039632   LIAO Y, WANG W, CHEN G, ZHANG N, LIU Y (Food Science & Technology Dep, Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ, China, Email: y_liu@sjtu.edu.cn) : Basic taste characteristics of flavor material from cultured Takifugu obscurus by-products. Flavour Fragrance J 2020, 35(3), 320-8.

Takifugu obscurus (T. obscurus) by-products (fish heads and bones) account for about 35% of total weight. In order to improve its availability, flavor materials based on T. obscurus by-product have been developed through enzymatic hydrolysis and Maillard thermal reaction. However, their basic taste characteristics have not been extensively investigated. In this study, the taste intensities of T. obscurus flavor materials (protein hydrolysates and Maillard reaction products) at different concentrations, pH, and temperatures were compared and distinguished by sensory evaluation combined with electronic tongue analysis. Results showed that T. obscurus by-products protein hydrolysates (TBPH) had the optimal taste intensities (mainly umami taste) at 5.0 g/L, pH 6.5, and Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were at 4.0 g/L, pH 7.0. They both possessed excellent thermal stability, and their recognition thresholds were 0.08 g/100 mL for TBPH and 0.03 g/100 mL for MRPs, respectively. This study would lay a theoretical foundation to understand the basic flavor characteristics of T. obscurus by-products

2 illus, 4 tables, 45 ref

039562   KUDLIGI S J, MALLIGAWAD L H, NAIKWADI S, JAMADAR D (Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad- 580 005, Email: sannapapammakj@uasd.in) : Antimicrobial and aroma finishing of organic cotton knits using natural colourants and palmarosa oil microcapsules. Flavour Fragrance J 2020, 35(1), 59-69.

Organic cotton SAHANA variety spun into 30s single yarn dyed with four natural colorants (Arecanut slurry, Eucalyptus leaves, Pomegranate rind and Indigo) and further used for development of single jersy knits. Palmarosa oil was used for the preparation of microcapsules through interfacial polymerization technique and finished on organic knitted fabric by exhaust and pad dry cure methods. The finished organic knit was assessed for effect of laundering on antimicrobial efficiency and aroma intensity.The TGA of Palmarosa microcapsules was found to be better with minimum weight loss at higher temperature than the pure oil, and the morphology of microcapsules was fairly irregular due to preparation conditions. Among the natural colourants, cotton yarn dyed with indigo dye possessed greater colour strength and lesser reflectance than the other dyed samples. The fastness properties of cotton yarn dyed with arecanut slurry exhibited good to excellent colour fastness to washing and sunlight. Irrespective of methods of application, organic cotton knits finished with microcapsules by pad dry cure method showed maximum zone of inhibition compared to knits finished by exhaust method against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.The antimicrobial activity of the finished samples was subjected to multiple washing which indicated that knits finished with pad dry cure method showed a zone of inhibition even after 20th wash and better aroma retention compared to knits finished with exhaust method of application. Thus, the Palmarosa microencapsulated organic cotton knits are free from hazardous chemicals and have multi functional properties which can be suitable for medical and healthcare textiles.

8 illus, 7 tables, 21 ref

039546   FREIRE K F, MELO A M D M F D, ARRAIS A C, MELO L H D M F, ARAUJO D P D, OLIVEIRA L C D, GUZEN F P, FREIRE M A D M, CAVALCANTI J R L D P (Biomedical Sciences Dep, State of Rio Grande do Norte Univ, Brazil- 59607360, Email: rodolfolopes@uern.br) : Repercussions of linseed oil in morphofunctional mechanisms of the nervous system: A systematic review. J Pharm Chem Biol Sci 2020, 7(2), 147-156.

Flaxseed oil has been widely introduced in the diet as a rich source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids important for brain health. In light of this, the present study aims to discuss the main morphofunctional changes promoted by linseed oil in the nervous system. The research was developed through a systematic review of the literature, without meta-analysis, based on the following electronic data base: PubMed and Science Direct, based on the following descriptors: "linseed oil" and "nervous system". The inclusion criteria were: full text, search time (without delimitation), in vivo and in vitro studies, interventions (effects and benefits on the nervous system) published between 2007 and 2017 and language (English). It was verified from the articles included on the research, that the oil of flaxseed exerts diverse beneficial effects to the nervous system. Among them, it acts against oxidative stress and neurotoxicity, increases levels of neurotransmitters and DHA, acts on the development of astrocytes and has implications for growth, memory and locomotion in the hippocampus region. Linseed oil has numerous beneficial effects on the nervous system. Nevertherless, further studies are necessary on the theme, for example in the experimentals models of neurodegenative desorders.

3 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

039542   XAVIER J, REDDY J (Botany Dep, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore, Email: jobixavier@gmail.com) : Acute toxicity study of ethanolic extracts of leaf and fruit of two different varieties of M. charantia in danio rerio. J Pharm Chem Biol Sci 2020, 7(2), 102-9.

The present study was to elucidate the oral toxicity level of leaf and fruit extracts of two varieties of M. charantia, i.e., green-fruited variety (BGG-Bitter gourd green variety) and white fruited varieties (BGW- Bitter gourd white). 5 g of Finely ground powders of leaves and fruits of M. charantia were extracted with ethanol using soxhlet apparatus. Using these extracts of M. charania oral Acute toxicity was tested with Danio rerio as per the OECD guidelines 203. Leaf extracts of Green Fruited varieties of M. charantia showed very high toxicity when compared to the other plant extracts. At test dose of 200mg/L >70 % mortality was observed in Danio rerio at the 24 hrs of the observation period. Mortality of 70 % and 100 % was observed at 50 mg/L of leaf extract at the 48 hrs of the observation period. A lethal dose to kill 50 % of test fishes were recorded as 200 mg/L and 50 mg/L at 24 hrs and 96 hrs exposure period respectively. The results indicated that the ethanolic extract of M. charantia leaf does not induce toxicity when used at dose of ≤ 25 mg/L. 

8 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

039541   DAYMA P B, MANGROLA A V, SURIYARAJ S P, DUDHAGARA P, PATEL R K (Life Science Dep, HNGU, Patan- 384265, Email: daymaparas@gmail.com) : Synthesis of bio-silver nanoparticles using desert isolated streptomyces intermedius and its antimicrobial activity. J Pharm Chem Biol Sci 2020, 7(2), 94-101.

In this study, a haloalkaliphilic actinobacterial strain was employed for the biosynthesis of nanosized silver particles. We used Streptomyces intermedius isolated from the saline desert of Kachchh as a bionanofactory for the production of bio-active silver nanoparticles in an eco-friendly and inexpensive manner. The bio (AgNPs) showed unique physicochemical and biochemical properties. The properties of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were studied using spectroscopic techniques, Nanoparticle tracking analysis and electron microscopy approaches. The UV-visible peak was found at 430 nm. Bio-AgNPs was found to be spherical shaped with an average particle size of 55nm and zeta potential value of -20.4mV. The obtained nanoparticles were crystalline and stable in nature. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using the resazurin assay against both Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacteria. The antimicrobial assay of the silver nanoparticles showed a higher activity against Bacillus subtilis than Escherichia coli.

4 illus, 38 ref

039493   DHAWI F (Agricultural Biotechnology Dep, King Faisal Univ, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, Email: dr.faten.dhawi@gmail.com) : Bacterial screening of historic site of Qarah caves, biosphere analysis. Agricultural Biological Res 2020, 36(1), 1-4.

Microbial activities play major roles in both the building foundations of historical sites and ecotourism health. The Qarah Caves, located in the historical site of Qarah Mountain in Al-Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO world heritage site, have experienced an increase in the daily tourist number, consequently increasing human activity inside the caves. In the current study, ten spots in the caves were screened to identify bacterial communities, and two unknown samples were subjected to phenotypic and molecular identification. We used small subunit ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene DNA data to identify bacteria from ten sites. The phenotypic analysis of the unknown samples identified rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria under a microscope. The molecular analysis indicated that the unknown bacterial samples were Salmonella enterica and Kluyvera intermedia. The study emphasized the importance of managing procedures for historical sites to maintain a better status and prevent disruption. Healthy ecotourism requires taking care during caving and after by washing hands. Some cave microbes are pathogenic such as Salmonella enterica while others carry bioremediation potentials such as Kluyvera intermedia. 

3 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

039492   RAHMAN M J, ALI M S, ISLAM F, ZAKIA Z, RAIHAN A, QUAMRUZZAMAN M (Horticulture Dep, Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural Univ, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Email: jrahman04@yahoo.com) : Effect of nutrient solution on antioxidant content and yield contributing characteristics in capsicum. Agricultural Biological Res 2020, 36(1), 5-9.

To assess and compare the endothelial cell changes after manual small incision cataract surgery(SICS) in diabetic patients versus age group matched non-diabetic patients. This comparative prospective observational follow-up study included 54 diabetic patients and 52 control patients without diabetes who underwent manual SICS. Preoperative, one day, one week, one month and three months post-surgery assessments of corneal endothelial cell changes were done using specular microscopy. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20.0, SPSS, Inc.). Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the data between the test group and control group.There was drop in the endothelial density in both the groups postoperatively, with the mean percentage of endothelial loss at three monthspost- surgery being 27.5 % in diabetics and 18.3 % in controls. There was also a significant increase in central corneal thickness and coefficient of variance in diabetics as compared to controls at every follow up one day,one week, one month and three months. The percentage of hexagonality was statistically significant at postoperative three months. The diabetic endothelium was found to be under greater metabolic stress and had less functional reserve after manual SICS than the normal corneal endothelium.

1 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

039490   HUANG L Y , WANG W S, FU Q, ZHANG J, FU B Y (Yunnan Univ, Iraq, Email: fubinying@caas.cn) : In vitro construction of rice artificial chromosome via de novo assembly. J Adv Plant Sci 2020, 3(1), 1-5.

A farmer field trial experiment was conducted at the growth season of 2016 in the Deraluk sub-district, Amadiya district, Dohuk province, Iraq. The purpose of the experiment was to investigate the effect of foliar application of high concentration of some micronutrients on growth and yield of submergence rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in calcareous soil. Concentration of 0.5 % of the micronutrients Fe, Zn, Mn and Fe+Zn+Mn in addition to the control (water) was used as a foliar application in three replications and three splits: The first split was at the beginning of tillering (35 DAS), the second split was just before anthesis (70 DAS) and the third was after full anthesis (100 DAS). The results showed an insignificant increasing in plant heights and the weight of 1000 seeds over the control. In contrast, the number of panicles, except the treatment Fe+Zn +Mn, and the number of seeds per panicle were reduced but not statistically significant compared to the control. The grain yield non-statistically significant increased only for the treatment Fe+Zn+Mn by 2.42 % over the control; while the other treatments and the straw yield treatments were non-significantly reduced compared to the control. No significant values of (HI) were found between the treatments despite the superiority of treatments, except Mn, over the control.

4 illus, 37 ref

039489   SI R (Kurdistan region, Iraq, Email: shukri_reakany@yahoo.com) : Effect of foliar application of high concentrations for some micronutrients on growth and yield of submergence rice grown in calcareous soil. J Adv Plant Sci 2020, 3(1), 1-5.

A farmer field trial experiment was conducted at the growth season of 2016 in the Deraluk sub-district, Amadiya district, Dohuk province, Iraq. The purpose of the experiment was to investigate the effect of foliar application of high concentration of some micronutrients on growth and yield of submergence rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in calcareous soil. Concentration of 0.5 % of the micronutrients Fe, Zn, Mn and Fe+Zn+Mn in addition to the control (water) was used as a foliar application in three replications and three splits: The first split was at the beginning of tillering (35 DAS), the second split was just before anthesis (70 DAS) and the third was after full anthesis (100 DAS). The results showed an insignificant increasing in plant heights and the weight of 1000 seeds over the control. In contrast, the number of panicles, except the treatment Fe+Zn +Mn, and the number of seeds per panicle were reduced but not statistically significant compared to the control. The grain yield non-statistically significant increased only for the treatment Fe+Zn+Mn by 2.42 % over the control; while the other treatments and the straw yield treatments were non-significantly reduced compared to the control. No significant values of (HI) were found between the treatments despite the superiority of treatments, except Mn, over the control.

1 table, 56 ref

039460   MAREESWARAN J, PREMKUMAR R (UPASI Tea Research Institute, Valparai- 642 127, Email: jmareeswaran11@gmail.com) : Effect of chemicals and biological agents on branch canker disease in tea. Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(4), 271-5.

Branch canker caused by Macrophoma sp. is the most wide spread and serious stem disease of tea plants. In this study, we tried to determine the bioefficacy of different chemical fungicides and indigenous biological strains on branch canker disease in tea plant under glasshouse condition. The infected stem portions were collected and identified through 18S rRNA molecular methods. Bacterial strains were isolated from different tea growing areas and confirmed by16S rRNA technique. Fungal biocontrol strains were obtained from repository Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank (MTCC), Chandigarh, India. Among the fungicides tested, benomyl (70 %) showed better results followed by copper oxychloride (65 %). The biocontrol agents Bacillus sp. (50 %) and Trichoderma viride (50 %) yielded significant results. Pseudomonas sp. showed moderate activity (45 %) followed by Trichoderma harzianum (30 %). The integrated combination approach, propiconazole/Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and propiconazole/B. subtilis recorded effective control against branch canker disease under greenhouse condition followed by hexaconazole/B. amyloliquefaciens. Combination of fungicides companion (0.70), hexaconazole (0.63) and propiconazole (0.67) were found to be most effective. The organic fungicide tricure gave satisfactory control followed by Gliocladium virens against branch canker disease.

3 tables, 23 ref

039459   KALIA A, KAUR J, KAUR A, SINGH N (Soil Science Dep, Electron Microscopy and Nanoscience Laboratory, Punjab-141 004, Email: kaliaanu@pau.edu) : Antimycotic activity of biogenically synthesised metal and metal oxide nanoparticles against plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium moniliforme (F. fujikuroi). Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(4), 263-70.

Consistent and injudicious application of antifungal agents to control fungal pathogens on crops results in off-target illeffects on livestock and human health besides issues, such as disruption of ecological balance. In this context, development of novel specific antifungal agents such as metal or metal oxide nanoparticles without side effects becomes a necessity. Here, we attempted green synthesis of three different metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) (Ag, ZnO and FeO) by incubating metal salts with Trichoderma harzianum hyphal or mycelial extract (HE). The AgNPs were also generated using hyphal filtrate (HF). The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by microscopy and spectroscopy techniques and evaluated by poisoned food technique/agar well diffusion technique under in vitro conditions on Czapek dox agar against plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium moniliforme. The tested NPs exhibited varied efficacy for curbing the growth of F. moniliforme. A NP concentration dependent increase in percent growth inhibition was recorded for the above mentioned three types of NPs. Moreover, the antimycotic efficacy of the microbial synthesized Ag NPs also varied for the T. harzianum cell free filtrate and hyphal extract formulations. Maximum percent hyphal growth inhibition (58.83 %) was recorded for T. harzianum HE Ag NPs at 800 ppm followed by FeO NPs at 400 ppm (40.38 %).

7 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

039458   SAHOO P K, PATTANAYAK S, PAUL A, SAHOO M K, KUMAR P R (National Referral Laboratory for Freshwater Fish Diseases, Bhubaneswar-751 002, Email: pksahoo1@hotmail.com) : Carp edema virus in ornamental fish farming in India: A potential threat to koi carps but not to co-cultured Indian major carp or goldfish. Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(4), 254-62.

Koi sleepy disease caused by carp edema virus (CEV) of pox virus is a potential carp killer and poses a constant threat to co-cultured fish. Only limited studies are available on its occurrence from the eastern part of India. Here, we report a largescale mortality of koi carps (Cyprinus carpio koi) in ornamental fish farm of Choudwar, Cuttack, Odisha. The fish showed clinical signs of ulcers on body, patchy haemorrhages, massive necrosis of gills, and observed sleeping at the bottom of tanks before death. However, the goldfish maintained in the same tanks did not show any clinical signs or mortality. We noticed Trichodina infestation in the gills of affected animals and secondary bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila in kidney tissue. The gills, liver and kidneys of koi carp were found positive for carp edema virus (CEV) (Poxviridae) in PCR followed by sequencing and blast search, and phylogenetic analysis. The damages to the gills and kidney along with the presence of intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusions in gill epithelial cells upon histopathology suggested viral association. Experimental challenge with CEV failed to reproduce the disease in Indian major carp and goldfish, the commonly co-cultured fish species with koi carp, though, the disease was reproduced in koi carp. To our best knowledge, it is the first report of CEV infection from the farm of the eastern part of the country. Another mortality incidence in ornamental shop retailer in the same locality also revealed the presence of CEV in koi carp and pointed possibly towards its wide spread. Observations from this study suggest the need for CEV disease surveillance in the country.

5 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

039450   SIVARAJANI R, LEELA N K, TEJPAL C S, ZACHARIAH T J (Crop Production and Post Harvest Technology Dep, ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode- 673 012, Email: ranjanigop@gamil.com) : Dietary supplementation of Cinnamomum verum j. presl and Curcuma longa l. extract on growth performance, antioxidant and metabolic enzymes activities in experimental rats. Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(4), 242-8.

