Region Of Jammu Research Articles

Radon and uranium concentrations in drinking water sources along the fault line passing through Reasi district, lesser Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir State, India

ABSTRACTThe presence of radon in drinking water causes radiation-related health hazards both through inhalation and ingestion. In the present study, 28 drinking water samples from natural flowing springs, freshwater ponds, and deep hand pumps were analyzed in the fault zone of Reasi region of Jammu & Kashmir. Radon measurement was performed using the RAD7 electronic device for radon content determination. Average mean values of these samples vary from 2.80 ± 0.78 to 74.37 ± 2.76 Bq l−1. Nineteen drinking water samples analyzed have radon levels in excess of USEPA recommended maximum contamination level of 11.1 Bq l−1. The annual effective dose from radon in water due to its ingestion and inhalation per individual has also been calculated. Uranium concentration in these water samples was also analyzed for a possible correlation between different types of rocks and values of radon in water. Results obtained have been compared with the results of earlier investigators for mean radon concentration and mean annual effective dose for radon in water from different regions of northern India and Pakistan. It has been found that radon levels in a significant number of water samples collected from the region of fault line are higher than USEPA recommendations. A positive correlation is observed between the depth of the water source and the values of radon levels in water samples collected from these sources. Measurements of radon concentration in these water samples were also performed with a Smart Radon Monitor designed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, India, for a comparative analysis.

PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION AND IN VITRO ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF ESSENTIAL OIL FROM THE RHIZOME OF BERGENIA STRACHEYI (Hook.f. & Thomson) Engl.

The essential oil from the rhizome of Bergenia stracheyi (Hook.f. & Thomson) Engl. growing in the Himalayan region of Jammu & Kashmir is found rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenoids (43.06%) and higher oxygenated hydrocarbons (29.83%). Sesquiterpenoids (0.46%) and monoterpenoids (0.24%) were almost absent in the oil. Among oxygenated sesquiterpenoids Cadinene (38.36%) and Khusinol (2.06%) were the main components. The higher hydrocarbons and their derivatives include n-Hexadecanoic acid (10.60%), cis -9-hexadecenoic acid (4.46%), Linoleic acid (2.85%), Octacosane (2.52%), Cetanol (2.26%), Oleic acid (2.14%), Nonacosane (1.86%), n-Pentacosane (1.66%) and Untriacontane (1.48%). The oxygenated monoterpenoids include α-Terpineol (1.10%) as main constituent. The oil also contains m-xylene (11.27%) as the major lower hydrocarbon. The decoction of rhizome from Bergenia stracheyi are used in folk lore medicines in Jammu & Kashmir. The oil from the rhizome has shown moderate antifungal activity with 100% mycelia growth inhibition against S. sclerotiorum and A. tenuis at a concentration of 2000µg/ml and 3000µg/ml respectively. However C. graminicola and F. oxysporum were found less susceptible to this oil. The IC 50 values showed a range from 802.7µg/ml to 1615.4µg/ml as compared to standard fungicides with IC 50 values ranging from 36.8µg/ml - 78.6µg/ml. The spore germination inhibition test has revealed this oil as a moderate inhibitor with IC 50 values 899.6µg/ml, 545.2µg/ml and 2014.7µg/ml for A. tenuis, C. graminicola and F. oxysporum spores respectively. Keywords : Saxifragaceae, Alternaria, essential oil, fungicide, terpenoids.

Resource Use Efficiency of Major Field Crops in Reasi District of Jammu Region of Jammu and Kashmir State

Resource Use Efficiency of Major Field Crops in Reasi District of Jammu Region of Jammu and Kashmir State

Profile of Lymphadenopathy: An Institutional Based Cytomorphological Study.

Introduction:Lymphadenopathy is one of the most common clinical presentations of patients attending the outdoor department of a hospital. Lymph node aspiration is of great value for the diagnosis of lymphadenitis, lymphomas, and metastatic carcinoma.Materials and Methods:In this study, we have reported the pattern of cytological diagnosis on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of lymphadenopathy cases in Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir state of India. The mean age of all the patients in this study was 21.67 years. The most common site of lymphadenopathy was cervical region (71.79%) followed by axillary region (11.11%).Results:Tubercular lymphadenitis (44.02%) was the single most common cause of lymphadenopathy followed by reactive lymphadenitis (42.64%), metastatic lesions (9.40%), and malignant lymphoma (4.70%). The sensitivity of 94.49%, positive predictive value of 96.26%, and diagnostic accuracy of 91.15% was achieved in our study.Conclusion:This study highlights the role of FNAC as a simple, inexpensive, relatively painless, rapid, repeatable, and reliable method of investigation for lymphadenopathy, especially in outpatient departments, peripheral hospitals, and dispensaries.

Characteristics of the soils of Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir

The cold arid region of Ladakh has high variability in soil characteristics. Soils of the region are quite distinct from those of other zones due to differences in climate, topography, vegetation and rocks. The paper details soil characteristics along with physiography, geology and climate of the region. Soils not only vary in physico-chemical properties but also in genesis and classification as well as microbiological properties. Such properties have been studied in typical soil profiles. By and large, the soils are shallow to very shallow in depth. They vary widely in colour, texture, structure and permeability depending upon topography and vegetation. Under the predominant influence of physical weathering, these soils usually consist of coarse materials and are often called Skeletal soils with admixtures of distinguished rock fragments, colluvial materials and screes. Most of the morphological characteristics like colour, texture and permeability seem to be inherited from the so formed regolith due to very slow rate of soil forming process. Calcareous nature of parental rocks in the form of limestone, dolomitic limestone and shale, is responsible for the genesis of soils having free CaCO3. Based on the surface and subsurface diagnostic horizons, morphological, physico-chemical and chemical characteristics of the soils, they have been classified into three main orders viz. Entisols, Inceptisols, Mollisols with occasional presence of Alfisols.

Prevalence of Various Intestinal Zoonotic Parasites in Dogs of Jammu Region of Jammu and Kashmir

Study was conducted to determine the prevalence of various zoonotic intestinal parasites among the dogs of Jammu region. A total of 105 faecal samples of dogs (50 pet and 55 stray) were screened for Taenid eggs and 6 (5.71%) were found positive. The prevalence of the eggs was highest in stray dogs (16%) having access to condemned meat/offal (living near slaughter shops/post mortem areas). None of the samples was found positive from 50 pet dogs. Six suspected dogs were purgated by arecoline hydrobromide and one dog was found positive for Echinococcus granulosus. Twenty dogs, died in road accidents, were necropsied and intestines were examined for various parasites.The intestinal zoonotic parasites viz., Ancylostoma caninum (8/20, 40%), Toxocara canis (3/20, 15%), Taenia hydatigena (2/20, 10%) and Dipylidium caninum (4/20, 20%) were observed.

In vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Picea smithiana Growing in Bhaderwah Region of Jammu and Kashmir

In vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Picea smithiana Growing in Bhaderwah Region of Jammu and Kashmir

Role of Floriculture Sector in Livelihood Security of Small Scale Family Farming in Intermediate Region of Jammu

The study was conducted in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir state (J&K) with 30 marigold growers to examine the production practices being practised. Ten flower growing farmers were selected randomly each from three blocks of district for collection of primary data by personal interview schedule method. The results revealed that majority of the farmers were young having age less than 45 years and are matriculate. The main occupation of majority (73.33%) of the respondents was flower farming with crop production and animal husbandry enterprises. Flower farming as a sole source of occupation was practised by none of the farmer. The average quantity of urea, DAP and MOP applied by the flower farmers was 0.84, 0.38 and 0.24 q/ha, respectively that was far less than recommendations. Very less number of farmers know about the diseases in marigold crop whereas only 13.3% farmers have knowledge of sucking pests and 10 percent each know about leaf eaters and stem borer insects. This study recommends that for encouraging results to improve farmer's socioeconomic condition, increase self-employment opportunity and to promote entrepreneurship as potential tool for poverty alleviation, more number of extension training programmes and exposure visits of the floriculturists should be organised on regular intervals.

Seasonal changes in hematological and biochemical profile of dairy cows at high altitude cold desert

Cattle are the main source of livelihood for small farmers in high altitude cold desert. They also provide draught power, social and cultural strength. Cattle, therefore, contribute to subsistence farming and enhance the sustainability of smallholder farming systems. Determination of nutritional and health status of cattle is important in modern animal agriculture. Haematological and biochemical aids have been used to identify status of cattle. Keeping this in view, the present study was undertaken to establish hematological and biochemical responses on milk production of Jersey cows at high altitude production in two different seasons (summer and winter). For each period, ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded and the temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated as indicator of thermal comfort for cattle. A total of 140 (70 cows in each season) clinically healthy lactating Jersey cows aged 2 – 17 years at 3327 – 3575-meter altitude from mean sea level in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, were used to evaluate the effect of environmental conditions on haematological parameters. The hematological parameters were estimated by using an automatic blood analyzer and biochemical test performed by the serum semi-auto analyzer. Among the hematological parameters, white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte (LYM), granulocytes (GRAN), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelets (PLT) were analyzed. The results showed a significant difference in most of the parameters due to the variation in ambient temperature, relative humidity and temperature-humidity index. A significant increase (p<0.05) in RBC, Hb, and HCT was recorded in winter season as compared to the summer season. MCV, MCH, MCHC and PLT levels also exhibited the similar trend whereas, the WBC, lymphocyte, monocytes, and granulocytes values found were higher in summer compared to the winter season (p<0.05). However, in case of biochemical profile, glucose and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in summer season but level of albumin went significantly higher (p<0.05) in the winter season. Milk production level was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the summer season. These results provide an insight into the hematological and biochemical responses of Jersey cows to different environmental conditions. As the hematological and biochemical profiles of dairy cows has been altered in response to the different season which ultimately affected on the milk production. This study will be helpful for the better dairy cattle management in different seasons for higher production at the cold arid high altitude region.

Population Structure Analysis and Selection of Core Set among Common Bean Genotypes from Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Understanding the genetic diversity of a crop is useful for its effective utilization in breeding programmes. For better understanding of the genetic variability in common bean, the first and foremost step is to study its genetic diversity. In the present investigation, 138 genotypes of common bean collected from various regions of Jammu and Kashmir, India, representing major common bean growing areas of this region, were evaluated using 23 SSRs. These SSRs were found highly polymorphic and possess high values for various parameters indicating their high discriminatory power. The average PIC value observed was 0.692, with 0.730 as average gene diversity value, and 0.267 as heterozygosity. Twenty-three SSRs produced a total of 251 alleles. The dendrogram generated with un-weighted neighbour joining cluster analysis grouped genotypes into three main clusters with various degrees of sub-clustering within the clusters. The model-based STRUCTURE analysis using 23 SSR markers identified a population with 3 sub-populations which corresponds to distance-based groupings with average F ST value and expected heterozygosity of 0.1497 and 0.6696, respectively, within the sub-population, as such high level of genetic diversity was observed within the population. Further, Core Hunter II was used to identify a core set of 96 diverse genotypes. This core set of diverse 96 genotypes is a potential resource for association mapping studies and can be used by breeders as a material to make desirable genetic crosses to generate elite varieties for the fulfilling global market needs. These findings have further implications in common bean breeding as well as conservation programs.

Nodulation, nutrient accumulation and yield of rainfed soybean in response to indigenous soybean-nodulating Bradyrhizobia in the Himalayan region of Kashmir-Pakistan

The use of efficient and effective nodulating Bradyrhizobia strains considered as anecologically and environmentally sound management strategy for soybean production. A 2-yr(2009 and 2010) field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of seven indigenousBradyrhizobium strains, one exotic TAL-102 and three N fertilizer rates, i.e., 25, 50 and 100kg N ha-1 on the productivity and N2 fixation of rainfed soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grownin the Himalayan region of Rawalakot Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. Theexperiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications.Bradyrhizobium inoculation accelerated plant growth by increasing shoot length (26-47%), rootlength (45-73%) and shoot dry weight (58-104%). Seed yield in the control was 861 kg ha-1 thatsignificantly increased to 1450–2072 kg ha-1 with Bradyrhizobium strains. Seed yields underindigenous NR20 and NR22 strains was 24 and 28% higher than that recorded from the exoticTAL-102. Number of nodules, nodules dry weight and acetylene reduction assay withBradyrhizobium strains were 55–123%, 94–178% and 38–103%, (respectively) higher thanthe non-inoculated control. The higher N rate (N100) depressed nodulation and N2 fixation.A significant variation in the symbiotic effectiveness and yield potential showed that inoculationresponse was site/strain specific. Two indigenous strains NR20 and NR22 were found highlyefficient and displayed superiority over the exotic strain TAL-102. Multi-locational trials arerequired to check the suitability of these isolated isolates for other agro-climatic conditionsbefore using as inoculants or bio-fertilizers.

Biochemical Characterization of Some Wild Edible Mushrooms from Jammu and Kashmir

Five wild edible mushroom species, Amanita rubescens var. rubescens, Boletus edulis, Geopora arenicola, Morchella deliciosa and Sparassis crispa collected from different regions of Jammu and Kashmir were biochemically characterized for their nutritive value and a significant variation was observed among them. The total protein, phenol, crude fibre and ash content of these mushrooms were estimated on the dry weight basis which ranged from 16.2 ± 0.72 to 31.3 ± 1.15 mg/g, 5100 ± 100.0 to 11,500 ± 866.0 mg/kg, 3.9 ± 0.05 to 6.5 ± 0.50 %, 4.9 ± 0.11 to 9.9 ± 0.11 %, respectively. Also, these investigated macrofungal species were found to contain some important minerals like Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe. Of these, iron was the most dominant mineral followed by zinc, copper and manganese. This study suggests that these investigated wild edible mushrooms are rich in nutrients, minerals and due to the presence of phenols these may be used as source of natural antioxidants.

Assessment of germplasm diversity and genetic relationships among walnut (Juglans regia L.) genotypes through microsatellite markers

Abstract Jammu and Kashmir region of India has a rich walnut germplasm that has arisen from populations of naturally grown seedlings and some introductions from other countries over many years. In this study, the genetic relatedness of 96 walnut genotypes adapted to the North Western Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, was analyzed by 19 SSR markers. Genetic relationships among 96 walnut genotypes revealed very high polymorphism rate of 89.6%. Primer parameter values viz PIC, MI and Rp range from 0 to 0.43, 0 to 0.87 and 1.04 to 2.37 with an average of 0.168, 0.244 and 1.91 respectively. UPMGA dendrogram showed that all the accessions formed twelve main clusters with various degree of sub-clustering within the clusters. Model-based cluster analysis grouped 96 walnut genotypes into 5 genetically distinct sub-populations with varied level of admixture. Allele Frequency Divergence and expected heterozygosity vary from 0.00 to 0.057 and 0.043 to 0.067 with an average of 0.024 and 0.057 respectively between all the five populations. These studies will be helpful in association mapping studies for important traits in walnut. The high variability existing in the walnut germplasm suggested that it would be beneficial to utilize this germplasm pool in walnut breeding programs and germplasm management activities and also identified microsatellite markers for cultivar identification, characterization, registration and assessment in genebanks.

Mushroom varieties found in the Himalayan regions of India: Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative activities.

This study evaluates the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative activities of mushroom varieties (Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Coprinus atramentarius) found in the Himalayan regions of Jammu and Kashmir, India. All three mushroom varieties exhibited antioxidant activity. A. bisporus showed the highest diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl inhibition activity (87.88±5.6%), C. atramentarius showed the highest reducing power (0.49±0.01) and metal chelating ability (48.57± 0.38%), and P. ostreatus contained the highest phenolic (5.25±0.14 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram) and flavonoid content (64.39±0.73 μg rutin equivalent per gram). C. atramentarius showed maximum antibacterial activity against all the pathogenic strains and the highest zone of inhibition was against S. typhi (7.45±0.5 mm). P. ostreatus exhibited the highest cell proliferation inhibition against Colo-205 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. The structural analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of β-configuration in carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, and protein, which impart nutraceutical properties to mushrooms.

Description of six new species of Oscheius Andrassy, 1976 (Nematoda: Rhabditida) from Pakistan with a key and diagnostic compendium to species of the genus

Six new species of the genus Oscheius Andrassy, 1976 viz., Oscheius citri n. sp., O. cynodonti n. sp., O. cobbi n. sp., O. esculentus n. sp., O. punctata n. sp. and O. sacchari n. sp., are described by both morphological and molecular means from different agro-climatic regions of Sindh, Punjab and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. All species belong to insectivora group on the basis of leptoderan bursa, crochet needle-shaped spicules, normal rectum, lateral field with six separate lines and had unique ribosomal DNA-ITS, sequence. A compendium of the genus Oscheius (of both insectivora and dolichura groups) based on the following characters: body length, tail, spicules and gubernaculum length, ratios a, b, c, c' and vulva percentage is given. The morphometric and allometric characters with anterior and posterior regions were derived from the original descriptions. An identification key to 42 valid species of both insectivora and dolichura group of the genus Oscheius is given.

Isolation of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria from Maize Rhizosphere and Their Potential for Rock Phosphate Solubilization–Mineralization and Plant Growth Promotion

ABSTRACTPhosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) play a significant role in plant P nutrition by their effect on soil P dynamics and their subsequent ability to make P available to plants via solubilization and mineralization processes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of separate and combined use of indigenous PSB, poultry manure (PM) and compost on solubilization and mineralization of rock phosphate (RP) and their subsequent effect on growth and P accumulation of maize (Zea mays L.). A group of fifty seven bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere/rhizoplane of maize that had been grown in soils collected from varying altitudes (655–2,576 m) of the mountain region of Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. After screening, the capacity of eleven isolates to solubilize mineral phosphate was quantitatively evaluated using insoluble Ca3(PO4)2 in culture medium as a time course study through spectrometer. The growth hormone producing (IAA) capacity of the isolates was also determined. Furthermore, five potential isolates were tested for their ability to increase P release capacity (mineralization) of insoluble RP in an incubation study. The effect of PSB inoculation on maize was determined in a completely randomized greenhouse experiment where root and shoot biomass and P accumulation in plants were assessed. The P solubilization index of selected isolates varied from 1.94 to 3.69, while the P solubilization efficiency ranged between 94.1% and 269.0%. The isolates MRS18 and MRS27 displayed the highest values. The P solubilization in the liquid medium was maximum at 6 and 9 days of incubation ranging between 9.91 and 44.04 µgmL−1 and the isolates MRS27 and MRS34 exhibited the highest solubilization. Six isolates showed additional capability of producing IAA ranging between 2.66 and 28.41 µgmL−1. Results of the incubation study indicated that P release capacity (P mineralization) of RP-amended soil varied between 6.0 and 11.8 µgPg−1 that had been significantly increased to 30.6–36.3 µgPg−1 (maximum value) when PSB were combined with RP. The combined application of PSB and organic amendments (PM, compost) with RP further increased P mineralization by releasing a maximum of 37.7 µgPg−1 compared with separate application of RP (11.8 µgPg−1) and organic amendments (21.5 and 16.5 µgPg−1). The overall effect of PSB (as a group) with RP over RP alone on maize growth showing a relative increase in shoot length 21%, shoot fresh weight 42%, shoot dry weight 24%, root length 11%, root fresh weight 59%, root dry weight 35% and chlorophyll content 32%. This study clearly indicates that use of PSB, and organic amendments with insoluble RP could be a promising management strategy to enhance P availability in soil pool and improve plant growth in intensive cropping systems.

English

Farming systems of households in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir State have been analyzed based on the primary data collected through a total sample of 450 farmers in 2010-2011. The cereal based farming system and livestock based farming system has been found mostly in the study area except in Rajouri district where only cereal based farming system was predominant. Livestock and cereals only have been found to be the main sources of farm income in all the districts, whereas maximum contribution to their income was from non-farm. The study has indicated that credit has no impact on farm income as none of the sample farmers has taken credit from any sources, whether it is institutional or non-institutional sources. It was also observed that cross-bred breeding programme has not marked headway in the sample area. As far as resource use efficiency was concerned, Cobb-Douglas production was used and it was observed that the elasticity coefficient was highly significant for area under cereals (AUC) in Reasi and Doda districts whereas for area under other crops (AOTH) it was found to be highly significant in Kathua and Doda districts. Doda district was found highly significant for both DA and EI also. Key words: Farming system, livestock, cereal.

Distributional Status of Hippophae tibetana: A New Report from Changthang Valley of Ladakh

Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir (India) reportedly harbours two species of genus Hippophae viz; H. rhamnoides ssp. turkestanica and H. tibetana. While the latter is restricted to Zanskar region of Kargil district the former is more abundant and widely distributed across Leh and Kargil. During 2011–2013 various areas of Leh including valleys of Leh and Nubra at different altitudes were scanned, and fourteen populations analysed at the morphological level. Data on both qualitative and quantitative traits were documented. Another population surveyed in 2013 from Chumur locality of Changthang valley (Leh) was also subjected to similar examination. These plants were found to be different from the remaining populations of Leh in almost all the characters studied. On comparing these data with the published literatures, samples from Chumur were found to fit the description for H. tibetana. This paper represents the occurrence of H. tibetana for the first time from Leh.

New record of Ramaria conjunctipes from Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir) and an update list of Indian Ramaria

Ramaria conjunctipes (Coker) Corner is being recorded for the first time from Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.The species constitutes new addition to the Indian mushroom flora and has been described and illustrated in the present paper. Furthermore, an updated checklist of the genus Ramaria from India has also been presented.

Cytogenetic exploration of Plantago lanceolata linn.-the soldier's herb, in Jammu & Kashmir (India.)

The present investigation deals with the detailed meiotic, karyotypic and cyto-morphological analysis of diploid and trisomic populations with chromosome numbers ranging from 2n=12 to 2n=13 in Plantago lanceolata belonging to family plantaginaceae from the region of Jammu and Kashmir. The mitotic and morphological irregularities were recorded in different polyploids.