Mandya District Research Articles

Knowledge and attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine among India's general rural population

IntroductionEven after the enforcement of the lockdown, the government was unable to control the spread of the COVID-19 infection. Vaccination is the only remaining hope for preventing and controlling COVID-19 infections. The knowledge and attitude of the recipients can influence vaccine acceptance. In this study, we aim to assess the knowledge and attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine among the general rural population of India. MethodologyA community-based, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2021 to October 2021 in the rural part of the Mandya district of Karnataka, India. Individuals over the age of 18 who met the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's vaccination eligibility criteria were included in the study. Demographic details of participants and assessment of knowledge and attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine were done in a designed and validated data collection form. ResultsThe study included 596 participants, with females dominating males by 54.9 % (327). The average age of the participants was 31 years. Among them, 81.71% (487) had adequate knowledge, and 81.5% (486) had a positive attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine. Females (85.3%, 279) tend to have a more positive attitude than males (77%, 207). Positive attitude participants (86.86 %, 423) have a higher level of knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine than negative attitude participants (57.79 %, 63). ConclusionIn the study, we found that 81.71% had adequate knowledge and 81.5% had a positive attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine.

Organic Farming In Mandya District

Organic Farming In Mandya District

Novel frond injection method using cartap hydrochloride for the management of Opisina arenosella

The present study was carried out at farmer’s field at Halebudanur village in Mandya district in Karnataka, Indiaduring 2017–18. Frond injection method, a novel approach of insecticide administration into the coconut palm wasapplied using an eco-friendly and animal origin insecticide cartap hydrochloride (50% SP) against Opisina arenosellaWalker. The results on absorption showed that all the dilutions of cartap hydrochloride (50% SP) injected to frondswere absorbed completely within 24 h and recorded 100 % larval mortality, 7 days after imposing injection and foundsuperior over control. This method showed quicker and accurate absorption of insecticides into the coconut palmand did not cause any secondary infection of pathogen or mechanical injury to the frond tissues and can be usefulon coconut palms.

ESTIMATION OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR EFFECTIVE DOSES AND LIFETIME CANCER RISK FROM GAMMA DOSE RATES IN AND AROUND MANDYA DISTRICT, KARNATAKA.

Indoor and outdoor gamma-ray dose rates have been measured in and around Mandya district (12° 20″ N and 77° 20″ E). The measurements were carried out from 45 locations of Mandya district at 1 m above the ground surface for radiometric, geophysical and environmental surveys using a lightweight portable radiation dosemeter ER‑709. The indoor and outdoor absorbed gamma dose rate in air varied from 66.12±0.8 to 131.89±5.5 nGy per h with a geometrical mean value of 97.79±2.6 nGy per h and 45.94±0.7 to 80.39±2.6 nGy per h with a geometrical mean value of 58.75±1.5. The indoor and outdoor effective doses vary from 0.32 to 0.65 mSv per y with a geometric mean value of 0.48 mSv per y and 0.06 to 0.10 mSv per y with a geometric mean value of 0.07 mSv per y which is slightly higher when compared with the worldwide average of the effective doses. The indoor and outdoor excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) of residents along the different locations varies from 1.14 × 10-3 to 2.26 × 10-3 with a geometric mean value of 1.68 × 10-3 and 0.20 × 10-3 to 0.35 × 10-3 with a geometric mean value of 0.25 × 10-3 which is similar to the worldwide average of the ELCR.

Application of Microgravity Survey in the Exploration of Rare-metal Bearing Pegmatites – A Case Study from Marlagalla, Mandya District, Karnataka

Abstract Geologically, the Marlagalla area represents the southern part of NNE-SSW trending Nagamangala schist belt, which is a member of ancient supracrustals of Sargur Group and situated in the southern part of Western Dharwar Craton. The area is mostly soil cover with limited exposure of amphibolite/hornblende schist and intrusive pegmatite. Pegmatites occur as lensoidal bodies within the amphibolite.Microgravity surveys are attempted for the first time to detect pegmatites within the amphibolite. The density between pegmatite (Density= 2.58-2.61 gm/cc) and host rock amphibolite (Density=3.09-3.14 gm/cc) gives detectable contrast to identify pegmatite within amphibolite. Gravity data are acquired over a grid of 5m x 30m using CG-5 Autograv gravimeter which has 1 μGal sensitivity. Elevation data are acquired using SP80 post processing DGPS instrument which has 5 mm elevation accuracy. Analysis of residual gravity and first vertical derivative (FVD) filters facilitated in delineating the pegmatite bodies. The pegmatite bodies show low gravity anomalies with an amplitude range of -5 to -200 μGal. FVD map of the residual gravity indicated four major N100E trending linear anomalies of -36 to 3.0 μGal/m corresponding to pegmatite bodies of varying strike (100-200m) and width (10-15m).2D-Forward modeling of microgravity data helped in deriving the subsurface geometry of the pegmatites. Borehole drilled subsequently based on the results of microgravity surveys intercepted pegmatites within the amphibolite. Thus, the technique has proved for exploration of pegmatite in contrasting environment of amphibolite. Pegmatite are known for rare metals and lithium minerals. Indirectly the model proposed here will help in exploration of rare metals and Li bearing pegmatite.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIMICROBIAL ANALYSIS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF WILD MANGO VARIETIES

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts of bark and leaf of eighteen mango varieties growing in the village Hanavadi, Malavalli taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka state were conducted. They showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponnins, resins, carbohydrates and proteins. Antibacterial activity tested against six human pathogens- Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, by disc diffusion method showed significant inhibition zone against pathogens compared to control. These results disclose the inhibiting property of leaf and bark of wild varieties of mangoes against potential pathogens and thus can be subjected to further investigations for their applications in human phytomedicines.

Utility and Impact of Agromet Advisory Services among Farmers in Mandya District, Karnataka

Weather is one of the foremost factors affecting the agriculture production and crop productivity. The effective weather information and advisory services to the farmers aid in decision-making of day-to-day agricultural operations right from the selection of crops to post harvest in order to avoid crop losses. Total 105 AAS bulletins were prepared and disseminated to the farmers in 2021 by District Agromet Unit (DAMU) established at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, V C farm, Mandya. A random sample survey was conducted for 175 farmers (25 per block) in 2021 to assess the effectiveness, impact and usefulness of Agromet Advisory Services from each block in Mandya District, Karnataka and analyzed the data using the Dynamic Feedback System of IMD. The study revealed that 48 percent of farmers preferred weather forecast before going for fertilizer application, 65 percent for spraying operations and 75 percent for harvesting operations. A total of 69 percent farmers were satisfied, 18 percent were partially satisfied and 13 percent were not satisfied with the advisory. The study indicated that the farmers focused more on the weather forecast for spraying & harvesting operations compared to other activities of farming.

Perception of DOTS providers on changes in tuberculosis case management: Comparison of alternate day and daily treatment regimens using mixed method design in Mandya district

BackgroundTuberculosis case management has undergone various changes in recent years. Most of the decisions have been taken based on provider intelligence or perspective. It is essential to know the beneficiary perspective about the changes in RNTCP. DOTS providers are active witnesses for the series of changes and they have first hand experience of effect of these changes on TB patients. Thus it is ideal to learn from DOTS providers, about comparative strengths and limitations of the new strategy and effects of the changes. MethodsStudy design Mixed method using survey and matrix ranking method. Study populationDOTS providers who have supervised at least one patient before the daily regimen and completed at-least intensive phase of one patient in daily regimen.Study was conducted in Mandya district between May–June 2019 involving 25 DOTS providers selected through snowball sampling technique. Data collection was done using proforma and Matrix ranking technique using 10 stones. Thematic analysis, wilcoxon sign rank test were used for analysis. ResultsSignificant improvement was reported by DOTS providers in new regimen with respect to compliance, treatment response, ease of supervision and patient attitude towards outcome. Related to drug supply system, there was no significant difference. ConclusionsThere was significant improvement in compliance, response, ease of supervision and patient attitude. Significant reduction in side effects in daily regimen compared to alternate day regimen. NPY is helping poor and elderly patients but irregular payment is an issue. Remuneration of DOTS providers was not consistent.

A clinical study of effect of peri-tonsillar infiltration of ropivacaine on tonsillectomy haemorrhage

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The aim of this study to determine the relationship between the peritonsillar infiltration of ropivacaine hydrochloride and haemorrhage in patients undergoing tonsillectomy.</p><p><strong>Methods </strong>This prospective study was conducted in the department of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, Adichunchanagiri institute of medical sciences, B. G. Nagara, Mandya district. A sample size of 30 patients which satisfied the inclusion criteria were included in the study. <strong></strong></p><p>Ropivacaine (0.75%)<strong> </strong>was locally infiltrated on the right side (R-side) in the peri-tonsillar region before the surgery. The left side was considered as the control side. Intra-operative blood loss was estimated separately for both the sides. The data from the study will be analysed using chi square test and Student t test technique.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The 17 (56.7%) females and 13 (43.3%) males participated in the study. Majority of the cases belonged to <10 years of age group. By analysing the data, blood loss was found to be higher on the left side (control side) compared to the right side on which peri-tonsillar infiltration of ropivacaine was given. The association between the blood loss on the right side and the left side (control side) was found to be significant (p<0.0001).<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Based on the result of our study it can be derived that the peri-tonsillar infiltration of Ropivacaine (0.75%) is very effective in reducing intra-operative bleeding and at the same time providing a better bloodless field during surgery. Hence, we recommend the use of peri-tonsillar infiltration of Ropivacaine (0.75%) in view of better management of intra-operative blood lossissn.2454-5929.ijohns20220041</p>

Studies on Different Dilutions of Distillery Spentwash for Foliar Application and Its Effect on Soil Properties, Growth, Yield and Quality of Tomato

ABSTRACT A greenhouse experiment was conducted at GKVK Bengaluru, Karnataka during 2013 to decide the best dilution of distillery spentwash to be utilized as a foliar spray for tomato crop. Results revealed that a foliar application of 1:5 dilution of distillery spentwash resulted in higher growth parameters compared to other dilutions. Based on greenhouse experiment results, a two year field experiment was conducted in a farmer’s field at Mandya district, Karnataka during 2013 and 2014. Pooled analysis of two years of data (2013 and 2014) revealed that at 60 DAT, the treatment which received 100% RDF + 5 sprays of distillery spentwash at 1:5 dilution recorded significantly higher plant height (110.2 cm), SPAD meter reading (22.9) and higher fruit yield (7.14 kg plant−1 and 78.9 t ha−1) compared to other treatments. Lower plant height, SPAD reading and yield were recorded in the 100% RDF + water sprays (5 times). Also, significantly higher ascorbic acid content (54.2 mg 100–1) and lycopene content (14.0 mg 100–1) of tomato fruits were determined in the treatment receiving 100% RDF + 5 sprays of distillery spentwash at 1:5 dilution. After harvest of tomato crop, soil properties were higher in treatment which received 100% RDF + 5 sprays of undiluted distillery spentwash; but soil pH was higher in the treatment that received water spray.

Weekly Rainfall Analysis using Markov-Chain Model for VC Farm Mandya District, Karnataka

The present study has been carried out at Zonal Agricultural Research Station which is located at Mandya district in Karnataka state under agro-climatic zone 6 (Southern dry zone) having longitude of 76° 49.8’ E and latitude of 12°34.3’ N with an altitude of 697 meters above the mean sea level to find the probabilities of occurrence of wet week (Pw), dry week (Pd), wet week preceded by wet week (Pww), dry week preceded by dry week (Pdd), two and three consecutive wet and dry weeks (P2w, P2d, P3w and P3d) at a threshold rainfall limit of 20 mm week-1. Weekly rainfall data of 26 years (1991-2018) obtained from Agromet observatory, ZARS, Mandya, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru was studied for spell distribution using Markov Chain Model. For this purpose a week period was considered as the optimum length of time. The results revealed that, the probability of occurrence of wet weeks during the pre monsoon season starts effectively from 15th May to 15th June in the study area. The chance of occurrence of two or three consecutive wet weeks was high during rainy season, whereas, rest of the period during the year was more prone to have two or three consecutive dry weeks.

First report of 16SrII group (Peanut witches' Broom) Phytoplasmas associated with the Leucas aspera Phyllody in India.

Leucas aspera (Wild.) Linn. (Family: Lamiaceae) is a commonly found weed throughout India, known for its pharmacological properties. Its white flowers and leaves are used in many Ayurvedic formulations for the treatment of chronic rheumatism, psoriasis, snake bites and skin eruptions (Prajapathi et al., 2010). During a survey of commercial flower crop fields in May 2018, a few L. aspera plants, growing as unwanted weeds in the fields and surrounding agricultural wastelands with the symptoms of phyllody, virescence and little leaves were observed in Emmekoppalu (12.2106, 76.2511; n= 1/26 plants) and Beerihundi (12.1630, 76.3225; n= 2/59 plants) localities of Mysuru district, and Srirangapatna in Mandya district (12.2541, 76.411; 1/67 plants), Karnataka- India(Figure 1). 'n' denotes the symptomatic/ asymptomatic samples observed. The disease incidence in the surveyed localities ranged less than four per cent. The total genomic DNA was extracted from the leaf midrib tissues of three representative symptomatic and two asymptomatic samples using the CTAB method. The phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene was amplified in nested PCR assay by P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2 primers using Long Amplification (LA) Taq polymerase (Takara, Japan). Additionally, the PCR assays were performed for the amplification of phytoplasma secA gene using the primers SecAfor1/SecArev3 and SecAfor2/SecArev3 (Hodgetts et al., 2008). The DNA templates from all the symptomatic samples generated amplicons of approximately 1.25kb (16S rRNA gene) and 480 bp (secA gene) revealing the association of phytoplasma strains. No amplifications were observed for the asymptomatic L. aspera samples. The obtained 16S rRNA gene sequences (MN223676, MT807111 and MZ093053) showed 97.96, 98.37 and 98.18 % sequence identity, respectively; with the 'Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia', strain 'WBDL (U15442) using EzBiocloud database. The NCBI-BLAST analysis revealed maximum identity to various Peanut witches' Broom (PWB) phytoplasma strains. The virtual RFLP tool, iPhyClassifier delineated the Leucas phyllody phytoplasma strains (MN223676, MT807111 and MZ093053) to group 16SrII (PWB, Peanut Witches' broom group) subgroup D with the similarity coefficient 1.0 (Zhao et al. 2009). The obtained secA gene sequences (MZ151944, MZ151945 and MZ151946) were 98.15 to 100 % similar to the strain sequences of PWB phytoplasma strains. Further, the clustering pattern in the phylogenetic trees (16S rRNA and secA genes) constructed using MEGA 7 confirmed that the Leucas phyllody phytoplasma sequences were closely related to PWB strains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the association of 16SrII-D subgroup phytoplasma with the phyllody disease of L. aspera. In India, many weeds and wild plants serve as alternative hosts of PWB phytoplasmas and aid in the emergence of related diseases in economically important crops (Thorat et al., 2016; Thorat et al., 2017). The close genetic association of phytoplasma strains found in L. aspera and many other crops indicates the presence of common insect vector(s) transmitting these phytoplasmas (Yadav et al. 2015). This report is an addition to the catalogue of the weed species harboring phytoplasma strains associated with economically important crop plants (Rao et al., 2017). The screening of phytoplasma strains in weeds, alternate hosts and known/ unknown insect vectors is therefore essential to develop management strategies and effective management of phytophagous insect vectors feeding on both weeds and crop plants.

Prof K C Dube Poster Award

Introduction:Clinical interview driven diagnosis has more validity than diagnosis based on structured interview schedules. Epidemiological studies from clinician evaluation would be more valuable to scientific world. Till date, there are no Indian studies on psychiatrist conducted clinical interview based epidemiological studies at primary care settings.Objectives:To assess the prevalence of psychiatrist diagnosed mental illness at primary health centres(PHCs).Methods:This was a retrospective review of data collected from Tele-On Consultation Training (Tele-OCT) program. It was conducted for 73 Primary Care Doctors working in PHCs of Mandya district, Karnataka over a duration of 26 months.Results:The prevalence of psychiatric disorders among adult population was 47.5%. Of those, most common were Common Mental Disorders (35.2%) followed by substance use (9.5%) and psychotic disorders (2.6%).Discussion:It is the first clinical epidemiological study in primary care settings based on psychiatrist’s clinical interview from India. A significant proportion of patients attending PHCs were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. This study shows the feasibility of conducting such epidemiological studies with available time and resources.

Awareness about tuberculosis in a rural area of Mandya district: A cross-sectional study in southern Karnataka

Background:Tuberculosis (TB) is a re-emerging disease in India. Creating awareness among the community still plays a vital role in preventing and controlling the spread of TB.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of 4 months in a rural area in Mandya, southern Karnataka. Sample size was estimated and those who fulfill the inclusion criteria were included with prior consent. Data were collected through interview method using structured questionnaire and analyzed using Epi info software.Results:Among the 774 participants, majority (61.8%) of the study participants belonged to the age group of 30–59 years; 32.7% of the subjects had studied up to secondary level of education. More than three-fourth of the subjects (76.1%) had heard about TB disease. More than 50% of the subjects mentioned “coughing” by a diseased person as the main reason for spread. Forty percent of the subjects, opined as recovery, will be complete after treatment. More than 60% of the subjects knew that TB diagnosis and treatment is free in any government health center.Conclusion:Our study found that knowledge regarding TB and its control in many of the aspects is either insufficient or not satisfactory in the community.

AN EVALUATION OF PRIMARY COOPERATIVE AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS IN MYSURU AND MANDYA DISTRICTS.

The cooperative banking sector plays an important role in providing credit to the agricultural sector in Karnataka. Especially,PCARD Banks with the wide network of their branches at the grass-root levels and vast experience in the field of Long Term Credit helped in transferring latest technology to the small farmers.The main intention of this study is to measure the performance of PCARD Banks in Mandya and Mysuru districts comparing with the help of secondary data and also the study made use of the exponential growth model to measure the performance of the banks.It is found from the analysis that, Mandya PCARD banks are well equipped with members’ growth, share, and working capitals but Mysuru PCARD banks are performing well in terms of deposits,investments,and net profits when compared to Mandya district. There is need for proper loan recovery regulation through government intervention to overcome losses in PCARD Banks especially in Mandya District.

Attitude of Sericulture Beneficiary Farmers towards the Activities of Technical Service Centres (TSCs) in Karnataka State of India

Sericulture in Karnataka is in the process of modernization in many phases through new demand driven extension approach called Technical Service Centres (TSCs) located at the grass-root level (Hobli and Taluka level). These centres mainly involved in the dissemination of the technologies developed by the Research Institutes and also in supply of mulberry cuttings/saplings, monitoring mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing and providing information about loan facilities and subsidy schemes. There is a need to study the attitude of sericulture beneficiary farmers towards activities of TSCs. The study was conducted during 2018-20 in the Karnataka state of India. The Karnataka state was contributing 35.00 per cent of silk production in India. An ex-post facto research design was used or the study. An attitude was measured by Likert scale construction. The Ramanagara and Mandya districts were selected because these district having highest number of TSCs in Bangalore and Mysore division respectively. Mandya, Malavalli and K.R Pet taluks from Mandya district on the other hand Ramanagara, Channapatna and Kanakapura taluks from Ramanagara district were purposively selected for the study. Above taluks were selected based on top 3 taluks in TSCs in district. The four TSCs from each taluk leads to twelve from each district, Totally, 24 TSCs were selected for the study. Ten sericulture farmers under each TSC, collectively 240, were selected by using random sampling method. The study revealed that just little more than half (50.42%) of the sericulture farmers had medium favourable attitude towards activities of TSCs followed by high favourable attitude (35.00%) and only 14.58 per cent of the sericulture farmers had low favourable attitude. The probable reason might be majority of the sericulture farmers participated in trainings at Sericulture Training Institute at K.R Pet of Mandya District and Channapatna of Ramanagara district and also they were undergone for study tour to Kolar district. They were supplied subsidized mulberry saplings, bed disinfectants, growth promoters among sericulture farmers.

Optimum Farm Plan for Higher Net Income in Southern and Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka

The present study was focused on deriving an optimum farm plan which would enhance the farm income in different farming systems in Southern and Eastern dry zones of Karnataka. Data collected from 240 respondents selected using random sampling technique from two districts viz. Mandya and Kolar. The dominant farming systems identified in the study areas were crop + dairy, crop + sheep rearing, Crop + dairy + sericulture, and crop + dairy + horticulture. Linear programming technique was used to work out the maximum attainable return. In Mandya district, crop + sheep farming system were providing an annual income of ` 92468 per farm with the total expenditure of ` 175400, whereas, an optimal plan can fetch a return of ` 278810 per farm with the similar expenditure. In Kolar district, crop + dairy was giving annual income of ` 168216 per farm with the total expenditure of ` 150000 and through an optimum plan, a farmer could earn ` 327996 per farm. Mandya district In farming system with the component of crop + dairy + sericulture, farmers were realizing an annual income of ` 296433 per farm with the total expenditure of ` 274947, where optimization can provide the farmer an income of ` 640487 per farm with similar expenditure and this system is turned out to be most remunerative among all the farming systems

Occurrence of natural infection of tomato by Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid (PSTVd) in India

A field survey was carried out in districts of southern Karnataka to assess the pospiviroid infections on tomato crop. The tomato plants showing disease symptoms such as severe leaf curling, epinasty, chlorosis, purpling and stunted growth that are characteristics of viroid infection were collected along with asymptomatic plants and the infection was analysed by RT-PCR. A sample collected from the Mandya district showed an amplicon size of ~ 361 bp which confirmed PSTVd infection, while no other Pospiviroids were detected. The amplified PCR products were cloned, sequenced and the resultant sequences were deposited in GenBank. The PSTVd sample inoculated tomato plants also showed typical disease symptoms of viroid infection after four weeks of post-inoculation and was re-confirmed through RT-PCR. This is the first report of the occurrence of natural infection of tomato by PSTVd in India.

Effect on Post-Tonsillectomy Pain after Peri-Tonsillar Infiltration of 0.75% Ropivacaine: A Prospective Study

Background and objectives: To study the efficacy of peri-tonsillar infiltration of 0.75%ropivacaine with adrenaline in the management of post-tonsillectomy pain. Materials and methods: This prospective study was conducted in the department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B.G. Nagara, Mandya district. The study period was from November 2017 to July 2019. A sample size of 30 patients which satisfied the inclusion criteria was included in the study. Ropivacaine (0.75%) with Adrenaline (1:200000) was locally infiltrated on the right side (R-side) in the peri-tonsillar region before the surgery and in the tonsillar fossa after the surgery. The left side was considered as the control side. Patients were followed up on 1st and 7th post-operative days for the measurement of post-operative pain. For the assessment of post-operative pain, Visual Analogue Scale was used (VAS). Results: 17(56.7%) females and 13(43.3%) males participated in the study. Majority of the cases belonged to <10 years of age group. On 1st post-operative day, pain on the right side was significantly lower compared to the left side (p value <0.0001), however the reduction of pain scores on right side compared with that of the left side was not significant (p value=0.536) on the 7th post-operative day. Interpretation and conclusion: The peri-tonsillar infiltration of ropivacaine(0.75%) with adrenaline (1:200000) is effective and significant in reducing post-operative pain on the 1st post-operative day, but not so significant on the 7th post-operative day .Hence we recommend the use of peri-tonsillar infiltration of ropivacaine (0.75%) with adrenaline in view of better management of post-operative pain.

Selected microbial consortia promotes Dalbergia sissoo growth in the large-scale nursery and wastelands in a semi-arid region in India

ABSTRACT The performance of a selected microbial consortia (Rhizophagus fasciculatus, Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus coagulans and Trichoderma harzianum) on Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC. was investigated through large-scale nursery trials at three locations in the Mandya district of Karnataka state, India. At each nursery, 500 microbial consortia inoculated seedlings and 500 uninoculated seedlings were raised. The mean plant biovolume index and dry biomass of inoculated seedlings raised in three large-scale nursery trials were 42% and 39% higher, respectively, compared to uninoculated seedlings 180 days after sowing. Forty randomly selected inoculated and 40 uninoculated seedlings from each nursery were planted in wasteland at three locations, and their growth was monitored for nearly 6 years. The mean biovolume index of inoculated trees planted in the three wastelands was 136% higher compared to uninoculated trees 73 months after planting. Thus, the study shows inoculation with the selected microbial consortia that improves the growth of Dalbergia sissoo in the nursery and also when planted in degraded wasteland.