Abstract: Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria are the soil bacteria inhabiting around/on the root surface and are directly or indirectly involved in promoting plant growth and development via production and secretion of various regulatory chemicals in the vicinity of rhizosphere. There has been much research interest in PGPB and there is now an increasing number of PGPB being commercialized for various crops. Today a lot of efforts have been made for searching and investigating the PGPB and their mode of action, so that they can be exploited commercially as biofertilizers. Because of the various challenges faced in screening, formulation, and application, PGPB have yet to fulfill their promise and potential as commercial inoculants. Recent progress in our understanding of their diversity, colonization ability, mechanisms of action, formulation, and application should facilitate their development as reliablecomponents in the management of sustainable agricultural systems. Several reviews have discussed specific aspects of PGPB as bioinoculants. We have tried to critically evaluate the current status of bacterial inoculants for contemporary agriculture in developed and developing countries. This review focuses on some important information regarding the biofertilizing potential of some important group of microbes, their formulations, their application for the development of sustainable technology, scope of improvement by genetic engineering, steps to be undertaken for their commercialization and their future prospects.

Abstract: Rice straw, a by-product of the rice production is mainly used as a source of feed for ruminant livestock is the major forage in rice-producing areas in India. The disposal of the rice straw is a serious problem in areas where it is the major agricultural product. It is rich in polysaccharides and has a high lignin and silica content, limiting voluntary intake and reducing degradability by rumen microbes. By rice straw treatment, its quality and digestibility can be improved and enhanced the protein content. Several methods have been used to improve the utilization of rice straw by ruminants or supplemented by other ingredients to increase digestibility and nutrient value before it can be considered a suitable animal feed. In recent years, biological treatments have been investigated for improvement in nutritional value of rice straw. The use of ligninolytic fungi and their extracellular ligninolytic enzymes for treatment of rice straw results in degrading cellulose and hemicelluloses contents which improve its nutritional value. The use of fungi and enzyme treatments is expected to be a practical, cost-effective and environmental-friendly approach for enhancing the nutritive value and digestibility of rice straw. Therefore, the treated rice straw has a good potential as feed for ruminants.

Abstract: A field study was conducted during rabi seasons of 2008 and 2009 to evaluated of productivity of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) by foliar spray of bio-regulators under different irrigation environments. Amongst treatments, the application of sufficient irrigation water (four irrigations) recorded the highest number siliqua per plant, higher number of seeds per siliqua, 1000 seed weight and yields as compared to all other irrigation treatments. Results show that an increased in seed yield of 92.40 and 39.37 % under sufficient irrigation and limitedwater condition in 2008 and 93.34% and 40.31% in 2009, respectively over deficient irrigation conditions, foliar sprays of 100 ppm thioglycollic acid at initiation of branching were recorded highest yield attributes and yields. Similarly, 500 ppm of thiourea at initiation of branching and flowering stages also gave second best highest yield attributes and yields as compared to all other bio-regulators spray stages. However, bio-regulators sprays were not recorded any significant effect on oil and protein content. The results were concluded that economic feasibility to improve productivity of Indian mustard with four irrigations levels and sprays of 100 ppm thioglycollic acid and 500 ppm of thiourea at initiation of branching and flowering stages under hyper arid environment.

Abstract: Forty three genotypes of maize were evaluated for eleven traits at the College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to study the genetic divergence and various genetic parameters. There was a significant (P<0.01) difference between genotypes for all the characters, which revealed wide range of variability and high heritability for all the characters. The genetic advance as percent of mean was high for grain yield per plant (73.19%), ear height (51.05%), number of kernels per row (44.40%), plant height (43.46%), 100 grain weight (42.88%), ear length (30.79%), number of kernel rows per ear (25.23%), and ear girth (22.37%) indicating additive gene action for these traits. D2 analysis partitioned the forty three genotypes in to six clusters. The maximum inter cluster distance (39.38) was observed between cluster I and cluster V. Grain yield per plant (38.43%), plant height (14.29%), 100 grain weight (12.85%) and number of kernels per row (12.07%) contributed greatly towards diversity.

