039165   SINGH A, SINGH R K, SINGH J, GOSWAMI A, UPADHYAYA A, SHARMA PC (ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal -132 001, Email: ranjaysingh_jbp@rediffmail.com) : 'DUS' characterization of an endangered salt tolerant radish landrace (Newar). Indian J Tradit Know 2020, 19, 24-32.

In this study, responses to salinity stress of three varieties of radish, viz., ‘Newar’ (landrace), ‘Pusa Mridula’ and ‘White Excel’, were recorded. Additionally, landrace Newar was also characterized for ‘Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability’ (DUS) using 34 descriptors. Results indicated higher salt tolerance in ‘Newar’ as evidenced by relatively early germination and high early seedling vigour than other varieties regardless of the salinity of the irrigation water. Although salinity stress, especially up to 8.0 dS m^-1, had no adverse effect on shoot growth in all the varieties, effects on root growth were quite different. While ‘Newar’ exhibited non-significant differences in root fresh weight (RFW) at different salinity levels, ‘White Excel’ displayed nominal variations up to 8.0 dS m^-1 salinity and ‘Pusa Mridula’ registered consistent declines in RFW with increasing salinity. ‘Newar’ plants were found to be efficient in Na⁺ exclusion and in maintaining a favourable Na⁺ to K⁺ ratio in their shoots and roots. Further, proline accumulation was much higher in salt treated Newar than in ‘White Excel’ and ‘Pusa Mridula’ plants. Based on DUS descriptors, number of leaves, leaf length, and root length and weight were found to be the major distinguishable characters in Newar.

4 illus, 3 tables, 58 ref

039151   KALAIARASAN M, GAYATHRE V L, MALRIAPPAN S, VELMURUGAN R, FELIX S, BALASUNDARI S, CHRISPIN C L, RADHAKRISHNAN K (TNJFU- Fisheries Coll and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu- 601 204, Email: kalaimuthu2010@gmail.com) : Comparative catching efficiency of traditional prawn fishing gears in pulicat lake of Tamil Nadu, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(2), 303-10.

Prawn fishery in Pulicat Lake has a significant role in livelihood of the fishers, which is being harvested through different fishing gears. Here, we investigated the prawn-fishing gear and their catch composition. The information on various aspect about the gears was collected from the 48 respondents each month through pre-designed interview schedule by adopting random sampling. Results revealed that the quantity of prawn were higher in stake net (209.83 kg), followed by barriers (118.58 kg), drive-in-net (55.58 kg) tangle net (18.25 kg) and was statically significant at 5 %. It was estimated that more than half (52.16 %) of the total prawn catch in Pulicat Lake was obtained through stake net than the barriers (29.48 %), drive-in-net (13.82 %) and tangle net (4.54 %). The maximum quantity of prawn was obtained during the November and December in all the prawn-fishing gear (p < 0.05). This study concludes that non-selective fishing gears resulted in the abundant catch of juvenile fishes and crabs, need to be regulated mesh size, to support the conservation and sustainable harvest of the fishery resources in Pulicat Lake.

5 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

039134   BASHYAL B M, ZAIDI N W, SINGH U S, AGGARWAL R (ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi- 110 012, Email: bishnumayabashyal@gmail.com) : Effect of fungal biocontrol agents on enhancement of drought stress tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Indian J Biochem Biophys 2020, 57, 101-8.

Rice is the staple food crop for about half of the population of the world. Drought is a major stress limiting factor of this crop. In the recent years, biocontrol agents like Trichoderma spp. have become popular as plant growth promoter and shown to enhance drought tolerance in plants. Therefore, present investigation investigation was undertaken to evaluate the different biocontrol agents i.e. Trichoderma harzinum 1, Trichoderma harzianum 2, Chaetomium globosum and Talaromyces flavus against the drought in resistant (DRR 42 and Sahbhagi Dhan) and susceptible (IR 64) varieties of rice. Prior to sowing seeds were bioprimed separately with each isolates of Trichoderma harzianum @ 10g/kg and were sown in pots. Drought treatment of 4 days, 7 days, 10 days and 13 days were given as per the standard protocol. Biocontrol agent Trichoderma harzianum (T2) was observed most effective for drought tolerance followed by Chaetomium globosum. After 13 days of drought treatment minimum wilting (20 %) was observed in Sahbhagi Dhan treated with Trichoderma harzianum 2. Four and 10 days drought stressed plants were subjected to different biochemical analysis. Significantly positive correlation (r = 0.91) was observed between wilting and Malondialdehyde (MDA) content. While negative correlation (r = −0.67) was observed between wilting and average plant weight. Study suggested that Trichoderma harzianum 2 treatment during drought stress in rice plants can delay the drought upto 3-5 days.

3 illus, 1 tables, 36 ref

039102   SUMAN K, MADHUBABU P, RATHOD R, RAO D S, ROJARANI A, PRASHANT S, SUBBARAO L V, RAVINDRABABU V, NEERAJA C N (Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad - 500 030, Email: cnneeraja@gmail.com.) : Variation of grain quality characters and marker-trait association in rice (Oryza sativa L.). J Genet 2020, 99, 1-12.

A set of 24 genotypes were studied for 17 grain quality characters and validated with the reported associated rice microsatellite markers with grain quality characters. Using 23 polymorphic markers distributed across 11 chromosomes marker-trait associations were studied. The percentage of polymorphism information content (PIC) of the markers ranged between 54.0 and 86.7. Eight markers with $>$80 % and seven markers with$>$70 % of PIC were found to be efficient in differentiating the studied grain quality characters. A total of 37 significant marker-trait associations (P$\le$B 0.09) were found with R² ranging from 4.70 % to 43.80 %. Eight markers a (RM246, RM11, RM241, RM16427, RM421, RM3, RM234 and RM257) showed association with more than one character suggesting their utility for the selection for grain quality characters which can be deployed in the rice crop improvement programmes.

4 illus, 6 tables, 44 ref

039061   JEYASANTA K I, PATTERSON J (Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, Tuticorin- 628 001, Email: immaculatejayasantha@gmail.com) : Study on the effect of freshness of raw materials on the final quality of fish meals. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 124-34.

Two types of fish meals namely fresh fish meal (FFM) and stale fish meal (SFM) were prepared using oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps) by wet reduction method. FFM was prepared from fresh fishes, and SFM was prepared from oilsardines stored in refrigerator for 3 days at 8 °C. The qualities of these two fish meals were studied by assessing the nutrient contents and quality indicators. The quality of stored fish meals was also studied with Ethoxyquin antioxidant for 2 months. When compared to stale fish meal, fresh fish meal retained a better proximate composition with essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamin, and minerals. It also had acceptable limits of microbial and biochemical quality indicators. This study demonstrates that fresh fish meal prepared by wet reduction method has good qualities due to the hygienic processing of fresh fishes. The biochemical constituents of fish meal prepared in this method are better retained than in other methods. Fish meal with good quality has a longer shelf life of about 3 months, and with the addition of antioxidants like ethoxyquin shelf life can be extended even up to 6 months.

7 tables, 77 ref

039013   ALSHANBARI A A, AL-SUWAIEGH S B, AL-YOUSEF Y M, AL-SHAHEEN T A (Animal and Fish Production Dep, King Faisal Univ, Al-Ahsa-31982, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) : Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products on productive performance of Ardi goat. Asian J Anim Sci 2020, 14(2), 69-74.

 Goats are one of the major range animals reared for milk and meat production in Saudi Arabia. These animals are capable to survive under highly drought and feed stress conditions. To achieve high milk and meat production, this study was conducted to determine the effect of SCFP on the productive performance of Ardi goats. The study utilized different inclusion rates of SCFP on 20 lactating goats by following a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Five SCFP rates namely 0 (control) 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 g/h/day were tested with 3 to 4 replications. Animals were quarantined for two weeks to acclimatize the metabolic crates and new ration. Milk yield was recorded daily for 90 days. Two experiments were conducted on 20 adult and 20 goat kids for treatment evaluation. Data were analyzed statistically by following appropriate methods for treatment evaluation. Milk production, feed efficiency conversion rates and milk fat increased for groups three and four with inclusion rate of 3.5 and 4.5 g/h/day of SCFP, respectively, but without affecting milk protein and lactose concentration. The difference between Total Digestion Nutrients (TDN) and digestibility of Organic Matter (OM) was not significant between the control and other treatments.  However, a significant difference was found between the control and other groups in Crude Protein (CP) digestibility. Supplementation of SCFP did not show any effect on milk production of Ardi goats, but it improved the FCR and milk fat yield. Also, ADF digestibility improved without any effect on OM and NDF digestibility. Besides, supplementing SCFP reduced the CP digestibility. Overall, the performance of Ardi goats improved with SCFP supplementation.
 

4 tables, 34 ref

039006   NGUYEN D V, DANG L H (Animal Nutrition and Feed Dep, National Institute of Animal Science, Hanoi- 129 909, Vietnam) : Fresh rice straw silage affected by ensiling additives and durations and its utilisation in beef cattle diets. Asian J Anim Sci 2020, 14(1), 16-24.

Rice straw is the most abundant crop by-product in Vietnam, but research on fresh rice straw (FRS) silage is very limited. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of ensiling additives and durations on organoleptic characteristics and chemical compositions of FRS silage and to determine the suitable substitution of green grass with FRS silage in growing beef cattle under an intensive production condition. In Experiment 1, urea, ammonia and lactic acid microbes were employed to mechanically treat FRS bales. The bales were stored indoor up to 16 weeks in separate bags for organoleptic and chemical assessments at different preservation durations. In experiment 2, the best FRS silage from experiment 1 was used to replace VA06 grass in dietary forage with different dry matter levels: No FRS silage (Control), 1/3 FRS silage and 2/3 FRS silage. Fifteen Laid Sind growing cattle were randomly allocated to and individually fed 1 of 3 forage treatments for 12 weeks, after a 2 week adaptation.The 2 % urea treated FRS (fresh matter basis) (URS) displayed the best quality with stably high pH, yellow color and strong ammoniac odor, highest crude protein content throughout 16 week preservation.The replacement of 2/3 URS reduced daily feed intake, but did not cause significant differences in growth performance.These findings suggest that 2 % urea is an effective treatment to preserve FRS and URS can replace up to 2/3 green grass in growing beef cattle diets under an intensive production condition.
 

1 illus, 5 tables, 33 ref

025861   NEDUNCHEZHIYAN M, BYJU G, RAVI V, GEORGE J (ICAR- Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Bhubaneswar- 751 019, Email: mnedun@gmail.com) : Effect of fertigation schedule on production potential, quality and nutrient uptake of elephant-foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius). Curr Hort 2018, 6(1), 19-26.

The field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of fertigation schedule on productivity and quality of elephant-foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Dennst. Nicolson) at Bhubaneswar Regional Centre of CTCRI, Thiauvananthapuram, during 2013 and 2014. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with different fertigation intervals (T₁:2, T₂:3 and T₃:4 days intervals) in the main plots. The recommended dose of fertilizers (soluble fertilizer N, P₂O5, K₂O @ 120-60-120 kg/ha) were applied in splits (S₁:30, S₂:40 and S₃:50) through drip irrigation in sub-plots. A check [surface irrigation with P₂O₅ 60 kg/ha as basal and N, K₂O @ 120-120 kg/ha during first (40 %), second (30 %) and third (30 %) month after planting (MAP) applied to soil] and the control (surface irrigation without fertilizer) treatments were also included. All the treatments had three replications. The plant height, canopy spread and pseudostem (leaf petiole) girth at third and fifth MAP were maximum in treatments which received maximum nutrients. The treatments T₃S₂ (fertigation in 40 split doses at 4 days interval) and T₂S₃ (fertigation in 50 split doses at 3 days interval) resulted in more corm yield, dry matter and starch content, nutrient (N, P and K) uptake and use efficiency (agronomic efficiency, recovery efficiency and partial factor productivity) but difference between the two treatments were not statistically significant. The control (surface irrigation without fertilizer) resulted in lower calcium oxalate content in corm. Dilution effect of calcium oxalate content was recorded in treatments that resulted in maximum corm yield.

2 illus, 3 tables, 41 ref

007338   KARLOPIA S K, BAKHTIYAR Y, LANGER S (Zoology Dep, Kashmir Univ, Srinagar– 190 006, Email: yahya.bakhtiyar@uok.edu.in) : Comparison of the growth potential of Macrobrachium rosenbergii in mono and polyculture conditions in earthen culture ponds of Jammu, India. J Ecophysiol Occup Health 2019, 19(3&4), 112-9.

The study was conducted to assess the growth and survival of Macrobrachium rosenbergii in earthen culture ponds in order to know about the growth potential of M. rosenbergii in mono as well as polyculture conditions in Jammu. Polyculture experiments of prawn with some selected carps Indian Major Carps (Cirrhinus mrigala and Labeo rohita) and Exotic Carps (Cyprinus carpio) were undertaken in 3 freshwater ponds for duration of 4 months. Under the monoculture conditions, prawns attained an average size of 10.40 ± 0.17 cm weighing 23.84 ± 0.32 g in 4 months and the survival rate was found to be more than 75%. The growth rate of prawns was found to increase steadily during the first half (upto mid-October) after which a decline in the growth rate was evident as the mean temperature reached below 18°C. In the polyculture ponds the prawns attained an average size of 10.10 ± 0.03 cm weighing 18.39 ± 0.89g (without C. carpio) and 8.4 ± 0.36 cm weighing 15.23 ± 0.36 g (with C. carpio) in 4 months and their survival rate was less than 70%. Prawns being benthic feeders utilized the leftover food (of the fishes) that settled at the bottom, therefore, saving the feed cost. It was observed that mean size of the fish attained in the polyculture practice was almost similar to that obtained in the monoculture. The ideal prawn polyculture should be practiced with fast growing compatible carps such as Rohu and grass carp. Bottom feeder carps such as Mrigal (C. mrigala) should be avoided in prawn polyculture practice as they compete with prawns in feeding.

3 tables, 59 ref

007348   KUMAR S, GODARA S (Zoology Dep, RM Jat (P.G.) Coll, Hisar– 125 001, Email: suresh_sang@yahoo.com) : Impact of vermicompost manure on microbial population in carp rearing pond. J Ecophysiol Occup Health 2019, 19(3&4), 86-95.

Effect of vermicompost, poultry manure, cow dung and pig manure used to monitor on microbial population in carp rearing pond water of Indian carp fviz. Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala. The fingerlings stocked @ 30 fish per pond in the ratio of 3 : 4 : 3. The bacterial strains isolated in ponds water treated with different manures were sevengram negative (A. hydrophilla, Escherichia coli, E. aerogens, Shigella sp., K. oxytoca, P. aeruginosa, P. fluorescens) and three gram positive (M. luteus, S. aureus and Streptococcus sp.). The average counts of heterotrophic pathogenic bacteria in poultry manure founded to be maximum in decreasing order followed by pig manure, cow dung, vermicompost, vermicompost and control, respectively. However, bacteria, E. aerogens,P. fluorescens, P. aeruginosa, Shigella sp., K. oxytoca and Streptococcus sp. found absent in vermicompost treatments. All the three species gained maximum growth in vermicompost followed by cow dung > poultry manure and pig manure.

6 tables, 25 ref

007296   BARLA S, UPASANI R R (Agronomy Dep, Birsa Agricultural Univ, Ranchi- 834 006, Email: sheela.barla.123@gmail.com) : Long term effect of fertilizer on weed dynamics. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 220-4.

A study on effect of long term use of fertilizers on weed dynamics in maize – wheat cropping system was conducted at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi during 2013 to 2016 The treatments included three levels of N 40, 80 and 120 kg ha^-1, P₂O₅ 0, 40 and 80 kg ha^-1 and two levels of K₂O, 0 and 40 kg ha^-1 each for maize and wheat in fixed plots. The treatment absolute control N0 P0 K0 was also included in the treatments. The experiment was conducted under confounded design with three replications. Minimum weed population and dry matter accumulation was recorded in maize during all the years under absolute control (N0 P0 K0 ). As the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash increased, the weed population and dry matter accumulation also decreased. The interaction of N, P and K revealed that with increasing combination of N and P, weed dry matter accumulation increased upto 40 kg P ha^-1 and it reduced at 80 kg P ha^-1. With increase of N and K level the weed dry matter reduced. The maize grain yield continued to increase up to highest level of nutrient applied. In case of wheat, as the level of P and K combinations increased, the grain and weed dry matter accumulation also increased. Combination of P with 40 or 80 kg N ha^-1 without K increased weed dry matter accumulation as well as wheat grain yield, while, weed dry matter accumulation reduced with addition of 40kg K ha^-1 with N and P irrespective of their levels. Wheat yield increased with reduced weed dry matter.

6 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

007317   DEVI N M, KUNDU C K, BERA P S, PANDA S, DAS S (Agronomy Dep, BCKV, West Bengal– 741 252, Email: champakbckv@rediffmail.com) : Evaluation of glyphosate 41% SL to control weeds in tea at Terai region of West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 213-9.

An experiment was conducted in Mathura Tea Garden at Alipurduar which is under Terai agro-climatic zone of West Bengal to evaluate efficacy of Glyphosate 41% SL to control weeds in Tea crop in the year 2015-2016. The design used in the experiment was Randomised Block Design with 8 treatments replicated thrice. The results observed revealed that treatments had no significant effect on the total fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes population in the soil. Despite the given treatments, the data showed rise in their population, even higher than the initial recorded population. It was also observed that Glyphosate 41% SL @3.00 l ha^-1 recorded the minimum population and dry weight of all categories of weeds. It can also be noted that the maximum weed control efficiency was found in Glyphosate 41% SL @ 3.00 l ha^-1 at all the observations taken at 15 days interval followed by lower dose of the same and paraquat dichloride 24% SL @4.25 l ha^-1. Maximum green leaf yield (12.37 q ha^-1) was also recorded with Glyphosate 41% SL @ 3.00l/ha .Besides all these, application of Glyphosate 41% SL at lower and higher doses (2.00 and 6.00 l ha^-1 respectively) didn’t cause any phytotoxic effect on the crop. Hence, it can be concluded that Glyphosate 41% SL@ 3.00 l ha^-1 could be used for safe and effective control of weed in tea at Terai region of West Bengal.

10 tables, 8 ref

007363   MAKWANA P, CHATTOPADHYAY S, SIVAPRASAD V (Central Silk Board, Berhampore- 742 101, Email: pooja.may16@gmail.com) : Evaluation of synthetic antimicrobial peptides for the control of mulberry brown leaf spot disease incited by Myrothecium roridum. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 209-12.

Brown leaf spot of mulberry is caused by necrotrophic pathogen Myrothecium roridum (ascomycete) and results in the foliage loss (12-15%) during June-September in West Bengal. The management practice for brown leaf spot (BLS) includes application of dithio-carbamate fungicides; which are combative for user-health and the environment. The current study evaluates application of synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as an alternative for BLS suppression. Eight AMPs (cecropin-mellitin derivatives) were screened initially for anti-M. roridum activity in vitro (0-72hrs at 24h interval). Four AMPs (<50µM) inhibited significant conidial growth suppression and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) recorded for most effective AMP (PRE-2) was ~23µM after 24h. LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) activity of Bombyx mori haemocytes treated with PRE-2 (50 to 175µM showed negligible cytotoxicity post-4h treatment: 0.68% at 50µM and 9.4% at 175µM. The effectiveness of PRE-2 (100µM) was assessed by spraying on BLS inflicted mulberry leaves ex vivo. Around 42% BLS suppression was recorded 20 days posttreatment. DNA isolated from PRE-2 treated and untreated samples infected with BLS were profiled with 7 SSRS and 5 ITS primers. ITS 1&4 and ITS 3&4 primer pairs revealed significant variation in band intensities between control and AMP treated samples.

1 illus, 13 ref

007300   BHATTACHARYA U, SARKAR S, DEWANJEE S (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia- 741 252, Email: urjashibhattacharya@gmail.com) : Bio-efficacy evaluation of oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC for controlling weeds in potato crop. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 201-8.

Two years field study was carried out at D block research farm of B.C.K.V Kalyani, to evaluate the bio-efficacy of Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC to control weeds in potato during the Rabi seasons of 2016 - 2018. The experiment was carried out in a Randomized Block Design with four replications i.e, T₁ - Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC @ 425 ml ha^-1, T₂ - Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC @ 625 ml ha^-1, T₃ - Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC @ 850 ml ha^-1, T₄ - Metribuzin 70% WP @ 0.75 kg ha^-1, T₅ - straw mulch, T₆ - Two hand weedings at 20 and 40 days after sowing (Weed free check) , T₇ -Untreated control (weedy check). From the experiment, it is concluded that among different treatments, hand weeding at 20 and 40 days after crop sowing (T₆ ), maintained its superiority with highest control of weeds and crop yield (25.80 t ha^-1).All the herbicides had been applied as pre-emergence. Among herbicidal treatments, Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC @ 850 ml ha^-1 showed higher efficiency in controlling weeds with respect to number and dry weight of weeds after weed free check system. Based on the studies, the use of Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC @ 850 ml ha^-1 can be suggested for the control of weeds in potato crop.

8 tables, 7 ref

007385   PATEL L C, SARKAR A (BCKV, Kalyani- 741 235, Email: patel123lakshman@gmail.com) : Efficacy of spirotetramat 11.01 + imidacloprid 11.01 SC against jassids, red mites and general predators in tomato. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 192-200.

Three different formulated doses (375, 500 and 625 ml ha^-1) of spirotetramat + imidacloprid against jassids (Amrasca biguttula biguttula), red mites (Tetranychus urticae) and insect predators (coccinellids and spider) of tomato were tested in field condition during rabi summer seasons of 2017 and 2018. The other treatments were spirotetramat (500 ml ha^-1), imidacloprid (375 ml ha^-1 ), fenazaquin (1250 ml ha^-1) and acephate (390 g ha^-1). The statistically at par maximum efficacy (against jassids and mites) and yield were observed in spirotetramat + imidacloprid at 500 and 625 ml ha^-1. Even the lowest dose (375 ml ha^-1) was also better responsive as compared to other treatments. Except acephate and fenazaquin, no harmful effect was recorded against above mentioned general insect predators. But considering economics, spirotetramat + imidacloprid at 375-500 ml ha^-1 could be recommended in farmers’ field for managing jassids and mites in tomato.

5 tables, 19 ref

007390   RAHUL K, MOAMONGBA, SAIKIA K, RABHA M, SIVAPRASAD V (Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Berhampore- 742 101, Email: kamidirahul@gmail.com) : Identification and characterization of bacteria causing flacherie in mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L.. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 178-81.

Flacherie in silkworms is defined as a state of larval health typified by flaccid condition of the affected larvae and caused by non-occluded viruses and bacteria individually and in combination. Among the silkworm diseases, flacherie is one of the major contributing factors to cocoon crop loss in India. The present work aims to isolate pathogens responsible for inflicting bacterial infection in Bombyx mori and characterize the associated bacteria. Mid gut contents were dissected from the larvae exhibiting typical symptoms of flacherie. The same were subjected to serial dilution and plated onto nutrient agar plates. Five bacterial cultures were isolated in axenic form and identity of the same was affirmed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. EZ Taxon BLAST analysis revealed that they were exhibiting highest sequence similarity to Staphylococcus argenteus, Paracoccus niistensis, Bacillus carboniphilus, Enterococcus cecorum and Enterobacter asburiae. Staphylococcus argenteus and Bacillus carboniphilus were found to be pathogenic to silkworm and inflicted mortality up to a tune of 50 %.

2 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

007435   UPASANI R R, BARLA S (Agronomy Dep, Birsa Agricultural Univ, Ranchi- 834 006, Email: upasani.ravikant@gmail.com) : Relevance of weed science in modern agriculture. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 174-7.

Weed science is the one of the discipline in agricultural sciences which mainly concerns with plants that may be considered weeds, their effects on human activities, and management. Weed science unlike entomology and pathology is very recent discipline of agriculture considered important in 20th century and since then attention is being paid to evolve weed control technologies for higher crop production under safe environment. The role of weed management under changing modern agricultural scenario has become more important considering the higher labour wages as well as non availabity of labour at peak time of availability. The research on use of herbicides continued since 1960 and between 1980 and 1990 many herbicides having lower doses of application compare to earlier herbicides and also herbicide resistant crop came into existence. Herbicides residues in soil and plant are also of great concern considering health and environmental hazards. Continued application of same herbicides in same field invite resistant biotype which are difficult to control. Hence, development of eco friendly technology is the call of day. There is need to go strengthen weed science research under changing agricultural scenario under climate change, conservation agriculture, precision farming, herbicide resistance weeds, integrated weed management, weed management in pulses and oilseed crops, use of un manned aerial vehicle, plant image science for weed control to mitigate the challenges of modern agriculture.

4 ref

007340   KAUR M, PUNIA S S, SINGH J, SINGH S (Agronomy Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar- 125 004, Email: maninder.sindhu@yahoo.com) : Efficacy of pendimethalin against resistant little seed canary grass as affected by soil moisture and formulation. J Crop Weed 2021, 15(3), 167-73.

A pot study was conducted at CCSHAU, Hisar during the winter seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16 to evaluate the effect of soil moisture (75 and 100% of field capacity) on the efficacy of two formulations of pendimethalin i.e. emulsifiable concentrate and capsule suspension applied as pre-emergence (alone) and post-emergence (tank-mix with metribuzin) against resistant and sensitive populations of P. minor. Results revealed that the Emulsifiable concentrate formulation of pendimethalin when applied as pre-emergence had reduced control of resistant and sensitive P. minor populations at 75% of field capacity as compared to control. Capsule suspension formulation of pendimethalin sprayed as pre-emergence gave absolute control of sensitive as well as resistant P. minor at both the field capacity based soil moisture treatments. Both the formulations applied as post-emergence (tank-mix with metribuzin) exhibited similar response as that of individual application. The results are of practical significance in field when dry soil conditions are a concern.

2 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

007451   ZENAWIGEBREGERGIS, FISEHABARAKI, ROSMARU G (Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, Humera, Ethiopia, Email: rehmanbau@gmail.com) : Evaluation of the efficacy of pre and post emergence herbicides to manage grassy and broad leaf weeds on mungbean(Vignaradiata L.) in Western Tigray. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 160-6.

Mungbean (Vignaradiata) is a pulse crop, which is protein rich grown in the low lands. The objective to evaluate PRE and POST emergence herbicides on controlling grassy and broad leaf weeds in mungbean. Various types of herbicides (sharoxy, pendimethalin and quizalofop) at different rates (1, 2, 3 and 4 l/ha) including hand weeding and weedy check were studied for weed control and yield of mungbeanin the testing sites of Humera Agricultural Research Center in two locations during the year of 2018 autumn season under irrigation condition. Commelina Foecunda (Maimaio ), Corchorusfascicularis L. (Hamiray), Sorghum halepense (Adar), were some of the major weeds recorded. All rates of sharoxy scored no weeds in Niguara and little weeds in Kebabo. Pendimethalin @ 2, 3, 4 l/ha has scored less weeds in Kebabo. Only quizalofop @ 1 l/ha and the weedy check had scored higher fresh weed biomass in Niguara, while the others were significantly similar with the hand weeding. Lower weed density and fresh weed biomass has scored from all sharoxy application rates, pendimethalin @ 2 l/ha and the hand weeded treatment. Higher grain yield has recorded from the application of pendimethalin @ 2 l/ha followed by the hand weeding. Quizalofop @ 2 l/ha and sharoxy @ 1 and 2 l/ha were statically similar with pendimethalin @ 2 l/ha, which produced better economic yield, low crop injuries and good weed control efficiencies. Therefore, sharoxy @ 1.5 l/ha, pendimethalin @ 2 l/ha and quizalofop @ 2 l/ha could be best weed control options in Mungbean production in western Tigray

1 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

007351   KUNWAR A, SARANGI S K, MANDAL A B (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar- 751 003, Email: awaneet.nikhil@gmail.com) : Physiological and biochemical parameters as a basis of screening salinity tolerance at seedling stage in Rice (Oryza sativa L.). J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 154-9.

Twelve rice genotypes were evaluated at seedling stage with response to salinity stress at 60 mM NaCl for fourteen days in hydophonics in Yashida solution at B.C.K.V., Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, following 12 × 2 factorial experimental design in RCB with 2 replications. Three physiological and biochemical parameters considered for study viz., chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyall), relative water content (RWC) and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio. There was reduction in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content, increase in Na+/K+ ratio and decrease in relative water content (RWC) in the saline condition as compared to control. Chlorophyll a ranged from 0.26 (Annada) to 1.57 (IR10206-29-2-1-1) mg/g of fresh leaf tissue, Chlorophyll b value varied from 0.08 mg g^-1 fresh leaf tissue (CSR 22) to 0.58 mg/g fresh leaf tissue (IR06M143). Under saline condition, the highest and lowest RWC was obtained for the genotype IR06M143 (90.84) and Lalat (75.35) respectively whereas the genotype IR10206-29-2-1-1 recorded highest value (0.77) and genotype IR06M143 lowest value (0.24) with respect to shoot Na+/K+ ratio. Visual scoring for salt stress injury showed that six rice genotypes viz., IR10206- 29-2-1-1, PUSA NR 580-6, BRRI Dhan 53, CSR 22, Annada and Lalat fall under susceptible category and rest six genotypes viz., IR11T138, Lal Minikit (WGL20471), IR66946-3R-149-1-1, IR06M143, IRRI 147 and BRRI Dhan 47 fall under moderately tolerant category. The genotypes IR11T138, Lal Minikit (WGL20471) and IR66946-3R-149-1-1 showed lower increase in Na⁺/ K⁺ ratio as well as lesser decrease in RWC and chlorophyll content hence may be considered as tolerant to salinity whereas genotypes BRRI Dhan 53 and Lalat showed greater increase in Na⁺/K⁺ ratio and greater decrease in RWC and chlorophyll content hence may be considered as susceptible to salinity. Hence Na⁺/K⁺ ratio, RWC and chlorophyll content were found to be critical physiological parameters for evaluating rice genotypes for salinity tolerance.

3 tables, 21 ref

007394   RAO P V, REDDY A S, RAMANA M V (ANGRAU, Lam- 522 034, Email: venkatraoptn@gmail.comcan) : Effect of drought mitigation strategies on growth and productivity of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) under rainfed conditions. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 150-3.

A field study was executed in rainy seasons of 2017 and 2018 to know the impact of drought management strategies on pigeonpea under rainfed situations. The trial was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The findings of the investigation revealed that all the drought mitigation techniques resulted superior performance in aspects of growth, yield components and grain yield over check. Highest seed yield of 2448 kg ha-1 was registered with inoculation of VAM fungi @12.5 kg ha^-1 and crop residue mulching@ 5 t ha^-1 followed by addition of 100% P which was statistically commensurate with VAM fungi @12.5 kg ha^-1 and supply of 100% P (2370 kg ha^-1). However, the highest monetary values of gross returns (Rs.1,08,660/-) and net returns (Rs. 72,306/-) were realized with inoculation of VAM fungi @12.5 kg ha^-1 followed by crop residue mulching @ 5 t ha^-1 and supply of 100% P but B:C ratio was higher (2.03) with VAM fungi @12.5 kg ha^-1 and supply of 100% P.

1 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

007293   ATTA K, KARMAKAR S, DUTTA D, PAL A K, JANA K (Plant Physiology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal- 741 252, Email: kousikatta1995@gmail.com) : Comparative physiology of salinity, drought and heavy metal stress during seed germination in ricebean [Vigna umbellata(Thunb.) Ohwi and Ohashi. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 145-9.

Abiotic stresses, likely salinity, drought, heavy metals, temperatures (high or low), and other environmental extremes are the primary factors that causes of low crop yields and reduced plant growth in the biome. Such type of abiotic stress may cause metabolic impairment, nutrient imbalance, reduced synthesis of photosynthetic pigments which are closely related with biomass production in plant, thus, causing serious loss in crop productivity. The present experiment was undertaken to study the biochemical and physiological effects of salinity, drought and heavy metal (copper and lead) stress on seed germination in ricebean variety Bidhan 1. For studying the effect of iso-osmotic potential of salinity and drought stress solutions of NaCl and PEG 6000 with -0.2, -0.4 and -0.8 MPa osmotic potential were used whereas the solutions of 50, 100 and 200 µM Cu and Pb supplemented in the form of CuSO₄. 5H₂ O and Pb(NO₃ ) 2 were used to study the effects of equimolar concentrations of copper and lead. Drought was found to produce more adverse effects on speed of germination, reserve mobilization by germinating seeds as well as radicle and plumule growth in the seeds of ricebean. The proline content in cotyledon increased under all the treatments of salinity, drought stress as well as metal stress. The highest intensity of salinity stress was found to produce more adverse effects than drought in respect of lipid peroxidation in germinating seeds of ricebean in the present experiment. The presence of lead in the germinating medium produced more detrimental effects than equimolar concentrations of copper.

3 tables, 21 ref

007433   UMKHULZUM F, AMEENA M (Agronomy Dep, Agriculture Coll, Kerala– 695 522, Email: drameenaubaid@gmail.com) : Integrated management of rock bulrush (Schoenoplectus juncoides) in wet seeded rice. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 139-44.

Field experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during Rabi 2017to formulate anintegrated weed management strategy for management of rock bulrush (Schoenoplectusjuncoides), an emerging sedge weed in the low land paddy fields of Kerala. The treatments comprised of pre-emergenceherbicide, bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor 60+600 g ha^-1 at 4-7 DAS;early post emergent herbicides penoxsulam 22.5 g ha^-1, ethoxysulfuron 15 g ha^-1,carfentrazone-ethyl 20 g ha^-1each at 15 DAS;and post emergent herbicides metsulfuron- methyl+ chlorimuron-ethyl 4 g ha^-1, 2, 4-D sodium salt 1 kg ha^-1each at 20 DAS and all herbicides were followed by (fb)h and weeding (HW)at 40 DAS.Ethoxysulfuron @ 15 g ha^-1 at 15 DAS fb HW at 35- 40 DAS (T₃ ) was significantly superior with respect to productive tillers m^-2, number of grains panicle-1 and number of filled grains panicle^-1. Grain yield (5750 kg ha-1) obtained from the plots treated with ethoxysulfuron 15 g ha-1 at 15 DAS fb HW was higher and on a par with penoxsulam @ 22.5 g ha^-1 at 15 DAS fb HW (5500 kg ha^-1). Herbicides were effective in managing growth of bulrush during initial stages and the efficacy improved with a follow up HW at 35-40 DAS.Hand weeded plots (at 20 and 40 DAS) recorded lesser number of panicles m^-2, grains panicle^-1 and filled grains panicle^-1 compared to T₃ as Schoenoplectusjuncoides escaped hand weeding due to its needle like leaf morphology that made its identification difficult during initial stages (20 DAS)in the cropped fields. The study revealed that unchecked weed growth in wet seeded paddy with predominance of Schoenoplectusjuncoides could cause a reduction of 81% in net income (Rs 19,264 ha^-1) compared to the most economical weed management practice.

2 tables, 15 ref

007298   BEGAM A, HALDAR P, RAY M, DEBSHARMA R, ROY D C (LFC Dep, WBUAFS, Mohanpur- 741 252, Email: Nadia, West Bengal) : Enhancement in rice production as influenced by cropping systems and integrated nutrient management in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 131-8.

An experiment was conducted at Central Research Farm, BCKV, Nadia during 2017 and 2018 with three cropping systems- i) Rice -Rapeseed - Fodder cowpea (C1), ii) Rice - Field pea - Fodder cowpea (C2); iii) Rice - Wheat - Fodder cowpea (C3) and five integrated nutrient managements i) 100% Recommended dose of Fertilizers (RDF) through chemical fertilizer (CF) (N1), ii) 75% RDN through CF +25% N through FYM+ 100% RD of PK through CF (N2), iii) 75% RDN through CF +25% N through Biogas Slurry + 100% RD of PK through CF (N3), iv) 75% RDN through CF +25% N through Vermicompost + 100% RD of PK through CF (N4) and v) 75% RDN through CF +25% N through Azolla+ 100% RD of PK through CF (N5).The experiment was designed in strip plot design with three replications and nutrition wasgiven to rice, rapeseed, field pea and wheat, whereas fodder cowpea was grown in the residual fertility. Nutrients uptake and yield was highest when leguminous crop field pea was incorporated in the cropping system (C2) and use of FYM (N2) alongside chemical fertilizer gave higher number of panicles, grains panicle-1 and grain yield (5.08 t ha-1).Influence of chemical fertilizer alone or with biogas slurry were statistically at par with N2 whereas least performance was recorded in vermicompost and azolla.Regarding the interaction effect, better performance was obtained in treatment combination C2N2in respect of nutrient uptake and yield.

4 illus, 3 tables, 43 ref

007397   RAY S S, MUKHERJEE S, ALI M D, MAJUMDAR B (Agricultural Biotechnology Dep, BCKV, Nadia, West Bengal, Email: nasimali2007@gmail.com) : Critical review on microbial perspective of jute retting. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 126-30.

Jute is considered as “cash crop” because of its economic importance which chiefly depends on the fiber quality. Amongst several factors, retting is considered to be the most important to obtain high quality fiber. Retting is the result of combined action of aquatic microorganisms and water on jute stem. During this process, enzymatic activities of aquatic microorganisms lead to degradation of “cementing materials” pectin substances between the cells and help to separate the fiber from stem. During retting, microbial status of retting water as well as biological property of water is changed. Literature study reveals the microorganisms having high pectinolytic activity coupled with xylanase activity is essential for effective jute retting while cellulosic activity of microorganisms degrade the fibers itself quality. Microbial jute retting has immense potential under the changed climatic situation due to global warming under water scarcity condition. Keeping view on the interdependent role of both of water and microorganisms, here an attempt has been taken to summarize the retting microorganisms with special reference to their role during retting.

67 ref

007364   MANDAL S, MONDAL T K (Agricultural Extension Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, Email: mandalsuprabhat95@gmail.com) : Climate change perception and productivity of rice: the ground truth verification of two selected villages of Bankura district of West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 121-5.

The present study entitled “Climate Change Perception and Productivity of Rice: The Ground Truth Verification of Two Selected Villages of Bankura District” was conducted at Seulipahari village of Chhatna Block and Bathan Tora village of Onda block under Bankura district with some specific objectives viz. to study the socio-economic profile of paddy growers in the study areas, to compare the cultivation practices of farmers within a span of 10-15 years, to elicit the perception of farmers regarding climate change, to point out the coping strategies adopted by farmers for mitigating the problems of climate change and to find out the problems they are facing in cultivation and suggestions made by farmers and compare those based on their experience. Data has been collected through personal interview methods from different categories of 70 farmers randomly selected, 35farmers from each village with the help of a structured interview schedule in the month of June 2018. For analysis of data frequency, percentage, ranking and rank correlation was done. The study reveals that yield, profit has increased from the years 2004-‘05 to 2017-‘18 but as well as the flora, fauna, fish, bird biodiversity has been decreased very much. And the disease-pest-weed occurrence also increased very much. Farmers perceived that these are happening due to the change of global climate. To redress the adverse effects of climate change, they have adopted some coping strategies. Rank correlation of young age respondents and middle and elder age has become significant in case of their perceived problems and suggestions.

2 tables, 4 ref

007387   PATTNAIK R, SATAPATHY M R, SETHI K, JENA S N (Agronomy Dep, Odisha Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Odisha- 751 003, Email: patel123lakshman@gmail.com) : Performance of medium duration rice varieties to varying levels of fertility and split application of nitrogen. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 116-20.

An experiment was conducted in kharif, 2017 to study the responses of medium duration rice varieties with different levels of fertility and split application of nitrogen at the Agronomy Main Research Station, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar. Two levels of fertility (100:50:50 kg application of N:P2 O5 :K2 O ha-1 and 80:40:40 application of N:P2 O5 :K2 O ha-1) each with two different splitting schedules of nitrogen (¼ basal + ½ tillering + ¼ PI) and (¼ basal + ½ tillering + 1/8 PI+ 1/8 flowering) were allotted to the main plots and the sub-plots were assigned with four rice varieties (Hasanta, Mrunalini, Asutosh and Swarna) in split-plot design having three replications. Yield attributing characters like panicle number m-2, fertile grains panicle-1 ,1000 grain weight etc. were more at 100:50:50 kg application of N:P2 O5 :K2 O ha-1 fertiliser dose with nitrogen application in four splits that resulted in maximum grain yield (4.87 ton ha-1) and straw yield (7.2 ton ha-1). Among varieties, Mrunalini observed with maximum grain yield (5.06 ton ha-1), straw yield (7.41 ton ha-1),nutrient uptake (NPK), net yield (Rs. 42.765 ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio (2.66).

4 tables, 8 ref

007294   BAL S, MAITY T K, SHARANGI A B, MAJUMDER A (Vegetable Science Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal, Email: solanki.bckv23@gmail.com) : Quality assessment in association with yield attributes contributing improved yield in onion (Allium cepa L.). J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 107-15.

Twenty-three genotypes/ hybrids of onion were evaluated at 'C' block farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (Agricultural University), West Bengal, India during the Rabi (winter) seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 with an objective of determining the relative contribution of fourteen different characters on bulb yield. The results of this experiment revealed that total bulb yield was found to be positive and significantly correlated with polar diameter, days to maturity, total sugar and phenol both at genotypic and phenotypic level. While, negative association was observed with plant height at 60 DAT (Days after transplanting), pyruvic acid, severity of purple blotch disease both at genotypic and phenotypic level. Path coefficient analysis revealed that maximum positive direct effect on yield per plot was exhibited by average weight of ten bulbs followed by number of scales per bulb, number of leaves at 60 DAT, total sugar percentage, dry matter percentage, and polar diameter. The maximum negative direct effect was exhibited by equatorial diameter followed by plant height at 60 DAT, vitamin C, severity of purple blotch disease, phenol, pyruvic acid, total soluble solids. So a breeder while conducting improvement in onion should undergo selection based on longer polar diameter, more number of days to maturity, higher total sugar percentage and phenol, high average weight of ten bulbs, more number of scales per bulb, more number of leaves at 60 DAT, high polar diameter, high total sugar and dry matter percentage.

6 tables, 23 ref

007367   MISHRA S, DASH D K (Fruit Science and Horticulture Technology Dep, Agriculture Coll, BBSR-03, Email: subhrajyoti.ss235@gmail.com) : Comparative seasonal influence of Kuliana lime for fruit and yield parameters under Bhubaneswar condition. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 93-9.

Kuliana lime is an elite cultivar of Odisha. This research was conducted at Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology during 2016–17 to study the physiological and biometrical observations on fruit and yield attributes. The best season for yield has determined on the idea of seasonal performances as inter-seasonal variation has tremendous effect for yield. Spring season produced the best effect for fruit weight (32.11 g), specific gravity (1.30 g.cc-1), fruit set (91.6 per cent), fruit retention (25.18 per cent), fruit per plant (132.80), yield plant-1 (4.24 kg) and less duration for fruit maturity (113.44). Rainy season performs better with respect to fruit size (length and diameter was 4.68 cm and 4.39 cm respectively) and fruit volume (29.68 cc). Our results illustrated that the climactic condition was optimum during the spring season in fruit and yield attributes hence suggested to take up bahar treatment to induce the spring season flowering for better yield.

3 tables, 34 ref

007362   MAHATA D, GHOSH M, PATRA B C, PAL S K, BANERJEE S (Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia- 741 252, Email: dibyendu.mahata@gmail.com) : Standardization of integrated nutrient management for aromatic Gobindabhog rice in Gangetic alluvial region of West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 87-92.

A field experiment was conducted at ‘C’ Block Farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India to standardize the integrated nutrient management for scented Gobindabhog rice during kharif (wet) season of 2010 and 2011. The types and doses of organic manures (O1 –O5 ) were assigned in main plots and levels of chemical fertilizers (F1 –F3 ) in sub-plots in a split-plot design. The treatments could exert significant influence on growth attributes compared to unmanured control (O1 ), where the use of FYM and mustard cake resulted in taller plants, greater tiller production, foliage growth and dry matter accumulation of Gobindabhog rice through out the cropping period. Although the application of mustard cake (@ 0.25 or 0.50 t ha^-1) was found better toward the production of panicles (306.5 and 303.1 m^-2), but the use of FYM @ 5 t ha^-1 resulted in maximum number of filled grains (143.6 panicle^-1) and grain yield (2.93 t ha^-1) and were at par with mustard cake @ 0.25 t ha^-1 (141.5 m^-2 and 2 .88 t ha^-1). The grain yield and protein content were significantly improved with increasing levels of NPK fertilizers from N₂₀P₁₀K₁₀ kg ha^-1 (2.66 t ha^-1 and 7.22%) to N₃₀P₁₅K₁₅ kg ha^-1 (2.73 t ha^-1 and 7.512%). Among treatment combinations, the integrated nutrient management dose of FYM @ 5 t ha^-1 + N₄₀P₂₀K₂₀ kg ha^-1 could be adopted for Gobindabhog rice for higher grain yield (3.01 t ha^-1 ), protein content (7.75%), net profit (Rs. 29100 ha^-1, B:C ratio (2.05) and better soil residual status (+20.8 kg N, +13.9 kg P and -9.4 kg K ha^-1) or alternatively mustard cake @ 0.25 t ha^-1 + N₂₀P₁₀K₁₀ kg ha^-1 might be another option of nutrient management in gangetic alluvial region of West Bengal.

1 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

007285   AKHTAR S, AAKANKSHA, KUMARI R, SOLANKEY S S, BARANWAL D K (Horticulture Dep, Bihar Agricultural Univ, Bihar- 813 210, Email: shirin.0410@gmail.com) : Phenotypic stability in brinjal genotypes. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 79-86.

Brinjal is a popular day neutral vegetable crop, but it is somewhat thermosensitive. A temperature regime of 18 to 25 °C with warm climate is desirable for successful brinjal production. Both higher and lower temperatures severely hamper fruitset. Therefore, the performance of brinjal varieties varies throughout the different seasons in a year and also in different years. Hence, breeders aim at developing stable varieties. Our objectives were to observe the genotype × environment interaction on brinjal genotypes, estimate phenotypic stability of yield attributes and identification of genotype(s) with stable performance. Twenty diverse genotypes were grown in three environments, namely, autumn-winter, 2013- ‘14, summer-rainy, 2014 and early autumn-winter, 2015- ‘16 in randomized block design replicated thrice. Analysis of variance depicted significant variation in the genotypes in addition to the environments. Significant G × E interaction were noted for fruit numberplant-1, average weight, length and girth of fruit and also plant height which also indicated the significance of both linear as well as non-linear components. The stable genotypes were different for different traits, viz., Rajendra Baingan-2 and IIHR 562 (plant height), IC 261802, Arka Neelkanth, Pusa Purple Cluster (plant spread), Brinjal 71-19 (days to 50% flowering), BRBR-01 and IC-261802 (days to first harvest), Punjab Brinjal-67, BRBL-04, Pusa Purple Cluster (fruit length), IC 261802, IC 89933, BRBL-01 (fruit girth), Pant Rituraj and BRBL-01 (number of fruits/plant), and BRBL-01, BRBL-04 and Punjab Brinjal-67 (for yield per plant and total yield). From this investigation BRBL-01, BRBL-04 and Punjab Brinjal-67 were identified as the most promising stable genotypes, and these could be cultivated throughout the year and also used in breeding programmes for developing stable varieties.

4 tables, 27 ref

007295   BANERJEE P, VISHA KUMARI V, NATH R, BANDYOPADHYAY P (Agronomy Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, Email: itsmepurabi1@gmail.com) : Seed priming and foliar nutrition studies on relay grass pea after winter rice in lower Gangetic plain. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 72-8.

Recently rice fallow situations have been included as identified thrust area of national mandate. A two year field experiment was conducted at A-B’ District Seed Farm, Bidhan Chandra KrishiViswavidyalaya, West Bengal, to analyze the response of seed priming with molybdenum in relay grass pea, variety Ratan (Bio L-212), grown with foliar fertilization with 2% Urea and 0.5% NPK(19:19:19) in a factorial RBD replicated thrice. Seed priming along with foliar spray of 0.5% NPK(19:19:19) at preflowering and 15 days after first spray resulted in better crop growth, root nodulation leading to highestper plant number of pods (71) and seed yield (1696.70 kg ha^-1) with maximum benefit-cost ratio (2.07). Combined application of seed priming with Ammonium molybdate @ 0.5 g kg^-1 seed along with twice foliar spray of 0.5% NPK (19:19:19) proved to be a profitable technology for better crop hunbandry of relay grass pea under South Bengal plain situation.

2 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

007425   SURESH K, KUMAR J S, CHAKRAVARTY D, SIVAPRASAD V (Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute, West Bengal– 742 101, Email: suresh4211@gmail.com) : Breeding for improved leaf yield and studies on combining ability in mulberry. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 65-71.

Mulberry is cultivated for its leaves to rear mulberry silkworms and silk productivity determines the profitability in sericulture. In the present study, forty two crosses were generated by crossing six females with seven male parents in Line × test mating design. Segregating hybrid progenies of ten crosses were evaluated for leaf yield and its components for understanding combining ability and gene action in mulberry. The gca and sca effects were highly significant for all the traits studied indicating the importance of additive and non-additive genetic components. The ratio of gca and sca variance was less than unity indicating preponderance of non-additive genetic variance and suggests the good prospects of exploiting variation through heterosis breeding. Bishnupur-10, Kajli OPH, C-776 and CF1 -10 were identified as good general combiners and can be utilized for generating desirable recombinants for further selection. Out of 42 crosses, nineteen exhibited significant positive sca effects for yield and could be used for selection of superior hybrid progenies. Nineteen genotypes recorded significantly higher leaf yield (482-501 g/plant/crop) along with better quality over the check variety S1635 (324 g/plant). These progenies need to be evaluated further following systematic procedures laid down for mulberry for identify promising high yielding varieties.

6 tables, 10 ref

007376   NONGMAITHEM D, APON M, SINGH A P, TZUDIR L (Agronomy Dep, Nagaland Univ, Medziphema- 797 106, Email: debikanong@gmail.com) : Climate smart agriculture for sustaining food production. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 59-64.

The most exposed sector influenced by climate change is agriculture because of its reliance on climatic parameters like soil health, temperature, rainfall, etc. In developing countries, agriculture must undergo a significant transformation such that it can overcome the related challenges of achieving food security and responding to climate change. In most of the estimations, it has indicated that climate change is likely to decrease agricultural productivity, production and incomes in some areas that already have high food insecurity levels. It is the need of the hour for agriculture to become ‘climate smart’ so as to alleviate these challenges posed by climate change. Climate smart agriculture means sustainably increase agricultural productivity, production and income, adapt and build resilience to climate change and reduce greenhouse gases emissions in every possible way. Therefore, to achieve climate change goals and food security, there is a significant need to develop climate smart agriculture.

1 table, 17 ref

007442   VISHA KUMARI V, BANERJEE P, NATH R, SENGUPTA K, SARATH CHANDRAN M A, KUMAR R (Agronomy Dep, Bidan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidalya, West Bengal- 741 252, Email: visha.venugopal@gmail.com) : Effect of foliar spray on phenology and yield of lentil sown on different dates. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 54-8.

A field experiment was conducted at BCKV during rabi, 2018-19 to study the effect of Zn, Fe and B foliar spray on phenology, growth and yield of popular lentil variety; Moitiri(WBL 77) under different sowing condition (1^st week of November and 1st week of December). Delay in sowing though reduce the yield in second date of sowing, a foliar spray combination of B+Fe @0.5% recorded almost double the yield (1431 kg ha^-1) than control (748 kg ha^-1). Delay in sowing of crop from November 1st week to December 1^st week reduced the duration by 11.67 days (113.41 days vs 101.74 days). Mean days of lentil from sowing to emergence, flower initiation, pod initiation and maturity for first date of sowing were 8.0, 47.81, 16.22 and 41.52. The crop completed these respective stages in 10.96, 38.39, 20.63 and 31.26 days in second date of sowing, respectively. The treatment with B+Fe+ Zn @ 0.5% through recorded highest plant height (49.22), highest nodule number (30.83) and no. of flowers (323.17), the highest yield was recorded in B+Fe @0.5% (1431.11 kg ha^-1). This is mainly because of the completion among the flowers because of more number of flowers resulting in more flower drop and less number of pods.

1 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

007365   MANJUNATHA GR, HUNMILY E, PATIL K K R, AFROZ S, PARMESHWARNAIK J, PANDIT D, SIVAPRASAD V (Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Berhampore-742 101, Email: mgr.dvg@gmail.com) : Prognostication of mulberry silk cocoon prices in Kaliachak (West Bengal) market. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 48-53.

West Bengal is a traditional silk production centre and stands 3rd in Indian mulberry silk map.The cocoon marketing centres are situated in Malda(Kaliachak, Chanchal, Mothabari&Amrity), Murshidabad (Sagarpara, Panchgram&Berhampore) and Birbhum (Bhadrapur) region; however these markets are not as organised as cocoon markets in southern India.Kaliachak market is a major and very active through-out the year.Typically, marketing channels in the state include “seed rearers -registered seed producers (RSPs/DoS/CSB) - commercial rearers - middlemen -reelers/societies (cocoon markets)”.If silk cocoon fails to fetch remunerative price,commercial rearersusuallyreel the cocoons on their own and market the silk (end product). In the interest of commercial rearers in Malda region, current study aimed atdiscerningand forecastingmulberry silk cocoon prices in Kaliachakmarket. Data pertaining to cocoon pricesand arrivals across the seasons (2016-2019) were collected and analyzed.The cocoon bidding prices werefound highest in favourable seasons(Rs.316±50) as compared to cocoons produced in unfavourable seasons(Rs.189±30). The relationship between cocoon arrivals and cocoon prices were found to be positive and significant. The prominence of seasonality in cocoon prices was observed withnegativeCGR (-2.96%), which was confirmed with traditional time-series analysis. Mulberry cocoon priceup toAgrahayani2019 season in Kaliachak market were projectedusing quadratic trendequation [highestR2 (0.87) & least RMSE (4.04)].

1 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

007314   DAS S K, CHAKRABORTY A (Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani- 741 235, Email: sanjibag@gmail.com) : Assessment of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) – onion (Allium cepa L.) cropping sequence under lower Gangetic plains of West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 44-7.

Field experiments were conducted during 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Bardhaman, West Bengal India to assess the feasibility of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) –onion (Allium cepa L.) cropping sequence under lower Gangetic plains of West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with six treatment combinations viz. 3 dates of sowing (D1-10 days before optimum i.e.,15th Nov; D2-optimum, i.e.,25th Nov. and D3-10 days after optimum, i.e.,5th Dec.) in main plots and two dates of harvesting (H1-80 and H2-90 days after planting), each replicated four times; immediately after harvesting of potato crop onion seedlings were transplanted. It was revealed that the potato variety Kufri Jyoti planted at optimum date (25th November) recorded the highest tuber yield (28.15 t ha-1). The results also revealed that dates of planting in potato, dates of harvesting in potato and interaction of these two factors significantly influenced the yield of onion bulbs grown as a subsequent crop in the rotation. Highest onion bulb yield (24.88 t ha-1) of variety N53 were recorded with planting of potato 10 days after optimum (5th December) and harvesting it at 90 days after planting (DAP). The highest system productivity (57.73 t ha-1) in potato - transplanted onion sequence and system net return (Rs. 371047.50) were recorded with the treatment planting potato 10 days after optimum date (5th December) and harvesting it at 90 DAP.

4 tables, 8 ref

007315   DEBBARMA S P, GHOSH A, LAHIRI B, PANDEY P K (Central Agricultural Univ, Tripura (W)- 799 210, Email: amitava.skg@gmail.com) : Perception of tribal farmers on fish culture practices in small water bodies: An exploratory study in Khowai district of Tripura, India. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 39-43.

Fish plays an important role in economic growth of Tripura, the state with the highest per capita fish consumption. Fish culture in small water bodies, a predominant practice in the state, is being duly promoted by the State Government in form of a scheme named “Fish culture in smaller water bodies”, in which farmers have been provided with inputs and endowed with technical assistance. As far as the farmers’ perception on this scheme was concerned, no such similar studies was found in place in the state. Thus, the present study was conducted among thirty fish farmers-cum-beneficiaries of the scheme from different villages of Tulashikhar block of Khowai district to understand their perception of satisfaction towards different aspects under the scheme. Structured interview schedule, consisting of a set of variables, was administered to the respondents and they were asked to rate those in a five point Likert scale with points very low (1) to very high (5). Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) has been calculated to sequence the constraints faced by the respondents related to the scheme. Findings of the present research revealed that majority of respondents were male (90%) and belonged to 31-45 years (70%) age group. As revealed, cent percent of the respondents belonged to Schedule Tribes (ST) with an average annual income of Rs.1,12,650 (SE ± 9129.44) and average pond area of 0.12 ha (SE ± 0.012). As part of the perception about the scheme was concerned, the variable, ‘Socio-cultural acceptance’ scored the highest (4.1), suggesting ‘high’ level of satisfaction. In contrary, other variables like usefulness, sustainability, sufficiency in allocated fund, implementation, timeliness, monitoring by the Department of Fisheries (DoF) officials etc. were scored in between 2 to 3, indicating ‘low’ to ‘medium’ level of satisfaction. Results of RBQ backed by further inquiry revealed that ‘inefficient implementation’, ‘delayed departmental proceedings’ and ‘lack of timeliness in providing inputs’ were perceived to be the three major constraints associated with the scheme.

4 tables, 10 ref

007421   SOURABH S, TRIPATHY P, SAHU G S, DASH S K, NAYAK R K, SAHU P, NAYAK N J, TRIPATHY B, PRADHAN P, MISHRA S (Vegetable Science Dep, Agriculture Coll, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Email: ptripathy_ouat05@rediffmail.com) : Effect of lime, micronutrient and spraying schedule on growth and yield of broccoli variety palam samridhi. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 32-8.

Field experiment was conducted at department of Vegetable Science, OUAT, BBSR during Rabi 2018-2019, to study the effect of lime, micronutrients (B and Zn) and spraying schedule on growth and yield of broccoli variety “PalamSamridhi”. The field experiment was conducted by adopting split – split plot design replicated thrice. 12 treatments consist of lime in main plot ( 0.2 LR and 0.3 LR), micronutrients as subplot (viz; 3 levels: foliar application of boron @ 0.2 %, ZnSO₄ @ 0.5 % and their combinations i.e. borax @ 0.2 % + ZnSO₄ @ 0.5 %) and 2 levels of spraying schedule as sub-sub plot (once and twice).The results indicated that application of lime @ 0.2 LR significantly increased not only the vegetative growth (plant height- 58.07 cm)but also yield (143.98 q ha^-1) and yield attributing traits (secondary head weight - 135.06 g) as compared to application of lime 0.3LR irrespective of micronutrient and spraying schedule. Among micronutrients results indicated that combined application of borax @ 0.2 % + ZnSO₄ @ 0.5 % significantly increased vegetative growth (plant height-61.71 cm, plant girth- 10.22 cm, leaf area- 440.35 cm² ); head yield attributing parameters (viz. weight of central head- 266.03 g ; secondary head weight150.29 g and total head weight- 416.32 g) with head yield (145.76 q ha^-1), compared to sole application irrespective of lime application and spraying schedule. Results also showed that invariably spraying of micronutrients once recorded better vegetative growth and yield attributing characters than spraying thrice, irrespective of lime application and spraying schedule.Thus it may be concluded that soil application of lime @ 0.2 LR, along with combined single spray application of ZnSo₄ and borax not only increases vegetative growth and yield attributing parameters but also yield in Broccoli variety “ Palam Samridhi”.

4 tables, 19 ref

007431   TRIPATHY L, DASH S K, GIRI T K (Horticulture Coll, OUAT, Chiplima, Email: tapan.ouat@gmail.com) : Impact of different mulch materials on growth and flowering of rose cv. Mainu Parle. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 28-31.

The experiment was carried out in AICRP on Floriculture at Chiplima, Odisha for 3 consecutive years from 2011-12 to 2013- 14. One year budded plants of cultivar ‘Mainu Parle’ were planted in beds of 2 x 1.8 m at spacing of 60 x 45 cm, following randomized block design in three replications. Black and white polythene mulches of 200, 300 and 400 micron each and paddy straw mulch was taken as various treatments with a control, where no mulching was applied and the weeds were allowed to grow as such. Observations were recorded for three consecutive years and pooled data was calculated. Maximum weed count (8.7/m2 ) was observed under transparent polythene mulch of 400 micron thickness where as no weeds grew under black polythene much irrespective of its thickness. Similarly in case of weed fresh weight (196.37 g) and weed dry weight (30.39g) were maximum in the plots treated with transparent polythene mulch of 400 micron thickness. No significant difference was found in number of days to first flowering from planting and branch counts per plant. However, in flowering duration, the plot treated with 300 micron thickness of black polythene mulch showed significant difference both during 2012-13 and 2013-14 (10.73 days). The most important among the yield driving parameter, the number of flowers per plant was studied, it was found that the plants treated with 300 micron black polythene mulch had a distinct edge over the other treatments in the year 2012-13 (27.12 nos.), 2013-14 (30.70 nos.) and also in the pooled data (25 nos.). Suggesting that 300 micron black polythene should be recommended for controlling weed in rose cultivar ‘Mainu Parle’.

3 tables, 8 ref

007439   VIJAY K V, RAHMAN S M, WADHMANI M K, KUMARI S, KUMARI M, HOMA FKUMAR S, SENGUPTA S, BAIRWA S L (Bihar Agricultural Univ, Bihar- 813 210, Email: rehmanbau@gmail.com) : Growing mango: A profitable livelihood option for Bhagalpur farmers. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 25-7.

The present study made a modest attempt to compare the income of the mango farmers from different sources and estimate the costs and returns of mango production in the study area. Data was collected from ninety mango growers from six villages of Bhagalpur district of Bihar following multi-stage sampling technique. The cost of cultivation of mango was estimated adopted the standard methodology as per CACP. Discounted cash flow, NPW, B-C ratio and IRR technique was employed to evaluate the investment analysis of mango. Majority of the sample farmers (56.67%) earned their livelihood from non-agricultural and agricultural activities as well, whereas rest of them entirely dependent on agricultural and allied activities. The sample farm household earned Rs. 4.37 lakh/ annum on an average in last year in which Rs. 2.55 lakh (58.35%) was earned from agricultural activities and Rs. 1.82 lakh (41.65%) from non agricultural activities. The mango farmers generated net returns of Rs. 72,620 per acre on an average. The cost of human labour, amortized cost of initial investment, cost of irrigation and cost of plant protection chemicals were the major cost items contributing 31.69 , 21.58 , 14.21 and 12.57 per cent, respectively. The B-C ratio of mango production was 2.60 with an internal rate of return 27.13 per cent.

3 tables, 5 ref

007407   SAXENA U, REDDY S, SAXENA M K, KUMARI P (All India Coordinated Sorghum Improvement Project, Indore- 452 001, Email: pummy.hau@gmail.com) : Identification of sorghum parental lines with high phenotypic stability using GGE biplot analysis in Central India. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 19-24.

The experimental material was newly developed sorghum parental lines (25 B-lines and 38 R-lines) which were evaluated in RBD in two trials for two consecutive years (2016 & 2017) at research Farm, College of Agriculture, Indore in rainy seasons. The objective of the present study was to identify stable grain sorghum lines and also evaluate them for grain yield and other agronomic attributes (days to 50% flowering, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, panicle length) and suitable for kharif season using GGE biplot analysis. Genetic variation was the major contributor for LL, LA and GY in B-lines and PL in R-lines. Variance due to genotype × year interaction effect was a major source of variance for only LL in B-lines.The GE influence was seen only for grain yield in both B- and R-lines. The GY per panicle was high in R-lines (52 to107g) as compared to B-lines (32 to 79g). Three B-lines (E.Nos. 1, 5, 17) has GY greater than 63g panicle-1 while eight R-lines (I 28, I 32, I 40, I 45, I 47, I 50, I 51 and I 56) had GY greater than 90g panicle-1. Based on mean performance and stability, 1, 14, 7 and 5 were desirable B-lines and I42, I34, I56, I55, RS673 and I26 were desirable R-lines for cultivation and use in further breeding programme over the years.

2 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

007449   YARIN T, BANDYOPADHYAY A, GHOSH D K (Plantation Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 235, Email: dipak_kghosh@yahoo.com) : Sustainable approach towards conversion of unproductive coconut palms into productive ones through neera production. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 12-8.

To revitalize the prospects of coconut farmers, an attempt was taken in BCKV during 2016-18 to make the two different types of unproductive coconut palms into productive ones and to study the impact of different seasons on yield and productivity of neera. Six treatments like T₁ = April-May, T₂ =June-July, T₃ =August-September, T₄ =October-November, T₅ =December-January, T₆ =February-March were considered following randomized block design (RBD). Among two different types of coconut, yellow type of unproductive palms recorded maximum neera yield of 86.1l from single inflorescence within a span of 60 days during October - November with a net annual return of Rs19180/ per palm where as green type of unproductive palms recorded 80.5 l of neera yield during October-November with an annual income of Rs17780/per palm. In case of productive palms, yellow type recorded highest neera yield of 89.4 liters from single inflorescence within a span of 60 days during the period of June - July out of which 60.1 l was harvested during night time. A comparative study between nut yield and neera yield of productive palms indicated that irrespective of any type return from neera is always higher than nut yield and it was maximum (Rs.19950/ palm/year) in yellow type. This indicated that instead of removing any unproductive palms neera production from these unproductive palms can give a very good monetary return which will ultimately help to uplift the economic status of the farmer by engaging a very good number of human resources for their livelihood security.

8 tables, 9 ref

007388   PRADHAN P, TRIPATHY P, SAHU G S, DASH S K, PRADHAN B, TRIPATHY B, SAHU P, NAYAK N J, SAURAV S, MISHRA S (GIET Univ, Gunupur, Odisha) : Evaluation of F₄ segregating population of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) for qualitative and quantitative traits. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 7-11.

Seventeen breeding lines (ten F₄ segregants along with seven parents) of bitter gourd were evaluated for twenty three characters to study its performance during late kharif season of 2018 at Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design replicated thrice. All the F₄ segregating breeding lines of bitter gourd showed significant variations for both qualitative and quantitative characters. The overall performance on vegetative parameters indicated superiority of Phule Green Gold (PGG) X Priyawith respect to relatively higher vine length (4.78 m), significantly highest primary branches vine^-1 (17.97) and relatively lower internodal length (6.28 cm). Similarly, F₄ segregant of Hirkani Local (HL) x Tushi (45.27 days) was noted for earliness in appearance of 1st female flower. Lowest sex ratio (male: female) was recorded in Tushi x PusaDo Mousumi (PDM) (0.09). Earliest harvestable maturity wasexhibited by NakharaLocal(NL) X PDM (67.67 days) followed by NLX Priya (69.33 days) and PGG X NL (69.93 days). Significantly, longest fruit length and relatively higher fruit girth was observed in PGG X NL (10.74 cm and 12.04 cm).Heavier fruit was recorded in PGG X Priya (76.17 g). Among F4 crosses, Tushi X PDM (145.13 days) showed longer crop duration. The cross between HL X Tushi (52.52) recorded highest number of fruits vine^-1 and was statistically at par with Tushi X PDM (48.68) and NL X Tushi (47.37). Lower number of seeds fruit^-1 was recorded in NL X Tushi (13.66). Maximum total green fruit yield vine1 was recorded in PGG X Priya (3.18 kg), closely followed by HL X Tushi (3.14 kg) and NL X Priya (2.51 kg). Significantly highest TSS (5.33 °Brix) and relatively higher ascorbic acid (108.63 mg 100g^-1) was observed in PGG X NL. Based on overall findings of the present study, it can be concluded that among F₄ segregants, PGG X Priya, HL X Tushi, NL X Tushi and NL X Priya are best performing segregants producing maximum total green fruit yield vine^-1 along with other desirable traits in bitter gourd.

2 tables, 14 ref

007326   GOWDA M P, DORAJEERAO A V D, MADHAVI M, SUNEETHA D R S (Dr. YSR Horticultural Univ, Tadepalligudem– 534 101, Email: pavangowdam2904@gmail.com) : A study on genetic variability for yield and its attributes in sacred basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.). J Crop Weed 2019, 15(3), 1-6.

Variability study conceded out using six genotypes of sacred basil in lieu of twenty-four characters. The assessments of variance showed greater phenotypic variance than genotypic variance because of impact of environment in the manifestation of all the studied characters. High range variation coefficients at genotypic and phenotypic levels for fresh herbage yield plant^-1 (24.04%; 24.56%), fresh leaf (25.59%; 27.02%) yield plant^-1, leaf oil yield (30.03%; 31.63%)signifying more variation manifested for these traits thus, more prospect for selection. Broad sense heritability assessments were high in conjunction through high genetic advancement on % mean basis for fresh herbage (95.59%; 48.37%) and fresh leaf (89.64%; 49.90%) yield plant^-1 and leaf oil yield (90.15%; 58.73%) thus indicating the dominanceaction of additive genes prevailing in the inheritance and thus reliefs improvement over could done with simple selection techniques in sacred basil.

3 tables, 22 ref

007404   SAMAVATIPOUR P, ABDOSSI V, SALEHI R, SAMAVAT S, MOGHADAM A L (Horticulture Science Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: abdossi@yahoo.com) : Investigation of morphological, phytochemical, and enzymatic characteristics of Anethum graveolens L. using selenium in combination with humic acid and fulvic acid. J Appl Biol Biotechnol 2019, 7(6), 69-74.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of selenium trace element supplemented with fulvic acids and humic acids on some trait of Anethum graveolens L. This experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with three levels of fulvic acids and humic acids (0, 15, and 50 mmol/l) and selenium application in five levels (0, 6, 8, 12, and 16 mg/l) with three replications in the greenhouse at Tehran municipality. The results of this experiment showed that the effect of selenium at different acids on morphological traits was significant. So that the dry weight of shoot and root, plant height, ion leakage, chlorophyll, and antioxidant enzymes were affected by increasing Se, humic and fulvic acids levels. Results indicated that selenium along with acids increased some major oil components, including ɑ-Pinene, β-Myrcene, ɑ-Phellandrene, and Carvone.

10 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

007430   TONFACK L B, FOAMOUHOUE E N, TCHOUTANG D N, YOUMBI E (Plant Biology Dep, Yaounde Univ, Yaounde, Cameroon, Email: libert.brice@gmail.com) : Application of pesticide combinations on watermelon affects pollen viability, germination, and storage. J Appl Biol Biotechnol 2019, 7(6), 35-9.

To increase watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) production, pesticides are now being used in higher quantities. Many pesticide combinations are harmful to seed production. This study was carried out to assess the effects of pesticide combinations (i) α-cypermethrin + mancozeb (α-CpMa) and (ii) λ-cyhalothrin + acetamiprid + metalaxyl + copper oxide (λ-ChAMeC) on in vitro germination, viability, and storage of watermelon pollens. Pesticides were applied on field, on three varieties of watermelon plants (kaolack, F1-koloss, and F1-sugar dragon), before and during blooming. The pollens were subjected to viability and germination tests directly after harvesting, or stored at +10°C or −20°C before testing. In vitro germination and viability of pollen were carried out on modified Brewbaker and Kwack medium. Α CpMa and λ-ChAMeC inhibited pollen germination in all the three varieties of watermelon. α-CpMa was the most harmful pesticide when applied during blooming, with up to 26.5% decrease in pollen germination. A decrease of pollen germination and viability was also observed after 4 and 7 days of storage. Pollen from the variety kaolack showed a higher germination rate and, freezing at −20°C was the better storage condition. These results could help to scale up pollen sharing and seed production in watermelon breeding programs

3 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

007375   NGANGA P W, MIANO D W, WAGACHA J M, KURIA P (Nairobi Univ, Nairobi, Kenya, Email: nperpetuar@gmail.com) : Identification and characterization of causative agents of brown leaf spot disease of cassava in Kenya. J Appl Biol Biotechnol 2019, 7(6), 1-7.

This study was conducted to investigate the causal agent of brown leaf spot (BLS) of cassava in Kenyan fields. Infected cassava leaf samples showing BLS disease symptoms were collected from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) experimental fields in central and western Kenya. Fungal pathogens associated with the disease were isolated from the cassava leaf samples on potato dextrose agar amended with antibiotics. Three fungal isolates, belonging to the genera Colletotrichum, Alternaria, and Cladosporium, were identified as the causative agents of BLS with relative prevalence of 41%, 24%, and 18%, respectively. Susceptible cassava variety TME 204 was inoculated with single and combinations of purified isolates of the three pathogens in a randomized design in the greenhouse. The combination of the three isolates resulted in typical BLS symptoms as observed in the field. The findings of this study would help to understand the disease, contribute to its better management, and eventually alleviate food insecurity, especially in the regions where cassava is a major staple food and a source of income.

7 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

007371   NANTHINI P V M, SHAHITHA S, PALANISWAMY M (Microbiology Dep, Muthayammal Coll of Arts and Science, Tamil Nadu- 637 408, Email: 27waxflower@gmail.com) : Evaluation of formulations and their impact on physiological characters of green gram (Vigna radiata): A pot experiment. J Adv Sci Res 2019, 10(4), 150-5.

This study was done to determine the effect of formulations with traditional fertilizers (cow dung and vermi-compost) on root and vegetative growth of green gram under in-vitro condition. The various treatments were done by formulation I, formulation II, Co-formulation (for pending patent, Patent App. No 201741023234), whey, molasses and formulations with traditional fertilizers in various ratios and applied as three replicates in randomized complete design. Results showed that  all  physiological  characters  of  treated  plants  were significantly increased.  But the pots treated with co-formulation and co-formulation with vermi compost in 1:3 ratio gave the highest results in shoot and root length, number of leaves and branches on 30thday of plant germination.  This improved growth occurred is mainly due to the nutrient availability in bio-organic fertilizers and up taken by plants.

7 illus, 15 ref

007438   VASUDEVAN S, MUTHUKUMARARAJA T, SRIRAMACHANDRASEKHARAN M V (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Annamalai Univ, Thidalveli, Tamil Nadu, Email: saradhakirankumar@gmail.com) : Exogenous silicon fertilization ameliorate saline stress by improving soil properties and efficiency of rice. J Adv Sci Res 2019, 10(4), 137-43.

A pot experiment was conducted in the pot culture yard of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty  of  Agriculture,  Annamalai  University,  Annamalai  Nagar,  Tamilnadu,  India  during  July-October,  2016.The treatments  consists  of  viz.,  T₁ -Control  (RDF),  T₂ -RDF  +  Silicon  (Si)  @  200  kg  ha^-1 ,  T₃ -RDF  +  Poultry  manure (P.M) @ 6.5 t ha^-1,  T₄ -RDF+ Rice straw compost (RSC) @ 14.5 t ha^-1, T₅ -RDF + FYM @ 12.5 t ha^-1,T₆ -RDF + 100% (Si + P.M), T₇ -RDF + 100% (Si + RSC)  and T₈ -RDF + 100% (Si + FYM).The experiment revealed that grain and straw yield was significantly enhanced on addition of silicon, organics and their combinations over control.The highest grain and straw yield was obtained with combined application of RDF + 100% (Si + RSC) T₇ (82.10 and108.80 g pot^-1). The percentage increase in grain and straw yield (40.75 and 24.86; 33.63 and 20.63) was noticed with combined application of  RDF  +  100%  (Si  +  RSC)and  silicon  alone  compared  to  over  control.  The  application  of  RDF  +  100%  (Si  +  RSC) registered  the  lowest  pH,  EC,  soluble  cations  (Mg²⁺ and  Na²⁺)  and  except  Ca²⁺and  K⁺.  Based  on  the  study,  it  is concluded that the application of RDF + 100% (Si @ 200 kg ha^-1+ RSC @ 14.5 t ha^-1) is needed to achieve the improve the soil properties, and yield of rice in the soil.

6 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref