Showing papers in "Trends in Biosciences in 2014"

Heterosis Studies for Yield and Yield Attributing Characters in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract: Genetical studies on fruit yield per plant and its attributing traits were conducted following line x tester mating design comprising of 5 lines and 4 testers at Regional Horticulture Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. There was high heterosis response in most of the hybrids which supports the role of non-additive gene effects. The maximum heterosis for fruit yield per plant was observed in the cross AB-8/5 x GJB-2 (103.59%) followed by AB 8/5 x GBL 1 (41.52%) and JBR 6/7 x GJB 2 (35.17%). The hybrid AB 8/5 x GJB 2 also exhibited highly significant heterosis (245.26%) for number of fruits per cluster while the hybrid JBR 6/7 x GJB 2 showed significant heterosis (17.53%) for average fruit weight. Some of the promising hybrids showed desirable heterosis for earliness, number of flowers per cluster, phenol content.

Studies on Gene Action and Combining Ability for Yield and Other Quantitative Traits in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract: A set of 30 genotypes including 5 females, 4 males, their 20 F1 hybrids and one standard check (Surti Ravaiya) were sown at Vegetable Research Scheme, Regional Horticulture Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari to study the gene action and combining ability in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) for 14 characters including fruit yield and its component characters following line x tester mating design. Combining ability analysis revealed that both additive as well as non-additive effects were important in the inheritance of all the traits studied. However, magnitude of variances due to sca was comparatively larger than those of gca for most of the economic traits indicated preponderance of additive component of genetic variance. Four crosses had desirable sca effects in addition to high per se performance for the trait. Among the parents, AB-8/5 and GJB-2 were good general combiners for majority of the traits, including fruit yield. The crosses viz., AB-8/5 x GJB-2, JBR-6/7 x GJB-2, AB-7/2 x JDNB-19, JBR8/7 x GOB-1 and AB-9/1 x GOB-1 showed higher order sca effects for fruit yield and its component characters.

Osmopriming of Tomato Genotypes with Polyethylene Glycol 6000 Induces Tolerance to Salinity Stress

Abstract: The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the five tomato genotypes under salt stress using osmopriming with Poly ethylene glycol (PEG 6000) as priming media on plant height and dry matter of five tomato genotypes viz., Kashi Amrit, Kashi Anupam, Kashi Hemant, Kashi Sarad, and Kashi Vishesh. Seeds were primed with four levels of PEG 6000 viz.-0.5, -1.0, -1.5 and-2.0 MPa, along with one hydropriming for 48 hours at 25°C. Dry tomato seeds considered as a control (non-primed). Treated seeds of all varieties were grown in pots with soils of different salt concentration i.e., on 4, 8 and 12 dSm ’along with control. Among genotypes Kashi Hemant primed with-5.0 Mpa was identified as salt tolerance among five tomato genotypes as it showed maximum plant height (55, 46 and 43 cm) and dry matter (8.0, 6.5 and 6.0 g) under both control and salt stress conditions of 4, 8, 12 dSm ’. Results of variance analysis made clear that different osmotic potential and priming duration had significant effect on plant height and dry matter. The results revealed that Kashi Hemant performed better than other genotypes at high salt concentration and has immense potential for cultivation in the salinity areas. It was also observed that generally primed seeds exhibited better stress tolerance than non-primed seeds.

Heterosis and Combining Ability Studies in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Abstract: A study was made to estimate combining ability, heterosis over mid parents (MP) and better parent (BP) with ten diverse parents and their 45 F1s in half diallel mating design in Indian mustard for 13 quantitative and quality traits were made to derive the information on the extent of heterosis over economic parent and relative magnitude of general and specific combining ability effects. The present investigation was comprised of two inter-related experiments which were carried out during 2007–08 and 2008–09 at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. The objectives were to quantify combining ability and heterosis for all 13 quantitative characters including seed yield and oil content in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss). The diallel analysis revealed the importance ofboth additive and nonadditive genetic variance for days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, secondary branches/plant, length of main raceme, and seed yield/plant. The parents PWR9541, PRQ-2005, CS-609-B-10 and SKM-401 exhibited good GCA for seed yield/plant. For oil content PRQ-2005, RGN-142, PRB-2006-12 and Vardan were high GCA parents. The parent PRQ-2005 displayed desirable GCA effects for seven characters including seed yield and oil content. Similarly the strains CS-609-B-10, SKM-401 and PWR-9541 manifested desirable GCA effects for six, five and seven characters including seed yield, respectively. Based on desirable SCA effects, the crosses PRQ-2005 × PAB-9534, PRQ-2006-12 × Kanti, CS-609-B-10 × SKM401, CS-609-B-10 × Kanti, PRB-2006-12 × NDRE-4 and four others were found superior for seed yield/plant. Similarly, the crosses NDRE-4 × PWR-9541, CS-609-B10×Kanti, PRB-2006-12 × NDRE-4 and PRQ-2005 × NDRE-4 for earliness of flowering; and NDRE-4 × Kanti, SKM-401 × PAB-9534, Kanti × Vardan and PRQ-2005 × CS-609-B-10 for earliness of maturity appeared promising. Six crosses namely CS-609-B-10×NDRE-4 (170.50%), PRQ-2005×NDRE-4 (152.84%), RGN-142 × PRB-2006-12 (126.88%), CS-609-B-10 × Kanti (118.53%), PRB-2006-12 × Kanti (117.16%) and PAB9534 × Kanti (104.85%) exhibited high heterobeltiosis. These crosses also manifested significant heterosis over mid parent (MP) and standard variety (SV). Three crosses namely SKM-401×Vardan, PRB-2006-12×Vardan and NDRE-4×PWR-9541 manifested significant albeit low heterosis (upto 3.5% over BP, 3.3% over MP and 5.24% over SV) for oil content.

Molecular detection and characterization of Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus causing mosaic disease on bitter gourd in Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract: Bitter gourd plants showing symptoms of mosaic, mild leaf curl with blistering from major bitter gourd areas of Tamil Nadu were found to be infected with Begomovirus by PCR using universal Begomovirus degenerate primer (Deng 540/541). From the blast result, it is identified as Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV). Coat protein region of the begomovirus infected four samples collected from Coimbatore and Pollachi area were amplified using new primer pair (GK ToLCV F/R) shared a nucleotide and amino acid identity of more than 98% towards the ToLCNDV from Asia (India and Pakistan) reported from cucurbits. From the phylogenetic analysis it is understood that, the Begomovirus infecting bitter gourd in Tamil Nadu is ToLCNDV since they are clustered with the ToLCNDV and were well supported on the branches of the Begomoviruses infecting cucurbits in India. This is the confirmed molecular evidence for the occurrence of Tomato leaf curl NewDelhi virus on bitter gourd in Tamil Nadu.

Genetic Evaluation of Inter Sub-specific Derived RILs Population for Yield and Quality Attributes in Rice

Abstract: This study emphasized to decipher yield and quality attributing traits of rice and to evaluate genotypes based on combination of phenotypic traits. Genetic parameters were evaluated from 61 F10RILs population derived from a cross between, JNPT 100 (Tropical japonica) and HMT (indica). High heritability in broad sense coupled withhigh GA as percentage of mean was recorded for certain traits indicating heritability is due to additive gene action and selection may be effective. Visualising results of correlation analysis and path coefficient analysis we can say that traits such as number of spikelets per panicle, panicle weight per plant, panicle index, elongation ratio, head rice recovery % and number of leaves per plant showed positive direct effect on grain yield along with positive significant correlation with grain yield, indicate that these are primary yield contributing traits and selection for above traits might be utilized as inbred for production of hybrids in rice.

ARIMA Modeling Technique in Analyzing and Forecasting Fertilizer Statistics in India

Abstract: Agricultural production depends not only on climate related variables, but also on use of several factors like fertilizer, pesticide and irrigation etc. The three major elements viz. Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) play key role in different stages of crops growth. Present study related to production and consumption quantity of nitrogen and phosphorus while only consumption data of potashic fertilizers in India since 1961 to 2002 using ARIMA modeling. In study, ARIMA (1, 1, 1) model was best suited for estimation of nitrogen production data. From the forecast values obtained the developed model, it can be said that forecasted production will increases to some extent in future i.e. In 2002–03 production of nitrogen was 11000000 tones up to the year 2014–2015 it will be 12736123 tones. The result shows Analysis of recent trend indicates that there is a decreasing trend in use of potashic fertilizer also and as a result, consumption of 1420617 tonnes of this fertilizer is forecasted during the year 2015.

Fabrication of Zinc Nano Fertilizer on Growth Parameter of Rice

Abstract: Zinc deficiency is a widely occurring constraint for rice production and for human nutrition. Scarcity of water is leading to a shift from flooded to aerobic rice production, which can have an impact on Zndeficiency in rice. Inorder to improve the Zn use efficiency by crops, a laboratory study was undertaken at the Department of Nano Science & Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India. The application of zinc nano fertilizer had significantly increasing plant height and root length. The study was carried out with five treatments in completely randomized block design and replicated in four times. Finally, this study concluded that zinc loaded nano fertilizer release nutrients slowly and steadily during critical growth period thereby improved growth of rice.

Studies on Combining Ability in Cucumber Cucumis sativus.L

Abstract: Five divergent genotypes/varieties of cucumber and twenty F1’s were evaluated to study their combining ability. Among the parents, P5 (CS-39), P4 (CS-37) and P3 (CS-17) proved to be the best combiners for yield and yield contributing traits. The hybrid P4 x P5 and P5 x P3 were good specific combiners for the first female flowering. The hybrid P4 x P3 for the number of fruits and P4 x P5 and P5 x P4 were found to be good specific combiners for both tender and ripe fruit weight per vine.

Genetic Variability and Performance Studies of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Genotypes for Fruit Quality and Yield

Abstract: Agenetic parameters like range, mean, phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), heritability, genetic advance as percent of mean was studied in tomato genotypes. All the characters studied revealed high PCV than GVC which indicates that there is less influence of environment on alteration of these characters. The high heritability has been observed for the plant height, number of flowers per truss, number of flower trusses per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit shape index, pericarp thickness, total soluble solids, average fruit weight, fruit firmness, number of fruits per plant and yield per plant. Hence, these character could be improved by simple selection. The genotypes EC-608406 BRML, IIHR-709, Arka Ashish, Vybhav, IIHR2388, EC-608395, IIVR-L, CLN 2123A and EC-608456 2 were the top ten high yield genotypes with respect to fruit quality and fruit yieldper plant based on mean performance intomato.

In vitro Micro Propagation of Blue Passion Flower (Passiflora caerulea L.)

Abstract: A successful in vitro culture establishment has been achieved from the leaves of blue passion flower (Passiflora caerulea L) and the regeneration of shoots was observed with and without callus development. Leaf segment of Passiflora caerulea L. formed callus when cultured on modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l NAA, 0.5 mg/l IAA, 0.5 mg/l 2-4-D, 0.5 mg/l Kinetin and 1 mg/l BAP. Direct shoot regeneration without a callus phase has also been achieved from the leaf segment in presence of 2 mg/l BAP and 1 mg/l kinetin. According to our study, a complete plant of blue passion flower along with shoots and roots was developed in around 54 days, which may take near about two seasons or sometimes a year for a seed of blue passion flower to germinate.

Studies on the Effect of Foliar Application of Micronutrients and Ga3 on Yield and Reproductive Parameters of Winter Season Guava

Abstract: The present investigation entitled “Studies on the effect of foliar application of micronutrient and GA3 on reproductive parameters and fruit yield of winter season guava “ was carried out in the Fruit Research Farm, Horticulture Unit, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during the year 2010–2011. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with eleven treatments. A perusal of data revealed that maximum fruit set and maximum fruit drop was found in treatment T7 (GA3--50 ppm) and T11 (control) respectively. Maximum fruit retention and minimum fruit drop was found in T4 (Borax-0.4%) while minimum results was recorded in under T11 control (no treatment isgiven) respectively. Maximum yield was recorded in Treatment T4 (Borax-0.4%) while minimum was under control.

Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

Abstract: Forty genotypes of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) were evaluated for genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis at Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat) during the rabi 2010–11. The highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variances were observed for seed yield per plant (g) followed by number of pods per plant. The highest genetic advance with high heritability was observed for seed yield per plant (g) followed by number of pods per plant, number of primary branches per plant, number of seeds per pod, protein content (%), number of secondary branches per plant, days to 50% flowering and 100-seed weight (g). Seed yield per plant showed significant and positive correlation with number of seeds per pod, number ofpods per plant, plant height (cm), pod length (cm) and protein content (%). Path coefficient analysis indicated the highest positive direct effect of plant height (cm) on seed yield per plant (g) followed by number of seeds per pod and protein content (%). It was concluded that improvement of seed yield in fenugreek is possible through selection for plant height(cm), number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm) and 100-seed weight (g).

Probiotics: An Approach Towards Health and Disease

Abstract: A probiotic is a live microbial feed supplement that exerts beneficial effects for the host via improvement of the microbiological balance in the intestine. Probiotics recently emerged as one of the most powerful microbial agents with multiple health promoting functions of considerable commercial value and therapeutic potential. Which are usually added to fermented milk products, or given as lyophilised forms. The rapid growth and demand for probiotic dairy based foods is largely attributed to the growing awareness among the consumers about linkage of diet/food with general health, discovery of newprobiotics with novel health-promoting physiological functions. It is nowwell recognized that metabolic inflammatory disorders associated with the malfunctioning of the human gut, such as diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcers, Crohn's disease (CD), constipation along with lactose intolerance, and other chronic lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, coloncancer, hypertension, and allergies canbe alleviated through consumption of probiotic cultures directly or their food formulations. Probiotics can be used either as prophylactics or as biotherapeutics as an effective alternative to drug treatment.

Correlation and path analysis in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.).

Abstract: Fifty genotypes of fenugreek were evaluated for grain yield and related morphological characters. The branches per plant, pods per plant, biological yield per plant and harvest index had positive and significant correlation with seed yield per plant. Path coefficient analysis revealed that biological yield per plant had high positive direct effect on seed yield per plant followed by harvest index, pods per plant, seeds per pod and days to fifty percent flowering. Hence these traits may be considered as selection indices for grain yield.

Variability and Heritability Estimates in the Germplasm Collection of Egg Plant (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract: Information based on seventy-five genotypes of eggplant has revealed that the highest heritability was observed for average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, plant spread, plant height, days to 50% flowering and days to first fruit set. Further characters like average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant had high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean which suggested that these traits under the control of additive gene action and would be improved through simple selection method.

Effect of Post-Harvest Treatments of Chemical and Plant Growth Regulators on Physical Parameters of Sapota Fruit cv. Kalipatti

Abstract: Investigation was conducted to study the effect of post harvest treatment of chemical and plant growth regulators on physical characteristics of sapota fruit cv. Kalipatti. Fruits were treated with CaCl2 (5000 and 10000 mg/l) followed by plant growth regulators, Gibbrellic acid (GA3) (150 and 300 mg/l), kinetin (100 and 200 mg/l), ethrel (1000 and 2000 mg/l) and control (untreated fruit) and stored at room temperature. There was a significant increase in storage period of fruits with calcium chloride (5000 and 10000 mg/l) and Gibbrellic acid (GA3) (150 and 300 mg/l) treatments. However, minimum Physiological loss in weight (PLW) and, total spoilage were noticed under CaCl 5000 mg/l and 10000 mg/l treated fruits. The study suggests that calcium chloride (5000 mg/l) as post harvest dip improves the fruit firmness, shelf life and ripening period of the sapota upto 12 days of storage.

Character Association Studies in Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Abstract: Fifteen field pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes were evaluated during rabi season 2012–13 for eight quantitative traits to study the coefficient of variation, heritability, genetic advance, correlation coefficient and path coefficient among yield characters. Observations were recorded for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, seed index and seed yield per plant. Plant height and number of pods per plant and recorded high estimates of GCV, PCV and heritability, while plant height recorded high estimates of genetic advance. Seed yield per plant recorded positive and significant correlation with number of pods per plant and plant height, while number of pods per plant recorded high positive direct effect on seed yield.

Integrated Nutrient Management Studies in China Aster (Callistephus chinensis (l.) Nees.)–A Review

Abstract: China aster (Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees.) is a half hardy annual and commercial flower crop belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is an important annual crop of our country and grown throughout the world. In importance it ranks next to chrysanthemum and marigold among the traditional flowers. The growth, flowering and quality of china aster is significantly influenced by application of major nutrients along with organic manures. Fromthe reviews it is clear that positive effect of integrated nutrient management on the performance is well established. The recent approaches of saving fertilizers by the use of fertigation will enhance the nutrient and water use efficiency.

Antixenosis mechanism of resistsnce to brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) in selected rice genotypes.

Abstract: The present investigations were undertaken to study antixenosis resistance in selected rice genotypes against brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens(Stal). Settling and egg laying behavior of BPH on selected genotypes along with susceptible and resistant checks was studied. BPH nymphs did not show variation in settling preference at 2 hours after release (HAI). At 72 HAI, number of nymphs settled per plant on selected genotypes ranged from 17.10 to 22.10 and TN1 recorded the highest (32.40). Variation in settling preference was more apparent at 24 HAI. Adults showed strong variation in settling preference at all intervals studied. On resistant genotypes insect population reduced over the time whereas it increased on susceptible check TN1. At 72 HAI, the lowest number of adults settled on IR 64 (0.23/plant) and the highest on TN1 (6.15/plant). BPH showed strong nonpreference for oviposition on selected genotypes. Lowest number of eggs was laid on IR 64(19.50/plant) and the highest on TN1 (301.00/plant). Settling and ovipositional non-preference of BPH towards the test genotypes indicated strong antixenosis mechanism of resistance in these genotypes.

Effect of PPFM Application on Microbial Population in Transplanted Tice

Abstract: Field experiments were laid out at Wetlands in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore. The experiment was conducted with the following treatments viz., M1: Absolute control (No fertilizers), M2: RDF (150:50:50 kg NPK ha1):, M3: M2 + 12.5 t FYMha−1 and M4: M3+ Azophosmet (Seed and soil application) + PPFM (foliar spray) at active tillering, panicle initiation and at 50% flowering stage. The pre-germinated seeds were treated with Azophosmet @ 2 g kg−1 (or) Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g kg−1 and @ 2.5 kg ha−1 was applied as basal. The biofertilizers were mixed with well decomposed FYM for uniform application throughout the plots. 0.1% Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM)/0.2% Pseudomonas fluorescens was sprayed at active tillering, panicle initiation and at 50 per cent ear head emergence stages. The results revealed that M4 registered improved the microbial population viz., bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, Azospirillum, phosphobacteria and PPFM.

Impact of Dairy Training Programme on Dairy Farm Women

Abstract: Assessment of impact of is generally regarded as an essential part of any research study. The present research was intended to study the impact of dairy training programme on dairy farm women. The knowledge level of dairy farm women before training, immediate after training and 15 days after training programme was measured. Dairy farm women gained 56.72 per cent knowledge immediate after training programme and retained 50.88 per cent knowledge after 15 days of training programme.

Combined Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield Attributes, Bulb Yield and Soil Nutrient Status After Harvest of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Farm, Department of Agronomy, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during the years 2011–12 in rabi season on loamy sand soil. An experiment conducted to study the effect of combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth and bulb yield of onion (Allium cepa L.). A result revealed that significantly higher growth attributes i.e. plant height, length of leaves, number of leaves plant−1 and leaf dry weight and yield attributes like bulbweight, bulb volume and bulb yield were higher under treatment T7 (75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 1.25 t ha−1), while bolting (%) was higher under treatment T1 (Absolute control) treatment. Postharvest nutrient status of soil was significantly influenced by various organic and inorganic manures treatments, Significantly higher post harvest soil phosphorus and potash nutrient content was higher under treatment T8 (50% RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha−1), whiletreatment T2 (RDF @ 100-75-75 NPK kg ha−1(control) recorded significantly higher post harvest nitrogen status. Minimum rooting losses was recorded in treatment T1 (absolute control) treatment at 60, 120 and 180 DATP.

Performance of Summer Mungbean as Affected by Variety and Date of Harvest

Abstract: A field experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Field of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during the period of March to June 2010 to study the effect of variety and date of harvest on the performance of summer mungbean. The experimental treatment includes (i) 3 varieties viz. Bina Mung 5, Bina Mung 6 and Bina Mung 7; (ii) 3 date of harvest viz., One time harvest (H1) = when 80% pods became matured, Two times harvest (H2) = when 50% pods became matured + when 70% of the rest pods became matured and Three times harvest (H3) = when 50% pods became matured + when 70% of the rest pods became matured +when 80% of the rest pods became matured. The experiment was laidout in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Results revealed that variety and date of harvest had significant influences on various crop characters and seed yield. The varietyBina Mung 7 showed superiority in plant height, number of branches plant−1, number of effective pods and total pods plant−1 and number of seeds pod−1 over other two varieties resulting in highest seed yield of 1856 kgha−1. Among the harvesting date treatments, H3 (three times harvest) was superior in relation to number of branches plant−1, number of effective and total pods plant−1, number of seeds pod−1, 1000-seed weight and plant population per m2 compared to H1 and H2 treatmentswhich resulting the highest seed yield of 1792 kg ha−1. In case of interaction effect of variety and date of harvest, V3H3 treatment combination showed superiority in crop characters and yield attributes and yield (1950 kg ha−1) of summer mungbean variety than any other treatment combinations.

Varietal Susceptibility of Wheat Grains against Rice Weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L.

Abstract: The study on susceptibility of different wheat varieties against rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae were carried out at Department of Entomology, N. M. College of Agriculture, NAU, Navsari during 2011–12 and 2012–13. The seven wheat varieties (LOK1, GW11, GW 173, GW322, GW 366, GW496, HD 2189) were tested to study resistance on the basis of biological parameters and biochemical content against infestation of S. oryzae. Results revealed that, based on oviposition preference by free choice test and adult emergence test revealed that the varieties viz., GW 496, GW 11 and GW 322 were less susceptible to S. oryzae while, GW 173, GW 366 and LOK 1 were existed under moderately susceptible whereas, the only variety HD 2189 was found to be highly susceptible. Moreover, the categorization on basis of oviposition preference by confinement test, life cycle duration, per cent grain damage and per cent weight loss revealed that varieties viz., GW 496, GW 11, GW 322 and GW 173 were less susceptible; while GW 366 and LOK 1 were moderately susceptible and HD 2189 was again found to be highly susceptible.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Growth and Earliness Parameters in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Abstract: Fifty two cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) genotypes were evaluated for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance during 2009–10. In the present investigation variance due to genotypes was highly significant (p=0.01) for vine length (cm), number of primary branches per plant on 75 days after sowing (DAS), number of leaves per plant on 90 DAS, leaf area index, days to first male flower, days to first female flower, nodes upto first female flower and number of days to first harvest. Moderate to high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was observed for vine length (cm), number of primary brancheson 75 days after sowing (DAS) and nodes upto first female flower. High heritability coupled with highgenetic advance over mean was observed for the characters viz., vine length (cm), nodes up to first female flower and hence these traits can be improved by selection. Similarly high heritability with low genetic advance over mean was observed for days to first male flower indicating the predominance of non-additive gene action and hence, these traits can be improved by hybridization with divergent genotypes to produce transgressive segregants.

In Vitro Evaluation of Fungicides, Botanicals and Bioagents against Alternaria alternata, Causing Leaf Spot of Gerbera

Abstract: Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Hook), one of the important flower crops suffers from substantial damage with leaf spot disease incited by Alternaria alternata (Fries) Kessler. Results of the in vitro evaluation revealed that all the test fungicides, botanicals and bioagents significantly inhibited mycelial growth of A. alternata, over untreated control. Of the systemic fungicides tested, highest average mycelial growth inhibition was recorded with Hexaconazole (94.44%), followed by Carbendazim (84.93%), Propiconazole (81.53%), Difenconazole (75.97%) and Thiophanate methyl (51.21%). Of the non- systemic fungicides tested, Mancozeb recorded highest average mycelial growth inhibition (92.21%), followed by Curzet (84.45%), Chlorothalonil (80.90%), Propineb (78.89%) and Copper oxychloride (74.03%). Aqueous extracts of all the botanicals tested (@ 10 and 20%) were antifungal to the test pathogen. However, significantly highest average mycelial growth inhibition was recorded with A. sativum (74.45%), followed by C. longa (63.99%), D. metal (53.06%), C. gigantica (48.99%) and P. hysterophorus (48.90%). Among the bioagents tested, significantly highest mycelial growth inhibition was recorded with T. vride (86.67%), followed by T. hamatum (78.34%), T. koningii (76.67%), T. lignorun (68.15%), T. harzianum (53.16%) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (50.38%).

Studies on the Influence of Micronutrient on Growth, Yield and Quality of Kinnow Mandarin

Abstract: An experiment was carried out at the farmer orchard to study the effect of micronutrients on four years old Kinnow mandarin trees. Different treatments involved application of micronutrients. Among the sprays of different micronutrients, the trees receiving four sprays of ZnSo4 at 0.5% with monthly interval starting from first spray at flowering stage has recorded significantly higher tree height, tree spread (north-south and east-west) direction at 90th days after four sprays, increased number of fruits per tree (519.67), fruit yield per tree (61.78 kg) and fruit yield per hectare (20.57 tons) over control and was par with other treatments. Highest ascorbic acid (80.63 mg/100 g pulp) and phenols were recorded (247.50 mg/100 g pulp) over control and was on par with other treatment. Foliar application of FeSO4 at 0.5% incareased TSS (9.97 oB), reducing sugar was (3.59%) and the total sugar (9.27%) when the same number of sprays were applied.

Development of a Gravity Fed Automatic Vegetable Transplanter with Walking Beam Mechanism

Abstract: A gravity fed automatic vegetable transplanter with walking beammechanism for feeding the plug tray wasdeveloped and evaluated in the laboratory. The main objective of this work is to make the seedling drop by gravity without causing damage to the seedling. To make the feeding pro - tray simple, an open bottom type pro tray seedling is used. To move the tray continuously, a 50 rpm gear motor with walking beam type moving mechanism was developed and tested. The conventionally practiced growing medium with 20, 30 and 40 days old seedling is used for conducting experiments. Under laboratory conditions it was found that it was feasible to drop 28 plants min−1.

Isolation and Identification of a Novel, Cold Active Lipase Producing Psychrophilic Bacterium Pseudomonas vancouverensis

Abstract: Psychrophiles are particularly important due to flexible structure of their enzyme and tremendous potential for use in low temperature processes. A potential lipase producing novel psychrophilic bacteria G3 was isolated from rice rhizosphere of Nainital, India. The microscopic study showed it was gram negative, aerobic, rod shaped and motile organism. It wasable to grow at 4oC to 37oC and at wide range of pH 5.0 to 10.0. On solid media colonies were round, smooth, viscous and light yellow in colour. 16s rDNA gene sequencing and bacterial identification was done. The obtained nucleotide sequence (1388 bp) compared with the NCBI databases through BLAST. The sequence showed 100% similarity with Pseudomonas vancouverensis-A-18 (HQ202824.1) and lowest e-value, so based on the identity unknown bacterium was identified as Pseudomonas vancouverensis. It was able to produce maximum extracellular lipase at its optimum growth conditions i.e. 48 h incubation period at 10°C and 8.0 pH.