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of organic farming practices on soil health and crop performance of Soybean (Glycine max).The crop cultivar JS-335 of soybean was grown with 30:26.2:16.6 kg ha-1 (NPK) recommended dose of fertilizers under three management practices viz., organic, chemical and integrated (50:50) in randomized block design, replicated three times. Soil organic carbon, available N, P and K, microbial enzymatic activities, total biomass, seed yield and harvest index (HI) were analysed during the study. It was observed that soil organic carbon (11.3 g kg-1), available N (125 mg kg-1), P (49.7 mg kg-1) and soil enzyme activities viz., dehydrogenase (DHA) (98.20 µ grams TPF/g soil/24 h) and alkaline phosphatase (178.2 µ grams p-nitro phenol/g soil/h) were found significantly higher in the plot managed organically while available K (320.1 mg kg-1) was not significant with respect to chemical and integrated practices. The total biomass (1927 kg ha-1) and seed yield (601 kg ha-1) of soybean was found highest in organic farming practices followed by integrated and chemical practices. Very poor microbial activities were observed in chemically managed plots. Thus, the study demonstrated that the organic farming practice improved soil health and performance of soybean crop.

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2012-13 at Research cum Instructional Farm of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (Chhattisgarh) to study the effects of seaweed saps on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economic of maize (sweet corn) in Matasi soil of Chhattisgarh. The foliar spray of two different species (namely Kappaphycus and Gracilaria) was applied thrice at different interval of crop with different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15% v/v) of seaweed extracts. Foliar applications of seaweed extract significantly enhanced the growth, yield, nutrient uptake and B:C ratio parameters. The green cob yield (189.97 q ha-1) and fodder yield (345.19 q ha-1) were recorded highest under treatment (T8) 15% G Sap + recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) which was significant similar with treatment 15% K Sap + RDF (185.24 q ha-1) in case of green cob yield. The highest N, P and K uptake by green cob and fodder were observed under 15% G Sap + RDF (T8). Treatment 15% G Sap + RDF (T8), recorded maximum gross return (Rs. 2,07,230 ha-1), net return (Rs. 1,38,756 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.0), which was followed by treatment 15% K Sap + RDF (T4) with net return (Rs. 1,33,199 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.95). Treatment 15% G Sap + RDF (T8) gave Rs. 45,996 ha-1 more as compared to Water spray + RDF (T9).

Abstract: People’s perceptions, attitudes and preferences in agroforestry have become fundamental elements of sustainable agroforestry management. The study examined the multiplicities and dimensions of people’s perceptions about agroforestry values, attitudes towards agroforestry benefits and resources preferences in agroforestry and their socioeconomic determinants in rural societies of Kashmir. The data were collected from 142 households of 5 villages selected employing multi-stage random sampling. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for the data analysis. Results indicated that the material values (rank 1st to 3rd) of agroforestry were perceived as the most important while the perception of the non-material values (rank 4th to 10th) were adjudged moderately important. People’s attitudes towards the tangible benefits (rank 1st to 3rd) of agroforestry were highly favourable whereas attitudes towards intangible benefits (rank 4th to 10th) were indifferent. The rural people expressed higher preferences for fuel wood, fodder, vegetable, fruit, and timber (rank 1st to 5th) while moderate or low preferences for medicine, cottage industry/ handicrafts, fiber/ floss, oilseeds and animals/ birds/ insects etc. (rank 6th to 10th). F statistics (p < 0.05) showed significant differences between the material and non-material values, tangible and non-tangible benefits and resources groups. Correlation co-efficients (r) confirmed the importance of socioeconomic attributes in influencing people’s perceptions, attitudes and preferences in agroforestry. The findings will help to refine and enrich the knowledge-base to provide an effective framework for decisions and policy making to sustain and maintain agroforestry health and services. The integration of people’s socio-psychological conditions in sustainable agroforestry management will be effective strategy commensurating the current development and future challenges.

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at Sardarkrishinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University Sardarkrushinagar to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield attributes of summer groundnut in 2012. The soil of experimental field was loamy sand in texture, low in organic carbon (0.17 %) and available nitrogen (149 kg ha-1), medium in available P2O5 (29.3 kg ha-1) and rich in K2O (287 kg ha-1) status. Result revealed that the significantly highest pod yield (2650 kg ha-1), haulm yield (4633 kg ha-1), growth and yield parameters viz., plant height (43.9 cm), filled pods plant-1(22.6), total pods plant-1(31.4), pod weight plant-1 (22.3 g) and 100 kernel weight (43.9 g) were recorded under the treatment which received 125 % recommended dose of nitrogen through vermicompost. While in case of phosphorus application @ 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 recorded significantly higher pod (2824 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (4655 kg ha-1) over PSB only and 25 kg P2O5 ha-1 which was at par with the application of phosphorus @ 25 kg ha-1 + PSB for yield attributing characters viz., filled pods plant-1, total pods plant-1, pod weight plant-1. Maximum net realization of `1,13, 056 ha-1 with CBR 4.49 was obtained under application of 125 % RDN through vermicompost with 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 (V3P4). Vermicompost and phosphorus did not exert its interaction effects during course of investigation. This concludes that the groundnut crop should be inoculated with PSB culture @ 200 g per 8 kg seeds before sowing and crop should be fertilized with 125% RDN through vermicompost and phosphorus @ 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 loamy sand soil of North Gujarat agro-climatic condition.

Abstract: A field study was conducted during Kharif season of 2011 and 2012, to evaluate direct seeded rice options as compared to transplanted rice with an objective to improve farm productivity and efficiency. Labour and cost saving of 97% and 80% were observed in direct seeded rice (DSR) as compared to manual puddled transplanted rice in sowing/transplanting. Tillage and crop establishment methods had a significant effect on rice yields. Yield of manual puddled transplanted rice was significantly higher (10-12%) than DSR during both the years. DSR consumed 12-17 percent less water as compared to puddled transplanted rice during 2011, whereas, it consumed 5-9 per cent more water as compared to puddled transplanted rice during 2012. When compared to manual puddled transplanted rice, a labour saving of 7-8 percent (overall) was observed in DSR during both the years. The B: C ratio was highest in DSR in zero till condition (1.74) as compared to manual puddled transplanted rice (1.62). The study showed that the conventional practice of puddled transplanting could be replaced with zero till DSR to save water and labour.

Abstract: The present investigation was conducted during 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 at Horticulture Research Station, Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Monhanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India, to find out the effect of organic manure, chemical fertilizers and bio fertilizers in an integrated manner for yield maximization and quality improvement in bottle gourd cv. Pusa Naveen. The experiment consisted of eleven nutrient based treatment combinations, including different level of applications of inorganic fertilizers (Urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash), organic manure (vermicompost) and bio fertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB). Present investigation clearly indicated the beneficial effect of integrated nutrient management on yield and quality characters of bottle gourd. The maximum length of main vine (226.00 cm), branches per plant (5.67), fruit number (10.00), fruit weight (873.33 g), fruit length (21.07 cm) and fruit diameter (8.18 cm) were recorded in the treatment which received equal proportions of N from inorganic and organic sources along with bio fertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB). Quality characters namely, total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid in bottle gourd fruit were enhanced in the most favourable way due to application of 75% N from inorganic source and 25% N from organic source along with bio fertilizer (PSB). Keeping view on yield sustainability, balance in ecosystem, soil health improvement and good health of human beings, it may be suggested that vegetable growers particularly in new alluvial zone of West Bengal may supplement 25-50% recommended dose of nitrogen through vermicompost in bottle gourd cultivation along with bio fertilizers viz. Azotobacter and PSB.

Abstract: In tribal areas of India, traditional methods of threshing of minor millets like little millet (Panicum sumatrense), M1, kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum), M2, foxtail millet (Setaria italica), M3, proso millet (P. miliaceum), M4, barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumantacea), M5, finger millet (Eleusine coracana), M6 is done of beating by sticks or treading out the crop panicle under the feet of oxen. This operation is most time consuming, labour intensive, drudgery prone, uneconomical, lower output and obtain low quality products. A thresher for these millet crops was developed and optimization of the operating parameters with little millet was done by using Response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized parameters were 7.79% (d.b) moisture content, 105 kgh-1 feed rate, 625 rpm cylinder speed, 5 mm threshing sieve size which gave maximum threshing efficiency of 95.13% and cleaning efficiency of 94.12%. After optimization of parameters the thresher was tested for threshing of all the six minor millets with proper adjustments of sieve. Threshing capacity of M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 and M6 were obtained as 89, 137, 140, 91, 88 and 99 kg/h, respectively with more than 96% threshing efficiency and less than 2% broken grain.

Abstract: The River Kali is an important surface water body in the western Uttar Pradesh (U.P). It is an intermittent river which flows throughout the monsoonal months. The present study aims to assess the heavy metal contamination in the river Kali using pollution index (PI), based on five heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cr) during pre and post monsoon seasons in the year 2014. The PI evaluated during pre and post monsoon seasons with respect to drinking water quality standards was found as 5.04 and 7.08 respectively, while related to inland water quality standards were found as 4.37 and 3.62, respectively. The results indicate that the river Kali was severely contaminated (PI>3) in both seasons. Therefore, water of Kali River is not fit for drinking as well as for agriculture purposes.

Abstract: Soybean (Glycine max), a multipurpose crop with much appreciated nutritional and functional properties, has generated a lot of interest during last few decades for improving its cultivation and characteristics. Besides having a great potential of energy-protein malnutrition eradication, it can contribute greatly to edible oil pool in the region. This study investigates some agro-morphological characters, besides seed oil content and fatty acid composition of two local soybean genotypes labeled as S/D-18 and S/D-22 grown under rainfed conditions of Kashmir Himalayas in India. The genotype S/D-22 matured earlier than that of S/D-18. Seed yield/plant of 18.5 g (S/D-18) and 20.1g (S/D-22) was recorded in these genotypes with 100-seed weight of 14.3 g and 14.7 g respectively. Seeds of genotype S/D-18 yielded an oil content of 19.54% while in genotype S/D-22 oil content of 19.74% was recorded. Fatty acids of myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linoleinic were detected and quantified in the oil extracted from the seeds of these genotypes. Saturated fatty acids constituted 11.88%(S/D-18) and 11.42%(S/D-22) while unsaturated fatty acids constituted 88.12% (S/D-18) and 88.58% (S/D-22) of the oil. The study has thus, revealed that under dry land conditions, although soybean seed yield/plant is lesser, percentage oil content and fatty acid composition essentially remained unaltered and that significant differences can occur in individual fatty acid contents between genotypes.

Abstract: N D A T I N ANSF Abstract: A laboratory study was conducted at the JAU, Junagadh (Gujarat) during 2013-14 on the deterrent effect of different aqueous plant extracts against pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in stored seeds of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.). Among different aqueous extracts of plants materials, maximum percentage of oviposition deterrence was observed in custard apple seed extract (67.19%), custard apple leaf extract (65.95%), neem seed extract (65.44%), mustard seed extract (64.65%) and jatropha leaf extract (64.16%) at 5 per cent concentration. The maximum adult emergence reduction was seen in custard apple seed extract (78.45%), custard apple leaf extract (77.14%) and neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) (77.09%) at 5 per cent dose level. Minimum weight loss percentage was observed in the cowpea seeds treated with custard apple seed extract at 5% dose level, which recorded 79.20%. The results revealed that all of the tested materials with some variations had deterrent and toxic effects against the pest.

Abstract: Field experiment was conducted in the wetland farms of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during rabi season (August to February) of 2011-12 to evaluate the herbicide (Bispyribac sodium 10% SC) on weed control and their nutrient management in direct seeded lowland rice. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The results revealed that Early Post Emergence (EPOE) application of bispyribac sodium 10% SC 40 g ha-1 recorded higher weed control efficiency and lesser weed density, nutrient uptake at reproductive stage of the crop. Different weed management practices imposed on rice crop did not affect the germination of succeeding green gram.

Abstract: Combining ability and nature of gene interactions that contribute to yield and its attributing traits were investigated using 21 wheat hybrids developed by crossing 7 varieties in a half diallel mating design. Estimate of GCA effects exhibited that the parents UP2672, UP2526 and WH542 were identified as good general combiners revealing their ability in transmitting additive genes in desirable direction to their progenies. Hybrid viz., PBW 621 A— UP 2425 (15.125) found to be the best specific crosses for grain yield plant-1, whether, WH 542 A— HD 2967 (22.587) and UP 2526 A— UP 2425 (14.490) had the highest SCA for biological yield plant-1 and harvest index, respectively. However, the best specific cross combinations for other characters were found for WH 542 A— QLD 40 (-3.694) for days to maturity, PBW 621 A— UP 2526 (-3.819) for plant height, HD 2967 A— UP 2526 (7.527) for 1000 grain weight and WH 542 A— UP 2672 (2.077) for sedimentation value. While crosses PBW 621 A— UP 2425, UP 2526 A— UP 2425 and QLD 40 A— UP 2425 were found to be the best specific combiner for the characters number of productive tillers plant-1, grain yield plant-1, spike length, grain weight spike-1, harvest index, days to 75 % heading and protein content.

Abstract: The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge of medicinal plants and their use in tribal region of Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh. Under the socio-economic profile, farmers of middle age (36-55 yrs) people showed the maximum percentage (78%) distribution and frequency, 50 per cent of respondents belonged to primary to middle school level of education and 63 per cent of respondents were having medium size of family (5 to 8 members). A total number of 50 medicinal plant species belonging to 29 families were recorded, in which Euphorbiaceae registered as the largest family with 4 plant species (8%). Shrub showed their maximum presence (34%) followed by tree (32%), herb (20%) and climber (14%). As per knowledge of respondents about medicinal plants Haldi and Bhui-neem is mostly use as medicinal purpose as 5.2% (n=40) followed by Harra, Munga, Karanj and Hadjod (3.9% each). This information through respondent (tribals) showed very diverse nature of medicinal flora, their usage in healing purpose with socioeconomic/ living standard upliftment. Therefore, it is needful aspect of conserving these biological resources for sustainable ecosystem.

Abstract: The comparative efficacy of bio-organic nutrients on cropping behavior and fruit quality of kiwifruit was analyzed using farm yard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), biofertilizers (BF), green manure (GM), and vermiwash (VW). Among various treatments the combination of FYM at 15 kg/vine, GM, VC at 15kg/vine, BFat50-g/ vine and VW at 2kg/vine significantly improved cropping behavior. This superior combination also resulted in considerably greater amounts of leaf macro-and micronutrients: N (2.49%), P (0.26%), K (1.48%), iron (Fe: 208.0 mg/kg), copper (Cu: 17.8 mg/kg), zinc (Zn: 36.2 mg/kg), and manganese (Mn: 88.3 mg/kg),which might be responsible for better cropping behavior, productivity and nutrient profile for sustainable kiwi fruit production. It can be concluded that with use of various sources of bio-organic materials under organic farming regime, there will be sufficient improvement in fruit quality and plant nutrient contents.

