Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Use of local bioresources for post-harvest management of white rot of apple caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea
Get PDFPost-harvest fungal pathogens are reported to cause 10 to 25 percent losses in apple. Among various pathogens, white rot caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea is one of the important post-harvest diseases. Incidence of white rot was recorded between3.0-14.1 percent in important marketing yards of Himachal Pradesh. Golden Delicious variety of apple has been found to be most susceptible to white rot pathogen. Two botanical formulations by mixing equal quantity of leaves of Karu (Roylea elegans), Artemisia (Artemisia roxburghiana), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Bana (Vitex negundo), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and seeds of Darek (Melia azedarach) made in water and cowurine were evaluated against the white rot pathogen. Fruit dip for 30 minutes in cow urine based formulation did not allowed the disease development to form lesions in artificially inoculated apple fruits. Also, fruits dipped in cow urine based formulation followed by their storage in card board boxes at room temperature (25± 30C) for 30 days storage had minimum incidence (2.8%) of white rot disease. Therefore, dip treatment of apple fruits with different bio -resources including water and cow urine based botanical formulation separately proved effective in the management of white rot (Botryosphaeria dothidea) of apple
Effect of heavy metal, copper sulphate and potassium chromate on behaviour of “Tailless water flea” Simocephalus vetulus (Crustacea - Cladocera)
Get PDFWater fleas constitute major zooplankton population of fresh water aquatic ecosystem. Their population density is an indicative of well-being of aquatic bodies. Simocephalus vetulus (Crustacea - Cladocera) is a tailless water flea and is well suited lab model for environmental monitoring. Copper a Gray listed heavy metals despite being an essential micronutrient, becomes highly toxic when present in excess quantity in aquatic ecosystem thereby causing deleterious effects on aquatic flora as well as fauna. The water-flea exposed to acute 0.37 mg/l (96hr LC50), sub-acute 0.0925 mg/l (25% of 96hr LC50) value and chronic 0.037 mg/l (10% of 96hr LC50) value of copper sulphate and acute 0.16 mg/l (96 hr LC50), sub-acute 0.04 mg/l (25% of 96 hr LC50) value and chronic 0.016 mg/l (10% of 96 hr LC50) value of potassium chromate showed behavioural alterations like initial hyperactivity, fast appendage movements and in phototaxis, geotaxis and avoidance indices. At later stage erratic swimming and spinning, reduced activity, loss of balance, reduced feeding and darkening of cuticular coloration, reduced phototactic, geotaxis and avoidance indices were the major effects on its behaviour. The behavioural alterations of S. vetulus showed the most susceptible and foremost indication of potential toxic effects. Various behavioural parameters, used in present study may serve as better biomarkers about metal toxicity and monitoring of drinking water qualit
Weed management in kharif rice in new alluvial zone of West Bengal
Get PDFA field experiment was carried out during the Kharif season of two consecutive years 2015 and 2016 at Instructional Farm, Jaguli, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal with the focal objective to assess the effect of different weed control measures on yield of transplanted kharif rice, IET 4786. Experiment having 3 replications was conducted in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments, namely, T1- Pendimethalin 30% EC + Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 675 + 15 g a.i, T2- Pendimethalin 30% EC + Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 900 + 200 g a.i, T3- Pendimethalin 30% EC + Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 1125 + 25 g a.i, T4- Pendimethalin 30% EC @ 1500 g a.i, T5- Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 15 g a.i, T6- Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20 g a.i, T7- Metsulfuron methyl 10 % + Chlorimuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 4 g a.i, T8- Hand weeding and T9- Weedy check. Significant variations were observed on the mixed weed flora as well as on performance of rice under the different herbicidal treatments.Pendimethalin 30% EC + Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP @ 1125+25 g a.i) was found to be the most effective recording the lowest weed population and weed dry weight with the highest weed control efficiency (83.5% in 2015 and 79.8 % in 2016) and the highest number of panicles m-2 (215.1 in 2015 and 231 in 2016), number of filled grains panicle-1 (85.39 in 2015 and 115.47 in 2016) and grain yield of rice (3.60 t/ha in 2015 and 5.30 t/ha in 2016). The lowest grain yield(2.20 t/ha in 2015 and 3.40 t/ha in 2016) and the highest weed density were observed in weedy check plots
Genetic variability study in F2 population of tetraploid dicoccum wheat crosses
