Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Evaluation of Assamese buffaloes considering important economic traits under field conditions in their home tracts
Get PDFThe Assamese buffaloes are being reared by the farmers/breeders for milk, meat and for draught purposes. These buffaloes are known for higher fat contents in their milk (8.5 percent on an average) and are famous in the market with a great demand and are known as “Khuti milk”. They are good source of livelihood for breeders and the graziers both in its breeding tract and have attracted researchers to consider the study of some important economic traits under field conditions. The present study was organized and considered the data on a total of 324 Assamese buffaloes distributed over three districts namely Kamrup, Nagaon and Darrang in Assam covering 35 khutis (open herds) during the year 2015-16 eighteen months. The lactation milk yield of Assamese buffalo was observed as 448.38±1.67 kg with a lactation length of 237.06±0.74 days and the peak yield and days to attain were measured as 3.41±0.02 kg and 54.16±0.19 days respectively. The reproduction traits like age at first calving, gestation period, service period and inter-calving period were considered for the study based on the breeders’ interview using pre-structured formats. The age at first calving was recorded as 52.28±0.81 months, the gestation period was observed as 323.10±0.68 days with an inter-calving period of 465.70±1.67 day. The service period and the dry period for these buffalo was 171.34±0.82 and 252.84±1.47 days respectively. The production and reproduction performance of Assamese buffaloes need special attention to be addressed for further improvements to help a large size of population of Assam, who are entirely depending for their livelihood on these valuable AnGR (buffaloes) of Assam
An overview on problems and prospects of transplanted maize with special reference to India
Get PDFTransplanting is the technique of moving of a plant from one location to another. This strategy is commonly practiced to establish crops when conditions are less favourable for direct seeding. Birds and squirrels damage to seedlings of maize is a serious problem resulting in poor crop stand and low yield. Delayed germination and plant growth receives a major setback due to late sowing of maize which reduces grain yield; however, reduction of yield can be compensated by transplantation technique. Transplanting of maize is a strategy that can be used to achieve optimum plant densities, better crop stand and obviously to get optimum yield. It reduces the nutrient requirement and also shortens the growth period of crop that helps farmers to harvest a third crop in intensive cropping system. Transplanted crop produces about 15.44% higher grain yield and can be harvested 10-12 days earlier that of direct seeding crop, so, late maturity high yielding cultivars can be fitted in to available growing season. Though, there are several advantages of transplanted maize, it is not popular in India due to lack of awareness, lacking in proper rational scientific technology and very little information about age of seedling and optimum dose of nutrient. Farmers can be benefitted if proper technology regarding age of seedling, process of transplanting and other cultivation techniques of raising transplanted maize is supplied to them
Potential of few fungicides and plant extracts for managing charcoal rot of soybean caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Gold. in Madhya Pradesh, India
Get PDFCharcoal rot disease of soybean caused by Macrophomina phaseolina is a serious problem in most of the soybean growing area of Madhya Pradesh. In this study, seven plant extracts viz., leaves of Azadirachta indica, Citrus limon, Polyalthia longifolia, Parthenium hysterophorus and Ricinus communis, bulb of Allium sativum and Allium cepa and eight fungicides viz., Captan (0.25%), Mancozeb (0.25%), Carbendazim + Mancozeb (25%), Thiophanate Methyl (0.1%), Pyraclostrobin (0.2%), Carbendazim (0.1%) and Blue copper (0.3% ) were evaluated for an effective management of charcoal rot of soybean caused by M. phaseolina (Tassi) Goid under in vitro and in vivo condition. Among plant extracts, garlic clove extract was found most effective showing 77.3 % growth inhibition and poor microslerotia formation of M. phaseolina by 77.3 % followed by parthenium leaf extract (75.2% inhibition) at 15 % concentration. Two soil drenching of garlic clove extracts @ 15.0 % concentration also found most effective for the management of disease under field condition recorded minimum disease incidence (13.5%) and highest yield (14.6q/ha). Among fungicides, Carbendazim (0.1%) and Thiophanate Methyl (0.1%) showed 100 % inhibition of radial growth and microsclerotia production of M phaseolina under in vitro condition. Two soil drenching of Carbendazim @ 0.1% found to be most effective for the management of charcoal rot of soybean under field condition showing minimum disease incidence (5.36%) and producing highest yield (16.0 q/ha) followed by Thiophanate Methyl. These results suggested that the toxic effect of Carbendazim and Thiophanate Methyl and A. sativum inhibited maximum mycelium growth in vitro and provide management of charcoal rot disease under field conditions
Fecundity, histomorphology of the ovary and size at first maturity of Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (McClelland) in Tamor River, Nepal
Get PDFNeolissochilus hexagonolepis (McClelland, 1839) is one among the notable species in snow-fed torrential rivers of Nepal. The present study attempts to investigate some reproductive traits of N. hexagonolepis, including the length at first maturity, fecundity and its relationships with biometric variables like lengths (TL, SL, and FL) and weights (TW and OW) of the fish in the mid-reaches of Tamor River, Nepal. A total of 109 fish samples were collected from the river. For each individual, total length (TL), standard length (SL) and fork length (FL) were measured in a fully stretched condition to the nearest 1mm using a measuring tape and graduated ruler, while total weight (TW) and ovary weight (OW) was measured using a digital balance with the precision of 0.01 g. The mean absolute fecundity (F) was 8356.44 ± 4612.59 and ranged from 2398.6 to 20160. SL was more significantly correlated with absolute fecundity (R2=0.59; p<0.001) than other body metrics. The results showed that female individuals of N. hexagonolepis attained the first sexual maturity at TL 32.9 cm. N. hexagonolepis exhibited a protracted breeding period with its ovaries passing through six different stages of maturation. The finding of the present study may serve as a protocol for fishery biologists and managers to promulgate adequate regulations for continual fishery management in the River Tamor, Nepal
Communal roosting of Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus in Uttar Pradesh, India
Get PDFThe behaviour of birds to settle or rest at a place at specific times of day and night is called roosting. Some birds prefer solitary roosting while others roost communally. The Communal roosting behaviour of Egyptian vulture was studied in five districts (Sambhal, Lakhimpur Kheri, Aligarh, Bareilly and Faizabad) of Uttar Pradesh, India from January 2014- December 2017. Total count was conducted at roosting sites in all the seasons (summer, winter and monsoon). The maximum number of individuals counted at the roost site was in Sambhal followed by Lakhimpur Kheri, Aligarh, Bareilly, Faizabad. Four different roost substrates were identified: Ground, tree, building, and electric pylon. A maximum (63%) of Egyptian vultures were observed roosting on the ground, followed by electric pylon (19%), tree (10%) and minimum on building (8%). The present study confirmed that Egyptian vultures are communal roosters and a number of roosting individuals most probably depended on the availability of food of the area. Egyptian vultures are globally endangered species and so far no work has been done on their roosting behaviour in India; therefore the present study will prove beneficial to plan for their conservation strategies
Restorative effect of Azadirachta indica against fenvalerate induced haematological and biochemical toxicity in a freshwater fish Clarias batrachus
Get PDFPesticide use in recent times has increased many folds to enhance the yield of crops. The water bodies like ponds and others are extensively used for the cultivation of fishes. Since these fishes are a good source of protein and nutritious value, hence are consumed by humans. These pesticide-contaminated fishes are consumed by the human, causing health hazards. The objective of the present research work was to know the bio remedial effect of Azadirachta indica on fenvalerate induced toxicity in a freshwater air-breathing catfish "Mangur" known as Clarias batrachus ( Linnaeus). The fishes were treated with 1/3rd of LC50, i.e. 0.92 ppm of a pyrethroid pesticide fenvalerate and observed the fishes for 96 hours. Thereafter, the aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica was administered orally, daily by gastric intubation method at the dose of 100 mg/Kg body weight per day for 15 days. The study revealed that, after the exposure of 0.92 ppm of fenvalerate, there was a significant decrease in RBC count from 2.76 to 2.14 X (106) (mm-3), Total leukocyte count from18.10 to 16.30 X (103) (mm-3), , packed ell volume from 24 % to 16% , haemoglobin from 6.89 g/100 ml to 4.23 g/100ml of blood whereas increase in the level of serum glucose and cholesterol level from 50.33 mg/dl to 103.73 mg/dl and 168.52 g/dl to 248.99 g/dl respectively. At the same time, serum protein level decreased from 3.16g/dl to2.52 g/dl due to pesticide in the experimental fishes. But, after the administration of aqueous leaf extract of Azadirachta indica there was significant normalisation in the test parameters of the fishes. The study indicated that neem leaves possessed restorative effect against fenvalerate induced toxicity in Clarias batrachus
Agro-morphological characterization of local garlic (Allium sativum L.) germplasm accessions collected from different regions of Jammu and Kashmir
Get PDFGarlic (Allium sativum L.) is increasingly becoming an essential component in human diet due to tremendous health-promoting benefits; its traditional local types are preferred for their taste. Garlic clones have specific adaptations to different agro-climatic regions; some have adapted to specific environments through artificial and natural selection. The study was undertaken to assess the variation in some agro-morphological characters of 17 local garlic germplasm accessions collected from different regions of Jammu and Kashmir including far-flung areas of Karthaie Padder Kishtwar and Balot Bhaderwah Doda. Most of these local garlic germplasm accessions are characterized by more pungent smell and distinctive taste often with pigmented coat layers. Some of these accessions have been cryo-preserved in National Gene Bank at ICAR-NBPGR New Delhi. The results have demonstrated the existence of a good amount of agro-morphological diversity in these local garlic germplasm accessions. Different ecotypes exhibit considerable variation among themselves in agronomic characteristics. Therefore, there is a need for concerted efforts for exploration, collection and maintenance of locally available garlic germplasm possessing quality traits including disease and pest resistance besides good storability characteristics for future garlic crop improvement programmes in the region
An overview of pesticides in the development of agriculture crops
Get PDFThe development of agriculture yield is closely related to the use of pesticides. This review categorizes and identifies the pathway of toxicity in the environment and their prevention measures to reduce risks from pesticide use. The inherent properties of selected pesticides released into the environment through different routes such as spray, drift, vaporization, surface run-off, unlawful acts, spills and drainage discharges, and through leaching or soil dust are related to their potential effects on environmental health. The intensive use of various pesticides like BHC, endrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, DDT, endosulfan and pyrethroids have harmful effects on non-target organisms and interfere in the development of agriculture crops. The preventive measures for pesticides are the crop rotation, use of protective equipment, integrated pest management, protection and regulation policy in pesticide application. The development of alternatives to pesticides is also needed in order to advance the design of better farming systems. A regular monitoring programme of pest management would help to improve the production of high quality of food as well as to protect the health of the environment and humans
Evaluation of fungicides for management of anthracnose disease of black gram (Vigna mungo l.) in growing areas of district Jhansi of Bundelkhand region
Get PDFBlack gram (Vigna mungo L.) growing areas of district Jhansi coming under Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh were surveyed during Kharif 2018 for the occurrence of anthracnose disease of black gram. A total of 22 villages were visited under six blocks of Jhansi during this period. Blockwise comparison of the survey in Jhansi revealed that less mean disease incidence (10%) and severity (4.0%) occurred in the Chirgaon block. Highest disease incidence (24%) and severity (12%) were observed in block Moth. The block Bangra, Babina, Badagaon, and Bamour secured disease incidence 23.5, 20, 16.44 and 15% and severity 15.14, 12, 7.44 and 8.5% respectively. Nine fungicides (viz. [email protected]%, tilt @0.1%, [email protected]%, [email protected]%, [email protected]%, dithane [email protected]%, amistar top, [email protected]% and [email protected]%) were tested against anthracnose disease of black gram under field condition. Among them, seed treatment with carbendazim@ 3gram/kg seed and foliar spray of mixture of azole and strobilurin group T3- [email protected] ( tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin) and T7-amistar [email protected]% (azoxystrobin+ difenoconazole) were found significantly (at 0.05%) superior over the rest of treatments, both showed minimum (6%) disease severity with maximum (78.51%) disease control. Significant (at 0.05%) increase in yield (47.5%) also observed in both treatments T3 and T7. The treatment T1- Spray of [email protected]%, T2- Spray of Tilt @0.1%, T4- Spray of [email protected]%, T5- Spray of [email protected]%, T8- Spray of [email protected]%, T9- Spray of [email protected]% also showed good results in reducing the black gram anthracnose disease severity per cent (64.29, 57.14, 64.28, 57.14, 71.42 and 64.28 and also increased the yield per cent 37.5, 35, 42.5, 36.25, 45 and 45 respectively
Xenia studies in exotic and indigenous almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) varieties of Kashmir, India
Get PDFPollination is very important to obtain an economic yield, and the selection of pollinizer with suitable quality and quantity of pollen is an essential practice in different fruit plants. The effects of pollen parent on kernel and nut characters are known to occur in several nut crops and to determine the best pollinizer and effect of pollen source on the nut and kernel quality of almond (Prunus amygdalus L.). The present investigation was carried out at the experiment farm of Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), SKUAST-Kashmir for two consecutive years, i.e. 2008 and 2009. Various cross combinations were made among nine almond (three exotic and six indigenous) varieties/selections which are compatible with each other. Their nut and kernel characteristics were determined and observed maximum nut weight (2.21 g), nut length (39.78 mm) and nut breadth (20.33 mm), kernel weight (1.28 g), kernel length (28.63 mm) and kernel breadth (12.61 mm) and shelling percentage (57.99 %). In the present study it has been observed that the parent with big nut and kernel size and weight influenced the nut and kernel size; nut and kernel weight of the recipient parent significantly (p?0.05)