004766   ATHISINTHA S, MANIMEGALAI S, VISHNUPRIYA R, MUTHULAKSHMI P, NITHYA P R (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore– 641 003, Email: manimegalaiento@gmail.com) : Infection process and pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin against Tetranychus urticae Koch. Ann Plant Prot Sci 2019, 27(2), 194-9.

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae is an important pest worldwide, the incidence of which led to reduce crop yields or poor marketability of the produce, both under field and protected cultivation. Insecticides usage for management lead to problems of resistance and residue and mycoinsecticides are the best alternative. Hence in this study, the infectivity of a native isolate of the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana MK918495 to T. urticae was revealed through scanning electron microscope and pathogenicity studies. SEM photographs taken at different hrs after infection showed the processes of infection, viz., adhesion, germination, penetration, colonization, extrusion and conidiogenesis on different body region of mite at 24 hrs, 48-72 hrs, 72-96 hrs, 96-120 hrs, 120 hrs and 120-144 hrs, respectively. The efficacy of the isolate was evaluated against T. urticae at different concentrations ranging from 4×10⁴ to 4×10⁹ spores mL^-1 and the result showed that the mortality ranged from 27.6 to 89.2 % at 7 days after treatment. The LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ of B. bassiana spore suspension were worked out to be 1.0×10⁶ and 2.1×10⁸ spores mL^-1, respectively.

4 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

004762   ARUL G, SRINIVASAN M R, SARAVANAN P A, RAMARAJU K (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore– 641 003, Email: mrsrini@tnau.ac.in) : Management of mite (Carpoglyphus sp.) in stingless bee colony. Ann Plant Prot Sci 2019, 27(2), 190-3.

Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) are largest group of eusocial bees on Earth. In this study, two non-chemical compounds viz., thymol and formic acid, were tested against mite and stingless bee. The present study revealed that thymol was highly toxic to the mite at 24 hrs with a LC₅₀ of 874.68 ppm, whereas formic acid presented a lower toxicity with LC₅₀ of 10474.36 ppm. Thymol was found more are less equally toxic for mites and stingless bees. However formic acid was found to be safer to stingless bees and thus formic acid may be used in the mite control.

4 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

004788   DILIPSUNDAR N, SRINIVASAN G (Agril. Entomology Dep, Agricultural Coll and Research Institute, Madurai– 625 104, Tamil Nadu, Email: dilipsundar1112@gmail.com) : Bio-efficacy of insecticides against invasive pest of tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917). Ann Plant Prot Sci 2019, 27(2), 185-9.

An attempt was made to evaluate the bio-efficacy of insecticide against Tuta absoluta under laboratory and field conditions. In laboratory bio-assay, 100 % mortality was observed in case of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.5 ml/l, spinosad 45 SC @ 0.4 ml/l and flubendiamide 480 SC @ 0.25 ml/l after 96 hrs of treatment. From the field evaluation of these newer insecticides against T. absoluta, maximum reduction in larval population was recorded in case of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 40g a.i./ha (90.35 %) followed by spinosad 45 SC @ 73g a.i./ha (87.58 %) and flubendiamide 480 SC @ 48g a.i./ha (84.10 %). Fruit yield was higher in plots treated with chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (22.6 t/ha) followed by spinosad 45 SC (22.2 t/ha) and flubendiamide 480 SC (21.4 t/ha) coupled with cost benefit ratio of 1:2.10, 1:1.95 and 1:1.82, respectively.

3 tables, 13 ref

004881   REUOLIN S J, SOUNDARARAJAN R P (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore– 641 003, Tamil Nadu, Email: sound73insect@gmail.com) : Seasonal variations of egg parasitoids on yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) in rice. Ann Plant Prot Sci 2019, 27(2), 181-4.

Rice yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas), a monophagous pest, is the most destructive pest causing 3 to 95 % yield losses in India. Though it accounts for 50 % of insecticides used in rice fields, their typical internal feeding behaviour necessitate other management options. In the present study, the extent of natural egg parasitization was assessed on yellow stem egg masses collected from rice fields of Paddy Breeding Station, Coimbatore. Egg masses were collected during September (2016) to May (2017) and the influence of weather parameters on parasitization was observed. Seasonal variation on total egg mass parasitization of yellow stem borer recorded highest parasitization during the first fortnight of December (92.31 %) and lowest or no parasitization during the month of May. Individual egg parasitization on yellow stem borer revealed the maximum parasitization of Telenomus dignus in the second fortnight of September (30.82 %), T. schoenobii in the second fortnight of April (54.55 %), T. japonicum during the second fortnight of November (7.86 %) and Trichomalopsis sp. in the second fortnight of February (2.5 %).

3 tables, 10 ref

004832   KUMAR S, BHATNAGAR A, KUMAR M, SINGH U, KUMAR A (ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute Campus, Meerut– 250 110) : Efficacy of insecticides as seed treatment against whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) on potato, Solanum tuberosum L.. Ann Plant Prot Sci 2019, 27(2), 177-80.

The results revealed that the minimum incidence of whitefly was recorded in treatment when tubers were treated with Thimethoxam with mean incidence of 2.33-6.0 / 5 plants from third week of October to first week of December during crop growth followed by Imidacloprid (2.33-5.0/ 5 plant) and Fipronil (2.33-5.67 / 5 plant). The maximum mean disease incidence (21.93 %) was recorded in the untreated tubers followed by Propargate (21.10 %) and Acetamiprid (21.30 %) in sprayed treatments, which is at par. However, mean total tuber yield did not differed significantly among treatments. Highest mean tuber yield (13.27 t/ha) was recorded when seed tubers were treated with Imidacloprid followed by Thimethoxam (13.24 t/ha) and Fipronil (13.07 t/ha) followed by single spray of respective insecticide in protected treatments. Therefore, present study revealed that Imidacloprid or Thimethoxam could be effectively used as a seed treatment followed by single spray of respective insecticide as per the incidence of whitefly on early potato crop.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

004846   MOHAN U, LAKSHMI V J, SHARMA S, KATTI G R, CHIRUTKAR P M, KRISHNAIAH N V (ICAR- Indian Institute of Rice Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad– 500 030, Email: jhansidrr@yahoo.co.in) : Monitoring of insecticide resistance in rice brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) in Nalgonda District of Telangana State, India. Ann Plant Prot Sci 2019, 27(2), 172-6.

Insecticide resistance development was monitored in the rice brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens, field population collected from Nalgonda district, Telangana state, during 2015. The results indicated that BPH population from Nalgonda district acquired very high level of resistance to buprofezin 25 SC (1409 fold) and neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid 17.8 SL (352 to 661 fold). High level of resistance to thiamethoxam 25 SG (50 to 138 fold) and glamore 80 WG (ethiprole 40 % + imidacloprid 40 % WG) (222 to 431 fold) was also observed. However, the population was suseptible to dinotefuran 20 SG (RR 1.5 to 3.6) and organophosphorous compounds such as monocrotophos 36 SL, dichlorvos 76 EC, chlorpyriphos 20 EC and acephate 75 WP (RR 0.28 to 2.02). For insecticides belonging to other groups such as phenyl pyrazoles i.e. fipronil and pyridine azomethine compound i.e. pymetrozine, the resistance ratios (RR) were in the order of 1.4 to 1.9 and 1.19 to 1.59, respectively. Insecticide resistance management strategies are described in brief.

3 tables, 17 ref

004845   MOHAN B S, CHAMUNDESWARI N, HARITHA T, VERONICA N (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Agricultural Coll, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh) : Screening of F_2:3 mapping population of Swarna sub1 / AC39416A for anaerobic germination in rice (Oryza Sativa L.). The Andhra Agric J 2019, 66(4), 623-7.

Phenotypic screening for anaerobic germination (AG) was conducted at RARS, Maruteru, West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, using 188 F_2:3 biparental cross mapping population of Swarna sub1 / AC39416A along with parentsas per standard protocol in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with two replications. Anaerobic stress was created by submergence of trays with 15 cm depth of water in concrete tank for 14 and 21 days in two separate experiments. The level of tolerance to submergence during germination i.e AG percent in the population was recorded. After one week of de-submergence the observations viz., plant survival percent, seedling shoot length (cm) and seedling root length (cm) were recorded. Analysis of variance revealed significant variation for all the characters studied. Among 188 F_2:3 population screened, only 47 lines (for two weeks of submergence) and 17 lines (for three weeks of submergence) had shown more than 70 % of AG. The mean AG (%) ranged between 0 % and 95 % in the population.