Cinnamomum verum J. Presl and Curcuma longa L. have many biologically active metabolites, such as sterpenoids, phenolics with proven health benefits. The present study was undertaken to analyze the effect of cinnamon and turmeric extract on growth, blood parameters, and metabolic enzyme activities of albino Wistar rats. Methanol extract of cinnamon and turmeric mixture was supplemented in rat feed at 2.5 and 5 % concentration, respectively and administered for 30 days. During the course of study, body weight, feed given, feed consumed data were collected at regular intervals. After the experimental period, animals were sacrificed, tissues separated, homogenized and assayed for the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), alanine aminotransferase (AAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The results showed significant increase in liver catalase activity of treated animals and no significant changes in LDH, MDH, ALT and AST. No abnormalities were observed in the histopathology staining of tissue section. Overall, output of the present study could be useful for production of spices based antioxidant rich products for human health.

2 illus, 4 tables, 44 ref

039423   SINGH A K, CHAURASIYA A K, MITRA S (Horticulture Dep, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural Univ, Uttar Pradesh- 284 003, Email: amitsinghbckv@gmail.com) : Novel processing method for improved antioxidant and nutritional value of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius dennst-nicolson). Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(3), 206-11.

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Dennst-Nicolson, commonly known as the Elephant foot yam, is a highly potential edible aroid of Araceae family. Fresh yams are difficult to store due to their perishable nature and deteriorate in quality during storage. Therefore, making processed products viz., dry and fry cubes will be an alternative value added product with nutritional value. In this experiment, elephant foot yam corm cubes were stored to analyze the nutritional and antioxidant values at monthly intervals. The cv., BCA-1 dry cubes (soaking in 2 % salt followed by blanching) had the highest ascorbic acid and total phenol throughout the storage period. Highest β-carotene was observed in cv., IGAM-1 dry cubes (2 % alum) and fry cubes (2 % alum) at 0 and 13 months after storage, respectively. The cv., BCA-1 had the highest starch in dry cubes (1.5 % alum) and fry cubes (2 % salt) at 0 and 13 months after storage, respectively. The protein and organoleptic values were the highest throughout the storage in cv., BCA-1, both dry and fry cubes, were from soaking in 1.5 % alum and blanching.

6 tables, 28 ref

039406   PALANICHAMY S, PADMANABAN B, VAGANAN M M, BACKIYARANI S, UMA S (ICAR- National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirappalli- 620 102, Email: ppoojabharathi@gmail.com) : Electrophysiological responses of banana pseudostem weevil, Odoiporus longicollis olivier (coleoptera: Curculionidae) to methyl jasmonate, 1-hexanol and host plant extract. Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(1), 53-7.

The banana pseudostem weevil (BSW), Odoiporus longicollis Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the most destructive pests of banana and plantains. Our laboratory bioassay studies showed that out of 50 host plants related volatile chemicals screened against BSW, only methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and 1-hexanol was electro physiologically and behaviourallyactive. Here, we investigated the influence of host plant extract (HPE) on two semiochemicals, namely methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and 1-hexanol, both independently and in combination, in the electroantennogram (EAG) response in BSW. The results showed that HPE alone elicited greater EAG response only in males suggesting that males involved predominantly in the host plant selection. Addition of HPE to MeJA increased significantly higher EAG response in females and the response was insignificant in males. Similarly, the addition of HPE to 1-hexanol evoked higher response in females but decreased antennal activity was recorded in males compared to HPE alone. The HPE showed additive effect on MeJA and 1-hexanol in their EAG responses only in female BSW. The result also revealed that 1-hexanol+HPE blend exhibited enhanced EAG response compared to 1-hexanol alone in both sexes.

1 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

039405   BASHYAL B M, AGGARWAL R, RAWAT K, SHARMA S, GUPTA A K, CHOUDHARY R, BHAT J, KRISHNAN S G, SINGH A K (ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, Email: bishnumayabashyal@gmail.com) : Genetic diversity and population structure of Fusarium fujikuroi causing bakanae, an emerging disease of rice in India. Indian J Expl Biol 2020, 58(1), 45-52.

Bakanae caused by Fusarium fujikuroi (Nirenberg), is emerging as a serious threat for rice (Oryza sativa. L.) cultivation in India. In this study, 63 isolates of Fusarium fujikuroi isolated from symptomatic diseased plants were characterized for their morphology, pathogenicity and molecular variability using universal rice primers (URP). Of the 12 URPs used in the study, 6 primers could produce polymorphic fragments in all the isolates. The URP 17R primer was highly polymorphic (100 %), whereas, the URP 1F primer produced 75 % polymorphic fragments. A dendrogram obtained from the combined analysis of 6 URP primers categorized the isolates into four clusters, where most of the isolates from Punjab and Haryana were clustered separately. Mating type of the population was identified based on MAT-1 and MAT-2 region universal primers for Gibberella fujikuroi. Among the 63 isolates, 18 (28.57 %) were identified as MAT-1 and 45 (71.42 %) as MAT-2. The effective population number for mating type was 89 % of the total population. Since the distribution frequencies of both mating types were not equal in the Indian population of F. fujikuroi, it could conclude that majority of the multiplication of isolates under field conditions was through asexual reproduction. However, the presence of both mating types in F. fujikuroi indicates that the population is also capable of sexual reproduction. Therefore, it is important to develop cultivars within built resistance to bakanae disease, taking into consideration the factors such as environmental conditions and variability of the pathogen in the area of intended cultivation.

5 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

039376   HUSSAIN T, SALEEMI M K, KHAN M Z, KHAN A, ABBAS R Z, BILAL M Q, DEEBA F, IRSHAD H, ZAHIDA , AFZAL F, UMAR F, JALEES M M (Agriculture Univ, Pakistan, Email: drkashif313@gamil.com) : Toxicopathological effects of endosulfan in female Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica). J Advancements in Life Sciences 2020, 7(2), 72-8.

The current study was planned to investigate the toxicopathological effects of endosulfan in female Japanese quails.  A total of 120 quail of 4 weeks old were divided into six equal groups (A-F) and administered endosulfan in feed at dose rate of 0, 5, 25, 50, 100, and 500 mg/kg feed, respectively for 90 days. Parameters studied included clinical signs, feed intake, body weight and mortality. Hematology, serum biochemistry, hatchability and fertility were also determined. Gross and microscopic changes on different organs were recorded.  The quails of the group B did not show any clinical signs and had significantly lower values of feed intake, testes relative weight and leukocyte number than those of the control group A. The quails of group C and D had mild depression while those of the group E and F showed nervous excitation following ingestion of endosulfan. There was a dose related delay in onset of crowing, appearance of foamy material in the droppings. The feed intake, erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, hematocrit values, and serum total proteins of endosulfan fed quails were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of the group A. The total egg production in groups A, B and C was significantly higher from group D, E and F. The hatchability in group A and B was significantly higher from groups C, D, E and F. The difference of dead in shell % and early dead among different groups was nonsignificant. Infertile egg percentage was significantly higher in group E compared with all other groups except group F. The necrotic changes were observed in all parts of oviduct in high dose groups, similarly necrotic changes and vacuolar degeneration was observed in hepatic parenchyma in high dose groups D-F.  It may be concluded that endosulfan leads to dose dependent changes in the quails.

3 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

039328   LIU M, DONG H, WANG M, LIU Q (Zhejiang A&F Univ, People’s Republic of China, Email: liuqp@zafu.edu.cn) : Evolutionary divergence of function and expression of laccase genes in plants. J Genet 2020, 99, 23.

Laccases (LACs) are versatile enzymes that catalyze oxidation of a wide range of substrates, thereby functioning in regulation of plant developmental processes and stress responses. However, with a few exceptions, the function of most LACs remains unclear in plants. In this study, we newly identified 4, 12, 22, 26, 27, 28 and 49 LAC genes for Physcomitrella patens, Amborella trichopoda, Zea mays, Ricinus communis, Vitis vinifera, Triticum aestivum and Glycine max, on the basis of exhaustive homologous sequence searches. In these plants, LACs differ greatly in sequence length and physical properties, such as molecular weight and theoretical isoelectric point (pI), but majority of them contain a signal peptide at their N-terminus. The originality of LACs could be traced back to as early as the emergence of moss. Plant LACs are clearly divided into seven distinct classes, where six ancient LACs should be present prior to the divergence of gymnosperms and angiosperms. Functional divergence analysis reveal that functional differentiation should occur among different groups of LACs because of altered selective constraints working on some critical amino acid sites (CAASs) within conserved laccase domains during evolution. Soybean and maize LACs have significantly different exon frequency (6.08 vs 4.82), and they are unevenly distributed and tend to form gene clusters on some chromosomes. Further analysis shows that the expansion of LAC gene family would be due to extensive tandem and chromosomal segmental duplications in the two plant species. Interestingly, *81.6 % and 36.4 % of soybean and maize LACs are potential targets of miRNAs, such as miR397a/b, miR408d, or miR528a/b etc. Both soybean and maize LACs are tissuespecifically and developmental-specifically expressed, and are in response to different external abiotic and biotic stressors. These results suggest a diversity of functions of plant LAC genes, which will broaden our understanding and lay solid foundation for further investigating their biological functions in plants.

6 illus, 1 table, 52 ref

039325   MANE R, KATOCH M, SINGH M, SHARMA R, SHARMA T R, CHAHOTA R K (Agricultural Biotechnology Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Univ, Palampur- 176 062, Email: rkchahota@gmail.com) : Identification of genomic regions associated with early plant vigour in lentil (Lens culinaris). J Genet 2020, 99, 21.

Lentil is one of the most important food legume species, however its genetic and genomic resources remained largely uncharacterized and unexploited. In the past few years, a number of genetic maps have been constructed and marker resources have been developed in lentil. These resources could be exploited for understanding the extent and distribution of genetic variation in genus Lens and also for developing saturated and consensus genetic maps suitable for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and marker-assisted selection. The present study aims to enrich polymerase chain reaction-based linkage map of F10 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population of 94 individuals derived from cross WA8649090 9 Precoz and identification of QTLs linked to early plant vigour traits. Of the 268 polymorphic markers (93 simple sequence repeats (SSR), three inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and 172 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs)), 265 (90 SSRs, three ISSRs and 172 RAPDs) were mapped on seven linkage groups, varying in length between 25.6 and 210.3 cM, coverage of 809.4 cM with an average marker spacing of 3.05 cM. The study also reported assigning of 24 new cross-genera SSRs of Trifolium pratense on the present linkage map. The RILs along with the parents were screened for shoot length, root length, seedling length, dry weight, number of leaves and number of branches based on two replications under polyhouse conditions. A QTLhotspot consisting of six QTLs for shoot length (cm), root length (cm) and seedling length (cm) was observed between a map distances of 56.61 and 86.81 cM on LG1.

1 illus, 4 tables, 70 ref

039318   HOSURE S, PAVITRA G N, PRADEEPKUMAR S, JAGADEESWARY V, SATYANARAYAN K (Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education Dep, CoVAS, Mannuthy- 680 651, Email: shreyanshhosure@gmail.com) : Training need assessment of teaching, research, extension and administrative competencies of assistant/associate professors of veterinary colleges of KVAFSU. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 109-12.

The aim of this research was to assess training need of teaching, research, extension and administrative competencies of assistant/associate professors from four veterinary colleges namely Bengaluru, Bidar, Hassan and Shimoga. An exploratory research design was adopted for the study. A total of 60 respondents were selected, fifteen each from four colleges. The result from the study revealed that majority of the respondents are in need of training on design of web-based learning materials (85.00 %) in teaching component, in research component majority are in need on skills in formulation of research proposals (88.33 %), majority are in need on training of skills in transfer of technology (70.00 %) in extension component and in administrative component majority are in need on skills in management of organizational resources (83.33 %). Need based training on different component has to be organized by the university. The university should consider the most preferred training methods identified in this study while developing training strategies and while training the professionals of the university. Short duration programmes, repetition of the existing programmes and conducting the training during vacations will help the staff to attend the programmes without affecting their regular works.

7 ref

039317   SHIVAKUMARA C, REDDY B S, PATIL S S (Agricultural Economics Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Bengaluru- 560 065, Email: shivugarje@gmail.com) : Socio-economic characteristics and composition of sheep and goat farming under extensive system of rearing. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 105-8.

Sheep and goat play an important role in Indian economy and source of livelihood and employment to millions of rural households. Sheep and goats in India are mostly maintained on natural vegetation on common grazing lands, wastelands and uncultivated (fallow) lands, stubbles of cultivated crops and top feeds (tree loppings). Rarely they are kept on grain, cultivated fodder or crop residue. Sheep and goat rearing is the backbone of the economy of small and landless farmers in India. The study was carried out in Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Belagavi and Kalaburagi districts of Karnataka. The results of the study revealed that majority of the sheep and goat farmers belonged to age group of above 40 years and are illiterate (50-52 %). The family size of sheep and goat rearing households have medium size with 4-6 members. The maximum number of farmers were having income of less than `1 lakh per annum, who belonged to backward class, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe. The total number of sheep per household were 25, 67 and 27 under small, medium and large herd size with an overall average of 71 sheep per farm. Similarly, about 17, 29 and 43 goats were found in small, medium and large flock size of goat with an average of 30 goats per flock. Majority of the farmers were having kaccha type of shed for rearing sheep (41.66 %) and goat (80 %).

6 tables, 4 ref

039316   LARA-FLORES M, OSTEN J R V (Mexico Univ, Mexico, Email: maurilio_lara@yahoo.com.mx) : Expression of estrogenic response genes in black mollies (Poecilia sphenops) exposed to pyrogenic hydrocarbon and petroleum from campeche sound. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 100-4.

The estrogenic effects of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC´s) in animals are not reversible and can reduce populations. Sensitive methods such Q-PCR have been used to determine changes in gene expression and thus predict the effects before they become irreversible. The present study was designed to detect the expression on the estrogen receptors and vitellogenin genes in the Black Mollies fish (Poecilia sphenops) exposed to pyrogenic hydrocarbon and petroleum from Campeche Sound. The results indicate that the expression of transcript of the estrogen receptor and vitellogenin indicates are potentially useful as molecular biomarker for detecting the presence of endocrine-disruption compounds in environment.

18 ref

039315   SINGH S P, CHANDEL B S (ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal- 132 001, Email: shyamsingh7296@gmail.com) : Constraints faced by the dairy farmers and agencies involved in livestock insurance in Haryana, India. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 95-9.

Livestock insurance scheme has been formulated with the twin objectives of providing protection mechanism to the small, marginal and landless farmers against any eventual loss of their animals due to accident or natural death and to attain qualitative improvement in livestock and their products. Despite this, farmers and agencies faced various constraints in involved livestock insurance. From the analysis, it can be concluded that farmers opted for livestock insurance considered major constraints as animals not insured at actual market price and lengthy procedures in completing the formalities to file the claim. The insurance companies considered lack of information about willing farmers and untimely submission of documents for claims as the most important constraint in doing the insurance.

6 ref

039312   SANCHEZ C B, SALVANA F R P, SEPELAGIO E G, CARDENAS L B (Biological Sciences Dep, Southern Mindanao Univ, Philippines, Email: rdsalvana@usm.edu.ph) : Challenges in goat production faced by halal goat raisers in region xii (SOCCSKSARGEN), Philippines. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 77-83.

This study was conducted to determine challenges in Halal goat production in SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII). This region is one of the major producers of Halal goats in the country. Twelve (12) municipalities/cities: North Cotabato- Pigcawayan, Aleosan, Carmen and Kabacan; Sultan Kudarat-Columbio, Pres. Quirino, Tacurong, Isulan; South Cotabato- Tantangan, Tupi, Polomolok; and General Santos City) were the sampling sites. Purposive sampling was used in the survey. A total of 131 respondents were interviewed using a questionnaire. Based on the results of the interview, ten (10) challenges have been enumerated by the respondents. It includes disease, lack of vet services, shortage of land, inadequate pasture, predators, theft, poor breeds, no fences, shortage of water and labor intensive. Among these challenges, disease was the most common (65 %) followed by lack of vet services (8 %) and shortage of land, inadequate pasture and the presence of predators (5 %). Common goat diseases encountered by the respondents include diarrhea (57 %), cold (13 %), cough (11 %), bloat (8 %) and parasitic infection (7 %). Assessment of challenges in Halal goat raising provides necessary information to government institutions in order to formulate possible intervention and proper coordination between agricultural technicians and goat raisers. 

27 ref

039311   SOHEL M S H, FARUQ A A, SHAHJALAL M, RAHMAN M L (Anatomy and Histology Dep, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Chittagong- 4225, Email: s.h.sohel08@gmail.com) : Effect of farming condition on postnatal growth and development of lymphoid organs and tissues in deshi chicken (Gallus domesticus) of Bangladesh. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 69-76.

Total 40 non-descriptive deshi chickens were reared in scavenging and intensive farming system (20 for each) from day 1 to 180. Gross examinations of different lymphoid organs and tissues were performed at D1, D30, D90 and D180 for both types of chickens. Tissue samples were stained with H andE stain and AmScope image measurement software was used for histomorphometry. Gross and histomorphometrical parameters of thymus, spleen and cecal tonsils gradually increased significantly (P£0.05) with the advancement of ages from D1 to D180 in both scavenging Deshi chickens (SDC) and captive Deshi chickens (CDC). Gross and histomorphometrical parameters of bursa increased up to D90 and thereafter decreased indicating the involution of bursa by D180. The gross and histomorphometrical parameters of bursa, thymus, spleen and cecal tonsils were significantly (P£0.05) higher in all age groups of CDC (except D1 chicks) as compared with SDC, owing to the different patterns of rearing system.

25 ref

039310   PREETHI M, VENU R, SRILATHA C, RAO K S, RAO P V (Veterinary Parasitology Dep, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary Univ, Tirupati- 517 502, Email: venuparas2001@yahoo.com) : Prevalence of paramphistomosis in domestic ruminants in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 61-8.

