Central Agricultural University

About: Central Agricultural University is a education organization based out in Imphal, Manipur, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Agriculture. The organization has 1116 authors who have published 1157 publications receiving 9217 citations.

Selection of pigeonpea genotypes for tolerance to aluminium toxicity

Abstract: With 2 tables Abstract Aluminium toxicity is a major growth limiting factor for pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] production in acid soils. Thus, screening and selection of pigeonpea genotypes for aluminium tolerance is important. The effects of five aluminium concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30 and 50 ppm Al) on 32 genotypes of pigeonpea were studied in hydroponic and sand assays (growth response methods). Ratings of genotypes were similar for the two screening methods, suggesting that either of the two could be used for evaluation of genotypes for aluminium tolerance. Root and shoot aluminium contents were significantly lower in the tolerant (‘IPA 7-10′ and ‘T 7’) than sensitive genotypes (‘Bahar’ and ‘Pusa 9’), indicating that aluminium tolerance mechanism per se in the tolerant genotypes involved aluminium exclusion. Genotypes ‘IPA 7-10’ and ‘T 7’ will be useful in breeding programmes to improve aluminium tolerance in pigeonpea.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) from the first outbreak of India shows close relationship with the highly pathogenic variant of China.

Abstract: Background: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is an economically important viral disease of pigs worldwide. India has reported the first outbreak of PRRS in the pig population of Mizoram state to the Office International des Epizooties on the 26 June 2013.Hypothesis/Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the genotype and origin of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) from the first outbreak in the pig population of Mizoram state, India, in 2013.Animals and methods: A total of 880 affected pigs from the outbreak were clinically examined, 51 animals were necropsied and tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect PRRSV and 148 serum samples were tested to detect PRRSV-specific antibodies. The full open reading frame 5 (ORF5) gene sequences from 12 and ORF7 gene sequences from three clinical cases were sequenced and analysed for genomic characterization, respectively.Results: The outbreak was confirmed by the detecti...

A checklist of the Long-horned Beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India with several new reports

Abstract: Northeastern India is one of the hot spots of mega biodiversity of the world. The collections of cerambycid beetles were made from the forest region of Arunachal Pradesh, India during 2008–2013. A total of 49 species of cerambycids were collected during the survey, belonging to three subfamilies and a checklist of all the species is provided. Taxonomic synonyms, bibiliography alongwith new distribution and list of host plants of the region are included. Rhytidodera griseofasciata is reported for the first time from India, besides seven other species, viz., Nupserha nigriceps , Pterolophia ( Hylobrotus ) tuberculatrix, Neocerambyx grandis, Olenecamptus indianus, Obereopsis obscura obscura , Aristobia reticulator , and Sarothrocera lowii are being reported from Arunachal Pradesh for the first time.

Microwave treatment of naphthenic acids in water

Abstract: Naphthenic acids (NAs) are natural constituents of bitumen and crude oil. These compounds are concentrated as part of the oil sands process water (OSPW) during petroleum refining and separation from oil sands. NAs are considered among the major water contaminants in OSPW due to their toxicity and environmental recalcitrance. A laboratory scale microwave system was developed and experiments were conducted to determine the efficiency of NA degradation during microwave treatment. The effects of water source and quality (deionized lab water and river water) and of TiO2 catalyst in the degradation process were also investigated. Degradation kinetic parameters for both total NAs and individual z-family were calculated. The microwave system degraded OSPW NAs and commercial Fluka NAs in river water in the presence of TiO2 rapidly, producing half-life values of 3.32 and 3.61 hours, respectively. Toxicity assessments of the NA samples pre-and post-treatment indicated that the microwave system reduced overall toxici...

Climate-smart water technologies for sustainable agriculture: a review

Abstract: Worldwide water management in irrigated and rain-fed agriculture is becoming more and more complex to overcome the expected water scarcity stress. In addition to this, challenges of global warming and climate change would have to be met through the judicious application of water in agriculture through climate-smart water technologies. Agriculture is an important sector in India and many developing countries, providing huge employment opportunities to rural populations, and supporting them to achieve food and nutritional security goals. In this paper, an attempt has been made to address challenges of increasing food production and improving rural livelihoods, while safeguarding critical water resources for sustainable use through adaptive measures for effective water management, particularly in drought-prone regions. An integrated approach needs to be implemented in agricultural water management through adoption of innovations such as water harvesting, micro-irrigation and resource conservation farming to increase water-use efficiency in agriculture and other critical services to humans and animals. The aim of this study is to facilitate an improved understanding of the potential implications of climate change and adaptation options for agricultural water management and thereby assist policymakers in taking up adaptation challenges and developing measures to reduce the vulnerability of the farming sector to climate change.