5 tables, 16 ref

004934   VIJAYKUMAR P, PANDEY N, KUMAR R M (ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad) : Effect of varied nutrient levels on productivity and economics of different rice varieties in irrigated ecology. The Andhra Agric J 2019, 66(4), 619-22.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of varied nutrient levels on productivity and economics of different rice varieties in irrigated ecology. The treatments consisted of combination of three levels of NPK (50% RDF, 100% RDF and 150% RDF) and six varieties (DRR Dhan 44,DRR Dhan 46, MTU1010,Varadhan, Sugandhamathi and Swarnadhan). All were tested in split plot design with 3 replications. The productivity (grain and straw yield) and economics of rice was significantly highest with the application of 150% RDF. The rice variety Varadhan produced highest grain yield and in the case of straw yield, the variety Swarnadhan gave the highest yield. The results of gross, net returns and B:C ratio was recorded highest with the 150% RDF application than the other nutrient levels and the variety Varadhan produced highest gross, net returns and B:C ratio than the other verities.

2 tables, 14 ref

004909   SOWJANYA A, RAO C P, MOSHA K, RAO C S, RANI Y A (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural Coll, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh) : Effect of phosphorus management practices on nutrient uptake, soil fertility status and economics of pearl millet in pearl millet-pulse sequence. The Andhra Agric J 2019, 66(4), 614-8.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif and rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla to evaluate the direct effect of phosphorus management practices on pearl millet and residual effect on pulses (blackgram, greengram and chickpea). In kharif season, seven treatments consisted of T₁ : No P, T₂ : 50 % RDP T₃ : 75 % RDP, T₄ : 100 % RDP, T₅ : 50 % RDP + seed inoculation with PSB, T₆ :75 % RDP + seed inoculation with PSB, T₇ : 100 % RDP + seed inoculation with PSB with RBD design. While in rabi, each kharif treatment plots were subdivided into three plots to accommodate three different pulses. Thus, for rabi season study, residual phosphorus management practices were considered as main plot treatments and the three crops as sub plot treatments. The results revealed that significantly the highest nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake were recorded with application of 100 % RDP + seed inoculation with PSB but remained statistically on par with the treatment which received 100 % RDP during both years of experimentation and in pooled data. Similarly maximum net returns were also obtained in those treatments.

5 tables, 8 ref

004850   NAYAK B B, BHARATHI S, REKHA M S, JAYALALITHA K (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural Coll, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh) : Effect of crop geometry and levels of nitrogen on nutrient uptake and fibre quality of compact cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under rainfed vertisols. The Andhra Agric J 2019, 66(4), 610-3.

A field experiment was conducted on clayey soils of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur during the year 2018–2019 under rainfed condition. The treatments consisted of three crop geometries S₁ - 60 cm × 10 cm, S₂ - 75 cm × 10 cm, S₃ - 90 cm × 45 cm in combination with four nitrogen levels N₁ - 45 kg N ha^-1, N₂ - 90 kg N ha^-1,N₃ - 135 kg N ha^-1 ,N₄ - 180 kg ha^-1. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with factorial concept replicated thrice. Nutrient uptake by plants at harvest was significantly influenced by crop geometry and nitrogen levels but their interaction was found to be non-significant. Different crop geometry and nitrogen levels under the study and their interaction effects on quality components of seed index, lint index , ginning turnout, upper half mean length (UHML), uniformity ratio, micronaire, tenacity and elongation was found to be non-significant.

2 tables, 14 ref

004778   CHAKRABORTY M, RAO M M L C P, RAO C S (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural Coll, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh) : Response of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to nitrogen levels and plant geometry. The Andhra Agric J 2019, 66(4), 606-9.

A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla on sandy upland soils during postmonsoon, 2018. The experiment consisted of four levels of nitrogen and four population densities laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept. The results revealed that among the four levels of nitrogen, application of 60 kg N ha^-1, recorded the highest drymatter accumulation, yield attributes (number of pods plant^-1, number of pops plant^-1), pod and haulm yield and soil available nutrient. Crop geometry with 15 cm x 10 cm spacing resulted in higher drymatter accumulation, number of pods plant^-1 and pod and haulm yield.

2 tables, 10 ref

004920   SURYAKALA A, MURTHY V R K, REKHA M S, JAYALALITHA K (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural Coll, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh) : Growth and yield of chickpea in vertisols of Krishna zone of Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Agric J 2019, 66(4), 603-5.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2018 on vertisols of Agriculture College, Bapatla to study the effect of different sowing dates on growth, yield and yield attributes of chickpea varieties. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with factorial concept with three varieties (V₁ -NBeG-47, V₂ - NBeG-49 and V₃ - NBeG-119) and five dates of sowing (2nd fortnight of October, 1^st fortnight of November, 2^nd fortnight of November, 1^st fortnight of December and 2^nd fortnight of December) and replicated thrice. Results revealed that the chickpea crop showing during 2^nd fortnight of October recoded significantly highest plant height, drymatter, yield attributes, grain yield and haulm yield compared to other dates of sowing. Among the varieties tested, NBeG-119 recorded significantly highest drymatter, yield attributes, grain yield and haulm yield compared to the other two varieties NBeG-47 and NBeG-49.

1 table, 9 ref

004921   SWATHI B, MURTHY V R K, SREEREKHA M, JAYALALITHA K (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural Coll, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh) : Study of pearl millet under different spacings and staggered sowing in coastal agro-ecosystem of bapatla. The Andhra Agric J 2019, 66(4), 600-2.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2018 on sandy loam soil of Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla. twelve treatment combinations were formed considering four spacingsin combination with three sowing dates. The results revealed that, among the four spacings tested 45 cm × 15 cm and among the dates of sowing 2nd fortnight of July sown crop recorded the highest drymatter accumulation at maturity, yield attributes (number of earheads m^-2, earhead weight (g), test weight (g), grain and straw yield.

1 table, 10 ref

004879   RAVINDRANADH G, REKHA M S, VENKATESWARLU B, JAYALALITHA K (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural Coll, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh) : Performance of foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.)] at various nitrogen levels. The Andhra Agric J 2019, 66(4), 597-9.

A field trial was conducted on sandy clay soil of Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla, during kharif, 2018 with four varieties of foxtail millet in combination with four nitrogen levels. The results revealed that, among the four varieties, Prasad and among the nitrogen levels, application of 60 kg N ha^-1 recorded the highest drymatter accumulation at harvest (kg ha^-1), yield attributes (number panicles m^-2, number of filled grains panicle^-1, 1000 grain weight (g)), grain and stover yield(kg ha^-1).

2 tables, 7 ref

004836   LAKSHMI V N, RAO A U, RAMANA A V, JAGANNADAM J (Agronomy Dep, Agricultural Coll, Naira, Andhra Pradesh) : Optimization of seed rate and foliar nutrition for seed crop of dhaincha. The Andhra Agric J 2019, 66(4), 592-6.

A field experiment was conducted on “Optimization of seed rate and foliar nutrition for seed crop of dhaincha” during rabi, 2015-16 on sandy loam soil of Agricultural College Farm, Naira. The experiment was laid out in split plot design and it was replicated thrice. Treatments comprised of three main plots viz., (15, 20 and 25 kg ha-1) and four sub plots consists of foliar application of three fertilizers (19-19-19 @ 1 % (F1 ), KNO3 @ 1 % (F2 ), DAP @ 1 % conc. twice at one week before and after flowering) and with water spray. There was a progressive and significant increase in plant height and drymatter production seed yield, stalk yield, gross returns, net returns and B: C ratio with increase in seed rate from 15 to 20 and 25 kg ha^-1. Yield attributes were significantly higher with lower seed rate of 15 kg ha^-1 compared to increased seed rates of 20 and 25 kg ha^-1. Foliar application of DAP, 19-19-19 and KNO3 at 1 % concentration twice at one week before and after flowering significantly increased the plant height, drymatter accumulation, yield attributes, seed yield, stalk yield, gross returns, net returns and B: C ratio compared to water spray.

