Saurashtra Region Research Articles

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND TOTAL TANNIN CONTENT (TTC) OF DELONIX REGIA (BOJER EX. HOOK) RAF. BARK BY USING DIFFERENT SOLVENTS COLLECTED FROM SAURASHTRA REGION

Delonix regia (Bojer ex. hook) Raf. is belongs to Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family and Sub family Caesalpiniodeae. Usually it’s called gulmahor in Gujarati. It is used as an ornamental plant but it has some bioactive constituents which are useful in medicinal level. Delonix regia (Bojer ex. hook) Raf. is a beautiful, semi-deciduous and roadside avenue tree. It is cultivated in rural and urban area in India. It has medicinal properties such as antimicrobial and antifungal activities or as antibiotics. In this present study, qualitative and quantitative estimation of Delonix regia (Bojer ex. hook) Raf. bark from Saurashtra region. The preliminary phytochemical analysis and quantification for total tannin content was performed by using two different solvents (Acetone and Ethanol). The phytochemical analysis revealed that the presence of various phytochemicals such as phenols, tannins, flavonoids, proteins etc. Based on experiment, various bioactive constituents were present so it’s important for pharmaceutical level.

Role of histopathological and immunohistochemical technique in diagnosis of lung carcinoma

Background: Lung cancer is currently the most frequently diagnosed major cancer and the most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Most lung cancers are associated with a well-known Carcinogen i.e., Cigarette Smoking. Immunohistochemistry helps in the sub typing of the lung neoplasm into different categories which have a therapeutic and prognostic importance. Materials and Methods: The present study is both retrospective and prospective study done at Pathology Department over a period of 1 year (October 2021 to September 2022). The present study was carried out on 50 patients presented with lung mass in radiological examination and undergone biopsy procedure and samples of the same were received at Histopathological section of Pathology Department, Shri M.P. Shah Govt. medical college, Jamnagar. Cases were diagnosed by histopathological examination and subtyping were done by Immunohistochemistry.Aims and ObjectivesTo determine the incidence of lung carcinoma with respect to age and sex of patients.To correlate between incidence and associated risk factors for lung carcinoma like smoking.To use Immunohistochemistry for subtyping of lung carcinoma.Results: In present study, out of 50 cases, most common histological type of lung carcinoma was Adenocarcinoma (n=23 cases,46%) followed by Squamous cell Carcinoma (n=20 cases,40%) and Small Cell Carcinoma (n=7 cases, 14%). There was male preponderance (96%) and male to female ratio was 25:1. Right sided Lung was most commonly involved (60%) than Left sided Lung (40%).Conclusion: As subtyping is important for different treatment modalities, the present study highlights the importance of histopathological and immunohistochemical study in diagnosis and subtyping of lung carcinoma. In this study we found that adenocarcinoma was most common subtype of lung carcinoma in Saurashtra region than other subtypes and majority of them were smokers.

Diagnosis and Therapeutic Management of Canine Demodicosis in Saurashtra Region of Gujarat

Among 23 dogs positive with canine demodicosis, 18 were selected for study, and 6 healthy dogs were taken as control. The dogs were divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 6 animals. Group I served as control. Group II, III and IV were treatment groups. Dogs of group II were given a subcutaneous injection of ivermectin @ 0.2 mg/kg b.wt weekly up to 4 weeks in combination with topical application of amitraz 12.5% solution as 0.05% mixed in water. Dogs of group III were given safrone tablets PO for 10 days in combination with safrone oil topically for 15 days. Dogs of group IV were given a fluralaner tablet @ 25 mg/kg PO for a single dose. All the dogs were bathed with shampoo containing benzoyl peroxide at weekly interval, except dogs of group III, and were given cefpodoximeproxetil @ 10 mg/kg b.wt. and pheniramine maleate @ 1 mg/kg b.wt. PO bid for 5 days and vitabestderm syrup 5 mL PO bid. Serum interleukin (IL)-10 showed a significant or appreciable increase in demodectic animals compared to healthy animals. Mite count was reduced up to 100 % on 30th day post-treatment in dogs of group II and there was quite a reduction in mite count in dogs of group IV, while lowest reduction in mite count was noticed 30th day post-treatment in dogs of group III. So, it was concluded that a combination of injection of ivermectin subcutaneously and amitraz 12.5% solution diluted to 0.05% topically had the highest efficacy among 3 treatment protocols used for canine demodicosis.

Spectrum of β-Thalassemia and Other Hemoglobinopathies in the Saurashtra Region of Gujarat, India: Analysis of a Large Population Screening Program

Hemoglobinopathies are common genetic disorders of the hemoglobin (Hb) molecule. Globally, 7.0% of the population are carriers of thalassemia with 300,000–400,000 affected births each year. There are >40 million carriers of β-thalassemia (β-thal) in India with 10,000–12,000 affected births every year. This makes control programs crucial in this vast and diverse country. The present study was undertaken to find out the burden of hemoglobinopathies, and in particular, the prevalence of β-thal carriers in the population of Saurashtra region of Gujarat in Western India. A total of 16,780 individuals, including school and college students, were screened. Complete blood counts (CBCs) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis were performed. We detected 1891 (11.26%) individuals with different hemoglobinopathies, of whom 758 (4.52%) were diagnosed to carry β-thal trait, 104 (0.62%) carried Hb D-Punjab (HBB: c.364G>C) trait, 61 (0.36%) carried sickle cell trait, 32 (0.19%) carried δβ-thal trait/HPFH (hereditary persistence of fetal Hb) trait, and other hemoglobinopathies were identified in smaller numbers (0.15%). We encountered 27 individuals with mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) <27.0 pg and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) <80.0 fL levels, who had borderline Hb A2 levels (3.2–3.5%). Twenty castes showed the presence of β-thal or other hemoglobinopathies. A high prevalence of β-thal was found in the Sindhis (11.67%), Lohanas (9.71%), Brahmins (6.31%), Bharvads (6.94%), Harijans (7.57%) and Vankars (7.77%). All the heterozygotes were given appropriate counseling. A multi pronged approach, including screening of high school and college students, needs to be considered for this vast and ethnically diverse country to reduce the burden of hemoglobinopathies.