A total of 1169 dung samples from domestic ruminants were examined to record the prevalence of paramphistomosis infection. In cattle, the prevalence of infection by direct smear (DS) and sedimentation method (SD) was 17.43 % and 31.19 %, respectively. In sheep, the prevalence rates were recorded higher than cattle (26.09 % and 33.18 %). In goats, the prevalence of paramphistomosis was 20.66 % and 30.52 %. Out of 109 cattle carcasses, 47 were found with flukes in rumen, reticulum and bile duct during slaughterhouse examination (SH). In sheep and goat, the prevalence rates were 42.15 % and 40.85 %, respectively by SH. Age-wise the highest prevalence was recorded in cattle of 2-4 years (50.0 %) by SH. In goats, the prevalence of infection was lower in the age group of <1 year, when compared to their counterparts in sheep. In contrast, the higher prevalence was noticed in >1-2 years old goats (63.27 %) than sheep of the same age group (36.85 %). Sex-wise, statistically no significant difference was observed between male and female animals. Morphologically identified, Cotylophoron cotylophorum, Paramphistomum cervi, Gastrothylax crumenifer, Fischoederius elongatus and Gigantocotyle spp. In conclusion, an overall prevalence of 24.29 %, 32.51 % and 42.0 % of paramphistomosis infection was recorded in cattle, sheep and goats by DS, SD and SH examinations, respectively. 

48 ref

039309   SINKAR P, KUMAR K, RAI K, KUMAR S P, JEEPIPALLI (Analytical Chemistry Div, Thyrocare Technologies Limited, Mumbai- 400 703, Email: syam.kumar@thyrocare.com) : Estimation of cadmium levels in local banana (musa) fruits by icp-ms technology-A pan India study. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 57-60.

Industrial waste discharging into the irrigation water is a major cadmium source for plants. Over exploitation of chemical fertilizers in the agriculture is also a growing concern of cadmium accumulation into the plant. Purpose of this study was evaluation of cadmium prevalence in locally available banana fruits across the country. Microwave assisted acid digestion was used to homogenize the banana samples with subsequent analysis by ICP-MS technology. Banana samples from 59 districts of India were analyzed. Among the 59 districts of India, The districts of Tiruchirapalli and Bahraich had having highest cadmium levels respectively, 0.51 - 0.6 ng/g, 0.81 - 0.9 ng/g. Least banana cadmium levels (0-0.19 ng/g) was observed in banana from 28 districts of India. Study concludes that, bio-magnification of cadmium is the imminent danger. Phyotoremediation is welcoming approach.

13 ref

039308   PRADHAN S, MITRA M (Floriculture Dep, UBKV, Kalimpong- 734 301, Email: ss_bajrachrya@yahoo.com) : Effect of micronutrients on growth and flowering of marigold cv. siracole. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 53-6.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of FeS0₄, MnS0₄ and their combination on growth and flowering of Tagetes erecta cv. Siracole. Highest linear growth (68.88cm) of marigold was recorded in plants treated with 0.25 % MnS0₄+ 0.25 % FeS0₄. Plant spread (63.79cm), number of branches (19.10), leaf area (5.36cm.sq.), fresh and dry matter accumulation (431.69g & 105.59g), crop growth rate (7.98 g/m.sq./days), biomass duration (2783.03 g.days), number of flowers per plant (78.66), yield of flowers (35.99 t/ha) and petal meal per kilogram of fresh flowers (390.3 g/kg) and carotene content (2.26mg/g) were recorded highest in plants treated with 0.5 % FeS0₄+ 0.25 % MnS0₄ at all stages of crop growth. Plant chlorophyll and iron content were recorded highest with 0.5 % FeS0₄ while manganese content was significantly increased with the application of MnS0₄@0.5 %. 

4 tables, 15 ref

039306   TETTEH R, BOATENG S K, ASAMOAH K J (CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, Ghana, Email: rashbalm@yahoo.com) : Preliminary evaluation of growth response of two cowpea accessions to water stress. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 44-8.

Water deficit is one of the most important factors that affect plant growth and development. To assess the effect of water stress on growth of two cowpea accessions (i.e. UCC 321 and GH 4769), a field study was conducted at the experimental site of CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, Bunso, Eastern Region-Ghana during the minor season. The treatments comprised of non-watered and well-watered cowpea plants for thirty-two days. The experiment was a 2 x 2 factorial replicated three times in a randomised complete block design. Growth was determined by measuring plant height, number of leaves per plant and plant dry mass (i.e. leaf, stem, root and total plant). Water stress reduced plant height, number of leaves and plant dry mass. Dry-mass accumulation in above-ground plant organs was lower in non-watered plants than in the well-watered treatment. This indicated that irrigation was necessary to optimize cowpea production, and that a deficit in irrigation might affect plant growth as soil becomes dry. 

38 ref

039305   SEWNET Y, MELESSE B, DAGNAW A, TADESSE D (Rural Development and Agricultural Extension Dep, Bahir Dar Univ, Ethiopia, Email: yene40@gmail.com) : Determinants of crop land management practices: The case of north gondar zone, north west Ethiopia. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 39-43.

Land management problems like soil erosion; overgrazing and deforestation have steadily increased in Ethiopia including the study area North Gondar Zone. Thus, the main objective of this study is to assess the determinants of crop land management practices in north Gondar zone. Both qualitative and quantitative types of data were collected from primary and secondary sources. In this study, to get representative sample from different agro ecologies a stratified simple random sampling technique was employed to select sample household heads. Finally, a total of 120 household heads were drawn through simple random sampling technique proportionally to size form the sample kebeles. To analyze the determinants of land management practices multinomial logit model was used. The findings of this study indicated that from the total variables included in the model only six variables are found to significantly affect the choice of crop land management strategies. The significant variables include age of the household head, education level, access to mass media, amount of income, farm distance and the frequency of extension contact. Thus, any concerned bodies should strengthen rural households’ mass media coverage and advisory services.

1 illus, 9 ref

039302   KEBEDE Z, MEKBIB F, ABEBE T, ASFAW A (Debre birhan Agricultural Research Center, Debre birhan, Ethiopia, Email: zublinortho@gmail.com) : Morpho-physiological traits of potato (Solanum tuberosum l.) for post-flowering drought resistance. Agric Sci Dig 2020, 40(1), 19-26.

Though breeding for drought resistance is complicated due to the many processes involved and their interaction with the environment, availability of precise, cheap and easy to apply selection tool is critical. The present study quantified the response of potato genotypes to drought and identified potential morpho-physiological traits that are useful for selection of drought tolerant genotypes. The study assessed sixty genotypes under two irrigation regimes: fully watered non-stress and terminal drought, where the irrigation water supply to the crop was withheld after 50 % flowering to induce post-flowering stress. Measurements for various morpho-physiological, yield and quality related traits were taken following the potato crop trait ontology. The post-flowering stress induced in this study caused a tuber yield reduction of 33.13 % compared with the non-stressed treatment. The genotypes responded differently in tuber yielding potential to the drought. This differential tuber yield response to drought was associated with up and downward regulation of multiple traits related to drought adaptation in potatoes. Drought caused downward regulation on trait responses such as harvest index, leaf area and specific leaf area. Plant height, aboveground biomass and relative water content of leaf contributed negatively for tuber yield under stressed condition. Therefore, the selection attributes identified from this study could help the potato breeding program in the country to develop climate resilient potato varieties.

32 ref

039299   SATHISHKUMAR A, SAKTHIVEL N, SUBRAMANIAN E, RAJESH P (Crop Management Dep, RVS AC, Tamil Nadu, Email: sathishkumar08668@gmail.com) : Foliar spray of salicylic and gibberllic acid on productivity of crops. Agric Rev 2020, 41(1), 85-8.

Plant growth regulators are chemical substances and when applied in small amounts, they bring rapid changes in the phenotypes of the plant and also the plant growth, right from seed germination to senescence either by enhancing or by stimulating the natural growth regulatory system. Plant growth substances are known to enhance the source-sink relationship and stimulate the translocation of photo-assimilates thereby helping in effective flower formation, fruit and seed development and ultimately enhance the productivity of crops. An attempt is made to review the some of the important growth substances like salicylic acid and gibberellic acid on growth and productivity of the crops.

43 ref

039298   SHAVA J G, RICHARDSON-KAGELER S, DARI S, MAGAMA F, RUKUNI D (Tobacco Research Board, Zimbabwe, Email: gotamigav@yahoo.com) : Breeding for yield, quality and associated traits in the Zimbabwean flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Agric Rev 2020, 41(1), 79-84.

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) has grown to become a major cash crop and foreign currency earner in Zimbabwe. The crop’s popularity in the country is dependent on the climatic and soil conditions that promote the production of flavour style cures which are well sought after by the majority of tobacco merchants and cigarette manufacturers across the world.  The success story of tobacco farming in Zimbabwe is mainly attributed to the presence of an organised research system in the form of the Tobacco Research Board (TRB) that includes a dedicated division in the research unit specialising in variety development and promotion. Improvement in yield and quality of the cured leaf has are the main objectives of flue –cured tobacco breeders. Since the beginning of research in flue cured tobacco production in Zimbabwe, a lot of effort has been dedicated to improving these and other associated traits.  This review paper traces the process of breeding for improvement in yield and quality in flue-cured tobacco in Zimbabwe. It shows the methods employed and identifies some of the potential sources of genes for use in improvement in flue-cured tobacco yield and quality in present and future breeding work. 

31 ref

039297   SHARMA S, MANJEET (Horticulture Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: sharma.suneel1958@gmail.com) : Heat stress effects in fruit crops. Agric Rev 2020, 41(1), 73-8.

Heat stress is one of the most ominous abiotic factors which limit the productivity and quality thereby resulting in to huge economic losses. High temperature affects the morphological, anatomical and physiological and biochemical changes in plant system. The success in overcoming heat stress is limited owing to poor knowledge of heat stress during critical stages of fruit crops. There is urgent need to improve heat stress tolerance by using traditional breeding and transgenic approach. In this paper, we have discuss the effect of heat stress and possible management  techniques viz., selection of fruit crops, cultivars, rootstocks, canopy management, irrigation, nutrient management, mulching, growth regulator and use of bagging and film spray etc. which can be used to alleviate heat stress in fruit crops.

47 ref

039294   HASSAN M, YOUSUF V, SHAH T A, BHAT N A, BHAT Z A, MAJEED M, LATIEF R (Plant Pathology Div, Sher-E-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Sopore, Email: hmudasir72@gmail.com) : Stemphylium blight of onion. Agric Rev 2020, 41(1), 51-8.

Onion (Allium cepa) is one of the most important crop grown throughout the world. Onion suffers from many diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes and abiotic factors. Among them fungal diseases stemphylium blight is the most serious and devastating disease of onion limiting the quality and quantity of both bulb and seed. The present review is mainly focused on variability associated with Stemphylium vesicarium and its integrated management. Variability studies are important to document the changes occurring in the population and individuals with variability in morphological, cultural and pathogenic characteristics so as to breed the varieties with durable resistance to the stemphylium blight of onion andidentification of source of resistance against the range of virulence present in the pathogen population. Further, management of stemphylium blight of onion through fungicide application is feasible, however, long term usage of fungicides has led to the resistance development in pathogens besides hazardous environmental consequences associated with their use. The most efficient and economical method to mitigate the menace of this disease is therefore, integrated disease management (IDM) approach where other non-chemical ecofriendly management strategies are integrated with chemical methods in order to manage the diseases more efficiently with reduced use of chemicals. Among non-chemical ecofriendly management strategies biological control is gaining interest as an alternative or complement to chemical treatment of the disease. The present review paper deals with distribution, symptomatology, pathogenicity, variability and integrated management. 

73 ref

039293   VALARMATHI P (ICAR- Central Institute for Cotton Research, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: valarpath@gmail.com) : Antibiotics- Miracle drugs as crop protectants. Agric Rev 2020, 41(1), 43-50.

Antibiotics known as the drugs of wonder seem to have long run since olden times as significant in its application towards agriculture. Antibiotics have its application to control bacterial, fungal, viral and phytoplasmal diseases of high valued tree crops and plants of ornamental in nature. The laws of drug in various countries differ distress over use of antibiotics as crop protectants. The main concern related to use of antibiotics is appropriate and hence more information is needed over the effectiveness and safety use of antibiotics in controlling plant diseases. Development of antibiotic resistance in plant-pathogenic bacteria alarmed problem in the agro pathosystems where it have been used for many years in disease control programs. The efficacy of antibiotics to control plant diseases has been diminished due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains for the particular pathogens. Inspite of negative aspect, the antibiotics seems to continue important tools for the management of the important devastating plant diseases.

1 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

039292   ALEMINEW A, ABERA M (Plant Sciences Dep, Bahir Dar Univ, Ethiopia, Email: amarealemnew@yahoo.com) : Effect of climate change on the production and productivity of wheat crop in the highlands of Ethiopia. Agric Rev 2020, 41(1), 34-42.

Climate change is a recent challenge on crop production and productivity in the world. The objective of this paper is to review the major effects of climate change on the production and productivity of wheat in the high lands of Ethiopia. Effects of climate change on wheat would be mainly through changes in [CO₂], temperature, rainfall, length of growing period, actual growth rate and increased evapo-transpiration, which may lead to reduce yield or complete crop failure. Moreover, flower fertilization and grain set are highly sensitive to heat stress during mid-anthesis. In C₃ crops like wheat, the elevated CO₂ level is expected to increase productivity as a result of higher CO₂ diffusion through stomata leading to a higher photosynthesis rate. But, elevated [CO₂] may have negative effects on the grain-quality of wheat in terms of protein, lipids, number of mitochondria and nitrogen contents. Unlike CO₂, elevated temperature affects crop production negatively by increasing rate of respiration; hastening plant growth and development; increasing photorespiration of wheat, reducing photosynthetic efficiency due to O₂ interrupts the photosynthetic path way instead of CO₂, increasing rate of water loss by increasing evapo-transpiration and decreasing nutrient use-efficiency through increased rate of decomposition and mineralization. As a result, wheat area is forecast to be displaced by other crop types. In order to tackle this issue, major mitigation and adaptation measures for example promoting area closures and conservation agriculture-based (CA), agroforestry practices, efficient use of energy sources, etc. should be practiced and given special attention by the communities as well as the government to solve the effects of climate change on wheat production and productivity in the country.

5 illus, 41 ref

039291   NIMBOLKAR P K, BAJELI J, TRIPATHI A, CHAUBE A K, (Horticulture Dep, Govind Ballabh Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: jyoti.bajeli24@gmail.com) : Mechanism of salt tolerance in fruit crops. Agric Rev 2020, 41(1), 25-33.

Salinity in soil and water is a critical factor that is causing hindrance in crop production under salt affected areas. Plant metabolic activities are apparently restricted due to accumulation of salt. The event of salt stress happens to be the reason of severe alteration in the sequence of plant growth and development which ultimately reduces the survivability of plants. The physiological and biochemical mechanisms of tolerance to various osmotic and ionic components of salinity stress are evaluated at the cellular, organ and whole plant level. The course of adaptation towards salinity stress could be of various types such as avoidance, exclusion, extrusion, ion compartmentalization etc. Appropriate understanding of mechanism involved in salt tolerance at different levels in plant tissues provide a new opportunity to integrate physiological and biochemical knowledge to improve the salinity tolerance of fruit crops, especially from the nutritional aspect. Such information not only helpful in escalating the productivity in salt affected areas, but also facilitate in bringing relatively more salt affected areas under cultivation.

93 ref

039290   COLMENARES O M, BRINDIS R C, VERDUZCO C V, GRAJALES M P, GOMEZ M U (Autónoma Chapingo Univ, México, Email: Montes.horticulture@outlook.com) : Horticultural agroforestry systems recommended for climate change adaptation. Agric Rev 2020, 41(1), 14-24.

High input costs, environmental degradation and climate change have generated new challenges in the agriculture, horticulture and forestry sector. The objective of this paper is to identify the main horticultural agroforestry systems useful for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Agri-horticulture, Horti-olericulture, Silvi-olericulture, Horti-pasture, Horti/Silvo-medicinal, Horti/Silvo-ornamental, Horti-silviculture, Horti-entomoforestry and Horti-Pisciculture are horticultural agroforestry systems recommended. Agroforestry systems in comparison with monoculture systems, have better use of water, soil and light, can help reduce the application of herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, fertilizers, increasing food security, biodiversity protection and climatic change adaptation. We recommended national politics, subsidies, technical support and credits for global farmers. 

155 ref

039289   CHAUDHARY I J, NEERAJ A, SIDDIQUI M A, SINGH V (Central Univ of Gujarat, Gandhinagar-382 030, Email: indrajeet.cug@gmail.com) : Nutrient management technologies and the role of organic matrix-based slow-release biofertilizers for agricultural sustainability. Agric Rev 2020, 41(1), 1-13.

Natural soil containing nutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and potassium) allows plants to grow. The deficiency of nutrients in soil reduced the growth and development of plants. When the nutrient level is too low, the plant cannot function properly and then fertilizers provide sufficient nutrients to plants. Nowadays the farmer applied various kinds of synthetic and organic and some special class of microbial fertilizers for more production of agricultural crops. Excess use of chemical fertilizers caused nutrient leaching problems and also pollutes soil, water and air environment. However, chemical fertilizers are expensive, non-eco-friendly, cause eutrophication, reduce organic matter and microbial activity in the soil and are hazardous to health. Therefore, Slow-release biofertilizers are also produced by the technical intermediations that breakdown the nutrients and make them available to the plants for a longer duration. These fertilizers play an important role in improving the growth and development of plants, thereby mitigating environmental pollution and helping in sustainable agriculture. The efficacy of slow-release biofertilizers can be enhanced plant growth and productivity and manage the nutrient leaching from soil and also control water pollution.

120 ref

039288   KAUR J (Agronomy Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: kaurjagmohan@pau.edu) : Planting pattern of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) in intercropping systems. J Appl Nat Sci 2020, 12(1), 66-70.

Since per capita availability of land is shrinking day by day and there is little scope for horizontal growth of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and thus vertical growth via intercropping can be a viable alternative to reduce the wide gap between the demand and supply of edible oils. Intercropping is an intensive land use system and a profitable venture especially for the small land holders as it fulfills the diversified demands at the farm level itself. Suitable planting pattern for greater light interception and transmission throughout the crop profile is pre-requisite for getting higher productivity. This paper reviews the information regarding role of planting patterns of oilseed rape on various aspects like growth, yield, competitiveness as well as productivity and profitability of intercropping systems. Different oilseed rape cultivars when intercropped with different crops viz., cereals, legumes, fodders or other oilseed crops prove to be more productive and remunerative as compared to their monoculture at different row proportions or spacings, which also varies with locations.

32 ref

039287   SARDAR S, PATRA M, MANDAL B, PATRA B C (Agronomy Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia- 741 252, Email: somnathsardar92@gmail.com) : An overview on problems and prospects of transplanted maize with special reference to India. J Appl Nat Sci 2020, 12(1), 59-65.

Transplanting is the technique of moving of a plant from one location to another. This strategy is commonly practiced to establish crops when conditions are less favourable for direct seeding. Birds and squirrels damage to seedlings of maize is a serious problem resulting in poor crop stand and low yield. Delayed germination and plant growth receives a major set back due to late sowing of maize which reduces grain yield; however, reduction of yield can be compensated by transplantation technique. Transplanting of maize is a strategy that can be used to achieve optimum plant densities, better crop stand and obviously to get optimum yield. It reduces the nutrient requirement and also shortens the growth period of crop that helps farmers to harvest a third crop in intensive cropping system. Transplanted crop produces about 15.44 % higher grain yield and can be harvested 10-12 days earlier that of direct seeding crop, so, late maturity high yielding cultivars can be fitted in to available growing season. Though, there are several advantages of transplanted maize, it is not popular in India due to lack of awareness, lacking in proper rational scientific technology and very little information about age of seedling and optimum dose of nutrient. Farmers can be benefitted if proper technology regarding age of seedling, process of transplanting and other cultivation techniques of raising transplanted maize is supplied to them.  

1 illus, 6 tables, 34 ref

039281   ISLAM S, ALAM S, KAUR G, GOGAI A K (Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, Email: safeeralam1@gmail.com) : Evaluation of Assamese buffaloes considering important economic traits under field conditions in their home tracts. J Appl Nat Sci 2020, 12(1), 19-24.

The Assamese buffaloes are being reared by the farmers/breeders for milk, meat and for draught purposes. These buffaloes are known for higher fat contents in their milk (8.5 percent on an average) and are famous in the market with a great demand and are known as “Khuti milk”. They are good source of livelihood for breeders and the graziers both in its breeding tract and have attracted researchers to consider the study of some important economic traits under field conditions. The present study was organized and considered the data on a total of 324 Assamese buffaloes distributed over three districts namely Kamrup, Nagaon and Darrang in Assam covering 35 khutis (open herds) during the year 2015-16   eighteen months. The lactation milk yield of Assamese buffalo was observed as 448.38±1.67 kg with a lactation length of 237.06±0.74 days and the peak yield and days to  attain were measured as 3.41±0.02 kg and 54.16±0.19 days respectively. The reproduction traits like age at first calving, gestation period, service period and inter-calving period were considered for the study based on the breeders’ interview using pre-structured formats. The age at first calving was recorded as 52.28±0.81 months, the gestation period was observed as 323.10±0.68 days with an inter-calving period of 465.70±1.67 day. The service period and the dry period for these buffalo was 171.34±0.82 and 252.84±1.47 days respectively. The production and reproduction performance of Assamese buffaloes need special attention to be addressed for further improvements to help a large size of population of Assam, who are entirely depending for their livelihood on these valuable AnGR (buffaloes) of Assam. 

2 tables, 48 ref

039279   KOPPAD A G, SARFIN S, DAS A K (Natural Resource Management, Forestry Coll, Sirsi, Karnataka, Email: koppadag2007@rediffmail.com) : A study on landuse and landcover classification using microwave data in Joida taluk of Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. J Appl Nat Sci 2020, 12(1), 9-12.

The study has been conducted for land use and land cover classification by using SAR data. The study included examining of ALOS 2 PALSAR L- band quad pol (HH, HV, VH and VV) SAR data for LULC classification. The SAR data was pre-processed first which included multilook, radiometric calibration, geometric correction, speckle filtering, SAR Polarimetry and decomposition. For land use land cover classification of ALOS-2PALSAR data sets, the supervised Random forest classifier was used. Training samples were selected with the help of ground truth data. The area was classified under 7 different classes such as dense forest, moderate dense forest, scrub/sparse forest, plantation, agriculture, water body, and settlements. Among them the highest area was covered by dense forest (108647 ha) followed by horticulture plantation (57822 ha) and scrub/Sparse forest (49238 ha) and lowest area was covered by moderate dense forest (11589 ha). Accuracy assessment was performed after classification. The overall accuracy of SAR data was 80.36 % and Kappa Coefficient was 0.76.  Based on SAR backscatter reflectance such as single, double, and volumetric scattering mechanism different land use classes were identified. 

3 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

039278   MANDAL M, DAS S K (Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani- 741 235, Email: sanjibag@gmail.com) : Effect of intra row spacing, dates of haulm cutting and fertilizer dose on disease free quality seed tuber production of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under new Alluvial Zone of West Bengal. J Appl Nat Sci 2020, 12(1), 1-8.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)  is the most popular tuber crop in West Bengal, India. Seed tuber is the single most important factor in potato cultivation and if the seed is not of good quality, then optimum production could not be achieved. Unavailability of good quality seed, high price and untimely supply of seed at the village level are the main limiting factors in potato production. Field experiments were conducted during rabi season of 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, West Bengal to determine the effects of intra row spacing, dates of haulm cutting and fertilizer dose on disease free quality seed grade tuber production of potato. The experiment was laid out in a split split plot design with three replications having twelve treatment combinations. The results revealed that with the decrease in intra row spacing from 20cm to 15cm seed grade size (< 75g) tuber yield and numbers and total tuber numbers were significantly increased but marketable grade (> 75 g) tuber yield and numbers were significantly reduced. Haulm cutting at 65 DAP increased the seed grade size tuber yield and numbers over 75 DAP. With the decrease in fertility levels from 100 % RDF of NPK to 50 % RDF of NPK the seed grade  tuber production and number were significantly increased at 5 % level of significance. Disease incidence and intensity of Phoma leaf spot decreased and early blight increased with decreasing doses of fertilizers. No viral disease was observed. Dehaulming at 65 DAP was found safer so far as infestation and chances of viral disease transmission by the sucking pests were concerned. From the present study it may be concluded that, for quality seed tuber production of potato and to get highest net return under New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, use of 50cm X 15cm spacing along with haulm cutting at 65 DAP, when planting is done on first week of November and grown with 50 % RDF of NPK was found best. 

8 tables, 17 ref

039184   KHULBE R K, PATTANAYAK A, PANDEY B M, PAS R S, BISHT G S, PANT M C, KANT L (ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Uttarakhand, Email: rajesh.khulbe@icar.gov.in) : Kwanu local - A high yielding traditional maize cultivar of Jaunsar tribal region of Uttarakhand and a promising genetic resource for maize improvement. Indian J Tradit Know 2020, 19, 164-9.

Globally maize is the second most important crop in terms of acreage where as in India it ranks third after wheat and rice. Maize productivity has been breaking unprecedented barriers owing chiefly to wide scale cultivation of high yielding hybrids. Sustaining high yields of hybrids necessitates continued efforts for creation of novel gene assemblages and/or discovery of such naturally existing constellations. Traditional local cultivars are an important source of the latter. Kwanu Local is an example of such a traditional cultivar that contributes significantly towards sustaining food, fodder and fuel requirement of Jaunsari tribal community of Kwanu cluster in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It is a tall, high yielding, medium duration, semi-dent yellow bold-grained cultivar and owes its characteristic present form to multiple infusions from diverse populations that have taken place over the long history of its cultivation in the region. Its cultivation over a vast contiguous expanse and the selection practices followed by the farming community ensure maintenance of high heterozygosity in the population, assuring sustained high yields. The cultivar possesses many desirable features that make it a potential genetic resource for a variety of traits of agronomic importance (cob length, cob girth, number of kernels/row and kernel size). Its use for increasing kernel size has been well demonstrated. Kernel size in the backcross progenies involving inbreds VQL 1 (255 g) and V 400 (215 g) as recipients and Kwanu Local (343 g) as donor exhibited kernel size range of 260-293 g (VQL 1 x Kwanu Local) and 228-245 g (V 400 x Kwanu Local), showing increase of 6-14 and 2-15 %, respectively, in the two crosses. With its local adaptability and high yield coupled with other desirable traits, Kwanu Local holds potential as a promising genetic resource for maize improvement.

4 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

039173   DAS S, MOHANTY S, DASH D, MUDULI K C (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Agriculture and Technology Univ, Bhubaneswar - 751 003, Email: sumitadas.sst@gmail.com) : Enhancement of growth and seed yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) through foliar spray of osmoprotectants under high temperature stress. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2020, 19, 92-100.

An investigation was undertaken during rabi-summer season of 2016-17 in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, OUAT, Bhubaneswar to study the efficiency of some osmoprotectants in mitigating high temperature stress by improving growth, seed yield and quality of rice cv. Naveen. The field experiment was conducted in Split Plot Design, with three replications. The main plot factor was three dates of sowing (D₁ – 30^th November, D₂ – 15^th December and D₃ – 30^th December). The sub-plot factor was foliar spray of chemicals at vegetative and seed filling stages: Control (T₀), 600 ppm Glycine betaine (T₁), 400 ppm Salicylic acid (T₂), 800 ppm Salicylic acid (T₃), 10 ppm Ascorbic acid + 1.3 % Citric acid (T₄), 150 ppm α-Tocopherol (T₅), 1.0 % Potassium chloride (T₆), 5 ppm Brassinolides (T₇) and 10 ppm Brassinolides (T₈). Observations on various phenological, seed yield and quality parameters were recorded. With advancement in sowing time, there was significant decrease in the chlorophyll content of leaves. The chlorophyll content of leaves after two days of spraying as slightly higher than that prior to spraying in all the treatments. Maximum chlorophyll content was recorded with spray treatment of 800 ppm salicylic acid at both the stages of observation. Significantly higher pollen viability and seed set were recorded with first date of sowing (D₁), compared to second and third dates of sowing (D₂ and D₃, respectively). Among the treatments, pollen viability was highest with 10 ppm brassinolides and 400 ppm salicylic acid. Seed set was highest with 10 ppm brassinolides and 800 ppm salicylic acid. With advancement in sowing time, there was decrease in membrane stability index of leaves. The MSI of leaves after two days of spraying was slightly higher than that prior to spraying in all treatments. Maximum MSI was recorded with spray treatment of 400 ppm salicylic acid (T₂) during vegetative and seed filling stages. The treatments T₂, T₄ and T₈ produced highest increase in MSI compared to that before spraying during both stages. Higher seed yield was obtained from D₁, compared to delayed sowing. Mean seed yield from D1 was 53.76 q/ha, as against 48.99 q/ha and 44.51 q/ha from D2 and D3, respectively. Spraying of 800 ppm salicylic acid and 10 ppm brassinolides gave highest seed yields from each date of sowing. Seed yields from D₃T₀ and D₂T₀ (35.33 q/ha and 39.72 q/ha, respectively) were significantly lower than all treatment combinations, including D₁T₀ (51.83 q/ha). Increase in seed yields due to various treatments as against the control was more pronounced in D₂ and D₃. The first date of sowing (D₁) produced seeds with higher 1000-seed weight (22.62 g), compared to D₂ and D₃ (20.27 g and 19.36 g, respectively). Among the treatments, higher 1000-seed weights were recorded with the treatments T₃ and T₈ (21.51 g and 21.43 g, respectively), while lowest 1000-seed weight (18.76 g) was recorded with the Control. Seeds produced from D₁ recorded higher germination and seed vigour. All the treatments recorded improvement in germination and vigour of seeds with three dates of sowing. Treatments T₃, T₇ and T₈ gave highest improvement in seed germination over control. Under accelerated ageing treatment, T₃ recorded highest germination followed by T₈. Dates of sowing and treatment sprays had no influence on electrical conductivity of seed leachate. Hence, the present study demonstrated that foliar sprays at vegetative and seed filling stages with 800 ppm salicylic acid or 10 ppm ascorbic acid + 1.3 % citric acid or 10 ppm brassinolides were quite effective in alleviating adverse effects of high temperature during flowering and seed set, through increased chlorophyll content of leaves, improved membrane stability, higher pollen viability and seed set, thus improving seed yield and quality of rice.

10 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

039169   MANNA R K, RAY A, SAMANTTA P, APRAJITA, BHOWMIK T S, BAITHA R, PAUL S K, BEHERA S K, DAS B K (ICAR- Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Kolkata- 700 120, Email: basantakumard@gmail.com) : Bait specificity in hook and line fishery of River Ganga and associated conservation issues. Indian J Tradit Know 2020, 19, 61-72.

Recent survey in lower 1,110 km stretch of River Ganga regarding ‘hook and line’ fishery revealed that fishers apply their inherited indigenous knowledge for selection of bait to harvest finfish and shellfish from river water. A total number of 26 different types of baits under 07 categories were recorded. Six varieties of fish species and four types of insects are found to be prevalent for catching carnivorous fishes. Five specially modified indigenous types of bait moulded with fish attractants were also documented. Bait-fish species association in hook and line fishery of river Ganga is discussed. Feeding habits of the target fishes was compared with the type of baits employed. Conservation issues associated with hook and line fishery is highlighted along with possible remedial measures. Different varieties of hook & line fishery which are in operation in river Ganga are briefly described. Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) associated with hook & line fishery needs to be properly documented and preserved for developing and encouraging ‘sport fishery’ in River Ganga.

12 illus, 4 tables, 39 ref

039168   PALANISAMY S, RAJESWARI U K (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, TNAU, Coimbatore - 641 003, Email: saviagri@gmail.com) : Nutritional and grain quality characters correlation with yield components in different conventional land races and improved varieties for in situ conservation in Tamil Nadu in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Indian J Tradit Know 2020, 19, 53-60.

The aim of present research was to assess physicochemical and grain qualities of traditional land races and rice cultivars native to temperate region (Tamil Nadu) of India. Traditional varieties in India and across the Asia serious threat of extension because of arrival of high yielding varieties, hybrids, genetically engineered rice came for nowadays to increase the malnutrition and different human disease is the major problem. Trial material comprised of ten parents which comprised in six cultivars of female parents and four conventional landraces utilized as male parents, F₁, F₂ and F₃ generation of six crosses. Parents and two crosses viz., IR 72 x Veeradangan, ADT 39 x Kavuni were chosen F₃ generation dependent on the biometrical characters present in quality and nutritional traits in grains. These desirable characteristics (nutritional, grain quality) exploit farmers to preserve these traditional and improved cultivars encourage farmers to cultivate.

2 illus, 6 tables, 18 ref

039167   DAVID M, BERNARD B, ANTHONY E, MICHAEL M S, JAMES W, ANDREW A, STEPHEN K, ZAKIA N, CLAIRE N (Geography and Social studies Dep, Kyambogo Univ, Uganda, Email: barasagis@gmail.com) : The role of indigenous knowledge (IK) in adaptation to drought by agropastoral smallholder farmers in Uganda. Indian J Tradit Know 2020, 19, 44-52.

Majority of agro pastoral smallholder farmers in developing countries are characterised by low pay status, high illiteracy levels and are tied to cultural beliefs and spirits. These drawbacks have led them into using more indigenous knowledge as a way of adapting to droughts. This study explored the contribution of IK in enhancing farmer’s resilience to drought in crop and livestock production systems in semi-arid areas. The objectives were: (i) to examine the agro pastoral farmer’s perceptions of drought indicators and associated impacts and (ii) determinants for the adoption of indigenous knowledge drought adaptation responses. Socio-economic data was collected using oral interviews. The farmers (240) were selected using random sampling procedures and subjected to structured questionnaires and key informant guides. This study highlights that the droughts experienced were perceived to be more severe, recurrent and pervasive but also erratic. The IK drought signs were: flowering of wild plants, blowing of strong winds and appearance of flying and crawling insects. In crop-based systems, droughts reduced yields, caused plant stunted growth, increased incidences of diseases and invasive weed species. In livestock, droughts reduced surface water levels, lowered milk and beef yields, and increased diseases. The farmers reacted to droughts by practicing indigenous agro forestry, mulching, changing planting time, crop rotation and hoeing of trenches to control fires and pests/diseases. They also took their animals to wetlands for foraging and drew water for animals to drink. The uptake of IK drought adaptation practices was related to: household size, personal farming life experience, gender and age of the agro pastoral farmers. Therefore, employing IK drought adaptation responses is an important step towards increasing the resilience of agro pastoral smallholder farmers but also the conservation of IK for forthcoming generations.

5 illus, 6 tables, 20 ref