2 tables, 18 ref

004829   KUMAR H, SINGH A, DIKSHIT H K, MISHRA G P, ASKI M, MEENA M C, KUMAR S (Genetics Div, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi- 110 012, Email: harshgeneticsiari@gmail.com) : Genetic dissection of grain iron and zinc concentrations in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). J Genet 2019, 98, 66.

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are wide spread in South Asia and Africa. Biofortification of food crops is a viable means of addressing micronutrient deficiencies. Lentil is an important pulse crop that provides affordable source of proteins, minerals, fibre and carbohydrates for micronutrient deficient countries. An association mapping (AM) panel of 96 diverse lentil genotypes from India and Mediterranean region was evaluated for three seasons and genotyped using 80 polymorphic simple-sequence repeat (SSR) markers for identification of the markers associated with grain Fe and Zn concentrations. A Bayesian model based clustering identified five subpopulations, adequately explaining the genetic structure of the AM panel. The linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis using mixed linear model (MLM) identified two SSR markers, GLLC 106 and GLLC 108, associated with grain Fe concentration explaining 17 % and 6 % phenotypic variation, respectively and three SSR markers (PBALC 364, PBALC 92 and GLLC592) associated with grain Zn concentration, explaining 6 %, 8 % and 13 % phenotypic variation, respectively. The identified SSRs exhibited consistent performance across three seasons and have potential for utilization in lentil molecular breeding programme.

5 illus, 6 tables, 49 ref

004940   ZHAO C, SUN H, GUAN C, CUI J, ZHANG Q, LIU M, ZHANG M, GUO Q, HOU Y, XIANG M (Ludong Univ, Yantai- 264 025, Email: yongzhenwu1204@163.com) : Physical information of 2705 PCR-based molecular markers and the evaluation of their potential use in wheat. J Genet 2019, 98, 69.

Genetic information of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based markers, one of the main tools of genetics and genomics research in wheat, have been well documented in wheat. However, the physical position in relation to these markers has not yet been systematically characterized. Aim of this study was to characterize the physical information of thousands of widely used molecular markers. We first assigned 2705 molecular markers to wheat physical map, of which 86.1% and 84.7% were the best hits to chromosome survey sequencing (CSS) project (CSS-contigs) and International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium Reference Sequence v1.0 (IWGSC RefSeq v1.0), respectively. Physical position of 96.2% markers were predicated based on BLAST analysis, were in accordance with that of the previous nullisomic/aneuploidy/linkage analysis. A suggestive high-density physical map with 4643 loci was constructed, spanning 14.01 Gb (82.4%) of the wheat genome, with 3.02 Mb between adjacent markers. Both forward and reverse primer sequences of 1166 markers had consistent best hits to IWGSC RefSeq v1.0 based on BLAST analysis, and the corresponding allele sizes were characterized. A detailed physical map with 1532 loci was released, spanning 13.93 Gb (81.9%) of the wheat genome, with 9.09 Mb between adjacent markers. Characteristic of recombination rates in different chromosomal regions was discussed. In addition, markers with multiple sites were aligned to homoeologous sites with a consistent order, confirming that a collinearity existed among A, B and D subgenomes. This study facilitates the integration of physical and genetical information of molecular markers, which could be of value for use in genetics and genomics research such as gene/QTL map-based cloning and marker-assisted selection. 

9 illus, 71 ref

004792   FENG G-L, ZHAI F-Y, LIU H-L, AI N-J (Shihezi Agricultural Science Research Institute, Shihezi- 832 000, Email: anjmmt@126.com) : Identification of genomewide single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with presummer, summer and autumn bolls in upland cotton. J Genet 2019, 98, 72.

Presummer, summer, and autumn bolls (PSB, SB and AB, respectively) in cotton are related to both maturity and yield. Therefore, studying their genetic basis is important for breeding purposes. In this study, we developed an association analysis panel consisting of 169 upland cotton accessions. The panel was phenotyped for PSB, SB and AB across four environments and genotyped using a CottonSNP80K array. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with these three traits were identified by a genomewide association study. A total of 53,848 high-quality SNPs were screened, and 91 significant trait-associated SNPs were detected. Of the 91 SNPs 33 were associated with PSB, 21 with SB and 37 with AB. Three SNPs for PSB (TM10410, TM13158 and TM21762) and five for AB (TM13730, TM13733, TM13834, TM29666 and TM43214) were repeatedly detected in two environments or by two methods. These eight SNPs exhibited high phenotypic variation of more than 10%, thus allowing their use for marker-assisted selection. The candidate genes for target traits were also identified. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the improvement of early maturity and yield in cotton breeding programmes.

3 illus, 3 tables, 53 ref

004938   YADAV M K, ARAVINDAN S, NGANGKHAM U, PRABHUKARTHIKEYAN S R, KEERTHANA U, RAGHU S, PRAMESH D, BANERJEE A, ROY S, SANGHAMITRA P, et al. (ICAR- National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack- 753 006, Email: m.yadav14@gmail.com) : Candidate screening of blast resistance donors for rice breeding. J Genet 2019, 98, 73.

Rice blast is one of the most serious diseases in the world. The use of resistant cultivars is the most preferred means to control this disease. Resistance often breaks down due to emergence of new races; hence identification of novel resistance donors is indispensable. In this study, a panel of 80 released varieties from National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack was genotyped with 36 molecular markers that were linked to 36 different blast resistance genes, to investigate the varietal genetic diversity and molecular marker-trait association with blast resistance. The polymorphism information content of 36 loci varied from 0.11 to 0.37 with an average of 0.34. The cluster analysis and population structure categorized the 80 National Rice Research Institute released varieties (NRVs) into three major genetic groups. The principal co-ordinate analysis displays the distribution of resistant and moderately resistant NRVs into different groups. Analysis of molecular variance result demonstrated maximum (97 %) diversity within populations and minimum (3 %) diversity between populations. Among tested markers, two markers (RM7364 and pi21_79-3) corresponding to the blast resistance genes (Pi56(t) and pi21) were significantly associated and explained a phenotypic variance of 4.9 to 5.1 % with the blast resistance. These associated genes could be introgressed through marker-assisted to develop durable blast resistant rice varieties. The selected resistant NRVs could be good donors for the blast resistance in rice crop improvement research.

6 illus, 7 tables, 59 ref

004791   FABRIKI-OURANG S, KARIMI H (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Imam Khomeini International Univ, Qazvin, Iran, Email: ourang@eng.ikiu.ac.ir) : Assessment of genetic diversity and relationships among Salvia species using gene targeted CAAT box-derived polymorphism markers. J Genet 2019, 98, 75.

To detect the genetic variation and relationships among different Salvia ecotypes/species, the gene targeted CAAT boxderived polymorphism (CBDP) markers were employed in terms of their efficiency. In this study, 25 CBDP primers amplified a total of 323 different polymorphic fragments that discriminate all 26 Salvia ecotypes/species and produced an informative and differentiated dendrogram and population structure. The CBDP markers were found to be effective in Salvia genetic diversity estimation with regard to the averages polymorphism (100 %), polymorphism information content (PIC = 0.89), marker index (MI = 4.5) and the effective multiplex ratio (EMR = 5.01) which were higher than other reported markers on Salvia. The extent of heterozygosity (0.034≤H≤0.223) and Shannon index (0.042≤I≤0.278) indicated a high level of genetic variation among Salvia species. The species containing the highest basic chromosome number (X = 12) revealed the highest values for the number of different (Na) and effective (Ne) alleles, Shannon index (I), and heterozygosity (H). Additionally, the tetraploid species showed high values of N_a, N_e, I and H compared to the diploid species. Mean of gene differentiation (G_st) among Salvia species was 0.792, and the estimation of gene flow (N_m) was 0.13, indicating high genetic differentiation. Remarkably, similar results were obtained from the principal co-ordinate analysis (PCoA) as compared with the cluster analysis, in which all different Salvia species formed individual groups. In conclusion, because the CBDP markers are derived from the gene containing regions of the genome, consequently, the high genetic diversity among studied Salvia species would be more useful for crop improvement programmes, such as hybridization between species and QTL mapping. The potential of CBDPs for analysing the phylogeny and genetic diversity of Salvia species is another key result with practical implications.

5 illus, 5 tables, 42 ref

004868   PRIYA B N V, REDDY T V, CHIDANAND U, SAIPRASAD G V S (ITC Life Sciences & Technology Centre, Bengaluru- 560 058, Email: priya.bezawada@itc.in) : Development of KASP marker for cytoplasmic male sterility in Nicotiana tabacum and utilization in trait introgression. J Genet 2019, 98, 79.

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is an important trait for large-scale hybrid seed production which avoids manual emasculation and undesired horizontal spread of pollen. Rearrangements in mitochondrial genome in terms of deletions and insertions are frequent causes leading to CMS. Mitochondrial ATP synthase is a multisubunit molecular machine which is involved in synthesis of ATP. In this study, three mutations in ATPase subunit 6 were identified and their cosegregation with male sterility was established using tobacco male sterile hybrids and Nicotiana suvaolensis. A breeder friendly Kompetitive allele specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) SNP marker was developed for high throughput and quick genotyping. Introgression of this trait into selected germplasm lines (n = 9) was achieved based on foreground for CMS and background selection for recurrent parent using KASP marker and 50K custom tobacco SNP array, respectively. Analysis of genotyping data from SNP array revealed the presence of 88–99 % of recurrent parent genome in BC₃F₁ plants. The selected BC₃F₁ plants exhibit CMS and are indistinguishable from the fertile recurrent parent (germplasm) in terms of plant morphology.

6 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

004847   MOONSAP P, LAKSANAVILAT N, SINUMPORN S, TASANASUWAN P, KATE-NGAM S, JANTASURIYARAT C (Genetics Dep, Kasetsart Univ, Bangkok- 10900, Email: fscicwj@ku.ac.th) : Genetic diversity of Indo-China rice varieties using ISSR, SRAP and InDel markers. J Genet 2019, 98, 80.

Rice is believed to have originated from Indo-China, area between China and India, and then spread throughout the world. The Indochina region mainly includes countries like Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, which are the world’s major rice exporters. Rice varieties grown in this area are highly diverse due to their different environment, ecosystem and climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic relationship of Indochina rice varieties using intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR), sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) and insertion–deletion (InDel) markers. Forty-six rice varieties, including 16, 4, 11 and 15 from Thailand, China, Laos and Vietnam, respectively were used in this study. Seventeen of the 20 ISSR primers showed 82.96 % polymorphism. At the same time, 17 of the 30 primer pairs of SRAP marker showed clear DNA amplification, which resulted in 84.79 % polymorphism. Ninety-seven of 133 InDel markers have about 99.47 % polymorphism. Three markers showed average PIC score ranging from 0.20 to 0.26. When the analysis was conducted using UPGMA clustering method, it was found that the combined data from three markers gave a better result than each marker separately. The results from clustering analysis showed that all accessions can be grouped based on their location and can be categorized into two major groups. Useful results from this study could bring substantial benefits and ultimately help the rice breeders to develop elite rice varieties in future.

4 illus, 4 tables, 45 ref

004790   EL-ORABEY W M, HAMWIEH A, AHMED S M (Wheat Diseases Research Dep, Plant Pathology Research Institute, Giza, Egypt, Email: Walid_elorabey2014@hotmail.com) : Molecular markers and phenotypic characterization of adult plant resistance genes Lr 34, Lr 46, Lr 67 and Lr 68 and their association with partial resistance to leaf rust in wheat. J Genet 2019, 98, 82.

Thirty-nine wheat genotypes were studied to estimate their partial resistance levels to leaf rust at Behira governortae during three growing seasons, i.e. 2016/2017, 2017/2018 and 2018/2019. In these genotypes, partial resistance was characterized using final leaf rust severity (FRS %) and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC). Of the tested genotypes, only three wheat varieties; Giza 171, Misr 3 and Sohag 5 showed complete resistance. Further, 28 of the 39 genotypes had partial resistance as they revealed low and/or moderate values of FRS (%) and AUDPC (not exceeding 30 % and 300, respectively). The other eight varieties were fast rusting, as they displayed the maximum values of FRS (%) and AUDPC. The four monogenic lines; Lr 34, Lr 46, Lr 67 and Lr 68 were identified in the wheat varieties using linked molecular markers; csLV34, Xgwm259, CFD71 and csGSR. Phenotypic results of the wheat varieties were confirmed by molecular marker analysis.

4 illus, 6 tables, 30 ref

004758   ANILKUMAR C, RAO A M, RAMESH S, BHAVANI B, PRANESH (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, GKVK, Bengaluru- 560 065, Email: anilcgpb@gmail.com) : Genetics of fruit yield and its component traits under different fruiting habit backgrounds in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). J Genet 2019, 98, 84.

The six basic generations (two parents, F₁, F₂ and backcrosses) of 14 crosses developed from nine parents differing in fruits node⁻¹ and fruit orientation were evaluated to decipher the genetics of three quantitative traits (average fruit weight, fruits plant⁻¹ and green fruit yield plant⁻¹) during the rainly season of 2016 and 2017. The magnitude and direction of the additive genetic effects [a], dominance genetic effects [d], magnitudes of additive genetic variance (σ²_A) and dominance genetic variance (σ²_D) varied with the genetic background of the crosses and traits. In the genetic background of crosses involving parents differing in fruit node⁻¹, the inheritance of average fruit weight, fruits plant⁻¹ and fruit yield plant⁻¹ were controlled by the genes with both additive and ambidirectional dominant effects. On the contrary, genes with only additive effects controlled the inheritance of average fruit weight, fruits plant⁻¹ and fruit yield plant⁻¹ in most genetic backgrounds of crosses involving parents differing in fruit orientation and those differing in both fruits node⁻¹ and fruit orientation. Further, the genes controlling the inheritance of all the traits are dispersed among the parents used in the investigation. These results are discussed in relation to strategies to be used in breeding chilli.

3 tables, 30 ref

004777   CAN H, KAL U, OZYIGIT I I, PAKSOY M, TURKMEN O (Field Crops and Horticulture Dep, Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas Univ, Bishkek- 720 038, Kyrgyzstan, Email: hasancan194@yahoo.com.tr) : Construction, characteristics and high throughput molecular screening methodologies in some special breeding populations: A horticultural perspective. J Genet 2019, 98, 86.

Advanced marker technologies are widely used for evaluation of genetic diversity in cultivated crops, wild ancestors, landraces or any special plant genotypes. Developing agricultural cultivars requires the following steps: (i) determining desired characteristics to be improved, (ii) screening genetic resources to help find a superior cultivar, (iii) intercrossing selected individuals, (iv) generating genetically hybrid populations and screening them for agro-morphological or molecular traits, (v) evaluating the superior cultivar candidates, (vi) testing field performance at different locations, and (vii) certifying. In the cultivar development process valuable genes can be identified by creating special biparental or multiparental populations and analysing their association using suitable markers in given populations. These special populations and advanced marker technologies give us a deeper knowledge about the inherited agronomic characteristics. Unaffected by the changing environmental conditions, these provide a higher understanding of genome dynamics in plants. The last decade witnessed new applications for advanced molecular techniques in the area of breeding, with low costs per sample. These, especially, include next-generation sequencing technologies like reduced representation genome sequencing (genotyping by sequencing, restriction site-associated DNA). These enabled researchers to develop new markers, such as simple sequence repeat and single- nucleotide polymorphism, for expanding the qualitative and quantitative information on population dynamics. Thus, the knowledge acquired from novel technologies is a valuable asset for the breeding process and to better understand the population dynamics, their properties, and analysis methods.

7 illus, 5 tables, 236 ref

004901   SHUKLA P K, FATIMA T, GUNDAPPA (ICAR- Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow- 226 101) : Efficacy of sterilized culture filtrate of Trichoderma harzianum Rifai against mango wilt pathogen, Ceratocystis fimbriata Ellis and Halst. J Eco-friendly Agric 2019, 14(2), 69-71.

Mango wilt disease caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata has become a serious constraint in most mango growing areas in Uttar Pradesh and in several states in India. Management of mango wilt has been achieved by the application of cultural practices and the foliar and soil application of fungicides. In this study, the sterilized culture filtrate of TH12 was also evaluated for their efficacy against C. fimbriata through food poison technique under laboratory conditions. All the concentrations of culture filtrate of TH-12 were found effective up to 20 days but no difference in growth of control and 0.15 per cent concentration was recorded at 30th day after inoculation. The maximum suppression of C. fimbriata was found at 10 per cent concentration on 30th day after inoculation. Concentrations of filtrate used in the range from 0.15 to 10 per cent significantly reduced the growth of C. fimbriata in comparison to control. The suppressive potential of the sterilized culture filtrate of TH-12 bio-control agent indicated the possibility of development of bioformulation for the management of mango wilt under field conditions.

1 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

004837   LALOO R, BAISWAR P, MAJUMDER D, FIRAKE D M (ICAR- Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam- 793 103, Email: pbaiswar@yahoo.com) : Host plant resistance against Rhizoctonia solani AG 1-IB causing foliar blight of soybean in Meghalaya. J Eco-friendly Agric 2019, 14(2), 63-8.

The present investigation was carried out to determine the host plant resistance against Rhizoctonia solani causing foliar blight of soybean in Meghalaya. Twelve isolates were used for molecular characterization using specific primers to determine anastomosis groups and sub-groups. The isolates RL1, Rim_1, RL2, RL4, RL5, RL6, RL7, RL8, RLR, RL9 and RL10 belonged to AG 1-IB. Only one isolate RL3 (product size ~ 265 bp) belonged to AG 1-IA. In advanced varietal trial (AVT) 1, varieties/lines KDS 780 and DSb 28-3 had low natural incidence (2.5 and 7.5 %, respectively) and low disease severity (25 and 23.3%, respectively), while varieties/lines JS 20-98 and JS 97-52 had high natural incidence (35 and 52.5%, respectively) and high disease severity (62.7 and 80.9%, respectively). In AVT 2, varieties/lines SL 955 and SL 983 had low natural incidence (2.5 and 5%, respectively) and low disease severity (5 and 15%, respectively), while varieties/lines Himso 1685 and JS 97-52 had high natural incidence (35 and 47.5%, respectively) and high disease severity (63.6 and 65.1%, respectively). Twenty varieties/lines from AVT 1 and twelve varieties/lines from AVT 2 were used for in vitro screening against R. solani. In AVT 1 (leaves) varieties/lines JS 20- 96 and DSb 28-3 were less susceptible (Area under disease progress curve AUDPC = 53.6 for both). In AVT 2 (leaves) varieties/lines DSb 25 and VLS 86 were less susceptible (AUDPC = 37.0 and 49.6, respectively). In AVT 2 (pods) varieties/lines VLS 86 and DSb 23-2 were less susceptible (AUDPC = 119.3 and 101.1, respectively).

5 tables, 21 ref

004774   BRHANE D, AHMAD T, MEHARI B, NETSEREAB D, SHIMENDI H, BERIHU S (Plant Protection Dep, Hamelmalo Agricultural Coll, Keren, Eritrea) : Management of bruchid beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in stored cowpea through plant extract and carbaryl. J Eco-friendly Agric 2019, 14(2), 57-60.

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

3 illus, 7 ref

004936   WANKHEDE S M, SHINDE V V, GHAVALE S L (Regional Coconut Research Station, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, Email: agr_agronomist@yahoo.co.in) : Pests status of coconut in managed and unmanaged garden. J Eco-friendly Agric 2019, 14(2), 54-6.

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

3 tables, 13 ref

004843   MANDAWI N C, SAHU S, MAHOBIA R K, PAINKRA S K (Agriculture Coll and Research Station, Boirdadar, Raigarh) : Efficacy of botanical insecticides against pod borer (Maruca vitrata) on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). J Eco-friendly Agric 2019, 14(2), 47-9.

The field experiment was conducted during kharif 2016-17 to evaluate botanical insecticides against pod borer on cowpea. Two sprays of insecticides were done at fifteen days interval. The most effective treatment against pod borer was Chlorpyriphos 20 EC@ 300g a.i. ha^-1 after first spray (1.97, 1.74 and 1.53 larvae m^-2 at 3, 5, and 7 days after spray, respectively) and second spray (1.51, 1.54 and 1.93 larvae m^-2 at 3, 5 and 7 days after spray, respectively) followed by Neem oil @ 2 per cent first spray (4.30, 4.08 and 3.52 larvae m^-2 at 3, 5 and 7 days after spray, respectively) and second spray (3.00, 2.85 and 3.28 larvae m^-2 at 3, 5 and 7 days after spray, respectively); and NSKE @ 5 per cent after first spray (4.62, 4.18 and 3.81 larvae m^-2 at 3, 5 and 7 days after spray, respectively) and second spray (3.12, 3.09 and 3.37 larvae m² at 3, 5 and 7 days after spray, respectively). The maximum larval population was found in untreated plot. The highest green pod yield of cowpea was recorded in plants sprayed with Chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 300 g a.i. ha^-1 (53.12 qha^-1) followed by Neem oil @ 2 per cent (43.53 qha^-1) and NSKE @ 5 per cent (42.11 qha^-1), while lowest yield was recorded in untreated control plot (32.16 qha^-1).

3 tables, 10 ref

004802   GUNDAPPA, SHUKLA P K (ICAR- Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow- 226 101, Email: gundu6100@gmail.com) : Efficacy of different management practices on the incidence of guava bark eating caterpillar, Indarbela sp. J Eco-friendly Agric 2019, 14(2), 45-6.

Bark eating caterpillar is a polyphagous insect pest causing considerable damage to various fruit crops. Very high incidence of this pest has been noticed in unmanaged guava orchards. Keeping in the view the importance of this pest, different management practices were evaluated under field conditions at ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera farm Lucknow. Among the treatments tested, swabbing of insecticide acephate on guava trunk reduced the bark eating caterpillar infestation effectively with no new ribbon formation by the caterpillar, it was followed by swabbing of profenophos, Beaveria bassiana and combination of dichlorovos sealer cum healer (IIHR product) +/- copper oxychloride, respectively. The results of the effect of Beaveria bassiana were most significant in the experiment as it not only reduced the incidence but also colonized in the guava trunk.

1 table, 16 ref

004908   SONI M K, YADAV A K, SINGH V K (ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow- 226 101, Email: vksingh.cish@gmail.com) : Assessment of different irrigation levels on quality production of headed back guava cv. Lalit under high density plantation. J Eco-friendly Agric 2019, 14(2), 41-4.

In guava (Psidium guajava L.) low production of crop due to crowding and encroachment of tree branches leading to inefficient light penetration is a general problem in older orchards. The internal bearing capacity of trees also declines with time due to overshadowing. To overcome this problem heading back of unproductive trees to the extent of 1.5 meter height above the ground level to facilitate the sprouting of new shoots below the cut point and allowing the development of productive canopy is important. In this context a field experiment was conducted during 2014- 2018 with the objective of improving yield and quality of headed back (1.5 m height) guava cv. Lalit (fifteen year old) under high density planting (6.0 x 3.0 m), accommodating 555 plants per hectare. The experimental plot was irrigated with a drip irrigation system having four irrigation levels with one ring basin irrigation method (control). The black polyethylene mulching (100 µ thickness) was used to cover 40 per cent area of tree canopy. Fertigation with recommended dose of fertilizer was applied at different growth stages. Maximum water saving (47.52 %) was recorded at 80 per cent pan evaporation through drip irrigation and polyethylene mulching as compared to control. Enhancement in flowering in tune of 60 to 85 per cent and maximum fruit yield (24.0 kg tree^-1) at 80 per cent irrigation level with polyethylene mulching and minimum yield (15.1 kg tree^-1) in control was recorded. Drip irrigation coupled with polyethylene mulching resulted in better quality of fruits in terms of increased TSS (13.4 °Brix), total sugar (6.65 %) and ascorbic acid (181.3 mg 100 g^-1) without any significant change in acidity (0.24 %) as compared to minimum TSS (11.0 °Brix), total sugar (6.50 %) and ascorbic acid (160.6 mg 100 g^-1) in control.

