043735   HAILU A, ABEBE A, LEMA A , GENETI T (Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, East Shewa, Batu, Ethiopia) : Pre-scaling up of fish smoking technology in selected oromia water bodies, Ethiopia. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2020, 8(1), 01-6.

Fish smoking technology is advantageous preservation methods in area where fish production is surplus and needs to be stored for long period. This activity was conducted in selected Oromia Water bodies for four consecutive years from 2014-2017 with the objective of pre-scale up of fish smoking technology, enhance the skill and knowledge of Fishermen and creating better linkage with different stakeholder. For this study water, bodies were purposively selected based on fish production potential and from each water bodies Fishery cooperatives were selected based on convenience of the site to disseminate the technology, land ownership, market access, accessibility for all fishery cooperatives and interest of fishermen in collaboration with experts of the respective Zone and districts. After awareness creation about technology, Altona Oven was constructed at each selected water body. Personal observation, informant interviews and group discussion used as data collection methods. Some descriptive statistics used for quantitative data as well as explanation of ideas and feedback was analyzed using qualitative narration. At each site One Farmer Research Extension Group (FREG) member having from 12-30 fishermen and a total of five FREGs were established to popularize the technology. A total of 116 participants were exposed to awareness creation. Mini field day was organized in collaboration with stakeholders at each district and a total of 152 participants were involved in the exercise. The fishermen feedback indicated that fish smoking technology was highly preferred by the fishermen in the area due to its efficiency, effectiveness, ease to implement and ability to produce testy fish. Since the fish smoking technology have positive feedback from fishermen we recommend to Livestock and fishery offices at district and zonal level in collaboration with other stakeholder should work on the wider scaling up of this technology.

2 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

043725   PRAVEENKUMAR P , SATHYAMOORTHY NK , DHEEBAKARAN GA , KARTHIKEYAN R , SANTHOSHKUMAR D (Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Thermal utilization of Rabi sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) under different sowing windows in western agro - climatic zone of Tamil Nadu. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 795-6.

Sorghum is one of the major food crops it was consumed as flour, grains and fodder for animals. A field experiment was carried out at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to optimize the sowing window for Rabi sorghum 2019 based on thermal indices. The treatment comprises of three sowing dates viz., First sowing (D₁ – 15^th September), Second sowing (D₂ – 30^th September) and Third sowing (D₃ – 22^nd October). Growing degree days, Helio thermal units, Photo thermal index, Heat use efficiency, Helio thermal use efficiency was calculated for different phenophases of sorghum viz., germination, vegetative, flowering, physiological maturity. The results indicated that first sowing (first fortnight of September) accumulated growing degree days, Helio thermal units, Heat use efficiency, Helio thermal use efficiency and also higher grain yield compared to other sowing dates.

3 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

043724   HASIJA N (Delhi-Univ, New Delhi) : Green renewable finance. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 788-94.

Presently, the whole world is going through a bad phase. It’s all because of playing with nature. Covid-19 has made People have realized that the time has come when we should behave friendly with nature. In recent years the idea that economic growth is intrinsically linked with a healthy environment has gained recognition among academics, businessmen, activists and common man alike. The alarming rate at which the non- renewable resources are depleting has made human beings realized that healthy environmental conditions are an indispensable part of the prosperity cycle of human beings. This has led them to shift their focus from being solely profit-oriented to being environmentally ethical too. As a part of healthy and ethical practices, individuals working in various sectors have now started addressing the need and means by which sustainable growth can take place. All of this is due to growing awareness about global climate change and global warming as a pressing concern. As a part of India’s agenda under the Paris Agreement which was to reduce the emission intensity of their GDP by 33-35 per cent by 2030 from their 2005 level, India has started looking out for sustainable alternatives in every sector including the finance sector. This sector may not have a direct relationship with the environment but certainly has a direct relationship with firms and corporations who may be polluting the environment. Hence, the finance sector may be indirectly involved in promoting unethical means to procure profits at the cost of the environment. India is largely an agrarian economy where the service sector contributes the most to the overall GDP. The primary sector depends on the environment for yield; the secondary and the tertiary on the other hand heavily depend on the primary sector and resources provided to them by the environment. The topography of India suggests that it is vulnerable to various climate changes, for instance, melting Himalayan glaciers may produce floods in north India on the one hand whereas erratic monsoons will create droughts in the peninsular region. Hence, economics and sustainable development goals of the country cannot be entirely divorced from one another. This paper aims to suggest green finance as the ultimate option for sustainability and explore sustainability in terms of financial institutions concerning India. The above-mentioned objective will be explored further by examining the role of the Central Bank or an alternative body to the central bank and its role in enabling India’s transition towards a Green Economy with environmentally and ethically positive outcomes.

3 illus, 14 ref

043723   PATIL RT , PATIL BC , SEETHARAMU GK , MUKUND SHIRAGUR M , NISHANI S , RAMANAGODA SH, MAHANTESHA NBN (KRC Coll of Horticulture, Arabhavi, Karnataka) : Effect of different photoselective shade nets on growth and yield of fern. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 784-7.

An experiment on “Effect of different photoselective shade nets on growth and yield of fern” was carried out at KRC college of Horticulture, Arabhavi, Gokak, Karnataka during 2018-19. The result revealed that, three fern species grown under grey shade nets performed better with respect to plant height, plant spread, number of fronds per plant, leaf area, stipe length and girth. Higher yield and quality in terms of number of cut leaves per plant (146.25), per square meter (1083.69), fresh weight of cut leaves per plant (358.39 g), per square meter (2655.66 g) and vase life (11.78 days) was recorded in grey shade net. Among different species, higher cumulative number of cut fronds per plant (144.45) and per m² (1083.69), fresh weight of cut cladophyll per plant (281.00g) and per m² (2084.00 g) was recorded in Nephrolepis exaltata cv. Aurea followed by Nephrolepis exaltata cv. Bostoniensis. Higher vase life was recorded in Nephrolepis exaltata cv. Bostoniensis (11.00 days) followed by Nephrolepis exaltata cv. Aurea (9.07).

2 tables, 11 ref

043722   DEVI O R , BAINS S , GREWAL S (Apparel and Textile Science Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab) : Ultrasonic dyeing of cotton fabric with roots of ratanjot (Onosma echioides) natural dye. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 781-3.

Traditionally, the dyeing of natural dye from plant materials requires longer time and higher temperature to get good colour fastness. Thus, this study explored a suitable technique for more efficient natural dyeing using mordant to improve colour fastness of natural dyes. This study used ultrasound wave as a technique for dyeing the colourant from a selected plant (Ratanjot) to a selected fabric (cotton) and compared the conventional and ultrasonic dyeing methods in terms of its colour strength, CIE Lab values and color fastness to lightness, washing, rubbing and perspiration. The dye uptake percentage was found to be maximum by using ultrasonic dyeing technique as compared to conventional dyeing technique. Moreover, the cotton samples achieved by ultrasonic dyeing technique gave darker shade. Also, the fastness grades to light, washing, rubbing and perspiration also improved for the samples dyed with ultrasonic waves even at lower temperature. Therefore, the utilization of ultrasound wave for dyeing of natural dye found to be significantly improved in dye uptake and colour fastness with lower dyeing temperature compared to conventional dyeing technique.

1 illus, 5 tables, 9 ref

043721   DEEPALAKSHMI S , PARVATHI C (Economics Dep, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Solid waste management scenario in selected disrict. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 775-80.

