Gangetic Plain Of West Bengal Research Articles

<i>Ricciocarpos</i> Corda (Hepaticae) from Maldah District, West Bengal: A New Generic Record for Gangetic Plain

Genus Ricciocarpos Corda (Family Ricciaceae) has been recorded for the first time from the Gangetic Plain of West Bengal. The same has been described along with the ecological notes and associated aquatic macrophytes.

Effect of establishment methods on aromatic rice (Oryza sativa) genotypes in lower Gangetic plains of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted at Jaguli, Nadia, West Bengal, India, during the rainy (kharif) season of 2016, to study the response of four aromatic (Oryza sativa L.) rice genotypes (‘Gobindabhog’, ‘Radhunipagal’, ‘Tulaipanji’ and ‘Kalonunia’) under 3 establishment methods [conventional planting, drum seeding and modified system of rice intensification (SRI)].The plants raised under modified SRI showed the maximum plant height at harvesting (136.7 cm), tiller production (298/m2 ) at 63 days after transplanting (DAT), and dry-matter production at 33 DAT (194 g/m2 /day) and 63 DAT (444 g/m2 /day). Conventional planting resulted in the highest grain yield (2.24 t/ha), head rice recovery (HRR) (55.2%) and net income (`32,593/ha), which were greater over the modified SRI (2.09 t/ha, 53.5% and `30,901/ha) and drum seeding method (2.0 t/ha, 53.2% and `32,192/ha). ‘Gobindabhog’ had the highest grain yield (2.35 t/ha), HRR (56.5%), net income (`39,754/ha) and benefit: cost (B:C) ratio (2.13) compared to the other genotypes; but ‘Kalonunia’ might be tried as a second option in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal.

Effect of foliar application of micronutrients on summer mungbean varieties on alluvial soil of West Bengal

A field experiment was carried out during the summer seasons of 2020 and 2021 at Jaguli Instructional Farm, BCKV, Nadia (West Bengal), in the Gangetic alluvial soil, to assess the effect of varieties and micronutrient foliar spray on growth parameters, yield components, yield and economics of mungbean. Results revealed that different varieties significantly promoted growth parameters and variety Meha was found to be superior. Growth parameters was significantly higher under molybdenum foliar spray over other micronutrients foliar spray. The maximum number of pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod and test weight were found in plants receiving sodium molybdenum foliar spray at 0.05%. Maximum seed yield and stover yield were also recorded in the same treatment where 0.05% sodium molybdenum spraying was done at pre flowering and pod development stage. Variety showed significant variation in pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod and test weight and were maximum in variety Meha. Both seed and stover yield were highest in case of variety Meha over others. The gross returns, net returns and benefit: cost ratio were maximum in Meha variety with foliar application of sodium molybdenum. Hence, variety Meha with foliar spray of molybdenum could be more effective in augmenting mungbean growth, yield and economics in the Gangetic plains of West Bengal in the summer season.

Medicinal plants from Gangetic plains of West Bengal and yoga for the management of lifestyle diseases

Medicinal plants from Gangetic plains of West Bengal and yoga for the management of lifestyle diseases

Detection of Ascosphaera apis, causing chalkbrood disease in the colonies of European honey bee, Apis mellifera in West Bengal, India

The decline of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) populations is of great concern around the world. Among the several key drivers, dissemination of pests and pathogens is potential one. Chalkbrood is very common fungal disease of honey bee, caused due to Ascosphaera apis. In the present study, survey was conducted regarding the prevalence of diseases in A. mellifera beekeeping in Gangetic plains of West Bengal, India. Results confirmed the occurrence of chalkbrood disease in different apiaries, where dead and mummified bee larvae with cotton like chalky white or greyish-black covering were found as physical symptoms of the disease. From three surveyed apiaries, a total of 16 hives out of 113 hives were found to be infected with the diseases; and 46 frames out of 132 frames from the infected 16 hives were found to be affected by the pathogen. Microscopic examination reflected that nearly 87% of the samples collected from the infected frame were found to be positive for the spore of Ascosphaera. The fungus associated with the disease was isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar medium, pure cultured and its genomic DNA was isolated to perform PCR and based on 18s rDNA sequencing by using specific primer pair of ITS-1 and ITS-4, the fungus was identified as Ascosphaera apis. 
 Keywords: 18s rDNA, Bees, Necrotrophs, Phylogeny

Evaluation of Different Genotypes of Late Kharif Onion (Allium cepa L.) Under the Gangetic Plains of West Bengal, India

Aim: Onions, (Allium cepa L.) is one of the highly significant bulbs crops extensively cultivated in India. The investigation entitled “Evaluation of different genotypes of Late Kharif Onion (Allium Cepa L.) under the Gangetic plains of West Bengal”is aimed at suggesting the more locally suitable genotypes to the farmer as well as the researchers.
 Study Design: The experiment was conducted in randomized block design (RBD) with seven genotypes and they were randomized in three replications. This Experiment deals with seven different late kharif onion genotypes which consist of viz. Bhima Shakti, Bhima Kiran, Bhima Raj, DOGR-1605, NHRDF-Red-2, DOGR-1606 and PRO-7.
 Place and Duration of Study: The research investigation was conducted at C-Block farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal during the year 2022- 2023.
 Methodology: 30 days old seedlings were transplanted at 15 cm between lines and 10 cm within it. All other intercultural operations were done as and when necessary. Harvesting of bulbs was done at maturity stage. Biometrical observations and yield attributing characters were recorded from randomly selected 10 plants from each replication and the quality parameters were evaluated from randomly selected 5 plants.
 Results: From the present investigation it was found that the late kharif onion genotype Bhima Shakti emerged with the highest yield (285.80 q-ha) but in terms of other quality parameters the genotype NHRDF-Red-2 found quite good in TSS (14.12 ̊ B) and pyruvic acid content of (6.24 µmol-g), whereas genotypes Bhima Raj, exhibits lowest total sugar of (2.40 %) and reducing sugar of (2.13%).
 Conclusion: Although from the above experiment it may be concluded that in case of late kharif onion genotypes the genotypes Bhima Shakti, Bhima Raj and NHRDF-Red-2 performed well.

Characterization and Evaluation of Different Cultivars of Sapota (Manilkara achras L.) under the Gangetic Plain of West Bengal

The present experiment was carried out in Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal during April to June of 2022 to find out the best cultivars of this region. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments each replicated thrice. The ten years old seven cultivars (Cricket Ball, PKM-1, PKM-2, PKM-3, CO-1, CO-2 and CO-3) are planted in a square system in a spacing of 5×5 m2. The maximum fruit weight was found in CO-1 (73.86 g) and followed by CO-2 (73.53 g). The longest fruit length and dimension were observed from CO-2 (7.00 cm and 5.07 cm respectively). The maximum pulp contains in the cultivar is CO-2 (69.58 g) followed by CO-1 (68.96 g). The maximum value of TSS was found in CO-2 (25.17 oBrix) followed by Cricket Ball (21.22 oBrix) and CO-3 (20.28 oBrix). The lowest acidity was recorded in CO-2 (0.12%) followed by CO-3 (0.16%) and CO-1 (0.20%). The cultivar CO-2 registered the highest values of ascorbic acid (62.85 mg 100 g-1), total sugar (16.78%), non-reducing sugar (6.44%) and TSS: acid ratio (209.72). It can be concluded that CO-2 appeared to be the best variety based on the fruit’s physical and quality attributes. As this experiment was carried out based on a limited number of varieties, more research was required on the existing germplasm of India. That might be supported in sapota’s future production, processing, and marketing.

Influence of Different Planting Dates on the Occurrence of Key Pests Affecting Blackgram in the Lower Gangetic Alluvial Plain of West Bengal

A field oriented experiment was executed over two consecutive summer months in 2019 and 2020 to study the influence of sowing dates of blackgram or urdbean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) on the population fluctuation of its major pests viz., flower infesting thrips (Megalurothrips sp.) and spotted pod borer or legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata Fabr.). The blackgram variety PU 31 was sown on three different dates, with ten days apart specifically, on the 14th of March, 24th of March and 3rd of April each year, representing early, medium and late sown crops. The experiment recorded fewer incidences of flower thrips in late-sown crop (population of 2.56 per 10 flowers in first year and 1.22 in second year) than early crop (4.71 and 2.42 in those years, respectively), while higher incidences of pod borer was recorded in late-sown crop (larval population of 2.49 plant-1 in first year and 2.58 in second year) than early crop (0.69 and 0.42 in those years, respectively). Given that early and late-sown crops attract more thrips and pod borers, respectively, it may be recommended to sow black gram during the last week of March, especially in the lower Gangetic plains of West Bengal.

Variations in Intra-specific Morphometry of Aphelenchoides besseyi Associated with Tuberose in the Gangetic Plains of West Bengal

Variations in Intra-specific Morphometry of Aphelenchoides besseyi Associated with Tuberose in the Gangetic Plains of West Bengal

Groundwater vulnerability assessment of elevated arsenic in Gangetic plain of West Bengal, India; Using primary information, lithological transport, state-of-the-art approaches

Deterioration of groundwater quality is a long-term incident which leads unending vulnerability of groundwater. The present work was carried out in Murshidabad District, West Bengal, India to assess groundwater vulnerability due to elevated arsenic (As) and other heavy metal contamination in this area. The geographic distribution of arsenic and other heavy metals including physicochemical parameters of groundwater (in both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season) and different physical factors were performed. GIS-machine learning model such as support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF) and support vector regression (SVR) were used for this study. Results revealed that, the concentration of groundwater arsenic compasses from 0.093 to 0.448 mg/L in pre-monsoon and 0.078 to 0.539 mg/L in post-monsoon throughout the district; which indicate that all water samples of the Murshidabad District exceed the WHO's permissible limit (0.01 mg/L). The GIS-machine learning model outcomes states the values of area under the curve (AUC) of SVR, RF and SVM are 0.923, 0.901 and 0.897 (training datasets) and 0.910, 0.899 and 0.891 (validation datasets), respectively. Hence, “support vector regression” model is best fitted to predict the arsenic vulnerable zones of Murshidabad District. Then again, groundwater flow paths and arsenic transport was assessed by three dimensions underlying transport model (MODPATH). The particles discharging trends clearly revealed that the Holocene age aquifers are major contributor of As than Pleistocene age aquifers and this may be the main cause of As vulnerability of both northeast and southwest parts of Murshidabad District. Therefore, special attention should be paid on the predicted vulnerable areas for the safeguard of the public health. Moreover, this study can help to make a proper framework towards sustainable groundwater management.

Effect of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on growth, yield and economics of aromatic rice (Oryza sativa) in Gangetic delta of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted at the Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Jaguli, Nadia, West Bengal, during rainy season (kharif) 2019, to study the effect of different nutrient sources on growth, yield and economics of scented rice (Oryza sativa L.). Among 9 treatments, integrated nutrient management (FYM 4 t + N20P10K10 kg/ha) led to the maximum tiller production (345.4 /m2 ) at 56 days after transplanting (DAT), the highest leaf-area index (LAI) (2.90) and dry-matter production (596.2 g/m2 ) at 84 DAT. Chemical fertilizer-based nutrition (N40P20K20 kg/ha) resulted in the maximum plant height (125.0 cm) at harvesting and grain yield (2.57 t/ha), being at par with FYM 4 t + N20P10K10 kg/ha (2.53 t/ha). Plants in LCC-based N-fertilized plots had moderate grain yield (2.18 t/ha) and least lodging tendency (score 2.3). Chemical fertilizer-based nutrition could record the maximum yield (2.57 t/ha), net income (`42,126/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.02); but integrated nutrient management (FYM 4 t + N20P10K10 kg/ha) might be an alternative option for sustainable cultivation (2.53 t/ha, `38,069.50/ha and 1.86) in lower Gangetic plains of West Bengal.

One new species and new records of three species of the genus Forcipomyia Meigen, 1818 (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) from West Bengal, India

Forcipomyia (Forcipomyia) hispida, a new species from the Dooars region of West Bengal, is described and illustrated here based on morphological and molecular data. Among the three newly recorded species, Forcipomyia (Dycea) hamoni de Meillon was known from the Eastern Himalayas while F. (Euprojoannisia) calamistrata Debenham & Wirth and F. (E.) fuscimana (Kieffer) were from the Gangetic plains of West Bengal. The supplementary descriptions and illustrations of the known species are also presented here. DNA barcoding of two newly recorded species of the subgenus Euprojoannisia Brèthes is also obtained for the first time.

Luffa Cylindrica (L.) As Potential Foraging Source For Insect Pollinators During Post Monsoon Season – A Study In Gangetic Plain Of West Bengal

Pollination is an important ecosystem service and insects play the most vital role of its. Insect pollinators need good foraging resources all year long to survive, which are provided by both wild and cultivated plants. However, although being crucial for pollinator survival during scarcity, these wild plants receive little attention. Present study had been carried out in Gangetic plain of West Bengal to document the potentiality of the wild creeping plant, Luffa cylindrica L. as foraging resource for insect pollinators during the post monsoon season, when flowering in major trees is sparse. Active netting explore diversity of flower visitors, while palynological study confirms the pollen foraging activity of two reared honey bees, Apis mellifera L. and Apis cerana indica F. on the creeper. Insects belonged to orders viz. Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera and Coleoptera were found to visit. Hymenopterans were the major insect visitors comprising 66.34% of total. Palynological study revealed that Apis mellifera and Apis cerana indica togetherly visit 17 and 16 plant species for pollen collection during the study months. In October, Luffa cylindrica contributed 10.53% and 11.27% of total pollen taxa foraged by Apis mellifera and Apis cerana indica respectively and grouped as important minor pollen for the honey bees. However, in the month of November it contributed 11.84% and 9.88% of total respectively. Being a creeper, however, these are not given much protection and are often weeded out, which can have a negative impact on native pollinator populations foraging on the crops.

Impact of Sowing Time, Tillage and Variety Management on Growth Indices, Nodulation and Yield Parameters of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Grown after Monsoon Rice in Lower Gangetic Plains of West Bengal

Impact of Sowing Time, Tillage and Variety Management on Growth Indices, Nodulation and Yield Parameters of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Grown after Monsoon Rice in Lower Gangetic Plains of West Bengal

Bio-efficacy of different new molecular insecticides against diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.) infesting cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Capitata) in the Gangetic Plains of West Bengal

Bio-efficacy of different new molecular insecticides against diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.) infesting cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Capitata) in the Gangetic Plains of West Bengal

Effect of organic manure and neemastra on growth and yield of Indian mustard varieties in lower gangetic plains of West Bengal

Effect of organic manure and neemastra on growth and yield of Indian mustard varieties in lower gangetic plains of West Bengal

Bioactive polyphenolic compounds, water-soluble vitamins, in vitro anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and free radical scavenging properties of underutilized alternate crop Amaranthus spinosus L. from Gangetic plain of West Bengal

Studies associated with validation of folklore and ethnomedicinal claim of utilization of different plant parts of ‘spiny amaranth’ (Amaranthus spinosus L.) against degenerative diseases with chemical data, particularly the bioactive polyphenolic compounds and associated anti-degenerative properties are scanty and is the purpose of the present investigations. RP-HPLC coupled photodiode assay was employed for the quantification of twenty-one health promoting bioactive polyphenolic antioxidants derived from phenylpropanoid pathway from different plant parts of Amaranthus spinosus L. for validating organoleptic traditional claims as well as current trends in practice of this underutilized medicinal herb. Further, important water-soluble vitamins [vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B9] present in different plant parts were extracted and estimated through RP-HPLC for validating the claim of their functional food properties. The antioxidant-based functional food property of different plant parts of Amaranthus spinosus were corroborated from the data of in vitro free radical scavenging, metal-chelating, reducing, superoxide radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, anti-protein coagulation, anti-lipid peroxidation and antidiabetic properties. When compared, a positive correlation in accumulation of polyphenolic compounds and water-soluble vitamins tested with antioxidant attributes were noticed for different plant parts, strongly substantiating their phytonutrient properties. Taken as a whole, the present work provides data on organ-specific bioavailability of bioactive polyphenolic antioxidant compounds, water soluble B- vitamins and their functional attributes for validating traditional claims as well as existing trends in consumption of this underutilized medicinal vegetable as low-cost natural antioxidant supplement and functional food, which may encourage their effective exploration and utilization.

Foliar Nutrition in Spring Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] in Lower Gangetic Plains of West Bengal

Background: Blackgram is an important pulse crop having potential to meet up nutritional security. It is mainly grown in rice-fallow condition under receding soil moisture, thus facing moisture deficit at critical growth stages. As a consequence, this crop suffers from reduced nutrient uptake from soil that results in reduction of productivity. A suitable way to nourish the crop under such circumstances is through foliar nutrition. Methods: An experiment to assess the role of foliar nutrition on overall performance of spring blackgram was conducted at “AB” block farm, Kalyani, Nadia of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India in 2018 and 2019 spring seasons. Eight foliar nutrition schedules [control, water spray, CaCl2 @ 0.1%, KCl @ 0.2%, KNO3 @ 0.2%, salicylic acid @100 ppm, complex NPK (19:19:19) @ 2% and DAP @ 2% at initiation of flower and pod] were allocated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Result: Complex fertilizer NPK (19:19:19) @ 2% improved crop growth attributes like, LAI, CGR, chlorophyll content and nodules plant-1. Yield components, yield along with net return increased with complex NPK (19:19:19) @2%. The protein content was also the highest with complex NPK (19:19:19) @2%. So, foliar nutrition with 2% NPK (19:19:19) at initiation of flower and pod may be recommended for maximizing productivity of spring blackgram.

Study on Effect of Spacing and Nutrient Management in Cabbage Cultivation in Medium Land Situation of East Medinipur

Background: Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitate L.) is a nutritionally and economically high-value leafy vegetable. Therefore, the optimum plant density and the judicious application of fertilizers with organic supplements must be ensured to achieve the desired quality and quantity of cabbage. Methods: A field experiment was conducted in farmers’ field to study the effect of spacing and nutrient management on the growth, yield and economics of cabbage in East Medinipur’s medium land situation under the lower Gangetic plain of West Bengal during the Rabi season in 2020. Three technology options with three distinct spacing (TO-I: 60 × 30 cm2 + RDF, TO-II: 60 × 45 cm2 + RDF and TO-III: 60 × 60 cm2 + RDF) along with one farmer’s practice (FP: Random spacing and fertilization) were evaluated using randomized block design (RBD). Result: The findings showed that the maximum plant height (37.2 cm), the lowest number of aberrant heads (7.81%) and the highest individual head weight (1.89 kg) were recorded in TO-III. Individual head weight was decreased in the following order: TO-III greater than TO-II greater than TO-I greater than FP. Though TO-I recorded the maximum harvestable (59.45 t/ha) and marketable yield (53.28 t/ha), TO-II had the maximum net return (Rs. 237069 ha-1) and the highest benefit-cost ratio (2.78). In contrast, the lowest net return (Rs. 112115 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (1.81) were recorded in FP. The decreasing order of net return, as well as the benefit-cost ratio, was found to be: TO-II greater than TO-III greater than TO-I greater than FP.

Response of nutrient management on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of hybrid rice in Gangetic plains of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted at Regional Research Sub-Station (RRS), under Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Chakdaha, Nadia, West Bengal during rainy seasons of 2017 and 2018 to study the effect of different nutrient management on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of hybrid rice. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with 20 treatment combinations having 4 varieties (3 hybrid varieties and 1 high yielding variety) and 5 combinations of nutrient management in three replications. The treatment combination of Ajay variety with 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + 50% RDN from mustard cake + full recommended dose of phosphorus (RDP) and potassium (RDK) recorded the highest plant height but significantly greater values of leaf area index at 75 days after transplanting (DAT), leaf area duration at 30-90 DAT, dry matter accumulation and crop growth rate at 60-75 DAT were recorded in the treatment combination of Arize 6444 with 75% RDN + 25% nitrogen through mustard cake + 20 kg ZnSO4 /ha. In terms of yield attributes and yield treatment combination of hybrid variety Arize 6444 when combined with either of the fertilizer treatment i.e., 50% RDN + 50% RDN from mustard cake + full (RDP) and (RDK) or 75% RDN + 25% RDN from mustard cake + RDP and RDK + 20 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 recorded significantly (p= 0.05) best results. Hence, this combination could be more effective in augmenting growth, yield and nutrient uptake in the Gangetic plains of West Bengal.