals each on the basis of body weight (475.83 + 13.23 kg) and milk yield (6.75±0.32 kg) and were allotted to three dietary treatments viz. T₁ - zero per cent cottonseed in concentrate mixture, T₂ - 30 per cent cottonseed in concentrate mixture and T₃ - 60 per cent cottonseed in concentrate mixture. Additionally, all groups were fed on a basal roughage consisting of 15 kg green Lucerne and ad libitum sorghum stover. The buffaloes of T₃ group consumed significantly (P<0.05) more DM, DCP and TDN than T₁ group, but there were no significant differences were observed between T₂ and T₁ groups. The milk yield and fat in milk were affected (P<0.05) by the level of cottonseed given to buffaloes. The average 6 per cent FCM yield 9.21, 10.16 ands 11.32 kg in T₁, T₂ and T₃ groups, respectively. Higher (P<0.05) milk yield was recorded in T₃ as compared to T₁ group. However, there was no difference in milk yield of T₂ and T₁ groups. A vasectomised bull was paraded among the experimental animals daily for finding the buffaloes in heat and buffaloes showing complete estrus symptom were inseminated. The average post partum oestrus interval in T₁, T₂ and T₃ was 142.33, 85.0 and 83.0 days, respectively. The mean service period was 292.50, 184.50 and 172.33 days, respectively in T₁, T₂ and T₃ treatments. The numbers of services required per conception were 5.83, 3.50 and 3.00 in T₁, T₂ and T₃, respectively. The results showed that higher levels of cottonseed in the diet substantially improved the milk yield and post partum reproductive performance of buffaloes.

3 tables, 25 ref

001642   Chauhan V S;Ahlawat V P;Joon M S (Horticulture Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Evaluation of different cultivars of litchi (Litchi chinesis Sonn.) under northern region of Haryana State of India. Agric Sci Dig 2008, 28(2), 155-6.

The investigation was conducted to find out a suitable litchi variety for the region. Seven cultivars were undertaken for the study viz., Culcuttia, Early Large Red, Rose Scented, Muzaffarpur, Maclein, Dehradun and Seedless. Among these, Early Large Red has proved as the most suitable variety having regular fruit bearing, higher fruit yield, good taste and attractive colour with less problem of fruit cracking.

2 tables, 4 ref

001641   Charitha Devi M;Eswara Reddy N P (Virology Dep, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati-517 502) : Exploitation of fluorescent Pseudomonas as biocontrol agent (BCA) against Macrophomina phaseolina. J Oilseed Res 2008, 25(1), 68-70.

Pseudomonas species were isolated from the native rhizosphere of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and some of the rhizobacterial isolates were found to have antagonistic activity against Macrophomina phaseolina, a root rot pathogen of groundnut plants. Among all the isolates, the two isolates P₇ and P₉ found to show the highest antifungal activity and reduced the mycelial growth to 62.5% and 80.0% respectively were selected for the production of HCN and siderophores. The above isolates produced siderophores and HCN on casamino acid agar (CAA) and Pseudomonas fluorescein agar (PFA) media, respectively. Inoculation of P. fluorescens (P₉) induced resistance against M. phaseolina and observed 60% of reduction in disease incidence after sowing by seed treatment. Study suggested that the rhizobacterial fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. as a potential biocontrol agent against M. phaseolina uner both in vitro and in vivo conditions.

3 tables, 14 ref

001640   Chandrol G K (NO, Kalyan Mahavidyalaya, Bhilai, Durg, Chhatisgarh) : Antagonism/synergism between fungal organisms isolated from stored leaves of Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. (Tendu). Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 705-7.

1 table, 15 ref

001639   Chanderia U K (Plant Pathology Dep, J N K V V Jabalpur R A K College of Agriculture, Sehore, Jabalpur) : Evaluation of various integrated disease management components against collar rot of soybean. Indian J appl pure Biol 2007, 22(2), 297-9.

Find out the most effective and sustainable combination of IDM components for the management of collar rot of soybean, a field trial was conducted, using two host genotypes, various cultural components of deep summer ploughing, intercropping of soybean+maize, chemical components of seed treatment and spray as well as combination of all the components. Seed treatment was done as per procedure. Crop was sprayed with carbnedazim 50 WP @ 0.1 % at 25 and 35 DAS in such a way that all parts of the plants are completely covered with fungicides solution. One highly susceptible cv.JS 72-44 and another relatively-tolerant cv JS 75-46 were used. One untreated control was also maintained for both the cvs. The Collar rot incidence was recorded. In each plot on 15th and 30th July August. Seed yield of each plot was recorded at harvest and was converted to kg/plot. In case of intercropping the yield of soybean and maize was recorded separately and was converted to soybean equivalent yields. This trial was conducted in split plot design with 3 replications. Plot size was 5mx3.2m. It was found that the incidence of collar rot exhibited an increasing trend with the advancement of crop growth. This increase was slightly more during the initial period of first and second observations being 1.53% in JS 72-44 and 1.57% in JS 75-46 on mean basis in comparison to later period of second and third observation where the corresponding figures were 1.35% in both the varieties. The seed yield of both the soybean varieties (JS 72-44 and JS 75-46) was significantly improved by all the IDM components and their combination. Maximum yield of 722.22kg/ha in JS 72-44 and 672.22kg/ha in JS 75-46 was reordered under the treatment having combination of all the IDM components which was significantly superior to rest of the treatments of individual IDM components.

1 tables, 1 ref

001638   Butani B M;Akbari K N;Polara J V;Rajani A V (Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science Dep, Junagadh Agricultural Univ, Junagadh-362 001) : Effect of levels and methods of humic acid application on macro nutrients uptake by okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) monech]. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 487-9.

Field experiment was conducted to study the effect of levels and methods of humic acid application on nutrient uptake by okra. The highest N, P and S uptake by pod and stalk and total uptake were found under soil application of humic acid @ 20 kg ha^-1 and it was remain at par with soil application of humic acid @ 40 kg 'ha^-1 Significantly the highest uptake of K by pod, stalk and total K uptake by okra were found with soil application of humic acid @ 40 kg ha^-1 and it was remain at par with soil application of humic acid @ 20 and 10kg ha^-1. The highest uptake of Fe by pod, stalk as well as total uptake were found in soil application of humic acid @ 20 kg ha^-1. The uptake of Zn by stalk and total uptake and Cu and Mn by pod were found higher under RDF while uptake of Zn by pod were found highest under soil application of humic acid @ 20 kg ha^-1. The highest uptake of Cu and Mn by pod were found under RDF and HST @ 2 kg/ 8 kg seed and RDF, respec-tively. Maximum, uptake of Cu by stalk as well as total uptake were recorded under soil application of humic acid @ 20 kg/ha. Humic acid applied through seed treatment were found effective only in S uptake by pod and Fe uptake by stalk which was significantly higher @ 2.0 kg over 2.5 and Fe uptake by pod and Zn uptake by stalk over 1.0 kg/ 8kg seed, respectively. Foliar application of humic acid found effective only in N uptake by stalk and total N uptake which was significantly higher under HFA @ 2.0% over HFA @ 4.0% whereas Fe and Zn uptake by pod, stalk and their total uptake, Cu and Mn uptake by stalk and their total uptake found significantly higher under HFA @ 1.0% over HFA @ 4.0%.

2 tables, 9 ref

001637   Borole D N;Chaudhary S B;Shinde M S (All India Co-ordinated Sorghum Improvement Project, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri 413722 (MS)) : Assessment of general combining ability of rabi sorghum genotypes over different environments. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 697-9.

Attempt was made to assess combining ability status of twelve potential rabi sorghum genotypes by involving them in a (4 x12)LxT analysis under three environments. Based on pooled score values RLG 112 and RSV 34 R were found to be the best combines over both the environments. For early flowering traits, 104A, SPV 1315 and SPV 727 were found to be good combiners. The pattern of differences in combining ability effects remained same across the environments.

1 table, 5 ref

001636   Borole D N;Chaudhary S B;Shide M S;Kusalkar D V (All India Co-ordinated Sorghum Improvement Project, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri) : Analysis of stable traits in Rabi sorghum hybrid. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 633-5.

Forty-eight hybrids developed from crossing four male steriles with twelve restorers and a check hybrid CSH 15R were assessed for stability under different environments for pollen fertility. Seed set and grain yield. The magnitude of linear component was more for pollen fertility seed set and grain yield. None of the hybrid was found to be ideal with average stability for all the character. However the hybrids 104 A x SPV 1315, 36642 A x SPV 727 and 53 A x SPV 1210 possesses average stability for pollen fertility percentage. While the hybrids 36642A x SPV 839 and 53A x SPV 839 showed average stability (bi - 1) for seed set percentage. The hybrids 104A x RSV 34R. 36642 x SPV 1323 and 36642 A x SPV 1090 possess average stability for grain yield per plant. The hybirds 104 A x SPV 1090, 116A x RSV 34R. 116A x RSV 34R. 116A x SPV 1090, 53 A x SPV 1090. 53 A x SPV 1315 and 53 A x RSCR 5 possess below average stability for pollen fertility percentage and suitable for favorable environment. The hybrids 104 A x SPV 1315, 104A x SPV 1323. 104 A x SPV 1390. 36642 A x SPV 1210. 36642A x SPV 1315. 116A x SPV 1315. 53 A x SPV 1323. 53A x SPV 1090 and CSH 15R for seed set percentage possess above average stability and suitable for unfavorable conditions. Hybrids 116 A x RSCR 12,116A x SPV 1315, 116A x SPV1210,53 A x RSCR5,53 A x SPV 1.090. and CSHI5R showed above average stability indicating its suitability for poor environments. Considering these studies. the above hybrids could be considered for various environments.

2 tables, 3 ref

001635   Borkar S G;Chaudhary K N (NO, Mahatma Phule Agricultural Univ, Wheat Research Station, Niphad, District Nashik-422 303) : Management of fungicidal resistant in Alternaria triticina and Helminthosporium sativum inducing leaf blight complex in wheat in peninsular India. Indian J agric Res 2008, 42(2), 132-5.

Leaf blight of wheat in Peninsular India, is mainly due to Helminthosporium sativum and Alternaria triticina and both are involved in leaf blight disease complex. Helminthosporium sativum isolates of wheat disease in Peninsular India were resistant to commonly used fungicide Dithane M-45 upto 0.2% concentration, whereas Alternaria triticina isolates showed resistant to Copperoxychloride upto 0.2% concentration. For effective and economically viable control of the leaf blight complex in wheat induced by H. sativum and A. triticina in Peninsular India, 2 sprays of Copperoxychloride + Mancozeb (Dithane M-45) @ 0.2% each at an interval of 15 days from disease initiation were found effective and recommended. However both the fungicides showed vice-versa control of H. sativum and A. triticina.

4 tables, 11 ref

001634   Biswas K K;Malathi V G;Varma A (Plant Virology Unit, Plant Pathology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: kkbiswas@malicity.com) : Diagnosis of symptomless Yellow mosaic begomovirus infection in pigeonpea by using cloned Mungbean mosaic India virus as probe. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2008, 17(1), 9-14.

One isolate of Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) of mungbean plants from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, designated as MYMIV-Mg was isolated and DNA-A and DNA-B, the two full length bipartite genomic components of this virus, were cloned. The [α-³²P] labeled diagnostic probes specific to these cloned DNA-A and -B of MYMIV-Mg were used to detect the virus infection in infected plants by nucleic acid spot hybridization (NASH) test. The NASH tests detected the MYMIV infection and concentration of viral titre in susceptible, moderately susceptible, resistant and symptomless genotypes of ;geonpea (Cajanus cajan) plants. Fourteen genotypes of pigeonpea were tested against five naturally occurring MYMIV variants viz., MYMIV-Bg, -MgD, -MoL, -Mg and -Pp1 through viruliferous whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) transmission in greenhouse condition. Disease incidence and severity of MYMIV in different pigeonpea genotypes varied with the variants of MYMIV. Many genotypes of pigeonpea did not produce visible yellow mosaic symptoms after inoculation with MYMIV variants MYMIV-Bg, -MbD and -MoL, although, majority of the symptomless genotypes were found to be infected by MYMIV, as viral DMA was detected by NASH test.

3 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

001633   Birsin M A;Ozgen M (Field Crops Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara Univ, 06110 Diskapi, Ankara, Turkey, Email: mozgen@tr.net) : Callus formation and plant regeneration from cultured embryos of diploid and tetraloid winter ryes (Secale cerelsae L). J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2008, 17(1), 81-4.

Ability of immature, mature and endosperm-supported mature embryos of diploid and tetraploid winter ryes (Secale cereale L) was tested to compare the callus induction and plant regeneration. Immature embryos were obtained from field grown rye. Immature embryos were aseptically excised and placed, with the scutellum upwards, on the callus culture medium consisted of Murashige and Skoog (MS) mineral salts supplemented with 2 mg 1^-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Mature embryos were aseptically excised the imbibed seeds and placed, scutellum up, on MS medium supplement with 2 mg I^-1 2,4-D. Endosperm-supported mature embryos were moved slightly (not set free) in the imbibed mature seeds. The seeds with moved embryos were placed furrow downwards in dishes containing 8 mg I^-1 2,4-D for callus induction. The developed calli and regenerated plant were maintained on hormone free MS medium. Comparison of the responses of the three explants used indicated that endosperm-supported mature embryo was the most useful explant for plant regeneration in both diploid and tetraploid ryes. This is the first report of winter ryes plants having been regenerated from endosperm-supported mature embryos.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

001632   Bipin Kumar;Malik Y P;Singh S V;Husain K (NO, C.S. Azad Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur-208 002) : Response of nutrient application on bud fly and gram pod borer infestation in linseed, Linum usitatissimum L.. J Oilseed Res 2008, 25(1), 116-17.

^ssc1 table, 5 ref

001631   Bhoite K D;Pardeshi S R;Mhaske B M;Wagh M P (Agricultural Research Station, , Niphad-422 303) : Genetic variability in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.). Agric Sci Dig 2008, 28(2), 115-17.

Study was undertaken to determine the genotypic and phenotypic variation in 26 genotypes. A wide range of variability was observed for all the characters studied. Higher heritability coupled with generic advance as percentage of mean was noticed for earhead girth, grain yield, plant height, fodder yield, days to maturity and days to 50 % flowering indicating the presence of additive gene action and direct selection may be effective.

1 table, 5 ref

001630   Bhandari H R;Dangi K S;Sujatha M;Radhika K (Genetics and Pl. Breeding Dep, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural Univ, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030) : Particle gun mediated DNA delivery and transient expression of β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene in niger, Guizotia abyssinica. J Oilseed Res 2008, 25(1), 29-34.

Genetic transformation of three seedling explants viz., hypocotyls, cotyledonary leaves and primary leaves of four niger, Guizotia abyssinica L., genotypes viz., JNC-6, KGN-2, Deomali and CTP-local was attempted. Transient expression of β-GUS gene was reported in all the three explants of the four niger genotypes. The transient expression was found to be genotype- as well as explant-dependent. The hypocotyls of the genotype Deomali recorded the maximum (55%) transient GUS expression.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

001629   Bhagya R;Susheelamma B N (NO, Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute, Mysore) : Effect of season on biochemical traits in promising varieties of mulberry (Morus indica L.). Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 519-21.

Studies carried out in defferent seasons of a year showed non-significant effect to seasons on varietal performance for all most all the biochemical traits evaluated except for starch content. Among the different varieties evaluated S-13, S-l, S-34 and V-l showed superiority over K2 for crude protein content, total chlorophyll content, fiber content and moisture content.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

001628   Basu R N (NO, Institute of Agricultural Science, Calcutta Univ, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: akmcu2002@yahoo.co.in) : Holistic approach to quantification of seed vigour through integration of morphological and physiological-biochemical parameters. Indian Biol 2007, 39(1), 1-44.

In response to certain queries on an earlier paper on quantification of seed vigour, published in the Indian Biologist, 36(2), 2004, this rejoinder-cum-reappraisal paper reaffirms the benefits of integration of germination factor (GF) with physiological-biochemical seed vigour test scores (all mathematically converted to positive score values in the percentage scale), such as lipid peroxidation resistance score, LPRS; electrical conductivity resistance score, ECRS; volatiles emanation resistance score, VERS; jute seedling bioassay score, JSBS (originally positive), on their correlations with germination and asserts that the integration of score values with the germination factors of seed lots is simply an attempt to mathematically eliminate the contribution of nonviable seeds to the vigour test scores. As such, those arithmetic conversions, needed to make the correlations with germination more meaningful, are different from the conventional statistical transformations in correlation-regression analysis. The confirmation of the efficacy of GF incorporation comes from materials that are botanically, biochemically and agriculturally of diverse nature and includes soybean, cabbage, maize, peas, wheat and sunflower from different provenances, storage conditions, invigoration treatments, etc. implying thereby that the effect of integration cuts across cultivar, species and genus barriers and are also equally effective in seed lots differing in natural vigour levels as well as in variously invigorated (physico-chemically treated) seeds. Besides GF, another factor, seedling factor (seedling growth factor), SF, calculated from data on early seedling growth in the laboratory and a combined germination-cum-seedling factor (GSF, through integration of germination and seedling growth) have been introduced in this paper both of which when incorporated into vigour test scores show substantial improvements of correlations with germination, field emergence, yield and 1000-seed weight. The evidences presented in the text suggest that the morphological factors (GF, SF and GSF) when integrated with vigour test scores act in a complementary manner to improve their correlations with field performance parameters most often raising the statistical significance of the correlation coefficients to 0.01P, especially when both the variates in the bivariate linear regressions are integrated with the same morphological factor. In soybean, unification of vigour scores (LPRS, ECRS, VERS and JSBS) into a unified physiological-biochemical score (UPBS) by taking the average of the four revised scores, confers little additional benefit possibly because the revised test scores show no significant differences between them. However, integration of UPBS with GF, SF and GSF demonstrates the same complementary nature of the amalgamating components in improving the correlations with the field performance data. The improved predictive value of the regression equations based on integration of laboratory germination test and early seedling growth data with any one of the easily practicable vigour tests, such as electrical conductivity (data to be converted to ECRS prior to integration), with a minimum of five seed lots and at least three replications for each of the parameters, may prove to be very useful in crop husbandry in general and seed production in particular, especially when seed lots with relatively high germination percentages but differing vigour levels are used for the purpose.

10 tables, 16 ref

001627   Bajoriya D K;Pandya R K (Plant Pathology Dep, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Campus College of Agriculture, Gwalior-474 002) : Effect of oil cakes, oil, plant extracts, butter milk and cow urine on sclerotial viability of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Ann Pl Soil Res 2008, 10(1), 70-1.

Effect of plant extracts, oil cakes, eucalyptus oil, buttermilk and cow urine was observed on the viability of sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in the pot experiment during hot summer of 2006. Eucalyptus oil and neem cake @ 10% were most effective in reducing the viability of sclerotia and these two treatments were significantly superior over the rest of the treatments except cow urine. The effect of the treatment was gradually increased with the increase in the duration of sclerotial placement in the treatment.

1 tables, 3 ref

001626   Badigannavar A M (Nuclear Agril. and Biotechnology Div, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai-400 085) : Genetic diversity among the gamma ray induced mutants of groundnut, Arachis hypogaea cultivar, TAG 24. J Oilseed Res 2008, 25(1), 13-18.

Cultivated groundnut is known to be vulnerable to several stresses due to its narrow genetic base. The present study was carried out to generate genetic variability through gamma ray mutagenesis in groundnut using the most popular, highly productive and widely adapted Trombay groundnut cultivar, TAG 24. In all, 77 true breeding mutants for various characters were isolated. High yielding potential along with different yield contributing parameters of these induced mutants were ascertained across the seasons. Mutant TGM16 produced consistently higher yields across the four generations apart from its superiority in seed size, shelling percentage and oil content. Besides, five mutants distinctively showed an improvement for shelling percentage and nine mutants for seed size compared to parent. Induced mutants were genetically diverse both in rainy and summer seasons due to greater genetic variability created for plant height, pod and seed yield and seed size through gamma ray mutagenesis.

2 illus, 19 ref

001625   Ashwani Kumar;Verma N;Saggoo M I S;Kuldeep Kumar;Vipin Kumar;Uttam Kumar (Biotechnology Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002) : Chromosome number and morphological variability in North Indian gokhru (Tribulus terrestris Linn.): a traditional medicinal herb. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 645-8.

Tribulus terrestris Linn. (Family Zygophllaceae) 'Gokhru' is a wild herb mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic medical texts dating back thousands of years. Polyploidy, the genome-wide multiplication of chromosome number, is a key feature in plant evolution. The major wild species characters such as for growth and branching habit, and leaflet, flower, pod, and seed size are intermediates between the plants. Chromosome counts from natural populations of Tribulus terrestris in North India were carried out. Chromosome number was (2n=12, 24, 36, 48) in all the samples investigated. Morphologically different cytotypes are indistinct. However, the Gokharu from Baghpat posses bigger leaves. As far as the micro characters are concern there is clear increase in the size of stomata, dermal hairs and pollen grains with increase in ploidy level. The size of fruit decreased with increase in the level of polyploidy.

2 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

001624   Ashok Kumar;Neeraj Kumar;Vedna Kumari (Shivalik Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Kangra-176 001) : Sources of resistance against Alternaria blight and white rust in rapeseed-mustard for north-western Himalayas. J Oilseed Res 2008, 25(1), 64-7.

Sixty three germplasm lines of rapeseed-mustard belonging to Brassica rapa L. (Syn. B. campestris L.), B. napus L., B. juncea (L.) Czern and Coss and B. carinata Braun were artificially screened against Altenaria blight and white rust under field conditions. Significant variability in the severity of these diseases was observed among genotypes. Genotypes JEY-03, Parkland and Span (B.rapa), Hira and JMM-95-5 (B. juncea) were observed resistant to white rust disease. Genotypes PHR-1 and PHR-2 (B. juncea), PBN-2001 and PBN-2002 (B. napus) and PBC-9221 and PCC-5 (B. carinata) showed lower severity of Alternaria blight at the leaf as well as siliqua stage. All the genotypes belonging to B. napus and B. carinata showed resistance to white rust.

4 tables, 8 ref

001623   Ashaduzzaman M;Sharmin A;Das K B;Shahria M H; Islam M M (Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna Univ, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh, Email: a_zaman24@yahoo.com) : Some mechanical wood properties of four fast growing timber species in Khulna region of Bangladesh. J Timb Dev Ass India 2007, 53(3-4), 10-20.

Wood properties of four locally important fast growing timber species (Acacia auriculiformis, Albizia richardiana, Dalbergia sissoo and Samanea saman) occurring in homestead forests of Khulna region of Bangladesh were evaluated. The wood density both in green and oven-dry condition and mechanical properties i.e. modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and screw withdrawal resistance in tangential, radial and end surface showed significant variation among the four species. Wood density of D. sissoo was greater than that of other three species and followed the order, D. sissoo > A. richardiana > A. auriculiformis > S. saman. All the mechanical properties, however, followed a pattern analogous to that of wood density. Attributes such as density in green and oven-dry condition of A. auriculiformis, A. richardiana, D. sissoo were greater than the values reported for teak (Tectonagrandis), However, most of the mechanical properties of the four focal species were inferior to teak.

4 tables, 23 ref

001622   Arulkar K P;Sarode S C;Bhuyar R C (Irrigation and Drainage Engineering Dep, PDKV, Akola-444 005) : Wetting pattern and salt distribution in drip and micro sprinkler irrigation. Agric Sci Dig 2008, 28(2), 124-6.

A study was conducted at the research farm of Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. Mechanical and chemical analysis of the soil was done. From the moisture content it was revealed that the horizontal spread at 91 lit/h discharge rate of micro sprinkler and 4 lit/h of drip irrigation for 1 h and 2 h was 3 m and 0.6 m respectively on the soil surface. The depth attained by the outermost moisture profile in shallow soil was lowest as compared to deep and medium types of soil for 1 h and 2 h operation. In drip and micro sprinkler with the increase in water application, the moisture content of soil increased horizontally and vertically. The moisture content was in the range of 76 to 1,00 % and 71 to 100 % of field capacity under micro sprinkler and drip irrigation. In both the irrigation systems the accumulation of salt was found to be maximum at the periphery of wetted area.

2 tables, 3 ref

001621   Arulkar K P;Hiwase S S (Irrigation and Draniage Engg. Dep, PDKV, Akola-444 004) : Evaluation of crop evapotraspiration for rice (Kharif) in Nagpur district. Agric Sci Dig 2008, 28(2), 149-50.

In the study, weekly meteorological data on rainfall, relative humidity, wind speed and cloudiness was collected from Indian Meteorological Department, Pune for Nagpur district. The probability analysis of rainfall was done by Weibull's plotting position and expected rainfall amount at 50%, 70% and 80% probability were worked out. Rainfall curves at various probability levels were drawn. Values of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) were calculated on weekly basis by Modified Penman method and probability analysis for the same was done. Crop coefficient (Kc) curves were developed as suggested by Doorenbos and Pruitt. The crop water requirement (ET crop) was worked out by using Kc values of rice and ETo values at 70% probability. It was revealed that ETo and ET crop of rice (Kharif) was found to be 2125.69 mm 657.50 mm respectively.

8 ref

001620   Appelbaum S;Jesu Arockia Raj A (The Bengis Centre for Desert Aquaculture, the Albert Katz Dep of Dryla, The Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research Ben-Gurion Univ of t, Sede Boker Campus 84990, Israel, Email: sappl@bgu.ac.il) : Utilization of canola oil and beef fat coated commercial diets by African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles. Anim Nutr Feed Technol 2008, 8(1), 73-9.

Study was to investigate the utilization of canola oil and beef fat as lipid from different sources by African catfish Clarias gariepinus. The fish were fed plant oil (canola oil) and animal fat (beef fat) coated commercial extruded diets for 40 days. The catfish were reared in a fresh water flow through system (0.5 ml/min) at 30°C and 0.2-0.4 ppt temperature and salinity, respectively. The feed was coated with lipid sources at three different concentrations viz. 20% canola oil, 20% beef fat, and 10% canola oil plus 10% beef fat. The control diet was not sprayed with any lipid sources. Three replicates were maintained for each treatment. The fishes were fed to satiation, three times a day at 0900, 1300 and 1700 hrs. The highest specific growth rate (SGR; 1.33%d^-1) and the best food conversion ratio (FCR; 0.94) were obtained when the fish were fed a 20% canola oil coated diet. Feeding this diet the survival was 86.6%. The SGR of juveniles fed 20% canola oil coated commercial diet was statistically significant (P<0.05) compared with the growth rate of juveniles fed 20% beef fat and 10% canola oil plus 10% beef fat coated commercial diets.