Abstract: The highly significant environments, genotypes and GA—E interaction observed by AMMI analysis of 17 wheat genotypes evaluated at 8 locations in the central zone of the country. Environments(E), genotypes -environment interaction(GE) and genotypes explained 68.8%, 17.6% and 3.2% of the total sum of squares respectively. First four interaction principal components accounted 33.7%, 30.2%, 14.6% and 12.6% of the GA—E interaction variation, respectively. The highest positive IPCA1 score of genotype G8 followed by G11 and G10 supported by yield higher than the grand mean 21.8q/ha. Environments E4 (Jabalpur) and E8 (Partapgarh) recorded maximum yield 32.6q/ha and 28.4q/ha while lowest yield was realized in E1 (Arnej). GGE biplot analysis under polygon view indicated that G13 was better in E6 (Sagar), whereas G1 was better in E7 (Bilaspur) and E8 (Partapgarh). The genotype G1, at the centre of concentric circles, was the ideal genotype in terms of yield performance as compared to the other genotypes. In addition, G15 and G12, located on the next consecutive concentric circle, may be regarded as desirable genotypes.

Abstract: Agriculture is backbone of Indian economy, contributing about 40 per cent towards the Gross National Product and provide livelihood to about 70 per cent of the population. According to the national income published in Economic survey 2014-15, by the CSO, the share of agriculture in total GDP is 18 percent in 2013-14. The Rabi crops data released by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics recently indicates that the total area coverage has declined; area under wheat has gone down by 2.9 per cent. Therefore needs to be do research to study weathersituation and effect on crop production. Pre harvest forecasting is true essence, is a branch of anticipatory sciences used for identifying and foretelling alternative feasible future. Crop yield forecast provided useful information to farmers, marketers, government agencies and other agencies. In this paper Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) Technique and discriminant function analysis were derived for estimating wheat productivity for the district of Varanasi in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The value of Adj. R2 varied from 0.63 to 0.94 in different models. It is observed that high value of Adj. R2 in the Model-2 which indicated that it is appropriate forecast model than other models, also the value of RMSE varied from minimum 1.17 to maximum 2.47. The study revealed that MLR techniques with incorporating technical and statistical indicators (Model 2) was found to be better for forecasting of wheat crop yield on the basis of both Adjusted R2 and RMSE values.

Abstract: The present article was designed with the aim to develop processing technology for preparation of fig (Ficus carica L.) fruits powder (Deanna variety) and the prepared fig powder was subsequently utilized in value added product like burfi (Indian cookie). In contrast to fig pulp and dried figs, the fig powder was found to be superior in terms of yield and ease of processing technology. Fig powder also open further fields of application that may promote fig powder processing at industrial scale in future. The products prepared by processing of figs viz. fig powder and fig burfi were chemically and sensorial assessed and also assessed for their economical feasibility and compared with market samples. Fig powder incorporated burfi was nutritionally rich in terms of fiber (3.7 %), potassium (0.464 %) and protein (13.12 %). The prepared product was found to be low cost as compared to the similar market products.

Abstract: The incidence of resistant mastitis in dairy cows in Tamil Nadu, India was 56.l %. The predominant resistant causative pathogen was Escherichia coli (50.64 %) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (44.25 %) and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (5.11 %). Incidence of resistant mastitis was high in Holstein Friesian cross breed followed by Jersey cross breed and non descript. Highest incidence was observed in early stage of third lactation. In vitro antibiotic sensitivity test revealed the E. coli, S. aureus and MRSA organisms showed more sensitivity to enrofloxacin, amoxicillin+sulbactam, gentamicin and ceftriaxone and had highest resistant to penicillin followed by amoxicillin, oxytetracycline and methicillin. The study highlights the need for preventing the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.

Abstract: Fruit fly (Bactrocera correcta Bezzi) is the major pest of Guava grown in Baruipur region of West Bengal, contributing upto 90% yield loss. The present study was undertaken during 2011-12 at farmers’ field to validate the wrapping of individual fruits at tree and to standardize the wrapping material and the correct technique of wrapping. Performance of nine different types of wrapping materials (butter paper bag, polypropylene bag of 20I¼ gauge with and without paper piece inside, non-woven poly fabric bags of white, green and blue colour with 20 gsm and 40 gsm thickness) along with two chemical approaches were studied against untreated control. Fruit fly infestation varied between 1.32 % and 17.31% in all treatments using wrapping materials and 13.14% in case of combined use of pheromone trap (Bacu lure) and Dichlorvos spray as compared to 21.71% in sole use of Dichlorvos and 66.67% in control plots. Wrapping resulted in increased weight of individual fruits (112.58 g in butter paper bag compared to 68.40 g in control). Wrapping with transparent polypropylene bags (20I¼ gauge) with partial paper cover inside, resulted in lowest yield loss (1.66%), earlier fruit maturity, better fruit quality (in respect of colour and glossiness), highest market price (`30 per kg) and highest net profit (`1.357 lakh/ha). This material is durable enough to be reused for 4-5 times. The partial paper cover helped to prevent scorching injury to the fruit as well as to control the humidity inside the polypropylene bag.

Abstract: This paper investigates the potential use of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) aqueous leaf extract on the growth, yield and disease control of a common vegetable plant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The neem extract increased shoot height, number of branches, number of leaves, number of buds, number of flowers and number of fruits of tomato plant over controls in different treatments. Numbers of diseases were calculated as percentage and disease/plant. The percentage of reduction of disease was calculated after the spray of neem extract on plants. Neem extract was found effectively in controlling canker (50.32%), early blight (55.12%), wilt (59.45%), leaf spot (55.48%), fruit spot (41.93%), blossom end rot (40.86%) and sun scald (25.61%) in comparison to controls under field condition. Thus, biopesticides can contribute in reducing use of chemical pesticides and subsequently minimize its hazards to the environment and human health.

Abstract: The impact of honey on the silkworm, Bombyx mori was demonstrated with reference to the larval growth, silk gland proteins and economic parameters of sericulture. The honey works well at a concentration of 2% in distilled water. At this concentration it promotes growth rates in the silkworm larvae during fifth instar development. It positively reinforces the day-to-day larval growth rate by 4.75 additional percentile points, silk gland growth rate by 4.45 additional percentile points and the gland-body ratio by additional 6.64 percentile points. It stimulates silk protein synthesis in all the three segments of the silk gland, viz., the anterior, middle and posterior parts. Under its influence, the silk gland protein profiles grew significantly by 14.85 additional percentile points in the anterior silk gland (ASG), minimally by 8.68 additional percentile points in the middle silk gland (MSG) and maximally by 15.17 additional percentile points in the posterior silk gland (MSG), compared to their control values. It also stimulates the core shell protein synthesis by 18% and retards floss protein synthesis by ~25% in the three segments of silk gland. In doing so, it contributes to sericulture industry by causing improvements in profit making economic traits such as gland-body ratio, cocoon weight, shell weight, raw silk weight, denier and renditta and by reducing the production of floss, which contributes to loss in the sericulture industry. Honey is suggested as a profitable supplementary diet forsilkworm.

Abstract: An investigation was undertaken to assess the combining ability for yield and quality traits in rice. Three WA cytoplasmic male sterile lines of rice i.e., IR-58025A, IR-68897A and Pusa 6A were crossed with six restorer genotypes i.e., Sanwal Basmati, Pusa Sugandh-2, Pusa Sugandh-3, Pusa Sugandh-5, Pusa 2517-2-51-1 and HURJM- 59221 in line x tester design to generate 18 hybrids. Among the female parents, IR-58025A revealed significant desirable value of GCA effect for yield per plant and most of the quality traits. Among the pollen parents, Pusa Sugandh-3 revealed significant desirable value of GCA effect for most of the yield traits. However, Pusa Sugandh-5 revealed significant desirable value of GCA effect for most of the quality traits. Pusa 6A x Pusa Sugandh-2 evinced the highest significant value of SCA effect for grain yield followed by IR-58025A x Pusa Sugandh-5. However, IR- 68897A x Pusa 2517-2-51-1 followed by IR-58025A x Sanwal Basmati revealed the significant desirable value of SCA effect for most of the quality traits. For both yield and quality traits, IR-58025A x Pusa Sugandh-5, IR-68897A x HUR-JM-59221 and Pusa 6A x Pusa Sugandh-2 were found to be relatively better performing. Thus, present study aims to develop hybrids performing better for both yield and quality traits.

Abstract: The trial was conducted at the research block of Crop Improvement, GBPUAT, Hill Campus, Ranichauri using randomized block design (RBD) to characterize finger millet germplasm for morphological characters viz, plant height, flag leaf length, number of tiller plant-1, number of finger ear-1, ear length, no of grain finger-1, no of grain ear-1 and grain yield plant-1 Among all germplasms, number of finger ear-1, number of grain finger-1 and grain yield plant-1(g) had recorded highest in VL 149 which were 996, 15066, 263 g respectively The germplasm GEC 1406 attained lowest plant height (7589 cm), GEC 961 had recorded higher flag leaf length (4096 cm), GEC 268 had recorded maximum number of tiller plant-1 (330), GEC 199 had recorded higher ear length (920 cm), GEC 1044 had recorded maximum number of grain ear-1 (663) among all germplasm of finger millet This study is helpful to identify superior germplasm so they can be used for further finger millet crop improvement programs

Abstract: Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) is the major cause of diarrhoea in neonatal animals. This study determined the prevalence, serological diversity, virulence gene profile and in-vitro antibiogram of ETEC isolates from diarrhoeic faeces of calves and lambs. The prevalence rate of ETEC in lambs was recorded 18.46 % with O8 as predominant serotype. However, in calves the prevalence rate was recorded 8.57 % with O15 and O26 as predominant serotypes. The antibiogram screening showed differential susceptibility pattern among ETEC isolates with highest resistance to ampicillin and highest sensitivity to enrofloxacin. In the present study, for the first time it was reported that the diarrhoea in calves and lambs occur due to virulent gene est not due to elt gene, which was absent in all the isolates.

Abstract: Maize borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) is the chief limiting factor for higher corn production. Field trials to assess the efficacy of different insecticides against C. partellus were carried in district Ropar, Punjab. It was observed that significantly lesser leaf injury incidence was recorded in biorational treatment T1: chlorantriniliprole 18.5 SC (3.43 & 4.23) in comparison to broad spectrum conventional insecticide treatment T3: Deltamethrin 2.8 EC (4.63& 5.36) and T4 :Farmer’s practice 4.43 and 6.93. Whereas in plots with parasitoid application (T2), the leaf injury incidence was recorded to be 6.56 & 7.86 during 2012 and 2013, respectively. Though T2 was statistically superior to control, however it was not at par with insecticide treatments. Furthermore similar trend was observed for dead hearts reduction in different treatments. It was recorded to be 3.16 and 3.90, 3.33 and 3.96, 3.53 and 3.96 in insecticide treatment plots T1, T3 and T4 respectively. The economic returns on the basis of marketable grain yield in insecticide treated plots was more in T1 followed by T3 and T4 (51.99, 49.58 and 48.51) in comparison to control (40.44) and biological control plots (46.75). Therefore experimental data revealed overall superiority of biorational pesticide in comparison to conventional insecticides for reduction in pest damage and economic returns. Hence the option of biorational for the control of maize stem borer not only justify safety to environment but also offers effective control of borer population in maize ecosystem due to its distinct chemical class and unique mode of action.