Solid waste is the burning issue in the forthcoming days in both developed and developing countries at present. The generation of solid waste were the inevitable consequences of all processes wherever materials are used. Extraction of raw materials, manufacture of products, consumption and waste management were easily generating waste. The rate of materials was high in use today and such sorts of waste can exactly cause serious impact on the environment, quality of air and even human health. An alarming rate of solid waste generation trends could be seen parallel to industrialization, urbanization and economic development. The leading confront to the authorities of both small and large cities in the developing countries were the solid waste management issue. Because of the mushrooming growth of population, economic development and migration the situation becomes worst. Solid waste management is the fundamental necessary services offered by municipal authorities in the country to keep urban centres clean. Vermin composting were observed as a dirt-free, sustainable and complete zero waste approach which is to handle raw wastes but still there were several limitation in the popularization of vermin composting. Future research in the field of vermin composting needs more attention. The study is based on secondary data. The present study focused on Municipal solid waste generated and waste processed by the district in selected state.

4 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

043720   MAHESHA HS , RAVIKUMAR MR , SURYANARAYANA V , PRABHU ST, JAGADEESH BR (Plant Pathology Dep, UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka) : Status of ginger rhizome rot complex disease in major growing tracts of Karnataka. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 769-74.

Ginger is an economically important cash crop grown for its aromatic underground rhizomes. Crop is highly succulent in nature and its rhizomes are highly susceptible to different abiotic and biotic stresses. Rhizome rot or soft rot is the most destructive diseases of ginger worldwide. To know the status of rhizome rot complex disease and pathogens associated with disease complex during two cropping season 2016 and 2017. The maximum mean rhizome rot incidence was observed in Uttara Kannada district (33.20 %) and least (18.84 %) was in Mysore during 2016. Whereas in 2017, maximum rhizome rot disease incidence (44.66 %) was noticed in Sagara taluk of Shivamogga district and least (22.67 %) was recorded in Piriyapatna taluk of Mysore district. Among the different cultivated varieties maximum mean rhizome rot incidence was observed in Reo-de-Janeiro (28.33 %), whereas the least incidence recorded in Himachal (22.46 %). The incidence of disease was more in low land black soil as compared well drained red loamy soils. In both the year, frequency of occurrence of Pythium was more as compared to other pathogens but the severity of the rotting was more when bacterium (R. solanacearum) is associated.

6 tables, 11 ref

043719   RAGHAVENDRA BH, UMAMAHESWARAPPA P , SRINIVASA V , SALIMATH S , HANUMANTAPPA M (Vegetable Science Dep, Horticulture Coll, Mudigere, Karnataka) : Effect of different sources and levels of sulphur on yield and yield attributes in onion under central dry zone of Karnataka. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 766-8.

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different sources and levels of sulphur on yield and yield attributes in onion under central dry zone of Karnataka at Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Babbur farm, Hiriyur. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with nine treatments and three replications during 2019 – 20. Among different treatments, plants treated with RDF + sulphur @ 30 kg ha-1 through gypsum recorded maximum polar diameter, equatorial diameter, average bulb weight, bulb yield per plot, marketable bulb yield, total bulb yield, per cent A grade bulb yield, per cent B grade bulb yield.

3 tables, 8 ref

043718   HANDA S , AGGARWAL RK, BHARDWAJ SK , BHARDWAJ DR (Environmental Sciences Dep, Dr Y S Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan, Himachal Pradesh) : Estimation of anticipated performance index and air pollution tolerance index of vegetation around the national highway, India. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 757-65.

Industrialization and globalization are the foremost cause of soil, air, and water pollution. Among all these, air pollution has produced much interest, later it has a main impact on the transboundary diffusion of pollutants worldwide. Mitigating air pollution is a great challenge, in such a situation, screening of plants as a bio-monitor is enormously significant. The present study has been considered to assess the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API) of the common flora along highways. Five common plant species from amongst tree, herb and shrubs namely Eucalyptus spp. (myrtaceae), Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae), Grewia optiva (malvaceae), Ficus roxburghii (moraceae) and Morus alba (moraceae) were carefully chosen growing frequently in the vicinity of the National Highway-88. APTI and API of selected plant species were examined by defining significant biochemical parameters like ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll content, leaf extract pH and relative water content. Besides, the selected vegetation was considered for physiological, economic, morphological as well as biological characteristics. It was found that two of the selected plants were sensitive to air pollution. Though, Mangifera indica and Ficus roxburghii showed the highest API and hence, suggested for plantation in a pollution stress area.

2 illus, 10 tables, 34 ref

043717   JAMUNA E (Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Tindivanam, Tamil Nadu) : Influence of microbial bioinoculants on growth and yield attributes of sugarcane. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 754-6.

The study was conducted to evaluate the response of sugarcane variety CoC 24 to the application of bioinoculants viz., Gluconoacetobacter diazotrophicus, AM fungi and Azophos (Azospirillum and phosphobacteria), under different levels of N, P₂O₅ and K₂O inorganic fertilizer in plant and ratoon crop. The results revealed that the application of mycor rhizae, G. diazotrophicus, Azospirillum and phosphobacteria significantly produced higher cane yield in plant crop. The application of Gluconoacetobacter diazotrophicus @10 kg + AM fungi + Azophos @10 kg + 75 % NPK recorded the maximum germination and tiller population and also maximum mean millable cane population of 1.32 lakhs /ha, cane yield (137.45 t/ha) and sugar yield (16.96 t/ha). Similar results were recorded with the ratoon crop. The applied bacterial sources helps in nitrogen fixation and also in continuous mobilizing and solubilization of nutrients and their persistence and colonization in soil is an added advantage and also enhances the soil fertility. The usage of these bioinoculants inturn reduces the inorganic fertilizer input and thereby reduces the cost of cultivation.

3 tables, 19 ref

043716   SWATHIKA N , MARIMUTHU S, LAKSHMANAN A , GEETHALAKSHMI V , SANTHANAKRISHNAN VP (Nano Science &Technology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore) : Allelopathic effect of Eucalyptus tereticornis smith aqueous leaf extract on Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 748-53.

Weeds cause significant yield loss in crop plants. The use of herbicides is the economically viable technique for controlling weeds. However, the application of herbicides pollutes the soil, alter the microbial biota and exert a hazardous effect on human and animal health. The continuous use of specific herbicides for controlling weeds leads to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. The use of natural metabolites from the plants exhibiting allelopathic potential is a novel strategy for sustainable weed management. Eucalyptus tereticornis is an excellent tree species with allelopathic properties. The study aimed to investigate different concentrations (5, 10 and 15%) of aqueous Eucalyptus tereticornis leaf extracts on the most noxious weed Echinochloa crus-galli. The dose-dependent inhibition was recorded in terms of germination percent, seedling growth and vigour. The aqueous leaf extract affected the emergence of the radicle. The inhibitory property of leaf extracts was due to the presence of allelopathic principles, which make Eucalyptus tereticornis as a promising candidate for obtaining bioherbicide.

3 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

043715   GORABAL K K , KUKANOOR L , NAIK N , NAIK K R , JHOLGIKER P, BABU AG , NAIKA M BN (Post-Harvest Technology Dep, KRC Coll of Horticulture, Arabhavi, Karnataka) : Enzymatic extraction of wood apple (Feronia limonia Swingle) pulp. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 743-7.

Wood apple pulp was extracted by treating pulp with water @ 1:2 containing enzymes viz., Pectinase (0.1 %), cellulose (0.1 %) and combination of pectinase and cellulose (0.1 %), incubated for 2 hours at 40 and 50 oC temperature by maintaing constant 4.5 pH. Among the different methods of enzymatic extraction of wood apple pulp, maximum pulp recovery, pulp per 100 mL of extract, TSS, ascorbic acid, brix: acid ratio, total sugars and reducing sugars were obtained by soaking the wood apple pulp in water containing pectinase + cellulase enzyme @ 0.1 per cent and incubated for 2 hours at 50 oC (81.11 %, 40.55 %, 6.60oB, 3.18 mg/100 mL, 3.95, 5.23 % and 3.62 %, respectively). The highest score for colour and appearance (7.83), flavour (8.33), taste (7.50), mouth feel (8.17) and overall acceptability (7.96) was also recorded soaking pulp in water + pectinase and cellulase (0.1 %) at 50 oC. Combination of pectinase and cellulase enzymes was found effective from the present study. But the incubation temperature plays an important role in obtaining maximum recovery and quality of pulp.

3 tables, 28 ref

043713   KAUR J , KHANNA V , HUNJAN M S (Microbiology Dep, Punjab agricultural Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab) : Mitigating low temperature and draught stress using psychrotolerant rhizobacteria in lentil. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 731-5.

Ten psychrotolerant rhizobacterial isolates were evaluated for their PGP traits at 10˚, 20° and 30 °C. Maximum P-solubilization was recorded by LR-5 (66.5, 60.6 and 52.4µg/ml at 10°, 20° and 30° respectively). The highest IAA producer was LR-5 (4.6, 10.8 and 14.8µg/ml at 10 °C, 20 °C and 30 °C respectively) followed by LR-3 (3.6, 7.5 and 12.4 µg/ml at 10 °C, 20 °C and 30 °C respectively). Three isolates LR-1, LR-3 and LR-5 confirmed the presence of ACCD activity.Under axenic conditions the highest root length was recorded in treatment comprising of Rhizobium (R)+P LR-57.05, 6.80 and 5.70cm) followed by R+LR-3 (5.60, 4.45 and 4.60cm) at 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 MPa respectively. Similar pattern was seen in case of shoot length where, highest growth was shown by R+LR-5 (11.0, 8.4 and 6.8cm) followed by R+LR-3 (7.6, 5.8 and 4.9) at 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 MPa respectively. In case of root and shoot fresh weight also R+LR-5 proved to be the most promising treatment.

5 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

043712   GOUTAMI N , RAO C S (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Sri Kinjarapu Yerran Naidu Coll of Agricultural Sciences, Etcherla, Andhra Pradesh) : Effect of long-term use of inorganic fertilizers, organic manures and their combination on micronutrient uptake under rice-rice cropping system. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 725-30.

A field experiment entitled “Carbon sequestration and soil health under long term soil fertility management in rice-rice cropping system" was carried out under field conditions during kharif and rabi seasons of 2016-2017 and 2017- 2018 at Andhra Pradesh Rice Research Institute and Regional Agricultural Research Station, Maruteru, West Godavari district in the ongoing All India Coordinated Research Project on Long Term Fertilizer Experiment Project. The results indicated that micronutrient uptake highest (except zinc) was observed with application of 100 % RDF + ZnSO₄ +FYM (T₇). However, it was on par with application of only application of 10t/ha FYM, 50 % NPK + 50 % N through FYM and 50 % NPK + 25 % N through FYM + 25 % N through green manures. The zinc uptake was higher in application of 100 % RDF + ZnSO4 +FYM @ 5 t ha^-1 (T7) which was on par with application of 100 % RDF along with ZnSO4 @ 40 kg ha^-1 .

8 tables, 8 ref

043711   NAVATHA N, ROJA M , UMAREDDY R (Agronomy Dep, Jagtial PJTSAU, Telangana) : Estimation of crop water requirement of maize and cotton using fao cropwat 8.0 model in jagtial district. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 718-24.

To estimate the crop water requirement and irrigation schedules for maize crop in Red sandy soils in Rabi season and cotton crop in Kharif season in Red sandy and black soils. The study area selected for the Jagitial District. The total population of the district is 9.85 lakh and soil which are predominant in this area are Red sandy and Black soils. Agriculture remains the predominant activity in Jagtial District. Data is collected from Meteorological observatory, Regional Agricultural Research Station, polasa, Jagtial. In this present study 10 years from 2009 to 2019 of monthly meteorological data were used and Crop data include the number of days at each growth phase, Kc value at each growth phase, root depth, critical depletion value, and crop yield response factor. Results showed that ET_o varied from 2.34 to 4.89 mm/day and the effective rainfall varied from 1.5 to 141.4 mm. The irrigation requirements were 220.1 and 100.9 mm/dec for Maize and cotton, respectively. There is more water demand for crops during the dry seasons (summer and autumn) and a lesser demand during the wet seasons (winter and spring). The total gross irrigation and the total net irrigation were 368.5 mm and 258 mm for Maize, 342.1 mm and 136.9 mm for Cotton in red sandy soils, 251.5 mm and 100.6 mm for cotton in black soils. In Rabi Maize crop, available effective rainfall is less to compensate the Crop water requirement. Hence, additional Irrigation requirement is needed to satisfy the Crop water requirement. In red sandy soils cotton crop requires six irrigation schedules and four irrigation schedules in black soils. This paper might be useful to prevent over or under irrigation and planning water management strategies in the Jagtial district for maize and cotton crops.

3 illus, 11 tables, 12 ref

043710   KAUSHIK P, SAIKIA J , DUTTA D , BORAH I, DEKA RJ , KALITA K , BORA M (ILFC (AGB) Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam) : Seasonal effect on hatchability of pati duck eggs. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 715-7.

The study was conducted in the Govt Duck and Poultry farm, Joysagar, Sivasagar district of Assam with the objective to know the hatchability percentage of Pati duck. The nos. of eggs set in the incubator and the no. of eggs hatched was used to determine the hatchability percentage. Artificial incubation was used for hatching the eggs. Eggs were collected from progressive farmers near Sibsagar district of Assam who reared the pati duck in backyard system. Eggs were collected in different seasons i.e. spring (February to April), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November) and winter (December to February). The study revealed that hatching percentage was highest in spring season and lowest in summer season. Therefore, it can be summarized that there may be seasonal effect on hatchability of Pati Duck eggs.

1 illus, 11 ref

043709   MANOHARA G , HOSETTI BB (Zoology Dep, Veerashaiva Coll, Ballari, Karnataka) : Summer congregation of oriental pratincole (Glariola maldivarum) in Tungabhadra dam back waters, Hagaribommanahalli Taluk, Karnataka, India. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 711-4.

The study was conducted to record migratory birds visiting to different water bodies located in Ballari district, Karnataka during 2014 to 2019. Among the major group of migratory birds, the Oriental pratincole (Glariola maldivarum) found visiting T.B Dam backwater areas like Bannigola, Ankasamudra, Nakaral Tanda etc, during summer (March to May). Earlier records revealed that this bird has not been sighted in Indian subcontinent (Salim Ali 1941) but Grimmet et al., (2011, Birds of the Indian sub-continent) recorded it as a rare visitor to Indian subcontinent. However, it might have become resident migratory bird of Indian sub-continent but has not been recorded in the study area earlier. Since 2014 onwards visitation of Oriental pratincole to this study area is regularly observed during summer and also found breeding (lays 2-3 eggs) on the open grounds of open areas of T.B. Dam backwaters, Further, the bird was not sighted after May month onwards in any of the study area.

2 illus, 1 table, 40 ref

043708   PARIMALA G, RAJU C D , RAO LV S , MAHESWARI K U (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Agriculture Coll, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana) : Genetic diversity analysis of aromatic rice germplasm. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 707-10.

The present study was conducted at the agricultural Research Institute (ARI), Hyderabad, during 2018-19 to identify potential genotypes and suitable traits of aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm for breeding programs. Fifty genotypes were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. All genotypes exhibited a wide and significant variation for 18 traits. According to D2 cluster analysis, 50 test genotypes were grouped into 8 clusters. Cluster IV was the largest consisting of 8 genotypes. Out of eight clusters, cluster I was the largest comprising of twenty genotypes followed by clusters II with sixteen genotypes. The clusters IV, V, VII and VIII were solitary clusters represented by single genotype exhibiting high degree of heterogeneity among the genotypes. Maximum inter cluster distance was exhibited between clusters VI and VIII (26082.43) and lowest inter cluster distance was observed between clusters IV and V (508.53). Intra cluster D² values were minimum (0.00) in cluster IV, V, VII and VIII as these were monogenotypic clusters. The diversity profiles and Shannon diversity index ensures the existence of high genetic divergence among the studied genotypes and can be used by breeders to develop high yielding rice varieties and have immense applications in rice improvement.

1 illus, 4 tables, 8 ref

043707   DASH L, PADHY D, RAMALAKSHMI V, SAHU A K (Centurion Univ of Technology and Management, Odisha) : Effects of climate change on pest and pesticide use. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 704-6.

Climate change is the term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be changing the Earth’s climate forever. Insects are cold-blooded organisms - the temperature of their bodies is approximately the same as that of the environment. Therefore, temperature is probably the single most important environmental factor influencing insect behaviour, distribution, development, survival, and reproduction. Anthropogenic CO₂ is almost twice more important for temperature increase than other long-lived greenhouse gases combined. Although increased CO₂ should not directly deleteriously affect insects, the temperature increases driven by the increase in anthropogenic CO₂ already affect insects in profound ways including their distribution, nutrition, phenology and role as disease vectors.

15 ref

043706   RAMTEKE IK , RAJANKAR PB , REDDY GP O , KOLTE DM , SEN TK (VNIT Campus, Nagpur, Maharashtra) : Optical remote sensing applications in crop mapping and acreage estimation: A review. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 696-703.

Crop identification and mapping is pre-requisite for various crop planning and management activities. Crop type maps were generated by national and multinational agricultural agencies, insurance agencies, and regional agricultural boards to prepare an inventory of what was grown in certain areas and when. This serves the purpose of forecasting of grain supplies (yield prediction), collection of crop statistics, facilitating crop rotation records, mapping soil productivity, identification of factors influencing the crop stress, assessment of crop damage due to storms and drought, and monitoring the farming activities. Identification of crop types and delineating their extent to generate the reliable statistics play the key role in agriculture planning. Optical remote sensing makes use of visible, near infrared and short-wave infrared sensors to form images of the Earth's surface by detecting the solar radiation reflected in these wavelengths from targets on the ground. Different materials reflect and absorb energy differently at the visible and infrared wavelengths. Thus, targets can be differentiated by their spectral reflectance signatures captured in the remotely sensed images. The aim of present study was to review the application of optical remote sensing in crop mapping and acreage estimation. The review of the studies indicates that the optical remote sensing has equal capabilities in crop identification and acreage estimation with some of the limitations like, availability of cloud free images and spatial resolutions. However, advancement in spatial and temporal resolution optical remote sensing allowed accurate discrimination amongst the crop types and other vegetation.

2 tables, 69 ref

043705   ARYA P (Resource Management and Consumer Science Dep, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan) : Green product marketing: A creative approach to sustainable development. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 691-5.

Nowadays, awareness on different environmental problems increased significantly and it is of global concern to reduce negative impact on the environment. As a result, a new segment of consumers was introduced, the so called green consumers. Green marketing tries to adapt by putting in the center of attention the needs of such a consumer. An increase of organic products exists in both parts, in demand and offer. To maintain the welfare of present and future generations, a sustainable development is essentially. The article concludes that now-a-days more and more companies are going green thus contributing towards sustainable development. Companies are taking necessary steps to manage their ecological responsibilities.

43 ref

043704   SHAIK M A , SINGH V , MESHRAM M K (Agronomy Dep, Sam Higginbottom Univ of Agriculture Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh) : Yield and economics performance of rice (Oryza sativa L.) hybrids under middle indo-gangetic plains. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 687-90.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2019 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) to evaluate rice (Oryza sativa L.) hybrids under agro-climatic conditions of U.P. The experiment was carried out to find the performance of 10 hybrids, which laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) & replicated thrice. The experiment finding revealed that at 100DAT the significantly higher plant height was recorded in the treatment KHR-23(123.91 cm) and KHR-27 performed better than other treatment viz. tillers/m² (356.67), dry weight (49.91g/hill). And the minimum unfilled grains/panicle was recorded significant in KHR-24(29.33) and the significantly highest test weight was recorded in KHR-23(27.59 g). The yield parameters viz. Panicle length (31.45 cm), Filled grains/panicle (285), grain yield/hill (28.14 g), grain yield (8.16 t/ha), straw yield (11.37 t/ha) was recorded significantly higher in KHR-27. The economics of gross returns (₹159574.0/ha), net returns (₹105527.3/ha), B: C ratio (1.95) was recorded higher in KHR-27.

3 tables, 8 ref

043703   KUMAR K A, JEYAKUMAR P, RAVICHANDRAN V , SWARNAPRIYA R , KALAISELVI T (Vegetable Science Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Effect of bio-stimulants on the morpho-physiological and yield traits of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 682-6.

Bio-stimulants are the substances which contain organic and inorganic compounds that stimulate plant growth and productivity. The present study was conducted to study the influence of different microbial stimulants, humic substance and amino acid mediated biostimulants on the morphological, physiological and yield traits of tomato. Treatment includes T1 - Control, T2 - Hyoroplus L (1.25 L ha^-1 ), T3 - Heiko Root (3 capsules plant-1 ) localized in root zone, T4 - Heiko Root (3 capsules plant^-1 ) drenched in root zone, T5 - Heiko Seed (750 g ha^-1 ), T6 - Hyoroplus G (20 kg ha-1 ), T7 - Hyoro My⁺ (20 kg ha^-1 ) and T8 - Viva (10 L ha^-1 ). Bio-stimulant treatments were given as either soil or foliar application at different growth stages. Observations were recorded at three stages viz., 30 Days after Transplanting (DAT), 60 DAT and 90 DAT. Better performance was observed in bio-stimulants treated plants than the untreated plants. Significant increase in shoot length, root length, total chlorophyll content, soluble protein, nitrate Reductase activity and yield traits like number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and total fruit yield were observed in bio-stimulants treated plants. Among the treatments, morpho-physiological and yield traits of T7 - Hyoro My+ (20 kg ha^-1 ) and T8 - Viva (10 L ha^-1 ) applied tomato plants were markedly influenced. Bio-stimulants proved to be an effective tool to boost up the plant growth and productivity.

3 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

043702   PETER F (Environmental Studies and Resource Development Dep, Chuka Univ, Chuka, Kenya) : Small scale spatial and temporal variation in vegetation structure and composition of tropical forests under different management systems within Mount Kenya ecosystem. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 675-81.

This study examined spatial and temporal variation in forest structure and composition of two indigenous Mount Kenya forests under state and private management by quantifying variations between seasons and in space at a small scale. To demonstrate spatial variation, slight change in altitude affected trees and shrub diversity at Mawingu. Change in slope, however affected herbaceous plants diversity in both sites during the dry season. On examining temporal variation in vegetation composition, herbs diversity was higher at Mawingu (H’=1.60) than at the conservancy ((H’ =1.40) during wet season. Generally, Jaccard coefficient of community similarity depicted a low vegetation similarity between the two sites in both wet (CC=33 %) and dry (CC=35 %). The observed variation in vegetation composition could have been caused by changes in abiotic factors, such as elevation, slope position, water table and edaphic aspects. Additionally, biotic factors including human influence and herbivory could contributed to the variance.

3 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

043701   BHADRU D, MALLAIAH B, SWARNALATHA V, SREELATH D, KUMAR MV N, REDDY M L (Telanagana State Agricultural Univ, Rajendranagr, Hyderabad) : Study of genetic parameters for popping expansion ratio and yield traits in pop corn hybrids. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 671-4.

The present study was carried out to investigate popping volume, yield and yield attributing traits in popcorn in order to generate information regarding the extent of genetic variability, heritability and genetic gain. The experiment was conducted with 20 hybrids with two checks during kharif, 2019 at Maize Research Centre, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Analysis of variance showed significantly superior for all the traits, indicated that considerable variability among the popcorn hybrids evaluated. Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) was slightly higher than Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) for all the characters studied. Popping expansion ratio, grain yield per cob, number of kernels per row, cob length and ear height recorded higher estimates of genetic parameters indicating the predominance of additive gene action for expression of these traits and profuse scope for improvement of these traits through simple selection in pop corn.

3 tables, 27 ref

043700   JAYANTHI BV , KOLAKAR S S, LAKSHMANA D, NADUKERI S, DEVARAJU (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences Univ, Shivamogga, Karnataka) : Evaluation of chilli germplasm for seed quality parameters. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 667-70.

Chilli is commercially cultivated due to its nutritional and pharmaceutical values. High seed germination is prerequisite for good seedling establishment. The present investigation was carried out at College of Horticulture, Mudigere during the year 2018-19 to study the varietal response for germination traits in diverse capsicum germplasm. Six germination characters were focused viz., test weight, germination percentage, shoot length, root length, root to shoot ratio and seedling vigour index-I. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference for all the germination traits, reflecting present germplasm is diverse for germination traits. These finding would be useful to improve germination traits in future breeding programmes.

3 tables, 13 ref

043699   SOWMYAPRIYA S , KALARANI MK , MANIVANNAN K , MOHAN C (Crop Physiology Dep, Palar Agricultural Coll, Vellore, Tamil Nadu) : Evaluation of postharvest physiological deterioration of cassava (Manihot esculenta) genotypes. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 661-6.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is the well most important tuber crop in the tropics and sub tropics due to its drought tolerance, ability to grow in any soils and resistance to herbivore, cassava is well suited for cultivation by small and big farmers. However, it is short shelf life of the tuber due to Postharvest Physiological Deterioration (PPD) which limits cassava’s economic and industrial potential. Postharvest Physiological Deterioration in cassava tuber is rapid, begins within 5 to 24 hrs after harvest and its induce oxidative burst of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which leads to produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN). The visible signs of deterioration are vascular streaking with a blue green discoloration that cause to be the tubers un edible and unmarketable. The present study was undertaken to evaluate 35 cassava genotypes for PPD tolerance. Tubers from different cassava genotypes were evaluated at 1,2,3,4 and 5 days after harvest for PPD. PPD was observed and cyanide and starch were analyzed each and every day. Two genotypes viz., CI-850 and YTP1showed their supremacy in recording low levels of PPD 9.7 and 11.3 percent respectively even five days after harvest. These genotypes can be used as novel donor sources in breeding programmes aimed for developing PPD tolerant genotypes.

2 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

043698   JYOTI T, KUMAR P (Botany Dep, Commerce Coll, Patna, Bihar) : Analysing physico-chemical parameters of water. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 657-60.

Water is the most essential substance in shaping the land and regulating the climate. It is one of the most important compounds which influence life. The life is globally threatened due to undesired changes in physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water, air and soil. Water is highly polluted due to growth of population, industrialization, use of fertilizers and man-made activities. Natural water is polluted because of weathering of rocks, leaching of soils and mining processing etc. The quality of drinking water should be tested regularly at certain intervals in order to prevent water born diseases and to maintain quality of life. To test the quality of water, it is necessary to know different physico-chemical parameters such as color, temperature, hardness, chloride, pH, DO, BOD, COD, alkalinity used for testing water quality. Heavy metals also affect the quality of water by chronic poisoning in aquatic animals. Reports of some water analysis with physico-chemical parameters are given to explore parameter study. Water Quality parameters are also compared the value of real water sample.

37 ref

043697   MOUNICA D, KRISHNAYYA PV , RAO M S , PATIBANDA AK, RAO V S (Entomology Dep, Agricultural Coll, Bapatla, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh) : Prediction of pest scenarios of maize aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (f.) during future climate change period under the effect of elevated co2 and temperature. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 650-6.

The objective of this study was to predict the future pest scenarios of maize aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (F.) across six maize growing locations of the India viz., Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Karimnagar (Telangana), Ludhiana (Punjab), Kanpur (U.P.) and Ranchi (Jharkhand) by using life table parameter data and future climate data. The future data was obtained using Providing Regional Climates for Impacts Studies (PRECIS) A1B model. Among the all locations, lowest intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) and finite rate of increase (λ) values were recorded in Coimbatore at elevated CO₂ (eCO₂) during near future (NF) (0.354 and 1.49 day^-1 ), distant future (DF) (0.306 and 1.43 day^-1 ) compared to that of baseline period. Among the all locations, lowest net reproductive rate (R_o) was recorded in Coimbatore at eCO₂ during NF (34.23 and 27.00 nymphs/female), DF (24.97 and 19.34 nymphs/female) and very distant future (VDF) (8.65 and 7.33 nymphs/female) compared to that of baseline period due to decreased range of r_m and increased range of temperature. The results showed that increased r_m and λ with varied R_o of R. maidis at 6 maize growing regions of India.

1 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

043696   VELANGANNI S, MILTONPRABU S (Zoology Dep, Annamalai Univ, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu) : Effect of benzophenone-3 at the environmentally relevant concentration on the liver of Zebra fish (Danio rerio (Hamilton). Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 640-6.

The widespread use of Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) has resulted in its release into the ecosystem, and its potential impact on the aquatic ecosystem is of rising concern. Therefore, the current investigation was conducted to analyze the effect of BP-3 at environmentally relevant concentration (44 μg/L in river) in the zebra fish liver through the biochemical markers (protein, glycogen and lipids), hepatic markers, oxidative stress markers and histopathological analysis. The zebra fish was exposure to BP-3 at environmentally relevant concentration for 45 days. During different interval viz. 15, 30 and 45 days, all the above-mentioned markers in the liver and it’s histology were analyzed. The biochemical parameters like glycogen, protein triglyceride content were significantly declined with increased total cholesterol level in the zebra fish liver. The activity of hepatic markers like Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lipid peroxidation markers viz. thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) were found to be significantly higher meanwhile the activity of antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Glutathione (GSH) activity were found to be as a significant reduction in the liver of BP-3 treated fish for 30 and 45 days. Furthermore, the liver histology also showed abnormal changes in their morphology when compared to control. At the duration of 15 days, BP-3 exposure slightly altered all the parameters, but the values were non-significant when compared to control fish. From these results, we conclude that the treatment of BP-3 at environmentally relevant concentration can alter the physiology of the zebra fish liver.

9 illus, 1 table, 44 ref

043695   KALYANI MSR, MATH G, BALOL G (Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad, Karnataka) : Nutrient uptake and phosphorus use efficiency of cowpea as influenced by genotypes, phosphorus levels and liquid based PSB. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 637-9.

A study was conducted to evaluate the response of cowpea genotypes (DC-15, GC-3 and KBC-9) to phosphorus levels (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 ) and liquid based PSB with respect to nutrient uptake and phosphorus use efficiency at MARS, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during kharif 2019 under rainfed condition. The results indicated that among the genotypes, the genotype DC-15 recorded significantly higher nitrogen (74.35 kg ha^-1 ), phosphorus (11.00 kg ha^-1 ), potassium uptake (48.57 kg ha^-1 ) and recovery efficiency (0.040 kg kg^-1 ) over other genotypes. Among the phosphorus levels, application of 75 kg P2O5 ha^-1 + liquid PSB @ 4ml kg^-1 recorded significantly higher nitrogen (71.55 kg ha^-1 ), phosphorus (11.32 kg ha^-1 ) and potassium (46.33 kg ha^-1 ) uptake over other levels. Whereas, application of 25 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 + liquid PSB @ 4ml kg-1 seeds recorded significantly higher recovery efficiency (0.041 kg kg1 ) over other levels. Among the interactions, the genotype DC-15 with the application of 75 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1+ liquid PSB @ 4ml kg^-1 seeds recorded significantly higher nitrogen (83.60 kg ha^-1 ), phosphorus (12.02 kg ha^-1 ) and potassium (49.66 kg ha^-1 ) uptake over the control and other treatments. Further, genotype DC-15 with the application of 25 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 + liquid PSB @ 4ml kg^-1 seeds recorded significantly higher recovery efficiency (0.057 kg kg^-1 ) over the control and other treatments.

1 table, 9 ref

043694   KUMAR C N, YADAHALLI GS, NEGALUR RB, CHITTAPUR BM, VIDYAVATHI GY (Agronomy Dep, Agriculture Coll, Raichur, Karnataka) : Growth and nutrient uptake of cotton influenced by different cotton varieties to varied sowing dates and nutrient levels. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 633-6.

The field experiment was conducted at Main Agricultural Research Station, Raichur on medium black soil during kharif, 2017 to study response of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) varieties to varied sowing dates and nutrient levels. Among the varieties, BGDS-1063 produced significantly higher plant height and dry matter production per plant (126.62 cm and 288.22 g plant^-1 ) over SCS-793. Significantly higher plant height and dry matter production was noticed in case of cotton crop sown on 1st fortnight of July (128.14 cm and 292.60 g plant^-1 ) as compared with cotton sown on 2^nd fortnight of July and similarly application of 150 per cent of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) noticed significantly higher plant height and dry matter production (129.33 cm and 294.80 g plant^-1 ) over 100 percent RDF. Similarly higher uptake of nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium was recorded significantly higher in BGDS1063 (96.90 kgha^-1 , 21.65 kgha^-1 and 128.59 kg ha^-1 ) as compared with SCS-793. Among sowing dates early sown crop, crop sown on 1^st fortnight of July noticed significantly higher uptake nutrient like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (98.01 kg ha^-1 , 21.80 kg ha^-1 and 129.53 kg ha^-1 ) compared with crop sown on 2^nd fortnight of July and finally among application of 150 per cent recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) registered significantly higher uptake nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium (97.14 kg ha^-1 , 20.70 kg ha^-1 and 122.95 kg ha^-1 ) over 100 percent RDF.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

043693   DEEKSHITA K , KRISHNAYYA PV , RAO M S , PATIBANDA AK , UMAR SK N (Entomology Dep, Agricultural Coll, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh) : Effect of eCO₂ and eTemp on the nutritional composition and enzymatic activities of Spodoptera litura. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 626-32.

Experiment was conducted to study the effect of eCO2 and eTemp on the carbohydrate, mid gut protein content and Carboxylesterae activity of S. litura after exposed to sublethal concentrations of insecticides (Spinosad, emamectin benzoate, thiodicarb, monocrotophos and fenvalerate). The results revealed that S. litura larvae treated with insecticides (emamectin, thiodicarb and monocrotophos) showed increased midgut protein and carbohydrate content with increase in CO2 and temperatures and opposite trend was noted with spinosad and fenvalerate treated larva.

1 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

043692   REDDY T P, MADHAVI A , SRIJAYA T , DEY P (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nagarkurnool, Telangana) : Fertilizer prescription equations for targeted yield of soybean (Glycine max L.) in Vertisol of Telangana, India. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 621-5.

A field experiment was conducted for three years during kharif, 2017-18 to 2019-20 at the Regional Sugarcane and Rice Research Station, Rudrur, Nizamabad district of the Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University, Telangana State, under All India Coordinated Research Project on the soil test crop response correlation. The experiment was conducted in “two-phases”. In the first phase soil fertility gradient was developed by dividing the experimental field into “three strips” and applying graded doses of fertilizers in them and growing of exhaust crop maize. In the second phase, i.e. next season main crop soybean was raised as per the programme. Response to selected combinations of “three-levels” of vermicompost (0, 2.5 and 5 t ha^-1 ), “four-levels” of nitrogen (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha^-1 ), four levels of phosphorus (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha^-1 ) and four levels of potassium (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha^-1 ) at different fertility levels of soybean was studied. In the present investigation, the total seed yield ranged from 1089 to 2834 kg ha^-1 . The nutrient requirement for production of one quintal of soybean seed was found to be were 5.53 kg nitrogen, 0.67 kg phosphorus and 2.89 kg potassium. The percent contribution of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was 31.84, 33.48 and 11.27 from soil, whereas from chemical fertilizer it was 68.27, 33.13 and 75.96 and conjoint use of chemical fertilizer with vermicompost, it was 11.81, 3.57 and 9.08, respectively. With the help of these data fertilizer recommendations at different yield targets and soil test value can be calculated. Findings from present study can successfully be utilized as an effective guide for efficient and balanced fertilizer recommendations for the larger parts of Vertisols of Telangana state and other parts of India having similar agro-climatic conditions and soils.

6 tables, 21 ref

043691   SHASHIBHUSHAN D, MUCHANTHULA A R, GUNDALA P (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, PJTS Agriculture Univ, Rajendra nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana) : Genetic engineering for biotic stress. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 615-20.

Resistance to biotic stress factors such as pests and diseases is the prime research topic across the world as it affects the yield of the crop significantly. Conventional plant breeding has been a successful technique to develop the biotic stress resistant cultivar but it is time taking and a laborious task. To speed up the breeding process and ensure site-specific breeding, scientists have been turning towards transgenic approaches to incorporate the desired gene into a plant variety. Many transgenic crops have been already commercialized and few are in the study phase. Bt cotton is one of the classical examples of a widely cultivated transgenic crop. Though transgenic crops are widely accepted by farmers across the globe, the argument of negative impact on health by the scientists is restricting the commercialization of crops. The advantages, disadvantages, and current status of transgenic breeding along with few successful studies are discussed in the current article.

1 illus, 2 tables, 46 ref

043690   SIVASAKTHI S , RENUGADEVI J (Seed Science and Technology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Consequence of umbel orders on flowering pattern, seed yield and seed quality parameters in onion cv.CO (On)5. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 608-14.

A field experiment was undertaken to study the effect of umbel orders on flowering pattern, seed yield and seed quality parameters in onion. In this present investigation, Individual plant produces 10-12 umbels/plant, the flower stalk of first order umbel emerged at 35 days after sowing (DAS) and it was extended over a period of 69 DAS for emergence of last order umbel. The flowering initiated in the first order umbel on 63 DAS and it reached 50 % flowering on 66 DAS and completed on 69 DAS. Where as in last order umbel flowering started on 92 DAS and reached 50 % on 94 DAS and completed on 97 DAS. The days for attainment of physiological maturity by the first and last order umbels were 112 and 137 respectively. The quantitative and qualitative parameters were reduced as the umbel order increased. The maximum values of quantitative characters viz., umbel diameter (5.3 cm), umbel fresh weight (3.81 g), umbel dry weight (2.07 g), total number of capsules (94.6), number of filled capsules (50.8), seed set (53.6 %); and qualitative characters viz., germination (88%), speed of germination (21.6), root length (6.0 cm), shoot length (9.1 cm), dry matter production (16.5 mg seedling-10) and vigour index-I (1333) were recorded up to seventh order umbels. After that, drastic reductions were observed in both quantitative and qualitative parameters. Hence it could be recommended that up to seven umbels plant-1 to be retained for the harvest of more quantity of high quality seeds in onion.

4 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

043689   KUMAR S , RAJASHEKHARAPPA K , GANGAPRASAD S, HEGDE J N (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Agriculture Coll, Shivamogga, Karnataka) : Reaction of okra cultivars against okra leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula (Ishida). Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 605-7.

The study was carried out to screen okra cultivars against okra leafhoppers, Amrasca biguttula (Ishida) during Karif 2018 at AHRS, Bhavikere, UAHS, and Shivamogga Karnataka. Fourteen okra genotypes viz., Arka Anamika, Pusa A-4, Phule utkharsh, Kasha kranti, Kashi satdhari, Avishkar, Ankur-40, Apsara, Amar tulsi, Usha, Megha, Supreme, Vnr-999 and Dhenu were raised in randomized block design with three replications to know their resistance against A. biguttula. Among these fourteen cultivars Arka Anamika and pusa A4 recorded as highly resistant with lowest leafhopper population. Cultivars Phule utkharsh, Kashi kranti, Kashi satdhari, Avishkar, Apsara, Ankur-40 were found resistant, whereas Usha, Megha and Amar tulsi were identified as susceptible cultivars. In contrast to this, Dhenu, Vnr-999 and Supreme were recorded as highly susceptible cultivars with higher leadfhopper population.

3 tables, 10 ref

043688   RAVICHANDRAN V , RAGADEVI K , VANITHA K, RAJU M , KRISHNASURENDAR K , SENTHILKUMAR G (Crop Physiology Dep, TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Improvement of grain filling in rice through foliar spray by nutrients and growth promoters. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 599-604.

An investigation was carried during 2018 at Department of Rice, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The objective of the experiment was to identify the suitable foliar nutrient/ growth promoter for enhancing grain filling in rice. Three rice genotypes, ADT (R) 49, RICE CO 52 and CO 50 were grown under different foliar treatments. The treatments are 2 % DAP+ 1 % KCl, 2 % MAP+ 1 % KCl, ZnSO4 0.5 %, 6-Benzylaminopurine 30 ppm, Homobrassinolide 0.3 ppm, NAA100 ppm and 1-MCP 20 ppm and the control plots were sprayed with water. Foliar spray was taken up at two stages, pre-anthesis (just before heading) and post-anthesis (2 weeks after flowering or during grain filling stage). The grain filling characteristics of rice genotypes significantly varied with the different foliar nutrients. The grain filling duration (25.0 days) significantly increases with the treatment 6 - Benzylaminopurine (30 ppm) in the genotype Rice CO 52 and the grain filling rate (1.24 mg grain^-1 day^-1 ) was found to be higher in genotype in the genotype CO (R) 50 under the treatment T3 – 2 % MAP + 1 % KCl. The hormone concentration in grains showed a significant increase with the different foliar application. High ABA and ethylene ratio was observed in the treatments. The treatment 1- MCP (20 ppm) had recorded the high ABA and ethylene ratio in superior grains in the genotype Rice CO 52 (7600.0) and in inferior grains (954.6) followed by the genotype ADT (R) 49 (4250.0 and 833.3) in the superior and inferior grains respectively.The maximum grain yield of 8536.7 kg ha^-1 was registered by CO (R) 50 with an increase of 19.2 per cent under the treatment of 1- MCP (20 ppm) over other treatments and genotypes. To conclude, foliar application of 1- MCP (20 ppm) and 6-Benzylaminopurine (30 ppm) at pre-anthesis and post anthesis stage to suppress ethylene production further strengthened the grain sink strength of inferior spikelets at same time development of more number of cells in endosperm by synthetic cytokinin (BAP) thereby registered better grain filling process and yield components in the rice genotype CO (R) 50.

5 illus, 28 ref

043687   BANG S H-U (Environmental Management Dep, William Carey Univ Nongmensong, Shillong, Meghalaya) : Physical composition and characteristic of solid waste in east jaintia hills district, Meghalaya, India. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 587-94.

Waste or Unmanaged Solid waste is one of the forefront environmental challenge and perpetual issue in East Jaintia hills. Increasing population, changing consumption patterns, economic development, climate change, urbanization and industrialization are some of the responsible factors leading to anincreasinggeneration of solid waste. The quantities and composition of solid waste vary from place to place and bear rather consistent correlation with the average standard of living. This study is engaged in field investigations for quantification and analysis of physical composition of solid waste in the dumping site. An attempt has been made to analyzed food waste, leaves and Litter, ash and Dust, Papers, Plastics, Textile, Metals, Rubbers and Moisture Content by using genuine parameters in this study. The main objective is to provide certain research based recommendations and valuable assistance in preparing a sustainable and effective planning for solid waste management with special reference to the district of East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.

7 illus, 7 tables, 9 ref

043686   SAHOO K C , SUNITHA V , RAO V V , CHARY D S (Entomology Dep, Agriculture Coll, Hyderabad, Telangana) : Pheromone trap collection of pink bollworm adults From a non-cropped area. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 585-6.

In the present study, pheromone traps of six different agricultural pests were installed in a non-cropped area i.e. the Agri-Biodiversity Park (ABP) of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Trap counts were taken at weekly intervals from November 2019 to February 2020. Out of the six different traps, only Pink Bollworm Pheromone trap recorded a considerable trap count with about 1500 adults of pink bollworm per trap per week from third week of December to second week of February 2020. Pink bollworm is a serious pest of cotton crop worldwide. However, the present findings from a no cropped area indicate that this pest can complete its life cycle in an alternate host i.e. Abutilon indicum, which is a malvaceous weed present in the study area.

1 illus, 4 ref

043685   NAYAK S B , RAO K S, RAMALAKSHMI V (Centurion Univ of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha) : Impact of climate change on insect pests and their natural enemies. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 579-84.

Climate change along with rapidly increasing population, depletion of natural habitats and resources would have direct impact on livelihoods and raising concerns for food security, water supply, health and energy. Climate change, an emerging global concern have serious threats in every aspects of agriculture. Changed patterns in climatic factors like temperature, precipitation, humidity and other meteorological components are affecting the quality and quantity of agricultural commodities production. Along with direct impacts in crop productivity, climate change is threatening global food production via pest related losses of food crops. Being poikilothermic, insects are the organisms that most likely to respond to changes in climate, and It is anticipated that the damage to agricultural crops by insects will increase as a consequence of climate change. It has increased pest population and their damage potential by expanding distribution, enhancing survivability and allowing to develop the adaptability of insect pest. Rising temperature, modified precipitation patterns, disturbed gaseous composition of atmosphere etc. are causing the change in population, mobility, behaviour of insect pest.

52 ref

043684   BAITHARU R K, ROUT N R , SAHOO H P , BAITHARU C B S (Environmental Sciences Dep, Fakir Mohan Univ, Odisha) : Environmental assessment of avi-faunal study of Gokharkuda: A coastal village eco-complex of Ganjam district, Odisha. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 573-8.

The coastal faunal diversity maintained natural process, upholding the environmental assessment throughout the world by playing a vital role in sustaining of coastal ecosystem. A total 123 number of bird species recorded from in and around the Gokharkuda, a coastal village of coastal Ganjam district of Odisha. During field study it was found that out of total 123 species, family Scolopacidae belongs to 13 no of species and most are mostly dominant family fallowed by Ardeidae (10). The animal kingdom of the coastal village Gokharkuda is efficiently and ecologically very important. Survivability of the coastal village eco-complex is flourished with these small numbers of faunal richness by pollination. Appropriate planned management needs for coastal village ecosystem conservation for futures’ balance with human life. The recent assessment gives an idea of particular Avi-fauna at coastal marine village eco-complex of Ganjam district in Odisha.

2 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

043683   SUMA R , MADHUSHREE KM (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Dep, Agriculture Coll, Mandya, Karnataka) : Changes in chemical properties of sandy loam soil and performance of maize with application of primary treated distillery spentwash. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 567-72.

The spentwash, an effluent generated from distillery (DSW), even after primary treatment with biomethanation process contains high amount of soluble salts (9.18 ds m^-1 ), organic load [BOD-16057 and COD-28674 mg kg^-1 ], dissolved (1.21 %) and suspended solids (1.43 %) that exceeds the tolerance limit prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board. To assess the impact of its application on soil properties and crop growth, a laboratory experiment was conducted using loamy sand soil with various quantities of DSW viz., 0, 250, 500, 750, 1000 and 1500 m3 ha^-1 . The incubation data after 120 days indicated increased soil organic carbon and available plant nutrients viz., N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu content with increased amounts of DSW application. However, the increased pH and soluble salt content cautious the problem of induction of salinity in soil. Further, germination and dry matter accumulation of maize was severely hampered in soils that receivedDSW at the rate above 500 m3 ha-1 and complete crop failure was observed with 1500 m3 ha^-1 application.

4 illus, 5 tables, 29 ref

043682   LIKITH S , LAVANYA S M, MAHENDRAN K (Agricultural and Rural Management Dep, Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : A farm centric explorative study on economic feasibility of solar water pump installation using life cycle cost approach in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 564-6.

Irrigation is the most important input in agricultural production process. Huge investments are made for creation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure. Hence water use efficiency is an important attribute. The different energy sources for pumping water assumes economic importance not only for the farmers but to the country as a whole. An attempt is made in this paper to understand the life cycle cost of different pumping systems for Solar Photo Voltaic pump system, Electric driven pump and diesel driven pump over the life period. Comparative evaluation of the life cycle costs of the three alternate systems for water pumping indicated better economic feasibility of Solar Water Pumps compared to the Electricity and Diesel based water pumps. On the other hand, the ease of maintenance and longer life period of the solar water pumps are the major reasons for their promotion and adoption apart from being a source of renewable energy. The analysis also indicated that the solar water pumps are economically feasible even without the subsidy extended by the Government. The major issue in adoption of solar technology is higher initial capital investment compared to the other two options and this issue needs to be addressed by the Government through ease of credit with long term repayment options at a subsidized rate of interest.

3 tables, 7 ref

043681   PARTHASARATHI G , SENTHILNATHAN S (Teaching Assistant (Agricultural Economics) Institute of Agriculture, Kumulur, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu) : Impact of micro irrigation subsidies on natural resources and environment: experiences from world bank funded Tamil Nadu Iamwarm project. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 561-3.

Agricultural subsidies help the farmers to increase their welfare and increase production of various crops. There is an indirect link between the micro irrigation subsidies and the natural resources. The micro irrigation subsidies to the farmers increase the yield as well as reduce the water usage for various crops. This study analyzes the impact of micro irrigation subsidies on natural resources and environment. The results revealed that the yield of coconut, tomato, onion and maize was increased by 50 per cent, 26 per cent, 43 per cent and 36 per cent respectively also the of the percentage of water saved in maize, tomato and onion is around 25 per cent, 34 per cent and 32 per cent respectively. Thus this study shows the impact of micro irrigation subsidies in natural resources and environment.

2 tables, 5 ref

043678   NAIK M C , NADUKERI S , HANUMANTHAPPA M , KOLKAR S , BHOOMIKA HR (Agronomy Dep, UAHS, Shivamogga, Karnataka) : Effect of pinching and foliar application of nitrogen on morphological attributes in stevia (Stevia rebaudiana B.) under hill zone of Karnataka. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 548-51.

A field experiment was conducted on effect of pinching and foliar application of nitrogen on morphological attributes instevia (Stevia rebaudiana B.) at College of Horticulture, Mudigere during 2019-20. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design. The experiment comprised of two factors, factor A comprised of three pinching levels and factor B comprised of four nitrogen levels. Pinching and foliar application of nitrogen significantly affected growth of stevia. Results revealed that, pinched plants noted minimum plant height compared to no pinching. pinching at 30 days after planting along with foliar application of two per cent urea noted significantly maximum number of branches (26.00/plant), number of leaves (379.00/plant), fresh weight of leaves (95.60 g/plant) and dry weight of leaves (48.68 g/plant).

3 tables, 16 ref

043677   RAGHAVAN Y, ARIVAZHAGAN A, SUNDARAVELAYUTHAM M , AMIRTHALINGAM B G , PALANISAMY S , APPUSAMY J , ANGAMUTHU R (Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology Dep, Veterinary Coll and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu) : Estimation of lead level in poultry drinking water in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 544-7.

Water quality attributes can have a direct or indirect effect on poultry performance. Environmental pollution with heavy metals, especially lead is considered as a very serious concern because these metals cannot be degraded and stay permanently in the environment. In this study lead concentration in poultry drinking water was estimated in Namakkal district of Tamilnadu. The samples were collected from 90 poultry farms in the Namakkal district. The collected samples were analyzed by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer to determine the concentration of lead. The results of the study showed that the concentration of lead in poultry drinking water samples in the Namakkal district ranges from 0.00 ± 0.00 to 3.59 ± 1.82 ppb, which were within the permissible limit (10 ppb). Hence the poultry drinking water is safe for consumption.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

043676   SANATH RM , REVANNA REVANNAVAR R , BELAVADI VV , HANUMANTHARAYA L , NATARAJ SK , SHETTY G R (Horticulture Coll, Shivamogga, Karnataka) : Checklist of non-Apis bees from eight districts of Karnataka. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 540-3.

Studies conducted on non-Apis bee fauna in eight districts of Karnataka revealed 44 species and 20 unidentified morphospecies in 23 genera. Three families of the Apoidea superfamily viz. Apidae, Megachilidae, Colletidae and Halictidae were represented in eight districts of Karnataka. The family Apidae was represented by three subfamilies viz., Xylocopinae (three genera and 23 species, and four unidentified species), Apinae (five species two unidentified species and two genera) and Nomadinae (One species). The subfamily Xylocopinae was represented with three tribes Xylocopini, Ceratini, and Allodapini, and Apinae was represented with two tribes Anthophorini and Melectini. The family Megachilidae was represented with single subfamily Megachilinae (14 species under five genera with two unidentified species) with two tribes Megachilini and Anthidiini. Family Halictidae was represented with 2 species and 11 unidentified species under 11 genera. Family Colletidae with single species. A checklist was prepared of the species documented in the present study.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

043675   PARMAR N , KAUR H, THAKUR M (Maharishi Markandeshwar Univ Sadopur, Ambala, Haryana) : Impact of inorganic and biofertilizers on soil properties: A review. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 537-9.

Fertilization is done worldwide to improve soil fertility and to increase more yield per unit area. The single application of chemical fertilizers affects the soil properties and it may also causes acidification and decreased soil productivity on the long term. Number of reasons like the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, higher cost, shortage in supply, its polluting effect on environment as well as on soil health has lighted the attention towards other soil fertilization to increase crop production. In this paper we discuss the impact of inorganic and biofertilizers on soil properties and balanced fertilization. Biofertilizers supplements the essential plant nutrients for sustainable agriculture and economy. Numerous literature search revealed that these fertilizers can clean the environment and used together with inorganic fertilizers in balanced form can enhance the productive capacity of land and reducing the amount of chemical fertilizer consumption and improve plant growth and soil properties.

14 ref

043673   HOILENTING, SHARMA R (Extension and Statistical Div, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Mumbai) : The economic impact of flood on fisheries in Assam, India. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 524-30.

Flood in Assam is characterized by their considerable magnitude, high frequency, and extensive devastation. Monsoon flooding is particularly damaging to farming in Assam. This paper presents the nature of flood and the results from an evaluation of the impacts of the monsoon flooding 2017 monsoon flood events on the fishery in Assam. High economic losses were incurred in the fishery sector. Fish farmers incurred direct losses in fish loss, damages in pond dykes and embankment, stock damages, etc. due to flooding and associated water inundation in ponds and fish farms. An average amount of ₹ 55,461(60 %) of loss is incurred in fish and followed by damages or losses in pond dyke or embankment, ₹ 20908 (22.64 %) in 1 acre of pond. Although total costs to the fishery were small compared with urban flood costs, they were typically large at the individual farm scale. The results presented here provide valuable insights into how flooding affects fisheries and can inform future priorities in policy development and research in flood risk management.

2 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref