Agricultural University Research Articles

Efficacy of Different Bio-agents, Botanicals, Fungicides and Nano-fungicides against Pyricularia oryzae

A study was conducted during the period 2021-2023 at, Department of Plant Pathology, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur and the field experiments at Student Instructional Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of agriculture and Technology, during research period different bio-agent, botanicals, Azotrix (Azoxystrobin 16.7 % + Tricyclazole 33.3% SC) and nanofunficides are used and data were recorded regarding there efficacy in inhibition of mycelial growth of Pyricularia oryzae causing rice blast in Completely randomised design (CRD) under in-vitro condition by adopting principle of dual culture technique and food poision technique. All the selected treatments proved effective and reduce mycelial growth of pathogen, among bioagents T. viride (46.47%) were superior over T. harzianum (43.26 %) and Pseudomonas fluorescence (57.71 %) was better than Bacillus subtilis (48.54%), in botanicals bael leaf extract were found superior (86.32%) over neem leaf extract (74.43%), Fungicide (Azotrix @ 25, 50 and 100ppm) can reduce growth upto 85% over control and among nanofungicides Silver nanoparticles @10ppm was found best which can inhibit (61.87%) mycelial growth.

Comparative In vitro Assessment of Fungicides for Managing Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici in Chilli

Chilli wilt disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici, significantly threatens chili cultivation, impacting yield and quality. This study aimed to evaluate the fungi-toxic effects of various fungicides against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. capsici under in vitro conditions. Eight different fungicides viz., Tebuconazole 6.7 % + Captan 26.9 % w/w SC, Thiophenate Methyl 70% WP, Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP, Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG, Carbendazim 50% WP, Pyraclostrobin 20% WG, Chlorothalonil 75% WP and Azoxystrobin 18.2%+ Difenoconazole 11.4% SC were tested at a concentration of 500 ppm and 1000 ppm using the Poison food technique. The experiment was designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and conducted at the Department of Plant Pathology, Dr. Sharadchandra Pawar College of Agriculture, Baramati, during the academic year 2023-24. All fungicides significantly (P < 0.01) inhibited the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. capsici, with Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP showing the highest efficacy, followed by Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG and Tebuconazole 6.7 % + Captan 26.9 % w/w SC across both concentrations. This study suggests that the inhibition of pathogen growth increased with higher fungicide concentrations.

A Look at the Publishing Activity of Agricultural University – Plovdiv

This article presents the publishing activity of the Agricultural University of Plovdiv from the establishment of Plovdiv State University in 1945 to the present day. Initially, the Plovdiv State University included two faculties – medical and agronomic. Then, the publication of the collection “Scientific Works” began. The first issue was published in 1947 jointly with the Faculty of Medicine under the name “Yearbook”. After 1950, the Faculty of Agronomy was separated as an independent Higher Agricultural Institute and started publishing the newspaper “Kolarovets”. Later, the newspaper’s name was “Niva,” and the last issue was published in 1997. The publishing activity of the Higher Agricultural Institute grew with the publication of textbooks and monographs, but it also began to accept external orders. In 1994, the Higher Agricultural Institute celebrated its 50th anniversary by establishing an Academic Publishing House with a new and modern printing facility. Since 2009, the specialized scientific journal “Agrarni nauki”/”Agricultural Sciences” has been published, which is also published in electronic edition and is indexed in the best academic research databases in the World.

Management of mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) on rapeseed mustard (Brassica napus) using biopesticides under organic farming conditions

Aim: To manage mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi Kalt on rapeseed-mustard through neem formulations, which are the safest, eco-friendly and cost effective and can hold promise to keep this pest below economic threshold levels. Methodology: The neem formulations, AZA5% @ 30,40,50 and100ml per acre, AZA1% @ 200, 250 and 300 ml per acre and AZA 0.15% @ 800, 900 and 1000 ml per acre were evaluated against L. erysimi on rapeseed- mustard under organic farming conditions at Organic Research Area of School of Organic Farming, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2020-21 and 2021-22. Results: A highest efficacy against L. erysimi with 83 and 84.99% treated over untreated control plots was recorded with AZA 5% @100 ml per acre at 5 days of spray during both years of study, followed by AZA 1% @ 300 ml per acre (61.84%) and AZA 0.15% @ 1000 ml per acre (59.33%). The coccinellid population at 10 days after spray was non-significant (0.03 to 0.21), but numerically more in untreated control plots. The highest seed yield was recorded in AZA 5% @ 100 ml (18.38 q ha-1), AZA1% @ 300 ml (16.70q ha-1) and AZA 0.15% @ 1000 ml (15.75 q ha-1) over untreated control plots (13.91q ha-1). The highest economic returns were obtained with AZA 5% @ 100ml (Rs.22408.72 ha-1), AZA 1% @ 300ml (Rs.16424.22 ha-1) and AZA 0.15% @ 1000ml (Rs.10285.68 ha-1) treatment, respectively. Interpretation: Management of L. erysimi on rapeseed mustard can be obtained with AZA 5% @ 100 ml, which caused 84 per cent reduction over control at 5 days after spray and also gave net returns of Rs.22408.72q ha-1, which will not only increase the farm income but is eco-friendly in nature. Key words: Azadirachtin, Biopesticide, Lipaphis erysimi, Organic farming, Rapeseed- mustard

Long term impact of manuring, fertilization and liming on soil resilience, enzyme activities and productivity under maize-wheat system in an acidic Alfisol

Aim: This study was carried out to evaluate the long-term impact of manuring, fertilization and liming on soil resilience, enzyme activities and system productivity under changing climate scenarios. Methodology: The soil samples were collected from 67 year old long-term experiment going on, at Birsa Agricultural University, Jharkhand during 2022-23 under maize-wheat cropping system from seven treatments, viz. T1: control, T2: 100 % N, T3: 100 % FYM, T4: ½ (N+FYM) + PX/2 + KY/2, T5: 100 % NPK, T6: Lime + NPK, T7: Lime + FYM +P(A-X) + K(B-Y). To assess soil resistance and resilience, surface samples were subjected to with and without heat stress (48±2°C for 80 hrs) and substrate addition (0.02 g glucose g-1 soil). Results: Application of FYM/lime with NPK significantly improved bulk density, pH, SOC and system productivity. The highest enzyme activities and cumulative respiration were observed in lime + FYM + P(A-X) + K(B-Y) treatment. It exhibited the highest resistance index (0.92) and resilience index (0.34). Interpretation: The integrated use of inorganic, organic along with liming proved to be a useful management strategy for maintaining soil quality, resistance and resilience, and crop productivity in acid soil of Jharkhand. Key words: Enzyme, Heat stress, Maize-wheat system, Soil acidification, Substrate induced respiration, Wheat-maize

Long-Term Manuring and Fertilization Influence on Soil Properties and Wheat Productivity in Semi-Arid Regions

Information on the long-term effects of the addition of organics and fertilizers to wheat under the pearl millet–wheat cropping system with semi-arid conditions in north-western India is still lacking. The present research was conducted in an ongoing field experiment initiated during Rabi 1995 at the Research Farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh at Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. After 25 years, the impacts of nutrient management practices on soil fertility and wheat productivity were evaluated. The experiment comprised a total of eight treatment combinations viz. half and full doses of recommended fertilizers (N and P), organic manures (FYM: farmyard manure, POM: poultry manure, and PRM: press mud) alone and in combination with NP fertilizers. The conjoint application of organic manure and chemical fertilizers resulted in a positive influx of nutrients via increasing total organic carbon (TOC), available N, P, K, and S, which ranged from 0.46 to 1.42%, 122.70 to 194.70, 15.66 to 74.92, 340.5 to 761.2, and 15.26 to 54.63 kg ha−1 in surface soil (0–15 cm), respectively. Carbon fractions and crop yield were significantly improved by adopting integrated nutrient management (INM). The TOC showed a positive and significant correlation with C fractions (r > 0.92) and with soil-available N, P, K, and S (r > 0.77) content. The data also revealed a strong relationship between TOC and soil-available (0–15 cm) nutrients i.e., available N (R2= 0.769), available P (R2 = 0.881), available K (R2 = 0.758), and available S (R2 = 0.914), respectively. Thus, practices that increased TOC were also beneficial in enhancing the availability of the nutrients in the soil. A positive and highly significant correlation was also found among wheat yield, nutrient (NPKS) content, and uptake. A polynomial relationship between grain yield and grain N (R2 = 0.962), P (R2 = 0.946), and K (R2 = 0.967) content, and between straw yield and straw N (R2 = 0.830), P (R2 = 0.541) and K (R2 = 0.976) content was obtained. Integrated use of PRM7.5 followed by FYM15 and POM5 coupled with NP fertilizers proved best, which could be beneficial for obtaining nutritious and highest wheat yield (grain: 6.01 t ha−1 and straw: 7.70 t ha−1) coupled with improved fertility within a sustained manner under the pearl millet–wheat sequence in prevailing semi-arid conditions of the North Indian state of Haryana.

SVT 55: A High Yielding Rabi Sorghum Variety with Multiple Pest Tolerance

SVT 55 is a high yielding Rabi sorghum culture identified at Agricultural Research Station, Tandur, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Telangana and released by State Varietal Release Committee during 2023 in the name of Tandur Jonna 55 for the state of Telangana. It matures in 115-120 days and is adapted specifically to Rabi season. The culture recorded an average seed yield of 3245 kg/ha, with a mean grain yield advantage of 26 % over the popular check M 35-1and 12.3 % over the local check SVT 68 in the trials conducted during 2016-2022. The culture is moderately resistant to charcoal rot, recorded on par pest reaction score with respect to resistant checks for the insect pests of shoot fly, stem borer, aphids and fall army worm. It has high crude protein content (10.96 %) and good roti quality.

Effect of Humic Acid Application Methods on Nutrients Availability and Growth and Yield of Okra(ABELMOSCHUS ESCULLANTUS L.)

A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah during the growing season of 2021- 2022 to study the effect of adding humic acids either to soil or spraying on plant along with recommended chemical fertilizers(NPK) on availability of N, P, and K and EC and pH of soil as well as growth and yield of okra. The results showed an increase in the availability of N,P and K by adding humic acid to the soil while spraying of humic acid had no clear differences with chemical fertilizers treatments. Addition of humic acid to soil decreased EC while addition as foliar application increase EC of soil. Addition of humic acid along with chemical fertilizers to soil or spraying on plant led to an increase in concentrations of N, P, and K in the leaves and their uptake with superiority of spraying treatment over soil application treatments. Increasing humic acid level spraying on plant from 0.5 to 1.0gL-1 significantly decreased N,P and K concentrations and uptakes. Similar findings were obtained for dry matter and fruits yield. The lower the level of humic acid ,The higher the dry matter and yield. The highest value of okra fruit yield 2791.06 kgha-1 was obtained with treatment involved spraying of 0.5gL-1 humic acid plus full recommended chemical fertilizers.

Response of Different Stem Cutting to IBA on Sprouting and Survival of Night-blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum L., Solanaceae)

The present investigation was assessed at Floriculture farm of College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri, (Maharashtra state) during Rabi season of the year 2023-24. The experiment was designed in Factorial Randomized Bock Design replicated thrice comprised two factors viz. types of stem cutting (Factor A) as softwood cutting, semi-hardwood cutting and hardwood cutting and IBA levels (factor B) as control, IBA @ 1500 ppm, 2000 ppm, 2500 ppm and 3000 ppm. Softwood cutting recorded minimum days taken for first sprout (6.33 days) and highest days required for sprouting (32.07 days). Hardwood cutting registered higher sprouting percentage (85.60 %) and survival percentage (80.93 %). Minimum days taken for first sprout (6.11 days), days required for highest sprouting (29.22 days) and maximum sprouting percentage (88 %) were recorded in control treatment. IBA @ 2000 ppm recorded the highest survival percentage (84.64 %). In interaction effect, softwood cutting treated with IBA @ 2000 ppm recorded early appearance of first sprout (4.00 days). However, softwood cutting treated without IBA took least days for highest sprouting (29.22 days). The highest sprouting percentage (100 %) was recorded in hardwood cutting treated with 1500 ppm IBA and 2000 ppm IBA. Hardwood cutting treated with 2000 ppm IBA recorded 100 % of survival percentage. Hence, it concluded that treatment combination of hardwood cutting treated with 2000 ppm IBA showed promising result for sprouting and survival percentage of night-blooming jasmine under Konkan agro-climatic condition.

Impact of Mid-season Moisture Stress on Yield Attributes and Seed Quality in Groundnut Genotypes

A field experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University during rabi, 2022 and 2023 to study the impact of mid-season moisture stress (40-80 DAS) on yield attributes and quality traits of groundnut genotypes. The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with factorial concept with two main treatments i.e., control and mid-season moisture stress (40-80 DAS) and 12 sub treatments i.e., two check varieties and ten contrasting groundnut genotypes in three replications. Among the groundnut genotypes and check varieties tested for their tolerance to moisture stress the genotypes, TCGS 2326, TCGS 1792, K9 and TCGS 2333 were found to withstand mid-season moisture stress and maintained highest 100 kernel weight, shelling percentage, protein and oil content indicating tolerance to moisture stress.

Moulding Test and Process Parameter Optimization of Biomass Seedling Pots for Cow Dung and Corn Stover

In order to determine the optimal moulding process parameters of biomass seedling pots prepared from fermented cow dung mixed with corn stover, the moulding pressure, baking time, and baking temperature of biomass seedling pots were taken as the influencing factors, and the expansion rate, durability rate, wet swelling rate (48 h), and resistance to damage were taken as the evaluation indexes, and the Box–Behnken design of the response surface method was used to analyze the significance of interactions among the different influencing factors in the moulding process of biomass seedling pots and to optimize the moulding process. The experiment was conducted in the Biomass Laboratory of Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University. The response surface method Box–Behnken design was used to analyze the significance of the interaction between different influencing factors in the biomass seedling pots moulding process and optimize the moulding process. The results showed that the optimum moulding process conditions obtained using the Box–Behnken design were the following: a moulding pressure of 520.393 kN, baking temperature of 202.870 °C, and baking time of 8.573 min. The model was validated by testing and a response value of 10.522% was obtained for expansion, 99.598% for durability rate, 11.145% for wet swelling (48 h), and 4503.545 N for resistance to damage. The experimental verification showed that the deviation of the actual value obtained under this condition from the predicted value is less than 5%, indicating that the model reproduces well and meets the experimental requirements. Based on the optimal moulding process conditions determined in this experiment, the total porosity, EC, and pH of the Biomass seedling pots were determined to be 67.32%, 1.63 mS/cm, and 6.7, respectively, which met the seedling requirements.

Efficacy of antibiotics and bactericides against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri causing bacterial canker disease of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

Diseases are the major constraints for citrus production which impede the fruit yield and quality. Citrus suffers from a number of diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses and viriods. Among these diseases, canker caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, foot rot or gummosis caused by Phytophthora spp., twig blight caused by Diplodia natalensis and Fusarium spp. Three antibiotics and three bactericides viz., Streptocycline, Kasugamycin 5% + Copper oxychloride 45% WP, Kasugamycin, Bacterimycin, Copper oxychloride 50% WP, Copper hydroxide 53.8% W/W were evaluated for their effectiveness in controlling the growth of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri at the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Ummendganj-Kota, (Agricultural University, Kota) Rajasthan. Inhibition was highest in case of copper oxychloride 50% WP (34.20 mm) followed by bronopol 27% (28.90 mm) and streptocycline 90% W/W (12.48 mm) at 500 ppm concentration and no inhibition zone was found in kasugamycin. All the antibiotics/bactericides inhibited bacterial growth at higher concentrations.

Effect of different levels of micronutrients on vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality of Mango (Mangifera indica L.)

An experiment was carried out to ascertain the impact of foliar application of certain micro-nutrients on fruit yield and quality of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars "Dashehari" and "Langra" at Agriculture Research Station, Banswara, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan, during the year 2016-17 on seventeen years old mango trees. The experiment was laid out in One way ANOVA (Randomized Block Design) with eight treatments in thrice replications for combinations with different micronutrients Zinc sulphate, Copper sulphate, Borax, boric acid and IIHR-2 mango special were applied on mango cultivars "Dashehari" and "Langra" at different growth stages. All were fertilized with a recommended dose of NPK (1500:500:1000 g as N, P2O5 and K2O). The spraying was done twice; during mid-October, mid-December, and mid-February before the flowering stage and again in mid-March at the marble stage during both years of study. Foliar sprays, in general, improved fruit yield. Yields were exceptionally higher in response to foliar application of Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) and boron (B) compared to other treatments. Result proved that foliar application of mango trees with [(RDF + Zinc sulphate (100 g) + Copper sulphate (50 g) + Boric acid (50 g) as soil + Zinc sulphate (0.2%) + Copper sulphate (0.1%) + Boric acid (0.1%) as foliar (Two sprays before flowering and marble stage)] was the promising treatment for improvement of vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality. This treatment was also found best for maximum total carotenoids, average fruit weight as well as fruit yield.

Combined effects of deficit irrigation and mulching on fruit quality and bioactive compounds of VNR Bihi guava (Psidium guajava)

The present study was carried out during 2019–20 and 2020–21 at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to assess the combined effects of deficit irrigation and mulching on a 5-year- old VNR Bihi guava (Psidium guajava L.) orchard. The experiment consisted of three irrigation regimes, viz. deficit irrigation at 50% ETc (DI50); deficit irrigation at 75% ETc (DI75); and full irrigation at 100% ETc (FI100); and four mulching treatments, viz. silver-black mulch (MSB); black mulch (MB); organic mulch (MOM); and without mulch (MWM) laid out in a factorial randomised block design (F-RBD) with three replications. Results showed that fruit number and yield/tree were recorded highest in trees irrigated with DI75 and mulched with silver-black mulch. Under treatment DI50 fruit had the highest concentration of soluble solids, with Brix levels of 12.35°B and 12.78 °B during the years 2019–20 and 2020–21, respectively. Total sugars content was significantly increased under DI50 by 7.73 and 7.36%, respectively as compared to FI100 during both the years of experimentation. The biochemical properties such as total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant (DPPH) activity also increased as irrigation regimes decreased from FI100 to DI50. The total phenolic and flavonoids content were improved by 19.19 and 33.44%, respectively under DI50 when compared to FI100. Significant differences among different mulch treatments with respect to quality parameters were also observed except DPPH activity. Silver-black mulch followed by black mulch resulted in higher soluble solids content, total sugars, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, total flavonoids and DPPH activity. These findings demonstrate the positive effect of water deficit practice on bioactive compounds and the appropriateness of deficit irrigation and mulching as irrigation management strategies in the fruit orchards that improve fruit commercial value and conserve water.

Inventarizácia invázneho druhu pajaseňa žliazkatého (Ailanthus altissima) v urbánnom prostredí – prípadová štúdia

Tree of heaven [Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle] (family Simaroubaceae) is known as an invasive woody species in urban, rural, and natural ecosystems in many parts of the world. In Slovakia, it is accepted as an invasive species included in the list of invasive alien species of the EU concern (Regulation No. 2019/1262). In this study, the spread of the invasive neophyte A. altissima populations was monitored in the immediate vicinity (1 km) of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra in southwestern Slovakia in 2022. We recorded habitat type, GPS coordinates in the centre of the local populations, area of population (m2), average tree height (m), and management measures. The species colonized an area of 1,997 m2. The plant spread mainly in the habitat of extensively cultivated fields such as front gardens of buildings (31%) and in abandoned and unused areas (the species occupied 28% of the total area). We recorded a lower occurrence in the botanical garden (18%), next to the anti-flood dam (16%), along roads (4%) and in the orchard (3%). Approximately 15% (28 shoots) of the total number of 183 shoots were female plants that formed a high number of seeds. There was a high correlation between the area occupied by A. altissima with its above-ground organs and the average plant height (m) (r = 0.88).

The prospects for the introduction of a mesoamerican species chia Salvia hispanica L. in the conditions of the southern forest-steppe of Western Siberia

Relevance. This article presents the results of breeding work and the introduction of the Mesoamerican culture Spanish sage or chia (Salvia hispanica L.), which is currently one of the most popular pseudo-grain crops from the family of Lamiaceae in Western countries due to its unique seeds rich in nutrients, PUFA, dietary fiber and antioxidants. In 2009, the European Union considered the seeds of the plant to be a promising type of food. There are only 17 registered genotypes of culture in the world, in the collection of GRR VIR there are two forms obtained from European countries. There are no registered varieties of Spanish sage in the state register of breeding achievements approved for use in the territory of the Russian Federation. The research of this culture is limited only by the biological side: the study of morphobiological features, its use for decorative purposes.Material and methodology. The research was conducted in the educational and experimental farm of the Omsk State Agrarian University in 2019-2023. The objects of research were several samples of various ecological and geographical origin and 2 new forms of Spanish sage obtained during local selection. All records and observations were carried out according to the following methods: field experience in vegetable growing (S.S. Litvinov, 2011), State variety testing of agricultural crops (1989), assessment of primary introduction by G.P. Semenova (2001) and variety assessment of floral ornamental plants by V.N. Bylov (1971).Results. As a result of continuous year-round introduction work, the breeders of the Omsk State Agricultural University managed to overcome the photoperiodic sensitivity of the plant and obtain adaptive forms 0/18 and 3/18. An assessment of the decorative value, the success of the introduction and the possibility of introducing new samples into production in the conditions of the southern forest-steppe of Western Siberia is given. The first of the locally obtained forms, as more productive, was transferred to the state variety testing in 2023 under the assumed name of the variety "Siberian Emerald". Breeding work in this direction continues.

Identification of resistant sources against collar rot disease in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) incited by Aspergillus niger

Collar rot disease incited by Aspergillus niger van Tiegham is one of the major constraint to groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production in India. This fungus is ubiquitous, soil inhabitant causing severe reduction in seed germination. Infected seeds appear surrounded by black conidia and post-emergence infection occurs on collar region of plants leading to mortality of emerged seedlings at the seedling stage. Therefore, present study was carried out during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2022 and 2023 at Regional Research Station (CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana), Bawal, Haryana to identify the strategy of disease management by identification of new resistant lines which will be useful to develop introgression lines using marker-assisted backcrossing approach to improve disease resistance against soil-borne pathogens in popular groundnut varieties. A total of 245 groundnut genotypes were screened under natural epiphytotic field conditions in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications for their resistance against collar rot disease The results of the investigation indicated that 65 genotypes displayed resistant reactions among which ICGV-6285, GC-131-1, ICGV-06319, ICGV-02038, GC-100, GC-98, ICGV-02038, ICGV-7403, ICGV-7214, TG-37A and GC-133 exhibited the lowest collar rot incidence while, rest of the genotypes displayed moderately resistant, susceptible and highly susceptible reaction. Thus, these resistant genotypes could be utilized in the hybridization programme to develop high yielding groundnut variety with inbuilt resistance against collar rot of groundnut.

Performance of different rice genotypes cultivated under submergence and normal growing conditions

Abstract Submergence negatively affects the plant growth and yield of rice genotypes, which in turn results in huge financial loss. Thus, identification of submergence tolerance rice genotypes is needed for sustainable rice cultivation in flood-prone areas. Keeping this in view, a two-year (2019 and 2020) field study was undertaken at Rice Research Farm of Bihar Agricultural College, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur to investigate and compare the yield responses of rice genotypes under submergence and normal growing conditions. Twenty-five days old seedlings of 25 rice genotypes were transplanted in a randomized complete block design in two replicates, which were allowed to grow under normal practice for the next 25 days. Thereafter, the 50-day old plants were completely submerged with turbid water of 1.5 m height for the next 18 days. After de-submergence, all the recommended agronomic practices were adopted during the rest of the crop period. Under submergence, higher grain yield was recorded under all the genotypes during 2020 as compared to 2019 mainly due to higher temperature and lesser rainfall during 2020. Under submergence conditions, Jalmagna, Nona Bokra and Swarna Sub 1 were the best performers having produced average yields of 3,167, 2,786 and 2,741 kg/ha, respectively. Whereas under normal growing practice, Swarna Sub 1, Jalmagna and Sudha were the first three best performing genotypes producing average yields of 5,063, 4,565 and 4,456 kg/ha, respectively. Therefore, Jalmagna should be preferred for cultivation in the flood-prone regions of the state, however in non-flooded areas; Swarna Sub 1 may be cultivated.

Influence of Dietary Manipulation on the Blood Biochemical Profile and Growth Performance of Crossbred Dairy Heifer

This study aimed to assess the influence of dietary manipulation with commonly available concentrate sources on the nutritional status and growth performance of crossbred dairy heifer. Concentrates that were used alternatively in three feed preparation were (Wheat bran, rice polish and maize powder). Twelve crossbred dairy heifers (50% Holstein Friesian blood (HF) (age around 12-13 months; body weight (173-196) kg were chosen from the existing dairy herd of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Dairy Farm, Department of Dairy Science, BAU. Latin square design was used to conduct the study. The feeding experiment was lasted for a duration of 100 days (10 days for adjustment period and rest 90 days for main trial that was divided into 3 periods). Blood analysis, growth performance measurement, feed efficiency calculation and feed cost analysis were performed at 15 days interval. Among the twelve blood biochemical parameters no significant (p<0.05) variation was found except the result of total cholesterol which was found highest in rice polish fed group (170.1 mg/dL). Body weight gain per 15 days was significantly higher (9.08 kg/15d) and dry matter intake per kg of body weight gain (9.56kg DMI/kg BWG) was significantly lower when heifers were supplied feed preparation containing wheat bran. Rest other body growth parameters didn’t show any significant difference when feed with three feed preparations.

Structural characterization of wild edible Pleurotuscollected from Punjab, India

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) belongs to the class Basidiomycetes, family Agaricaceae, commonly known as ‘dhingri’ in India and proliferates naturally on dead, decay wooden logs or trunks of deciduous or coniferous woods in tropical and temperate forests. Although Pleurotus mushrooms are commercially important mushrooms but wild Pleurotus still require public recognition. Hence, the present study aimed to conduct a field survey for collection of Pleurotus mushrooms from wild regions of of Punjab Two wild Pleurotus were collected and domesticated at Mushroom Research Complex, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab which were further analyzed at molecular and biochemical levels. These mushrooms were identified at species level through ITS (Internal transcribed spacer region) based method (18S ribosomal RNA gene, internal transcribed spacer, 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene, complete sequence; and 28S ribosomal RNA gene) was carried out. The gene bank accessioned Pleurotus sapidus as MK 281339 and Pleurotus floridanus as MK 281340. Hyphae of Pleurotus sapidus was observed to be packed tightly to a greater extent as compared to Pleurotus floridanus according to the ultra-structure recorded by scanning electron microscope. Both species of Pleurotus share two different proteins of same molecular weight 24.81 KDa and 28.43 KDa. Collecting and identifying wild species is crucial to preserve the wild fruits and fathom out the benefits of wild edible Pleurotus spp.