6 tables, 21 ref

004877   RAM R A, PATHAK R K (ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow- 226 101) : Bio-enhancers for soil, plant health and insect pest management in organic production of horticultural crops. J Eco-friendly Agric 2019, 14(2), 28-33.

Use of liquid preparations has been an age old practice in ancient India. As alternative, organic farmers had devised plant growth boosters on their own knowledge based on local experiences and given specific names such as Amritpani, Panchagavya, Bijamrita, Jeevamrita etc. Similarly in biodynamic farming, few effective preparations such as BD-500, BD-501, Cow Pat Pit, biodynamic liquid manures/bio-pesticides and in Homa Organic Farming: Agnihotra ash enriched water and Biosol are effective preparations are being used by number of farmers and organizations in India. It is interesting to note that in all these preparations, the basic ingredients are cow based products and studies done on bio-enhancers indicated that there is immense scope of their promotion in organic production of various crops.

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

004894   SHAH M S, KUSHWAHA H S, KEWAT M L, RAI R K (Natural Resource Management Dep, Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, Email: yamsingh78@gmail.com) : Synchronizing nitrogen and potassium supply with crop demand to enhance nutrient use efficiency and water use efficiency on Bt cotton hybrid (NSPL-999). J Eco-friendly Agric 2019, 14(2), 23-7.

A field experiment was conducted to assess N and NK split application to synchronize nutrient application with crop demand in Bt cotton hybrid (NSPL-99). Eight timings of application and different dose of N and NK were taken as different treatments. Timings were planned to supply the fertilizer at different crop growth stages, i.e., at 10, 30, 45, 60 and 75 DAS. Split application of N and NK did not have any significant effect on plant height (cm), monopodia per plant, sympodia per plant, boll per plant, boll weight, and G.O.T. (Ginning percentage). Bolls per plant was affected significantly with the different mode of fertilizers application as well as timing of split application. The seed cotton yield did not deviate significantly due to split-cum-basal fertilizer application; however, timings of split application of fertilizers resulted in significant changes in the productivity parameter. The extra net income from F₂ was only Rs. 2884 ha^-1 over F₁ . Amongst the timing of split application, S4 and S5 having three splits up to 60 DAS proved significantly superior to some of the remaining treatments. Seed cotton yield ranged from 21.15 to 21.19 q ha^-1 with extra net income from Rs. 6109 to Rs. 6205 ha^-1 over S₁ . Other treatments except S₇ , showed monetary loss from Rs. 900 to Rs. 2250 ha^-1. The treatment interactions were found to be significant GMR, and NMR the characters under study.

3 tables, 23 ref

004842   MANDAL D, BHATTACHARYYA P K, DAS R, BHATTACHARYYA S (Genetics & Plant Breeding Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur- 741 252, Email: mandald456@gmail.com) : Screening of lentil germplasms for Stemphylium blight resistance in West Bengal condition. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 155-62.

Lentil ( Lens culinaris Medik.) is one of the most nutritious and protein rich legume grown in a large scale in India. Stagnation in productivity of this legumehas been observed as it suffers from many diseases, Stemphylium blight being one of them can reduce the crop yield upto 62-100 per cent. An experiment was conducted in District Seed Farm(AB Block) of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, West Bengal to search resistant sources of lentil which will help in stress breeding programme in future. Seventy seven accessions obtained from AICRP-MULLaRP(BCKV centre) were screened under natural field condition along with artificial disease inoculation technique during rabi 2015-16 and 2016-17. As a result eleven genotypes namely VL151, RLG195, L4769, LL1397, DL14-2, VL126, RKL14-20, IPL334, L4710, PL210 and Precozwere identified as moderately resistant against the disease. These genotypes may be further utilized in Stemphylium blight resistance breeding programme in lentil.

2 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

004795   GANGAIAH B (Natural Resource Management Div, ICAR- Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar, Email: bandlagangaiah1167@gmail.com) : Weed management in arecanut (Areca catechu L) plantation during post rainy season through herbicides in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 148-54.

A field investigation was made during post rainy season (January-April) of 2017 at Port Blair, to assess the impact of postemergence herbicides (glyphosate and paraquat), along with weedy check and weed free treatments on management of weeds and thus conserving moisture and nutrients in areca nut plantation. Glyphosate through killing of existing weeds along with their roots and paraquat by desiccating the above ground green portions of weeds reduced the weed count, weed dry weight and thus have weed control efficiency (%) values at par with that of weed free situation (100). Un-controlled weeds of areca nut plantation during rain free period (January-April) have removed 46.4-7.18-52.1 kg ha^-1 N-P-K from soil and depleted soil moisture quickly to reach permanent wilting point. These colossal loss of water and nutrients from areca nut plantation were reduced with use of herbicides and weed free conditions, however, herbicide use was more economical to weed free treatment. A temporary reduction in dehydrogenase enzyme activity was seen with use of herbicides. Glyphosate and paraquat herbicides were not only highly economical weed management options but also conserve nutrients and moisture in areca nut plantations during post rainy season (January-April) in islands, hence merits adoption.

2 illus, 7 tables, 12 ref

004833   KUMAR V, KUMARI E (Bioassay Div, Central Insecticides Laboratory, Faridabad- 121 001, Email: drkumarvirendra@gmail.com) : A report on Emex australis Steinh.- An emerging weed problem of wheat at Faridabad region of Haryana. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 144-7.

An invasive weed Emex australis Steinh. is native of Southern Africa and significant weed of Western Australia which belongs to family Polygonaceae. It is commony known as ‘doublegee’, ‘three corner jack’ or ‘spiny emex’. Wheat field was selected for field experimentation where the species was recorded from extensive survey of 25 villages of district Faridabad, Haryana. It was growing gregariously in small to large patches. It is monoecious winter herb, prostrate, annual and having three angled nut enclosed in spinescent perianth. The species is highly invasive and only reported in Jammu and Kashmir and was found as new record of Upper Gangetic Plains of some parts of Uttar Pradeshin India. The plant has tendency to spread rapidly and may become an aggressive weed of wheat crop. The maximum population density of E. australis was recorded 2.7 m^-2 in Chhainsa village and minimum at Kanaura village i.e. 0.5 m^-2 among 25 villages. The population densities of 25 villages, taxonomic description and ecological behaviour of E. australis are further described in this paper. 

2 illus, 29 ref

004797   GOGOI B, DEKA J (Agronomy Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat- 785 013, Email: bonti_gogoi@hotmail.com) : Effect of integrated weed management on direct seeded upland rice under rainfed conditions of Assam. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 132-43.

Transplanting of rice in different seasons is by far the most popular method of rice culture. But presently, there has been a shift from transplanting to direct-seeding of rice in many parts of the country due to shortage of irrigation facility and labour. Keeping in view the importance, a study was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of 6 weed management practices in combination with 3 different direct seeded upland rice varieties and the data revealed that the percentage of grasses was higher followed by broad leaf in variety Maizubiron followed by Guni during the critical crop growth period. Lowest weed density at 20, 40 and 60 DAS was recorded in rice variety Inglongkiri under integrated weed management of Pretilachlor @ 1.5 kg ha^-1 + Mechanical weeding. Higher grain yield and harvest index among rice varieties was recorded in Inglongkiri (1.98 t ha^-1) and application of pretilachlor either @ 0.75 or 1.5 kg ha^-1 + Mechanical weeding 30 DAS resulted the higher grain yield (1.95 t ha^-1 ) and harvest index over two years.

4 illus, 6 tables, 6 ref

004897   SHARMA R, AMARJEET, PUNIA S S (Agronomy Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar- 125004, Email: ramansharmakaushik@gmail.com) : Response of various chemicals, neem cake and hand pulling on growth and development of Egyptian broomrape (Phelipanche aegyptiaca) in Indian mustard. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 126-31.

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of glyphosate, neem cake, pendimethalin, metalaxyl and fertilizer dose combinations on growth and development of Egyptian broomrape (Phelipanche aegyptiaca) in Indian mustard. All the treatments involving glyphosate spray increased the plant height and siliquae plant^-1, 1,000 -seed weight, oil content and seed yield of mustard as compared to control. Application of 100 or 125 % of recommended dose of fertilizer (N and P) + foliar sprays of glyphosate at 25 and 50 g ha^-1 + 1.0 % solution of (NH₄ ) ₂SO₄ at 25 and 55 DAS, respectively reduced the infestation and fresh weight (g m^-2) of P. aegyptiaca significantly throughout the growing season and proved best in increasing yield as well as oil content in Indian mustard. Use of neem cake, pendimethalin and metalaxyl either alone or in combination with glyphosate exhibited control of P. aegyptiaca at early growth stages only.

5 tables, 25 ref

004893   SETH M, THAKUR D R, MANUJA S (Agronomy Dep, Forages and Grassland Management, Palampur- 176 062, Email: meenakshiseth34@gmail.com) : Effect of tillage and site specific nutrient management on productivity of rice-wheat cropping system. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 115-9.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of tillage and site specific nutrient management on productivity of rice-wheat cropping system on a silty clay loam soil. Results revealed that tillage options had no significant effect on the grain yield of wheat while significantly higher grain yield of rice was recorded in conventional tillage as compared to zero tillage. The wheat yield recorded with the application of fertilizer dose recommended by software Nutrient Expert – Wheat for a target of 5.5 Mg ha^-1 was considerably lower than the targeted yield indicating the need to improve the software. Top dressing of nitrogen after irrigation gave better result than top dressing of nitrogen before irrigation though the differences were not significant.

5 tables, 10 ref

004803   GUPTA K C, KUMAR V, PRAHARAJ C S, YADAV M R (Agronomy Div, Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Jaipur- 302 018, Email: kcguptahindaun@rediffmail.com) : Productivity and profitability of chickpea + linseed intercropping system as influenced by spatial arrangement of crops in Semi-arid Eastern Plain Zone of Rajasthan. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 110-4.

A field experiment was conducted during three consecutive rabi seasons of 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 at research farm of Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, Jaipur on a sandy loam soil to identify the suitable row ratios of chickpea and linseed under intercropping situation and their effect on productivity and profitability. The present experiment comprising eight treatments viz sole crops of chickpea and linseed and six intercropping systems of chickpea + linseed in 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 3:2, 4:2 , 5:2 row ratio. The results revealed that maximum pooled chickpea equivalent yield (2072 kg ha^-1), mean gross return (Rs.109934), net return (Rs. 82404) and B:C ratio (3.40) and LER (1.17) was recorded under chickpea +linseed in 5:1 row ratio. The pooled mean increases in chickpea equivalent yield due to 5:1 row ratio and 5:2 row ratio were 15.95 and 21.03 percent and 12.93 and 17.87per cent, respectively over sole chickpea and sole linseed .The least pod damage (13.94 %) was observed in 3:2 row ratio which was statistically at par with 4:2, 5:2 and these were significantly superior over row ratios of 3:1, 4:1, 5:1 and sole chickpea.

3 tables, 11 ref

004787   DHATRIKARANI T (Fruit Science Dep, Dr. YSR. Horticultural Univ, Venkataramannagudem- 534 101, Email: dhatrismile@gmail.com) : Effect of rooting media and IBA treatments on shoot and leaf production of terminal cuttings in guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Taiwan Pink. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 104-9.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect different concentrations of Indole-3-butyric acid i.e., 250 ppm, 500 ppm, 750 ppm in solution form and 1500 ppm, 3000 ppm and 6000 ppm in powdered form planted in different rooting media i.e., coco peat, vermiculite and saw dust on terminal cuttings on guava cv. Taiwan Pink. Among the three different rooting media, coco peat showed the best response and among the six different Indole-3-butyric acid concentrations, 3000 ppm gave the highest values in all the intervals of parameters viz., number of shoots per cutting, number of leaves per cutting, leaf area per cutting and total leaf chlorophyll content.

4 tables, 24 ref

004839   LOKOSE R Y P, JENA S N, SATPATHY M R, BEHERA J (Agronomy Dep, Orissa Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar- 751 003, Email: lokose1984@gmail.com) : Impact of herbicides and nutrient management on soil biological properties in maize (Zea mays L.) + cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) intercropping system. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 100-3.

A field experiment was conducted during 2015-016 and 2016-017 on loamy sand soil to assess the impact of two commonly used herbicides (pendimethalin and oxyfluorfen) and nutrient management on soil microbial populations in maize + cowpea intercropping system. The field experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. There were altogether 16 treatment combinations having main plot treatments (Nutrient management): F1 = recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) i.e. 120, 60, 60 kg ha^-1 N-P₂ O₅ -K₂ O, F₂ = RDF+FYM 5 t ha^-1, F₃ = RDF+ 0.2 Lime requirement (LR), F₄ = RDF+FYM 5 t ha^-1 + Lime 0.2 LR and sub-plot treatments (Weed management): W₁ = Pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha^-1, W₂ = Oxyfluorfen 0.03 kg ha-1, W₃ = Farmer practices or hoeing and weeding at 20 days after sowing (DAS), W₄ = Weedy check. The results revealed that the herbicide treatments significantly inhibited the development of microbial populations in the soil at the initial stage after application of herbicide. No inhibition was observed after 30 days of application up to 60 DAA. Among the herbicides, oxyflourfen reduced the soil microbial population significantly as compared to pendimethalin at initial crop growth stage. The higher value of microbial population were observed under combined application of recommended NPK+ FYM along with lime as compared to mere application of recommended NPK.

4 illus, 10 ref

004933   VIJAY K V, RAHAMAN S M, WADHWANI M K, KUMARI S, KUMARI M, KUMAR S, HOMA F, SENGUPTA S, BAIRWA S L (Bihar Agricultural Univ, Sabour- 813 210, Email: rehmanbau@gmail.com) : Diagnosis on strengths and threats of mango in the context of Bihar : A case study. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 94-9.

The present study has been attempted to explore the reasons of growing mango in the study area and to identify the constrained faced by the sample mango growers. Ninety mango farmers were personally interviewed from six villages of Bhagalpur district of Bihar following multi-stage sampling technique. Garrett’s ranking technique was employed for prioritizing the reasons as well as constraints of mango growing. The study area was predominated by marginal (32.22 %) and small farmers (48.89 %) followed by semi-medium farmers (18.89 %). The respondents were very keen to grow because of the magnitude yield of immediate net return generating capacity of the crop (Garrett score 75.16). Among the major problems faced by the mango growers, post harvest losses ranked first with Garrett score 73.81 followed by the heavy incidence of pests and diseases (71.94). Fruit drop, irregular bearing habit of mango plants, Lack of storage facilities, high cost of transportation, price fluctuation, lack of technical guidance, lack of proper and timely market information etc. were the other problems associated with mango production in the study area.

3 tables, 10 ref

004783   CHITRA R, SHOBA N (Spices and Plantation Crops Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: chitra.varadharaj@gmail.com) : Effect of nutrients and growth regulator on growth and leaf yield of offseason coriander, Coriandrum sativum L.. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 90-3.

Coriander is a dual purpose crop grown for green leaf as well as for seed. It is one of the earliest known spices by mankind grown for its leaves, seeds, essential oil and oleoresin. The green leaves are consumed as fresh herbs, in salads and as garnishes due to its attractive green colour and aroma. Growing of leafy coriander in off-season (summer) fetch premium price in the market. The investigation was under taken to study the effect of nutrients and growth regulator on growth and leaf yield of off season coriander in Randomized Block Design with three replications during the year 2012-13 and 2014-15. Among the various treatments, application of 45:40:20 kg of NPK ha^-1 (T₃ ) recorded the highest plant height (34.09 cm). The highest leaf yield was recorded by the treatment T₆ (30:40:20 NPK+ GA₃ 15 ppm at 20 DAS) (4824 kg ha^-1) with highest B: C ratio of 2.37 followed by the treatment T₈ (45:40:20 NPK+ GA₃ 10 ppm at 20 DAS) (4448 kg ha^-1). Among the different treatments, the treatment T₆ (30:40:20 NPK+ GA₃ 15 ppm at 20 DAS) recorded the highest essential oil content (0.023 %) and oleoresin content (7.67 %) followed by T₈ (45:40:20 NPK+ GA₃ 10 ppm at 20 DAS) (0.021 % and 7.45 % respectively) and T₁ (control) noticed the lowest content of essential oil (0.013 % and 5.01 % respectively).

2 tables, 28 ref

004862   PATRA S, PATHAK P K, ROY A, TALEB A, ROY P S, MAJI A, ROY U (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Murshidabad, West Bengal, Email: samiangelindia@gmail.com) : Induced breeding of Vietnam koi (Anabas cobojius, Hamilton, 1822) under controlled conditions at Murshidabad district, West Bengal. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 85-9.

Air-breathing fish culture is an age-old practice but at present these high value fishes are commercially culture in different area of West Bengal. Vietnam koi, a new variety of exotic koi, native to Vietnam getting tremendous popularity in different parts of West Bengal due to its quick increase in body weight. Murshidabad Krishi Vigyan Kendra under take programme on popularization of new breed air-breathing fish through demonstration programme during 2014 to 2015. By culturing this species farmer’s were getting 150 g to 200 g body weight within 3-4 months and the market price of was Rs. 250-300 per kg. Realizing the huge demand of quality fish seed, KVK Murshidabad successfully under took the breeding programme of this species at KVK farm. In this breeding programme gonadoprim hormone used as inducing agents in different doses i.e. 0.25 ml, 0.30 ml, 0.35ml kg^-1 of body weight for male and 0.35 ml, 0.45 ml, 0.50 ml kg^-1 of body weight for female. Among the different doses 0.45 ml kg^-1 of body weight for female and 0.3 ml kg^-1 of body weight for male was observed as the minimum effective dose of gonadoprim hormone. Relative fecundity of Vietnam koi was recorded 80000-100000 nos. of egg kg^-1 body weight of female, fertilization rate was 90- 95 % and hatching rate was 85-90 % in 28-29 ⁰C temperature in hapa under cemented tank. The spawn were reared in nursery pond using hapa where 70-80 % survival rate of larvae was recorded.

4 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

004865   POOJA A, PANWAR S, TIWARI A K, KUMAR G (Floriculture and Landscaping Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: poojahorti2694@gmail.com) : Sterilization, germination and shoot proliferation from Chrysanthemum coronarium L. seeds. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 79-84.

Chrysanthemum coronarium, popularly called as garland chrysanthemum, is an annual highly cross-pollinated species and propagated by seed. The different flower forms viz., single, semi-double and double types are available in the species. However, maintaining such types is difficult due to high self incompatibility and heterozygosity due to outcrossing. Therefore development of homozygous lines is not possible by conventional methods due to segregation of progenies. Micropropagation offers production of large number of disease free, true to type planting material within short period of time irrespective of growing season for cultivation per se or for complementing crop improvement programme. Aseptic condition of culture medium is one of the main aspects for micro propagation. It was achieved by sterilization procedures using chemical treatments. Out of different surface sterilants pre tried, it was evident that the maximum seed germination (73.31 %) was obtained when seeds were surface sterilized with carbendazim (0.2 %), ridomil (0.2 %) and hydroxy quinoline citrate (8-HQC) (200 ppm) for 2 hours followed by ethanol (70 %) for 30 sec and HgCl₂ (0.1 %) for 3 minutes. Further, the seeds cultured on half strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and gibberelic acid (GA₃ - ), (2.0 mg L^-1) resulted in highest seed germination (51.34 %). Highest number of shoots micro-shoot^-1 was obtained when the microshoots were sub cultured on half strength MS medium and GA₃ (0.5 mg L^-1).

2 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

004786   DEKA A M, KALITA H, BORAH N, ZAMAN A S N (Assam Agricultural Univ, Nagaon- 782 002, Email: anjumaladeka.sms@gmail.com) : Nutrient uptake and nutrient balance as influenced by different rice based cropping patterns in Assam. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 72-8.

A field experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Shillongani, Nagaon, Assam during kharif, rabi and summer seasons in three crop sequence during 2014-15 and 2015-16 to study the effect of rice based cropping system on nutrient uptake and balance. The treatments of the experiment comprised three dates of Sali rice transplanting viz., 20 June, 5 July and 20 July and two methods of cultivation viz. conventional and SRI with four relay crops viz. lentil, pea, toria and niger. During summer, fodder maize and green gram in 1:1 row ratio was grown as intercrops in each plot. The soil of the experimental site was sandy loam in texture, acidic in reaction (pH 5.61), medium in available N (296 kg ha^-1) and K₂O (195 kg ha^-1) and low in available P₂ O₅ (21 kg ha^-1). Rice transplanting on 20 June recorded significantly higher grain yield of rice, relay crops and summer intercrops. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) recorded significantly higher grain yield of rice (60.34 q ha-1),relay and intercrops as compared to conventional method. The treatment combination “rice transplanted on 20 June under SRI method relayed by pea and followed by summer inter crops of fodder maize and green gram” was more efficient in showing better response to applied nutrients and thereby resulting in the highest N, P and K uptake and the lowest available N, P₂O₅ and K₂O content in soil during the entire period of two-year experimentation.

3 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

004892   SETH M, KUMAR R (Agronomy Dep, CSK HPKV, Palampur-176 062, Email: meenakshiseth34@gmail.com) : Growth indices, nutrient uptake and productivity of wheat + chickpea as influenced by soil moisture regimes and sources of nutrients. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 65-71.

A field experiment was conducted during 2012–13 and 2013–14 to study the effect of different soil moisture regimes and sources of nutrients on growth indices i.e. plant height, dry matter accumulation, absolute growth rate (AGR), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and nutrient uptake of wheat + chickpea intercropping system on a silty clay loam soil of Palampur. Results of the study showed that irrigated condition increased the growth indices and nutrient uptake of wheat and chickpea over rainfed condition. Integrated nutrient management (INM) recorded the highest growth indices and nutrient uptake of wheat. However, in chickpea, organic nutrient management being statistically at par with INM resulted in higher growth indices and nutrient uptake. The best agronomic practices for higher productivity of wheat + chickpea intercropping system were irrigated condition and INM.

6 tables, 10 ref

004798   GOKAVI N, MUKHARIB D S, MOTE K, MANJUNATHA A N, RAGHURAMULU Y (Central Coffee Research Institute, Chikmagaluru, Karnataka, Email: sanvinagaraj17@gmail.com) : Studies on planting geometry and pruning methods for improving productivity and reduce labour drudgery in Arabica coffee cv. Chandragiri. J Crop Weed 2019, 15(2), 58-64.

A field experiments was initiated to standardize suitable planting designs and pruning methods to get sustainable yield in Arabica coffee at Central Coffee Research Institute, Coffee Research Station, Balehonnur, Karnataka during the year 2006-07. Bush management practices such as pruning and handling, centering and desuckering had shown positive effect over last three years. Results from the pooled data showed that, among the different pruning treatments, treatment T4 (Square system at close spacing (5’x5’) + training on multiple stem without topping + cyclic pruning after each harvest (1742 plants/acr.) took less number of man days (26) to carry out bush management operations per hectare unit area compared to control (63 man days per hectare). Data also indicated that, about 32 to 59 per cent of labour saving could achieve by adopting modified pruning methods over the traditional pruning method on pooled data basis. Significantly higher clean coffee yield per hectare (2195 kg ha^-1) was recorded in T3 (Square system of planting (6’x 6’ Quincunx) + training on single stem + multiple stem on middle plant) on pooled basis. Coffee is a labour intensive crop and pruning is a skilled process. Hence, modified pruning methods such as cyclic and rock-n-roll pruning could be a option for overcoming the labour scarcity and reduce the labour drudgery in coffee plantation as these systems facilitates easy and no skilled involved in pruning operations. Adaption of high density planting system such as Square system of planting (6’x 6’ Quincunx) + training on single stem + multiple stem on middle plant) could helps to achieve significantly higher clean coffee yield per hectare.

4 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref