001616   Anand L R;Vannessa J (Zoology Dep, College Science, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007) : Influence of earthwormcast application on the yield of Sorghum bicolor. Agric biol Res 2008, 24(1), 1-8.

Objective of the present experiment is to study the influence of application of castings of earthworm Megascolex mauritii on the yield of Sorghum bicolor. The earthworm castings and black sandy loam soil from Nalgonda district, A.P. were mixed in different proportions and potted experiments were conducted with Sorghum bicolor. The data on the weight of the panicle, moisture content and number of seeds in the panicle were recorded in different combinations of soil and casts mixtures. The results of the experiment revealed that the earthworm castings had a significant effect on the yield. The recorded data were analysed statistically by ANOVA method. The mixture of 1:1 of black soil and casts was found to be optimum combination for better quality and higher yield.

1 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

001615   Amit Kumar;Sandeep Kumar (Agronomy Dep, CCR (PG) College, Muzaffarnagar-251 001) : Crop growth and development characteristics of Indian mustard var Vardan to varying levels of nitrogen and sulphur. Indian J agric Res 2008, 42(2), 112-15.

The field experiment was conducted on Vardan variety of Indian mustard during Nov, 2003 to March, 2004 to find out the effect of various doses of nitrogen (0, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 kg/ ha) and sulphur (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ ha) on crop growth rate and various developmental characters. The results indicated that 50% flowering and 50% podding started significantly earlier in the plots fertilized with nitrogen and sulphur compared to control plot but the days to attain maturity were not affected by fertilization. The grain growth duration was significantly longer by 9 days for fertilized plots compared to control. However, crop growth rates at different stages of growth were not affected by fertilizer application.

1 table, 4 ref

001614   Allizadeh M;Singh S K;Jhang T;Sharma T R (NO, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Univ, Gorgan, Iran, Email: sanjaydr2@gmail.com) : Inter simple sequence repeat analysis to confirm genetic stability of micropropagated plantlets in three grape (Vitis spp) rootstock genotypes. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2008, 17(1), 77-80.

Three grape rootstock genotypes - Dogridge (Vitis champini), SO4 (V. berlandieri x V. rupestris) and H-144 (V. vinifera x V. labrusca), and their 30 in vitro regenerated plantlets were subjected to Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) analysis in order to ascertain the genetic stability of micropropagated plantlets. Out of 35 primers screened initially with three mother plants, 10 were finally selected based on sufficient polymorphism and appearance of clear and scorable banding patterns. Each primer generated a unique set of amplification products ranging in size from 100 to 1800 bp. These ten ISSR primers produced 81 distinct and scorable band classes with an average of 8.1 bands per primer. Based on similarity matrix and cluster analysis the rootstock genotypes and their tissue culture derivatives formed three distinct genetic groups indicating their genetic relationships. Furthermore, no variation was detected among in vitro regenerated grape plantlets and their field-grown mother plants corroborating the high level of clonal fidelity of the in vitro regenerated plantlets and supporting the multiplication protocol utilizing nodal segments as in vitro culture initiation material.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

001613   Ale F A;Singh T (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Kisan P.G. College, Simbhaoli-245 207) : Variability and character association analysis in F<. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(2), 637-40.

Variabality and character association analysis between seed yield and its component characters were car-- ried out in four F₂ populations of mungbean. The estimates of coefficient of variability and heritability were high for all the characters except number of seeds per pod. The correlation and path coefficient analysis revealed that biological yield, harvest index and number of pods per plant were the major yield contributing characters and an emphasis should be given to these characters while making selection for realizing improvement in seed yield in mungbean.

3 tables, 8 ref

001612   Akashe V B;Ghadge S M;Gud M A;Deshpande A N (All India Coordinated Research Project (Safflower), Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Solapur-413 002) : Efficacy of newer insecticides against safflower aphid, Uroleucon compositae T.. J Oilseed Res 2008, 25(1), 118-19.

^ssc1 table, 3 ref

001611   Aich S S;Ali M N;Sasmal B G (Genetics Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252) : Varaiability and path analysis of panicle characters in aman rice cultivars. Agric biol Res 2008, 24(1), 64-9.

Genetic variability, direct and indirect effects of 12 paincle characters on grain yield were estimated from 25 (shallow deep) aman rice cultivate. Highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variations were recorded in number of high density grains, good grains and filled grains per panicle, panicle weight and grain yield/plant. High heritability (in broad sense) accompanied with high genetic advance was observed in number of filled grains, good grains and high density grains per panicle, 100-kernel and grain weights, and grain yield/plant. High positive direct effect with significantly positive association was recorded in panicle weight, filled grains, good grains and high density grains per panicle, kernel length and breadth, 100-kernel and grain weights. Higher number of filled grains and high density grains per panicle, long slender kernel, 100-grain weight and panicle weight are the direct components for effective selection indices in shallow deep aman rice cultivars.

2 tables, 14 ref

001610   Ahlawat O P;Gupta P;Shwet Kamal;Dhar B L (National Research Centre for Mushroom, , Chambaghat, Solan-173 213, Email: ahlawat22op@gmail.com) : Development of molecular and biochemical markets for selecting a potential high yielding strain of paddy straw mushrooms (Volvariella volvaceae). J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2008, 17(1), 57-63.

Twelve 'normal type' strains of paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) varied in their mycelial growth characteristics, and the fast growing strains, OE-215, OE-209 and OE-212 exhibited higher activity of cellulases, but not of laccase and polyphenol oxidase. In protein profiles, out of twelve, two strains, OE-210 and OE-273 varied only at one protein band with respect to its intensity. The four strains, OE-272, OE-140, OE-209 and OE-55 with higher activity of endoglucanase,β-glucosidase, xylanase and laccase, were also recorded to have higher protein content in their mycelial cultures. The RAPD profiles obtained with 5 OPB series primers varied in different strains and the combined phylogenetic analysis of the RAPD profiles revealed 5 distinct phylogenetic clusters, where in the strains with common origin showed 85% to 95% similarity. The strain, OE-210, with a low intensity protein band in its protein profile also varied in mycelial growth rate on two different media, possessed highest activity of endoglucanase, β-glucosidase, laccase and polyphenol oxidase and also showed highest dissimilarity of 28% with other strains in phylogenetic analysis. The study thus, reveals that strains with faster mycelial growth rate, forming aerial mycelia and chlamydospores, also exhibited higher activities of xylanase, exoglucanase, endoglucanase or p-glucosidase, while simply higher activity of an individual enzyme was not found sufficient to support the mycelial growth and mushroom yield. A relationship between origin of the strains and their phylogenetic belongingness was also recorded, as the strains from different origins formed different clusters in combined phylogenetic analysis.

3 illus, 3 tables

001609   Ahlawat D S;Singh H;Singh D;Rohilla H R (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Kurukshetra, Haryana) : Predatory potential of lady bird beetle, Coccinella septempunctata L. on mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.). J Oilseed Res 2008, 25(1), 62-3.

Grub of Coccinella septempunctata consumed a total of 20.67, 64.50, 171.43 and 299.82 aphids (nymphs and adults) during first to fourth instars, respectively. On an average male consumed less, i.e., 118.93 aphids as against the 127.68 aphids/day by female in their respective life spans. When fixed number of aphids were provided as prey to know number of predators in pairs, it was observed that single male ad female took more time, i.e., 19.2 and 16.6 days, respectively as against only 4.6 days required to consume 9 aphids colonies (on an average 100 to 150 aphids/colony) of the prey by three pairs of predators.

2 tables, 6 ref

001608   Ahlawat D S;Singh H;Singh D;Rohilla H R (Entomology Dep, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Morphological traits and phenological stages of promising entries of rapeseed-mustard germplasm vis-a-vis mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) resistance. J Oilseed Res 2008, 25(1), 58-61.

The morphological traits of Brassica genotypes viz., colour of leaf, stem and flower did not have clear cut impact on mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) infestation, except purple and pale green colour of leaves (Purple mutant and TMH-52) and dull yellow and greenish yellow colour of flowers (TMH-52 and Brassica tournifortii) exhibited antixenosis to mustard aphid. Duration to flowering initiation, 50% flowering and 100% flowering showed non-significant positive correlation with peak aphid infestation likewise angle of orientation of siliqua to main raceme and number of buds and flowers/main raceme had no effect on aphid infestation except that siliquae oriented widely on raceme invited more aphid population (Pusa Kalyani), while Brassica nigra with narrow siliqua angle was resistant to it. The inflorescence raceme dry weight showed positive but non-significant correlation with peak aphid population irrespective of genotypes. The inflorescence dry weight of B. tournifortii (8.3%) was significantly less as compared to other genotypes, which was resistant to aphid infestation.

1 table, 11 ref

001607   Agrawal K P (NAIP, , G-29 Brahma Appts., Sector-7, Plot-7, Dwarka, New Delhi-110 075) : Organic dairy farming. Indian Dairyman 2008, 60(3), 45-8.

Organic dairy farming should have a holistic approach wherein use of external inputs, like synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, including growth promoters, livestock additives and other harmful agents in agriculture and allied practices should be minimized. Use of the external inputs both at pre-production and post-production level has equal concern and should be discouraged. Organic farming is limited to inclusion or exclusion of certain inputs but based on number of principles of production. Organic approach optimizes the health and productivity of interdependent commodities like soil, plants, animals and people.

001606   Agrawal K;Guhey A (Plant Physiology Dep, College of Agriculture IGKVV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh) : Nitrobenzene: as a possible approach to improve morphopysiological and yield attributes in sunflower (Helianthus annus L.). Agric biol Res 2008, 24(1), 30-6.

Investigation was conducted in the screen house of Department of Plant Physiology, [GKVV, Raipur (C.G.) to improve morphophysiological and yield components in sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) by using nitrobenzene. Nitrobenzene is a plant energizer, flowering stimulant and yield booster, prevents the premature drop of flowers and seeds. Consequently, decreasing sterility % and increasing the overall yield. The experiment was laid down in completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and four replications. Recommended dose of fertilizer NPK @ 80:60:40 kgha^-1 was applied at the time of sowing (N in two split doses). Foliar spray of nitrobenzene was done at different phenological growth stages of sunflower viz. vegetative; head formation, flowering and seed setting stages and observations regarding morphological, pinsiological and yield attribute- were taken at vegetative, head formation, flowering and maturity stages. The results revealed that the growth parameters and yield attributes were favorably affected by nitrobenzene application. The yield is the integral of all physiological and biological processes. In crux, nitrobenzene appeared to be enough efficient in improving the growth and developmental parameters and ultimately accelerated the sink potential of the crop.

2 tables, 7 ref

001605   Agrawal A;Mahalakshmi C;Tyagi R K (Tissue Culture and Cryopreservation Unit, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi-110 012, Email: rktyagi@nbpgr.ernet.in) : Use of commercial sugar, isabgol and ordinary water in culture medium for conservation of Curcuma longa L. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2008, 17(1), 85-9.

Commercial sugar (market sugar or cube sugar) as carbon source, psyllium seed hask commonly known as isabgol (Plantago ovata) as gelling agent, and medium prepared in ordinary water [OW; pH: 7.48; electrical conductivity (EC): 299 (μS cm^-1] instead of deionized distilled water (DW; pH: 5.67; EC: 5 μS cm^-1), did not show any significant effect on micropropagation and in vitro conservation of Curcuma longa cv Prathibha as compared to the control medium (CM) that was prepared with sucrose, gelled with agar in DW. The isabgol-gelled media not only supported better survival of cultures than those on agar-gelfed media, but was also very cost-effective. After 12 months of conservation, significantly higher survival of 33-44% cultures was recorded in isabgol-gelled media, whereas only 16% of cultures survived on CM. By substituting inexpensive sources of three major components of the medium - market sugar, isabgol and OW, up to 84% decrease in cost of medium for plant regeneration and in vitro conservation could be achieved.

1 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

001604   Agarwal B K;Karmakar S;Rakesh Kumar;Shahi D K;Sinha A K (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Birsa Agricultural Univ, Ranchi-834 006) : Impact of tillage practices on soil physical environment and productivity of rainfed upland rice. Ann Pl Soil Res 2008, 10(1), 6-9.

Twenty-one field experiments ware conducted on farmer's field during kharif 2001, 2002 and 2003 to study the impact of tillage practices on soil physical environment and productivity of rainfed upland rice. Conventional tillage by MB plough + two pre-sowing ploughings by MB plough along with pre sowing application (one month before sowing) of @ 5t FYM ha has resulted in reduction in bulk density and penetrometer resistance and increase in total porosity of surface soil. No marked effect of tillage operation was observed in sub- soil layer. Available Water Storage Capacity (AWSC) was affected positively with the degree of tillage operation. Conventional tillage by Deshi plough resulted the lowest grain and straw yield. Both MB ploughing and FYM application have additive effect resulting in maximum grain yield of 31.1 q ha^-1. Benefit: cost ratio ranged from 1.04 to 1.74 for various tillage treatments.

3 tables, 4 ref

000914   Wu J;Peng S;Zhao H;Xiao H (NO, Graduate school of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China, Email: wujinrong@scbg.ac.cn) : Allelopathic effect of Wedelia triobata residues on lettuce germination and seedling growth. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 197-203.

Invasive plant Wedelia trilobata has allelopathic effects on germination and growth of native plants due to the allelochemicals released from its leaves and roots, however, little is known about the allelopathic potential of its residues. Studies the effects of residues of W. trilobata on lettuce germination and seedling growth in sterilized and non-sterilized soils. The residue leachates inhibited the germination of lettuce, and the inhibition increased with the increment of residue content in the soil. Seedling growth was relatively less affected, hence the biomass, ameliorated in both sterilized and non-sterilized soil's. The chlorophyll content of lettuce leaves increased in the non-sterilized soil but decreased in sterilized soil. The decreased activity of CAT and the increased MDA indicated an oxidative stress in non-sterilized treatment. However, germination rate, biomass and chlorophyll content were higher than sterilized treatment. These results indicated that the residues of invasive W. trilobata may facilitate its invasion through inhibiting the germination of native plants. Soil microbes could alleviate the adverse effects of W. trilobata residues.

1 illus, 24 ref

000913   Wu H S;Liu D Y;Ling Ning;Bao W;Ying R R;Ou Y H;Huo Z H;Li Y F;Shen Q R (Laboratory for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, , Nanjing, 210095 China, Email: shenqirong@njau.edu.cn ) : Effects of vanillic acid on the growth and development of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 111-21.

Determines the possible role of vanillic acid in a root cxudates, in the development of fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum (FON), the effects of vanillic acid on the growth and development of FON were studied. Vanillic acid was added into the media to culture the FON. Vanillic acid stimulated the FON growth and biomass production, increased the fungal mycotoxin production, increased the proteinase and amylase activity and altered the fungal morphology. However, it inhibited the conidial germination. Concludes that secretion of vanillic acid by roots of plants susceptible to fusarium wilt might facilitate the development of this disease.

7 illus, 53 ref

000912   Wang Z Y;Tian Z J;Li F M;An Z;Hu H Y (Environmental Science and Engineering Dep, Tsinghua Univ, Beijing, 100084, China, Email: 1fm01@ouc.edu.cn) : Allelopathic effects of large seaweeds on red tide dinoflagellate Gymnodinium breve. Allelopathy J 2008, 22(1), 181-8.

Evaluates the allelopathic activity of 7-spp. of large seaweeds (Undaria pinnatifida (Harv.) Suringar, Entermorpha prolifera (Muell) J. Ag, Grateloupia filicina (Wulf.) C. Agardh, Sargassum sp, Ulva pertusa Kjellm., Porphyra haitanensis and Sargassum fusiforme (Harv.) setch.) on Gymnodinium breve Davis. Both E. Prolifera and U. Pertusa proved most inhibitory and caused 98% and 94% Inhibition in growth of G. brew and their median effective concentration (EC5o) values were 2.95 and 1.45 gL^-1, respectively. The ethanol extract from U. pertusa was analyzed using GC-MS and indicated the presence of 18 components in the extract. The main component was 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid,bis(2-methylpropyl)ester. Both E. Prolifera and U. Pertusa exhibited strong allelopathic activity against the growth of (7. breve. All the chemicals need further research for confirmation.

3 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

000911   Veeranjaneyulu A;Eswari K B;Srinivasa Rao V; Ramana J V (Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, Agricultural College, Bapatla-522 101) : Association analysis for yield and its components in blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]. Andhra Agric J 2007, 54(3-4), 134-8.

Correlation and path analysis were carried out using forty genotypes of blackgram for thirteen component characters including seed yield. Seed yield per plant was positively and significantly associated with ail the traits studied except protein content. Path analysis revealed that number of pods per plant had high positive and direct effect on seed yield followed by harvest index, pod length and days to 50% flowering. The characters viz., days to maturity, plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, seeds per pod and total dry matter per plant showed high positive indirect effects on seed yield via most of characters.

3 tables, 8 ref

000910   Varalakshmi P;Arjuna Rao P;Madhumati T; Krishnaiah P V;Srinivasa Rao V (Entomology Dep, Agricultural College, Bapatla-522 101) : Efficacy of some eco-friendly and conventional insecticidal treatments against Plutella xylostella (Linn.) infesting cauliflower. Andhra Agric J 2007, 54(3-4), 149-52.

Field studies were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of conventional insecticides viz., profenophos and thiodicarb and eco-friendly chemicals viz., spinosad, B.t lufenuron and neemoil either alone (or) in combination with the chitin inhibitor, lufenuron and bio-pesticide, B.t. at half of their recommended concentrations against Plutella xylostella (Linn.) on cauliflower at the Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla during rabi, 2003-04. The combination treatments of B.t. 0.1 percent + spinosad 0.0075 percent, lufenuron 0.005 percent + spinosad 0.0075 per cent and spinosad 0.015 per cent were found to be the most effective among all the treatments in reducing the larval population of P.xylostella. The descending order of efficacy among the remaining treatments was B.t. 0.1 per cent + thiodicarb 0.0375 per cent > lufenuron 0.005 per cent + thiodicarb 0.0375 per cent > thiodicab 0.075 per cent > B.t. 0.1 per cent + profenophos 0.025 per cent > lufenuron 0.005 per cent + profenophos 0.025 per cent > profenophos 0.05 per cent > B.t. 0.1 per cent + lufenuron 0.005 per cent > B.t. 0.1 per cent + neemoil 0.5 per cent > lufenuron 0.005 per cent + neemoil 0.5% > lufenuron 0.001 per cent > B.t. 0.2 per cent > neemoil 1 per cent.

1 table, 9 ref

000909   Vanlalhluna P C;Sahoo U K (Forestry Dep, School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Mizoram Uni, Post Box: 190, Aizawl-796 009) : Management effect on crop yield in a Gmelina arborea based agroforestry system in humid tropic of North East India. J Hill Res 2008, 21(1), 13-19.

The effects of mulches on tree growth and yield of ginger, turmeric and maize in a Gmelina arborea based agroforestry system were studied during 2003-2005 in the humid tropic of India. The Mean Annual Increment (MAI) in height, collar diameter, crown diameter and biomass of the tree was higher in mulched treatments compared to control (without mulch). Amongst treatments, plots with subabul leaves mulch showed better growth of tree (MAI) compared to other treatments (rice straw and weeds mulch). Plots having higher mulch doses (10 t/ha) also had more benefits to the trees growth compared to other treatments (8 and 6 t/ha). The crop yield from mulch application (ginger, turmeric and maize intercropping) was low in the first year, which significantly (P d" 0.05) increased after two years. In all the crops, the crop yield was higher under mulch treatments compared to control (without mulch). The study depicts that mulching can be an effective tool to improve crop productivity under Gmelina arborea based agroforestry system in humid tropic of north east India.

1 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

000908   Vaidya V K;Kelkar M V (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Science, 15, Madam Cama Road, Mumbai-400 032) : Preparation and efficacy testing of biofertilizer. J microbial Wld 2008, 10(1), 54-61.

Extensive use of chemical fertilizers though has increased crop production, has also resulted in tremendous environmental pollution. An effort was made in the present research to identify an ecofriendly substitute that can reduce demand on chemical fertilizers. Free living Azotobacter chroococcum and phosphate solubilizing Bacillus megaterium were isolated from soil. The biomass produced from them was formulated in a carrier based preparation after determining the suitable carrier for survival of the Azotobacter chroococcum. Effect of single and dual inocula (in various combinations) was studied in pot experiments on growth of wheat over a period of 10 days. A 1:1 combination of Azotobacter chroococcum and Bacillus megaterium was found to be most effective in enhancing plant growth and increasing plant and soil nitrogen as wall as phosphorus. When the biofertilizer was applied in combination with chemical fertilizer, it was shown to replace 25% of chemical fertilizer.

4 tables, 16 ref

000907   Udeybir K R;Yadav B S;Tewatia;Sanjay Kumar; Ahlawat M (Animal Nutrition Dep, College of Veterinary Science, Kumarganj, Faizabad-224 229, Email: ubchahal1@india.com) : Nutrient utilization, excreta moisture and intestinal viscosity of digesta in broiler chickens feed pearl millet based diet. Anim Nutr Feed Technol 2007, 7(2), 197-204.

Experiment was conducted to study the effect of processing and enzyme supplementation in pearl millet based diet for starter (0-4 week) and fisher (4-6 weeks) broilers. Day old broiler chicks (n=400) were randomly distributed into ten treatments having two replicates each. Control T₁ (Maizeªsoybean based diet) was as per BIS (1992) whereas T₂- 66 per cent maize replaced with pearl millet, T₃- 100 per cent maize replaced with pearl millet, T. - T₁ + multienzyme, T, - T₂ + multienzyme, T₆ - T₃ + multienzyme, T₇ - 66 per cent maize replaced with reconstituted pearl millet, T₈, - 100 percent maize replaced with reconstituted pearl millet, T₉- T₇ + multienzyme and T₁₀- T₈ + multienzyme. The results revealed that dry matter retention significantly increased when pearl millet was incorporated at 66 per cent level and reconstituted pearl millet at 66 per cent and l00 per cent level. The significant improvement in per cent nitrogen retention was observed in pearl millet based ration, at all the levels of the substitution as such, reconstituted or with or without enzyme supplementation. The excreta moisture was significantly higher in treatments T₂, T₃, T₆' T₇, T₈, T₉ and T₁₉₀ as compared to control (T₁). Apparently higher intestinal viscosity was recorded in all pearl millet based diet. It was concluded that nitrogen retention, DM retention except (T₃) and excreta moisture (except T₅> were improved in with or without enzyme supplemented raw pearl millet and reconstituted pearl millet based diet, whereas gross energy metabolizability was lowered in raw pearl millet based diet.

4 tables, 21 ref

000906   Tiwary M K;Tiwari D P;Mondal B C;Anil Kumar (Animal Nutrition Dep, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G.B. Pant University of Agr, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: dptiwari4@rediffmail.com) : Macro and micro mineral profile in soil, feeds and animals in Haridwar district of Uttarakhand. Anim Nutr Feed Technol 2007, 7(2), 187-95.

Mineral profile in soil, water, feeds, fodder and blood serum of cattle and buffaloes of plain region of Haridwar district of Uttarakhand were studied. The macro and micro mineral contents in soil were higher than their respective critical levels. However, the feed ingredients were found to be low in P, Mg and Cu contents. Low P and Cu contents were observed in serum of the animals. The wheat straw contained moderate amount of Ca (0040±0.03 %) while other minerals such as Zn (43.00±2.28 ppm) , Fe (271.3l±27.83 ppm) and Se (0.13±0.0l ppm) were found slightly higher than their normal range, whereas it was deficient in P (0.14±0.01 %), Mg (0.10±0.01 %), Cu (3.44±0.66 ppm), Co (0.19±0.01 ppm) and Mn (33.58±4.30 ppm). Green fodders like sorghum and maize contained moderate amount of Ca (0.32±0.03 %), P (0.26±0.03 %), Zn (64.00±10.82 ppm), Fe (317.50±29.68 ppm), Co (0.79±0.06 ppm) , Mn (60045±12.68 ppm) and Se (0.22±0.02 ppm) while low in Mg (0.11±0.01 %) and Cu (6.69±0.66 ppm). Protein rich feed ingredients viz., soybean cake, mustard cake (Brassica campestris var. sarson), lahi (Brassica campestris var. toria) etc. were good sources of Ca, P, Zn, Fe, Co, Mn and Se. The other feeds such as commercial pelleted feed, complete feed block and gram chunni contained high Ca, P, Zn, Fe and Mn but low Cu content. The blood serum mineral concentrations for Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe and Mn (10043±0.22mg/dl, 1.65±0.14mg/dl, 1.54±0.l1ppm, 1.97±0.19 ppm and 0.54±0.02 ppm), respectively, were found above their respective critical levels except for Cu and P. The serum P (3.79±0.2lmg/dl) and Cu (0046±0.07 ppm) were deficient with their values falling below their respective critical levels. The mean concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, Co and Mn in water were 7.01±0.05; 0.27±0.02; l5.63t,0.70; 0.39±0.05; 0048±0.05; 0.02±0.00; 0.03±0.01 and 0.25±0.03 ppm, respectively. Most of the animals were found to have reproductive problems, which could be attributed to P deficiency in this region. To overcome the deficiency, strategic dietary supplementation of minerals with better bioavailability could be a suitable approach.

3 tables, 25 ref

000905   Tiwary M K;Tiwari D P;Anil Kumar;Mondal B C (Animal Nutrition Dep, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences G.B. Pant University of Agri, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: dptiwari4@rediffmail.com) : Existing feeding practices, nutrient availability and reproductive status of dairy cattle and buffaloes in Haridwar district of Uttarakhand. Anim Nutr Feed Technol 2007, 7(2), 177-85.

An investigation was conducted in four villages, two each from Roorkee and Laksar tehsils in Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, to find out the existing crop-livestock production system, macro nutrients status in feeds and fodder and feeding practices. Fifteen farmers under three major categories on land holding basis i.e. landless (0 acre), small (2-5 acres) and large (>5 acres) from each village were selected. A benchmark survey was conducted through common questionnaire in order to collect the information on farmers' family size, land holding, cropping pattern and irrigation facilities as well as livestock population, milk yield, feeding pattern along with mineral mixture and salt supplementation and reproductive status of the animals. Land holding, livestock holding and family size were the main factors influencing the nutritional status of the animals. Total cultivated area from selected villages owned as 41. 7 and 58.3 per cent by small and large farmers, respectively. Main crops cultivated during kharif season are paddy, maize, sorghum, cowpea, etc, while during rabi season wheat; Berseem, etc. are the major crops. Most of the farmers used to prepare home made concentrate mixtures by blending locally available concentrate ingredients such as soybean cake, mustard cake, toria (Lahi), gram chunni, wheat bran, wheat grain, deoiled rice bran, etc. and provided it to their animals in the form of sani (blend of concentrate, wheat straw and green fodder sprinkled with water). Complete feed block (CFB) and cattle feed (pellet) were purchased from the market and mostly fed to milch animals by the farmers of Roorkee tehsil. Wheat straw was the sole roughage used during all seasons along with available green fodders and almost all farmers used it as a basal fodder. Livestock (cattle and buffaloes) of 40 to 50 per cent farmers of the target area were found with different reproductive problems such as anoestrus (8.51 and 6.87 % in animals of Laksar and Roorkee tehsil, respectively), repeat breeding (11.35 and 5.84 % in animals of Laksar and Roorkee tehsil, respectively. Animals of surveyed area exhibited a deficiency in DM, DCP and TDN intake. In view of the scarcity of greens and high cost of concentrates, use of unconventional feeds with supplementation of mineral mixture may be beneficial to improve the nutritional status of the animals. There is further scope for improvement in production by feeding the animals as per the recommended standards.

2 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

000904   Tandom S (Chemistry (Agricultural Chemicals Div) Dep, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: shishir_tandom2000@yahoo.co.in) : Persistance of pendimethalin in soil and potato tuber. Potato J 2008, 35(1-2), 100-02.

^ssc1 table, 4 ref

000903   Swain S C;Rath S;Ray D P (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Orissa Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Gunupur, Dist- Ranagada, Orissa-765 022) : Effect of NPK levels and mulching on turmeric in rainfed uplands. J Res-Birsa Agric Univ 2006, 18(2), 247-50.

An investigation was undertaken to study the effect of graded doses of fertilizer (0:0:0, 60:30:90, 80:40: 100, 100:50:110 and 120:60: 120 kg NPK/ha) and mulching (Polyethelene mulch and no mulching) on growth, yield and economics of turmeric cv Surarna during 2000-2001 and 2001-2002. The growth parameters, yield attributes and fresh rhizome yield were significantly increased by increasing the N:P₂O₅:K₂O levels from 0:0:0 to 120:60: 120 Kg/ha and by applying mulch @ 22.5 t/ha. Although the highest yield of green rhizome of 19.1 t/ha was obtained from 120:60: 120 Kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O/ha level, but the highest benefit cost ratio of 2.75 was obtained from 100:50: 1 10 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O/ha. Application of Paddy straw mulch @ 22.5 the increased the rhizome yield by 62.2% over no mulching.

1 tables, 3 ref

000902   Surya Prakasa Rao K;Rao P V (Floriculture scheme, Agricultural Research Institute, ANGR Agricultural Univ, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030) : Influence of holding solutions, refrigerated dry storage and packing material on keeping quality of cut flowers of gladiolus variety yellow frill. Andhra Agric J 2007, 54(3-4), 173-7.

Gladiolus variety 'Yellow frill' was cultivated in the kharif season during 2003 and 2004 on vertisol at the Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar. The cut flowers were studied for strategies to improve the floral characteristics and vase life of the spikes. Preservation of the cut spikes in floral preservatives containing sucrose 4% + Al (SO₄) ₃ + Na O Cl 25 ppm or sucrose 4% + Dichlorphene 50 ppm significantly increased the longevity of the cut flowers. The refrigerated dry storage for 6 - 12 days also improved the flower quality and vase life of gladiolus. Polythene or cellophane sleeves were the ideal packing material for storage in fiber-boards for 24 - 48 hours to prolong the shelf life of the flowers with substantial improvement in increasing the floret size and percentage of open flowers.

3 tables, 7 ref

000901   Suresh Babu A V;Venkateshwar Rao V; Muralikrishna I V (Water Resources Div, National Remote Sensing Agency, Space Dep, , Balanagar, Hyderabad-500 037) : Spatial cropping pattern analysis for benchmarking of an irrigation command - remote sensing approach. Andhra Agric J 2007, 54(3-4), 144-8.

Benchmarking of an irrigation command is a process of periodic evaluation through estimation of sev. eral performance indicators viz., cropping pattern, irrigation intensity, agricultural crop production, efficiency of water delivery system, economic performance etc. Continuous performance evaluation and comparison with the planned targets would be useful for diagnostic evaluation of the problem areas and taking the corrective mea. sures in an irrigation command. Conventional mechanism of estimation of these indicators which demands the data on cropping pattern can be easily supplemented with spatial cropping pattern information derived through satellite remote sensing technology. In this study, spatial cropping pattern information useful for benchmarking study was derived from satellite data. Multi-temporal satellite data over Nagarjuna Sagar Left Canal Command Andhra Pradesh was procured capturing the rabi crop information during 1990-91 and 1998-99 (in a decade span). Hierarchical crop classification approach was followed to interpret the crop information from satellite images and classify various crops existing in the irrigation command through digital image processing. Signifi. cant changes that have occurred in NSLC during a decade span was analysed at disaggregated level and project level details are presented in this paper.

3 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

000900   Sumathi I;Venkateswarlu B;Hanumantha Rao Y (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural College, Bapatla) : Effect of FYM and phosphorus on growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum Linn.). Andhra Agric J 2007, 54(3-4), 111-13.

A field experiment was conducted on clay loam soils of Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla during rabi season to study the performance of chickpea at different levels of FYM and phosphorus. The results of the experiment revealed that FYM application at 10 t ha^-1 resulted in the highest growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of chickpea. Further, it resulted in higher soil moisture content at 30 and 60 DAS. Phosphorus application up to 60 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 registered increase in the growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of chickpea. Further increment in phosphorus level upto 90 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 was statistically comparable with 60 kg P₂ O₅ ha^-1.

2 tables, 9 ref

000899   Subba Rao G;Srinivas D;Mukundarao B;Prasad P R K;Satyanarayana T V (Andhra Pradesh Water Management Project, , Bapatla-522 101) : Yield and yield attributes of rice varieties as influenced by soil salinity. Andhra Agric J 2007, 54(3-4), 121-3.

An experiment was conducted in the farmer's field of Kovelamudi village under Mutluru Channel Command of Krishna Western Delta, Guntur District to study the performance of rice varieties under saline and water logged conditions. Out of ten Varieties tested, MTU 7029 followed by CSR 154 recorded significantly higher grain yield (6.1 t/ha) over the other varieties. However CSR 13, NLR 145, MTU 2067 and MTU 4870 have also recorded higher yield but at par with the check variety (BPT 5204). NLR 33358 registered significantly lower grain yield over other varieties.

1 table, 4 ref

000898   Sreelekshmi R;Latha P G;Arafat M M;Shyamal S; Shine V I;Anuja G I;Suja S R;Rajasekharan S (Tropical Botanic garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562, Email: lathagopalkrishnan@yahoo.com) : Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-lipid peroxidation studies on stem bark of Ticus religiosa Linn.. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(5), 377-81.

The methanol extract of the stem bark of Ficus religiosa Linn., The Peepal tree, was reserved for its anti-inflammatory activity in Wistar albino rats and analgesic effects in Swiss albino significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced rat pawoedema, comparable to that produced by mdomethacin, the standard anti-inflammatory drug, was obtained with all the three doses of the. A significant inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing in mice was observed with two doses of the extract. The analgesic effect was comparable to that caused by the standard drug, aspirin. The methanol extract also showed significant anti-lipid peroxidant effects in vitro.

1 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

000897   Sreelatha U;Baburaj T S;Narayanan Kutty C; Nazeem P A;Bhaskar J (NO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Thrissur, Agricultural Research Station, college, Vellanikara-680 656, Email: sreeu2005@yahoo.com) : Cultivation prospects of Exacum bicolor Roxb. - an endangered ornamental and anti-diabetic herb. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(5), 402-04.

Exacum bicolor Roxb. is a perennial herb with attractive flowers and medicinal properties. The plant is endemic to Peninsular India and now it is placed under endangered species. Its ornamental value and medicinal properties are yet to be fully exploited; non-lodging nature of plant, bi-coloured flower bunches with a long flowering period and good field life offer great future for this plant. Field observations and cultivation trials on this plant are reported for its proper utilization, conservation and cultivation as a beautiful medicinal herb in tropical regions.

12 ref

000896   Soren N M;Sastry V R B;Saha S K;Kumar A (Animal Nutrition Division, Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar-304 501, Email: nmsoren@rediffmail.com) : Quantification of karanjin in raw and variously processed expeller pressed karanj (Pongamia glabra) cake using high performance liquid chromatography. Anim Nutr Feed Technol 2007, 7(2), 261-8.

Efforts were made to determine karanjin present in karanj (Pongamia glabra) cake by HPLC. Physical treatments involving of water soaking (1:1.5, 2, w/v), water washing (1:4, 5, w/v), pressure cooking (1:0.5, 1, w/v) and dry heat treatment (1OO±2°C) for 24 hours were tried. Chemical treatments (24 hours; 1:1, w/v) comprised of alkali (NaOH. Ca (OH) 2 (lime), KOH and NaHC0₃) treatments and urea ammoniation at graded levels viz. 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3%. Treatment of EKC with binder, hydroxy sodium calcium alumino silicate (HSCAS) at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 % (1:1, w/w) level was also tried. Microbiological treatment consisted of incubating cake with strains of Saccaromyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus oryzae for different time (24, 48 and 72 h) intervals at 37°C using solid-state fermentation technique. Karanjin content in the detoxified cakes was estimated by HPLC using C18 reverse phase column and methanol and water (80:20) as mobile phase against karanjin standard at 250 nm. Karanjin content in EKC was found to be 0.285%, while physical treatments involving pressure cooking (1:0.5 and 1) for 30 minutes markedly (P<0.01) reduced karanjin content (0.23 and 0.25%, respectively). Chemical treatment by lime at I and 2.5 % and sodium hydroxide at 2.5 % level significantly (P<0.01) reduced karanjin content. Toxin binder at 0.1 % had a significant (P<0.01) effect in reducing the karanjin content by 16.4 %. Fermentation with S. cerevisiae and A. oryzae could not yield any beneficial effects in reducing karanjin content. It could be concluded that pressure cooking (1:0.5 and 1:1) and treatment with lime (1 and 2.5%), sodium hydroxide (2.5%) and HSCAS (0.1 %) might be useful in detoxification of karanj cake for livestock feeding at a reasonable level of incorporation.

^ssc2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

000895   Soren N M;Bhar R;Chhabra A K;Mandal A B (Animal Nutrition Division, Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar-304 501, Email: nmsoren@rediffmail.com) : Effect of different levels of rice bran on the performance of crossbred pigs. Anim Nutr Feed Technol 2007, 7(2), 235-9.

Fifty-four crossbred gilts of average body weight (26.11±0.08 kg) were randomly divided into 18 groups of three animals each. Six replicated groups were assigned to one of three dietary treatments containing 0 (R₁), 41 (R₂) and 82% (R₃) rice bran (RB), to replace 0, 50 or 100% of maize and wheat bran respectively. At the end of feeding trial of 112 days, a digestibility trial was conducted to assess digestibility of nutrients and nutritional plane. Dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain, and feed: gain were significantly reduced (P<0.01) in R₁ fed pigs. Digestibility of all the nutrients, except that of ether extract (EE), was reduced (P<0.01) in R₁ or R₂ fed pigs. The result suggested that RB could be incorporated up to 41 % in the diets of growing crossbred pigs without adversely affecting performances.

^ssc2 tables, 12 ref

000894   Somani A K (NO, Central Potato Research Station, P.O. Morar, Gwalior-474 006, Email: aksomani32@gmail.com) : Resistance in potato against charcoal rot and incidence of tuber rots. Potato J 2008, 35(1-2), 94-6.

^ssc1 table, 8 ref

000893   Sinha R;Kawatra A (Food and Nutrition Dep, I.C. College of Home Science, CCS, HAU, Hisar-125 004) : HCL-extractability of minerals form cowpea cultivars. J Res-Birsa Agric Univ 2006, 18(2), 285-7.

2 tables, 9ref

000892   Singh S;Sharma A K (NO, Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla-171 001, Email: ashwanicpri@rediffmail.com) : Multiple desprouting of seed tubers and its effect on potato production and productivity in hilly regions. Potato J 2008, 35(1-2), 61-5.

Reduction in seed cost of potato by increasing the number of tubers per unit weight was tried through multiple desprouting of seed tubers of potato variety Kufri Jyoti in north-western hills. More than 1cm long sprouts were removed manually and up to a maximum of 4 desproutings were performed sequentially starting from 5 May to 4 July. The results revealed that, only two desproutings when started either on 5 or 20 May were beneficial over control and others. The differences in number of total tubers as well as total yields in first three desproutings started on 5 May were non- significant. However, first two desproutings started on 20 May were better than any other desproutings. Desprouting started on 20 May was better than that of 5 May with 5.4-18.5 and 36.9-43.1 percent increase in number and yield of tubers, respectively.

4 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

000891   Singh S P;Kushwah V S (NO, Central Potato Research Station, Gwalior-474 006, Email: drshivpratapsingh@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of prolonged use of small sized tubers on mosaic incidence, yield and other growth parameters. Potato J 2008, 35(1-2), 91-3.

^ssc2 tables, 8 ref

000890   Singh S K;Singh U K;Bhagat R K (Agronomy Dep, Birsa Aricultural Univ, Ranchi-834 006) : Yield potential and economic viability of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)- Deenanath Grass (Pannisetum pedicellatum Trin.) intercropping system. J Res-Birsa Agric Univ 2006, 18(2), 223-6.

A field experiment was conducted in a sandy loam soil during kharif season of 2002-03 to study the response of spacing and row ratio in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) -deenanath grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin.) intercropping system. Results reveal that the highest yield advantage (37 %) was with two rows of deenanath grass in between 75 cm of pigeonpea. However, sole crops of pigeonpea and deenanath grass resulted in the highest grain and forage yields, respectively, Pigeonpea equivalent yield, land equivalent ratio, net return and monetary advantage were highest with two rows of deenanath grass in 75 cm spacing of pigeonpea.

2 tables, 2 ref

000889   Singh J P;Salaria A;Singh K;Gangwar B (NO, Central Potato Research Station, Jalandhar-144 003, Email: jpspotash@yahoo.com) : Efficiency of diversified rice-wheat cropping systems including potato, vegetable peas and groundnut crops in trans-gangetic plains. Potato J 2008, 35(1-2), 53-60.

Field experiment was conducted during 2000-2003 on diversified rice-wheat cropping systems involving potato, peas and groundnut, and water management treatments in rice to increase the production, economics and water use efficiency. Inclusion of potato, vegetable peas and groundnut in rice-wheat cropping system increased the production, economics and land use efficiency on an average by 95, 75 and 11 percent, respectively. Rice equivalent yield (REY) was maximum in rice/ groundnut/rice(R/G/R)-potato-wheat (24.60 t/ha/yr), which was at par with rice-potato-wheat (24.27 t/ha/yr) followed by rice-vegetable peas-wheat (19.02 t/ha/yr) as against traditional rice-wheat (11.63 t/ha/yr) system. Net returns was the highest in rice-vegetable peas-wheat (Rs. 67540/ha/yr) system, which was at par with R/G/R-potato-wheat (Rs.67424/ha/yr) and rice-potato-wheat (Rs.64906/ha/yr) as against rice-wheat (Rs.38159/ha/yr) system. Irrigation to rice crop at hairline cracks (HC) in soil saved about 20 percent of total water use on an average in different cropping systems compared to traditional system of irrigating rice at disappearance of ponded water (DP). Decline in available soil K. ranging from 4.0 to 12.0 percent and build up of available soil P from 41.7 to 62.5 percent was recorded from initial soil test values after 3 years in different cropping systems. The apparent soil nutrient balance (gain/loss) was negative for K (243-440 kg/ha) and positive for P (57.6-151.1 kg/ha) with varying degrees in different cropping systems.

2 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

000888   Singh B;Ezekiel R;Dinesh Kumar;Suresh Kumar (NO, Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla-171 001, Email: birju16@yahoo.com) : Reducing sugars content and chipping quality of tubers of potato cultivars after storage and reconditioning. Potato J 2008, 35(1-2), 23-30.

Dry matter and reducing sugars content were determined in 11 potato cultivars grown at four locations after 100 210 days of storage (DOS) at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20°C. [After 210 DOS, the dry matter content was higher in tubers stored at 12 and 16°C depending on the location]. After 100 DOS, the reducing sugars content was higher in tubers stored at 4 and 8°C resulting in dark and unacceptable chip colour. When stored at 12, 16 and 20°C, the reducing sugars content decreased significantly after 100 DOS but the chip colour was acceptable only in Kufri Chipsona-1 and Kufri Chipsona-2, and in Kufri Jyoti grown at Patna. Reconditioning at 20°C resulted in significant decrease in reducing sugars content and improvement in chip colour but it was still unacceptable. Increasing the reconditioning period from 3 to 6 weeks did not improve the chip colour. Cultivars differed significantly in their response to reconditioning and it was effective only in few cultivars stored at different temperatures. After 210 DOS, the reducing sugars content increased and chip colour deteriorated in all the cultivars.

5 tables, 18 ref

000887   Shivani D;Viraktamath B C;Sudheer Kumar S (Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, Agricultural Research Station, Tandur-501 141) : Quality characteristics of some released rice (Oryza sativa L.) hybrids and their parents. Andhra Agric J 2007, 54(3-4), 210-12.

^ssc1 table, 4 ref

000886   Sharma S;Tyagi B D;Lal C R;Nakhro R;Singh J (Agricultural Economics Dep, Nagaland Univ, SASRD, Medziphema: Campus-797 106) : Resource productivity of wheat cultivation of small farms under rainfed condtion - a case study of Agra district. Andhra Agric J 2007, 54(3-4), 196-8.

Infrastructure plays an important role in Agricultural development. Indian Agriculture has witnessed rapid changes in its growth since the dawn of independence. This is mainly because of the new technology introduced by the Government, but still there is greater instability and inadequacies of agricultural growth Excite in the rural areas of the Country. In this paper, the resource use efficiency of small farmers' has-been examined in Agra district. To conduct this study, Cobb-Douglas type of production function was fitted to the data to evaluate the impact of input factors viz; Area of crop, human labour, cost of irrigation, cost of machine labour, and value of fertilizer on total output in Rs. per hectare.

2 tables, 4 ref

000885   Sharma P C;Bhatia V;Bansal N;Sharma A (NO, Lord Shiva College of Pharmacy, Post Box N0 63, Sirsa-125 055, Email: sharma_prabodh@rediffmail.com) : Review on Bael tree. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(2), 171-8.

Bael, Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Correa ex Roxb., a tree of Indian origin is known from pre-historic time. It has a great mythological significance-for Hindus. Utilization of bael in day-to-day life has great nutritional, environmental as well as commercial importance. It has been in use from time immemorial in traditional systems of medicine for relieving constipation, diarrhoea, dysentery, peptic ulcer and respiratory infections. Important medicinal properties of bael are antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, cardioprotective, antispermatogenic, anticancer and radioprotective. Deals with general and chemical profile and its economic importance including medicinal and other uses.

1 tables, 77 ref

000884   Shantanu Kumar;Sah U;Deka C;Baishya L K; Pandey N K;Singh P H;Pandey S K (NO, Central Potato Research Station, Shillong-793 009, Email: s_kumar710@yahoo.co.in) : Farmer participatory research for design and delivery of situation specific potato production technology in Meghalya. Potato J 2008, 35(1-2), 78-84.

Farmer Participatory Research (FPR) approach was utilized to understand the prevailing potato production system, technological gap in adoption of improved potato production technologies and analysis of problems causing low yield of potato in Meghalya state of India. Three important interventions, namely, refinement of farmers' traditional method of potato planting, assessment of TPS technology and late blight management in low land production situation were implemented in on-farm trials on SO, 50 and 20 farmers' fields, respectively during 2004-05 and 2005-06. The study revealed that the refined method of potato planting was comparable with the recommended method in terms of yield and economics. TPS technology was found a potential alternative to mitigate the problem on non-availability of quality seed. Under lowland production, management of late blight could be done effectively by one prophylactic spray of mancozeb and one spray of metalaxyl.

7 tables, 5 ref

000883   Shanker R;Singh C;Singh S K;Kumar A (Horticulture Dep, Birsa Agricultural Univ, Ranchi-834 006) : Economic yield of guava cv. arka mridula under different corp regulating treatments. J Res-Birsa Agric Univ 2006, 18(2), 275-7.

2 tables

000882   Shakhar C;Pattanaik A K;Kore K B;Puneet Kumar;Sharma K (Centre of Advanced Studies in Animal Nutrition, Indian Veterinary Eesearch Institute, Izatnaga-243 122, Email: akpattanaik1@rediffmail.com) : Comparative evaluation of nutritional adequacy of rice-meat based homemade diet with or without vegetables ingreat dane pups. Anim Nutr Feed Technol 2007, 7(2), 213-25.

Four female Great Dane pups (3 months; 16 kg) were used in a crossover design to study the influence of vegetable supplementation of rice-meat based homemade diet. Accordingly, the pups were fed two diets viz. rice-meat and rice-meat-vegetables in the proportion of20:80 and 16:68: 16, respectively, oh as fed basis. The vegetables used contained potato, tomato and cabbage in equal proportions. The experimental protocol, consisting of two subsequent periods of 14d each, involved a digestion trial of 3d during 12-14d followed by blood collection on day 15. The results revealed that supplementation of vegetables drastically reduced (P<0.001) the palatability as well as food consumption leading consequently to a reduction in mean daily intakes of protein, energy (ME), calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper and zinc. The digestibility of DM, OM and carbohydrates also decreased (P<0.001) on feeding the vegetables supplemented diet with a similar trend for that of protein (P=0.077) and fibre (P=0.099). The faecal attributes viz. volume, moisture, pH and excretion of dry and wet faeces per 100g DM intake exhibited an increasing trend in the vegetables supplemented pups with no effects on short chain fatty acids and lactate concentrations. Serum metabolic profiles of the two groups were similar except for higher (P<0.05) values of urea and uric acid in the vegetables-fed pups. The antioxidant profile was also similar between the two groups-except for the total and protein-bound thiols, which were higher (P<0.01) in the vegetables fed pups. It is concluded that indiscriminate supplementation of vegetables in the diet may adversely affect the nutritional status of the pups.

6 tables, 39 ref

000881   Shailbala;Pundhir V S (Plant Pathology Dep, College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: shailbala_thuwal@rediffmail.com) : Integration of host resistance and fungicides for management of late blight of potato. Potato J 2008, 35(1-2), 97-9.

^ssc1 table, 7 ref

000880   Sawian J T;Jeeva S;Lyndem F G;Mishra B P; Laloo R C (Ecology Research Laboratory, Botany Dep, School of Life Sciences, North Eastern Hill Univ, Umshing-Mawkynroh, Mawlai, Shilong-793 022, Email: mishrabp111@yahoo.com) : Wild edible plants of Meghalaya, North-east India. Nat Prod Radiance 2007, 6(5), 410-26.

The people of Meghalaya are very close to nature, and forests are one of the important natural resources in the state. The tribes of the state largely depend on forests for their livelihood and have acquired a vast knowledge about plant wealth and utilization of forest products. The present communication aims to document the traditional knowledge about wild edible plants used by tribal people of Meghalaya. During investigation, a. total of 249 species of wild edibles belonging to 153 genera and 82 families were inventorised. Among them 129 are trees, 54 shrubs, 37 herbs and 29 climbers. The majority of the species were fruits bearing (125). Some edible plants have great economic value and are highly linked with socio-economic development of tribal communities of the state. A few such species may be introduced in agroforestry systems, which could be potential genetic resources for tree breeding programmes in other areas of the country and also to provide edible plant resources to the communities in addition to creating photosynthetic pool to counter environmental degradation.

2 tables, 41 ref

000879   Sasidharan K R;Varma R V (NO, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore-641 002, Email: sasi@icfre.org) : Seasonal population variations of the bark eating caterpillar (Indarbela quadrinotata) in Casuarina plantations of Tamil Nadu. Trop Ecol 2008, 49(1), 79-83.

2 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

000878   Sandeep R S;Rama Rao C V;Arjuna Rao P; Srinivasa Rao V (Entomology Dep, Agricultural College, Bapatla-522 101) : Biology of groundnut pod borer Carrydon serratus (Olivier). Andhra Agric J 2007, 54(3-4), 227-9.

^ssc2 tables, 8 ref