Get PDFThe aim of the present investigation was to estimate the genetic variability parameters in Wheat (Triticum dicoccum) F2 population of the cross DDK1025 X ML-1. The traits involved in study were grain yield, threshability, rachis percent and other yield contributing traits such as tiller number, number of grains per spike, number of spikelet’s per spike, etc. and the genetic variability parameters estimated are mean, range, Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), heritability and genetic advance over mean. The results obtained from the study reveals higher mean and wider range for all the traits especially for plant height, tiller number, spikelets per spike, number of grains per spikelet, spike length, grain yield per plant, threshability and rachis. High degree of PCV with moderate GCV was observed for the traits like number of tiller per plant (20.96 PCV and 15.96 GCV), number of grains per spike (21.92 PCV and 18.79 GCV), rachis % (22.5 PCV and 19.10 GCV) and grain yield per plant (20.07 PCV and 18.10) . Heritability and genetic advance was recorded to high for all the traits in both the populations. On the basis of an overall consideration of the genetic variability parameters it may be concluded that F2 population of the cross, DDK-1025 x ML-1 have the potential source for improving the yield and its associated traits and also offering some scope in altering the plant height
Study on infant feeding practices among mothers in rural areas of Faizabad District (U.P.), India
Get PDFThe present study was undertaken to find out socio-demographic profile of respondents and to estimate the current feeding practices including breastfeeding, pre-lacteal feeding and complementary feeding. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four blocks namely Haringtonganj, Amaniganj, Bikapur and Sohawal of Faizabad District in 2015. Total 352 lactating mother having children’s aged from 6 months to 2 years were interviewed to collect information on pre designed and pretested proforma. The data was tabulated on Microsoft Excel sheet and analysed using chi-square test. Study findings showed that mostly 43.75% were in the age range of 20-25 years. More than half (58.51%) of the mothers were literate and majority 96.87% mothers were housewives. All mothers had done breastfeeding in which 73.58% mothers continued breastfeeding after 6 months at the time of study. Majority 89.49% responding mothers were given exclusive breastfeeding, 81.82% had given colostrum and 38.64% gave pre-lacteal feed to their baby. Most of the children (80.11%) were taking weaning food but majority 89.36% mothers did not prepare any special food for their children. The association between education of mothers and infant feeding practices was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). The study showed that mostly mothers adopted correct feeding practices at some extent and these practices were much influenced by education of mothers. So it is very necessary to imparting nutrition and health education to the mothers
Mass screening of Trichoderma spp. for their antagonism against some plant pathogenic oomycetes fungi
Get PDFIn vitro efficacy of twenty five Trichoderma isolates (twenty were TCMS series viz., TCMS 2, 4, 5, 12, 14a, 14b, 15, 16, 24, 32, 34, 36, 43, 60, 62, 64, 65, 72, 85 and 93, and five Th series; Th 1, 3, 14, 19 and 32) were ascertained for their antagonistic activity against few major plant pathogenic oomycetes namely, Phytophthora infestans, P. parasitica and Pythium aphenidermatum using dual culture technique. P. infestans was isolated from infected potato leaves and Pythium aphenidermatum from infected brinjal. P. parasitica culture was collected from Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Simla. The present study was conducted at Biological Control Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. All the 25 Trichodrma isolates were found significantly effective against the test pathogens. TCMS-36 and TCMS-72 were found highly effective against P. aphinidermatum with 59.57 per cent inhibition of radial growth of the fungus. Maximum reduction in mycelial growth of P. infestans was recorded with isolate TCMS-64 (60.40%) followed by TCMS-65 (59.41%), TCMS-34 (58.42%), TCMS-24, TCMS-43 and TCMS-93 with 57.43 per cent inhibition. While, maximum inhibition of P. parasitica was recorded with TCMS-4 (92.75%) followed by TCMS-36 (92.23%), TCMS-2 (91.71%), TCMS-14a (91.17%) and TCMS-32 (90.67%). The selected potential isolates may be applied to sustainable and eco-friendly management of many major crop diseases caused by the oomycetes and other fungi
Effect of nutrient levels and schedule of nutrient application on the grain quality of upland rice intercropped in coconut
Get PDFField experiment was conducted at Coconut Research Balaramapuram, during Kharif 2017 to study the effect of nutrient levels and schedule of application on the quality parameters of upland rice intercropped in coconut. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design (RBD) with four different nutrient levels and four different schedules of nutrient application. Quality parameters like crude protein and starch content were significantly influenced by nutrient levels. The crude protein content was found to increase with increase in N level, however starch content was found to increase up to 70 kg N and 35 kg K ha-1 and after that a decline in trend was observed. The highest crude protein content (8.38 per cent) was recorded with highest nutrient level, NPK @ 120:30:60 kg ha-1. However, lower nutrient level, NPK @ 70:30:35 kg ha-1 recorded higher starch content (85.03 per cent). Among the schedule of nutrient application, N applied in three equal splits (15 days after sowing (DAS), active tillering and panicle initiation stage), P as basal and K in two equal splits (15 DAS and panicle initiation stage) along with foliar application of 0.2 per cent zinc sulphate and 0.04 per cent sodium borate at 45 DAS recorded the highest crude protein (7.50 per cent) and starch content (84.17 per cent). The study clearly indicated that the increased level of N and K increased the protein content due to the active role of N and K in protein synthesis. However, high rate of N application decreased the starch content. In addition to the application of NPK, foliar nutrition of zinc sulphate and sodium borate at 45 DAS considerably improved the quality of grain by increasing the starch and protein content
Effect of organic fertilizer and microbial inoculants on soil biological properties and yield of scented rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Get PDFA field experiment was conducted at Research farm of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (longitude 87o2’42”East and latitude 25o15?40? North at an altitude of 46 meters above mean sea level) with Katarni rice cv Bhagalpur Katarni during kharif season of 2017. The experiment with ten treatments was laid out in Randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Results revealed that among all the applied organic treatments the maximum microbial population viz., Bacteria, Actinomycetes, Fungi, Azospirillum, PSB and KSB (71.66, 27.33, 57.66, 43.66, 63.00 and 47.66 cfu × 105 g-1 oven dry soil) were recorded with the application of treatment T5 {(75 % N (FYM) basal + 25 % N (V/C) at 25 DAT + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1 + PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 + KSB @ 5 kg ha-1)} at panicle initiation stage and similar trend were obtained at harvesting stage. Application of the same treatment significantly increased dehydrogenase activity by 81.62%, 10.80%, 24.86%, 15.66%, 17.83% and 18.91% when compared with application of T1 (RDF), T3 {(100 % N FYM) as basal)}, T7 {(100 % N (GM)}, T8 {(50 % N (GM) + 50 % N (V/C) at 25 DAT)}, T9 {(75 % N (GM) + 25 % N (V/C) at 25 DAT + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1 + PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 + KSB @ 5 kg ha-1)} and T10 {(75 % N (GM) + 25 % N (V/C) at 25 DAT + Panchagavya on foliar application )}, respectively. Among all organic treatments the maximum grain yield of paddy (27.39 q ha-1) was recorded in treatment T5 {(75 % N (FYM) basal + 25 % N (V/C) at 25 DAT + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1 + PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 + KSB @ 5 kg ha-1)}. Among all the organic inputs and microbial inoculants, the combined application of 75 % N (FYM) basal + 25 % N (V/C) at 25 DAT + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1 + PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 + KSB @ 5 kg ha-1 was found to be effective in modifying the soil microbial population and microbial community structure and grain yield of scented rice
Composition, structure and diversity of tree species along an elevational gradient in Dudu forest range, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Get PDFThe present study has been undertaken along an altitudinal gradient (950-3500m a.s.l.) in Dudu Forest Range of Udhampur Forest Division, Jammu & Kashmir, India to understand the composition, structure and diversity of tree species along an elevation gradient in the area. Ten forest types characterised by different dominant tree species with subtropical and temperate elements of vegetation have been recognised in the area.Overall average values of diversity indices such as Margalef’s Index (MI); Menhinik Index (MeI); Shannon-Weiner Index (H’) and Simpson Index (D) have been observed to be 1.70, 0.85, 1.66 and 0.61, respectively. The study suggested that distribution and species richness are largely regulated by physiographic and climatic factors along the gradient
Prospects of strawberry cultivation in Haryana State, India
Get PDFThe study on the prospects of strawberry cultivation by the strawberry growers indicated that overall prospects of strawberry cultivation were medium to high since 78 percent belonged to these categories. The study was conducted in Bhiwani and Hisar districts. Prospects were categorized into two categories i.e. production related prospects and general prospect of strawberry cultivation. Majority of farmers agreed that demand is increasing day by day (weighted mean score 2.78) which is an indication of innovativeness (weighted mean score 2.76), status in village (weighted mean score 2.68). The purchasing power of people increased (weighted mean score 2.64) The better economic returns in comparison to other fruit crops (weighted mean score 2.62) and high nutritious value of fruit (weighted mean scores 2.62) were osberved. In case Govt. provides facilities, it would take the persons to go for strawberry cultivation (weighted mean score 2.58). The food habit of people changed (weighted mean score 2.54). The high price (weighted mean score 2.52) was suitable for agro-processing (weighted mean score 2.5), whereas better export facilities available (weighted mean score 1.88), farmer friendly being easy to produce (weighted mean score 1.56), better market facilities available at present (weighted mean score 1.52) and better technical support available(weighted mean score 1.44) were not upto the desired level of prospects as perceived by strawberry growers