3 tables, 33 ref

001619   Anbumalarmathi J;Nadarajan N (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai-625 104) : Association analysis of yield and drought tolerant characters in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under drought stress. Agric Sci Dig 2008, 28(2), 89-92.

A study was undertaken to know the relationship between different drought tolerant and yield component traits in rice under drought stress and to suggest selection strategy for improving grain yield. Using F₂ generation of Nootripathu x ASD18 cross combination, simple phenotypic correlation coefficients and path coefficients were worked out. Grain yield plant^-1 had positive and significant association with productive tillers plant^-1, grains panicle^-1, 100 grain weight, root length, root dry weight, root:shoot ratio and harvest index and also positive inter correlation among themselves. Hence selection for any one of the above characters would bring in simultaneous improvement of other characters and also finally improvement in grain yield. Harvest index had high and positive direct effect on grain yield. Hundred grain weight and root length had moderate and positive direct effect on grain yield plant^-1. Productive tillers plant^-1, grains panicle^-1, 100 grain weight, root length, root dry weight, root: shoot ratio had high and positive indirect effect on grain yield through harvest index. Hence, the traits viz., productive tillers plant^-1, grains panicle^-1 and 100 grain weight have to be given importance in selection process for improvement in yield, since they had positive correlation with grain yield, positive inter correlation among themselves and high indirect effect on grain yield through harvest index.

2 tables, 7 ref

001618   Anaytullah;Ahmad I;Paswan V K (Plant of Physiology Dep, Chandra Sekhar Azad Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-280 002) : Effect of water potential treatment on seed germination and seedlings growth of some rice cultivars (Oryza sativa L.). Indian J agric Res 2008, 42(1), 57-61.

Seeds of (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars CSAR-13, CSAR-27, CSAR-77, CSAR-148-205, CSAR-253, CSAR-256, Pant-12, Basmati-370, IET-11120 and IR-539-30-2-2-3-3 were subjected to water stress in terms of various external water potential during seed germination and seedling growth under osmoticum solution of PEG-6000. The cumulative germination and seedling growth decreased significantly with increasing intensity of stress irrespective of cultivar tested. However, CSAR-13, CSAR-77 and CSAR-27 showed higher tolerance to decreasing water potential with respect to germination, while IET-11120 and IR-539-30-2-2-3-3 proved better for seedling growth under moisture stress condition.

5 tables, 11 ref

001617   Anantharaju P;Meenakshiganesan N (Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003) : Genetic divergence studies in finger millet {Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn}. Indian J agric Res 2008, 42(2), 120-3.

Fifty genotypes of finger millet were studied for genetic divergence using D₂ analysis for ten quantitative traits. These genotypes were grouped into fourteen clusters. Out of which, Cluster I had seventeen genotypes, cluster III ten genotypes, cluster V six genotypes, cluster VI seven genotypes, cluster II, cluster IV and clusters VII to XIV consisted of one genotype each. Considering the inter cluster distances, it was the highest between cluster XI and XIII followed by the inter cluster distance of V and XI and XIII and XIV. Cluster XIV (genotype MS 3221) had the highest mean for grain yield and productive tiller number. For number of fingers, cluster IV (genotype TNAU, 972) and cluster X1I1 (genotype Indaf 11), for finger length cluster X (PR 202) and for thousand grain weight cluster XI (AF 260) were the superior clusters for the respective characters, the genotypes of which can be effectively used in breeding programmes. Among the characters, days to 50% flowering followed by number of leaves contributed more towards the total divergence.

5 tables, 9 ref