Geochemical provenance of an Indo-Arabian stone anchor from Manikapatna highlights the medieval maritime trade of India

India is one of the oldest maritime nations in the world, and the overseas contacts date back to the third millennium BCE. Besides several archaeological vestiges, numerous stone anchors of various types have been documented during maritime archaeological explorations along the Indian littoral. During a recent maritime archaeological exploration, a broken Indo-Arabian stone anchor, of the Medieval period, was discovered along the Manikapatna coast of Odisha, Indian eastern littoral. In an attempt to determine the provenance of the anchor, we carried out a detailed petrographic, geochemical (major/trace elements) and Sr–Nd isotopic investigation. The results of our study reveal that the stone of the anchor had been cut out of a geologically young, vesicular, subalkalic basalt lava flow. Source fingerprinting done using petrographic, geochemical and isotopic data, suggests that contrary to the general perception, the anchor rock did not come from any local rock formations. All data point to the most likely scenario that the anchor rock was sourced from one of the lava flows of the Deccan Traps at Palitana in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, western India. This result confirms the existence of Medieval maritime trading between western and eastern Indian states.

Status and distribution of Forest Wagtail Dendronathus indicus (Gmelin, 1789) in Gujarat, India

The Forest Wagtail (Dendronathus indicus) is a winter migratory bird species in India. We conducted surveys over four winter seasons, from November to March, from 2017 to 2021, for a 20-month survey. The surveys were done on a weekly basis, and covered three selected study sites to know about the presence of Forest Wagtail and count the number of individuals seen. The area we study is Bhavnath Taleti (21° 31’ 57” N, 70° 30’ 08” E), located near Junagadh city, in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat state. We studied the distribution of Forest Wagtail in Gujarat by studying published records and collecting records from other bird watchers; the distribution covered 75 years (1946 to 2021). After twenty-month study, we found the maximum number of individuals in February and March. In Gujarat state, the distribution of Forest Wagtail can be divided into five regions; the major sightings are in Saurashtra, followed by South Gujarat. The number of sightings in Kutch, North Gujarat and Central Gujarat are less.

Evaluation of Soil Chemical Properties and Organic Carbon along the Distance Gradient from Sea Coast in Coastal Soils of Northern Saurashtra Region of Gujarat

Aims: In present time, salinity and alkalinity of the soils are serious problems in India as well as in Gujarat. These soils are usually supposed to be originated as a result of high water table, arid and semi-arid weather, ingress the sea, water, saline nature of barren materials, poor drainage and salt deposition through wind-blown particles. The current study aimed to study the soil chemical properties and organic carbon in soils of Northern Saurashtra coastal region (Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka and Porbandar district) of Gujarat.&#x0D; Study Design: Field survey and laboratory analysis&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The twenty surface soil samples were collected from each taluka viz. Jodiya, Jamnagar and Lalpur talukas of Jamnagar district, Khambhalia, Dwarka and Kalyanpur talukas of Devbhumi Dwarka district and Porbandar taluka of Porbandar district of Northern Saurashtra Coastal region of Gujarat during May, 2019 and analysed in laboratory of Department of Soil Science &amp; Agricultural Chemistry, JAU, Junagadh (Gujarat) during 2019-2021.&#x0D; Methodology: In this field-laboratory investigation, 141 grid-based surface (0-15 cm) soil samples were collected from farmer’s field, through the use of GPS at the distance of 0-5, 5-10, 10-15 and 15-20 km from coastal line and analysed for different chemical properties. Sampling sites were selected based on geographical situation, climate and local data of taluka. In laboratory, the collected samples were analysed for SOC, EC2.5, CaCO3, CEC and water-soluble ions.&#x0D; Results: On the basis of analyzed data, it can be concluded that soil EC2.5 was found beyond to its critical or marginal limit up to 0 to 5 km distance from sea coast. The soil organic carbon status of Northern Saurashtra coastal region was found in medium (5.14 g kg-1) category. The soils are calcareous in nature (CaCO3 121.20 g kg-1) with alkaline in reaction (pH2.5 7.58).&#x0D; Conclusion: The EC2.5, CaCO3, CEC and water-soluble ions except K+ were decreased, while pH2.5 and SOC were slightly increased with increasing the distance from sea coast. The content of organic carbon in soil was noted below to its critical limit up to 10 km distance from sea coast in Northern Saurashtra which might be due to salinity hazard and shallow light texture.

A Review on Phytochemical Investigations and Biological Activities of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague

Trachyspermum ammi L. Sprague syn. Carum copticum Benth. &amp; Hook, commonly known as ajwain, is an annual aromatic and herbaceous plant of the family Apiaceae. The fruits of T. ammi are native to Egypt and widely cultivated in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and distributed throughout India. Ajwain is commercially cultivated in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat (Surendranagar, Saurashtra region), Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and other states also. Traditionally the plant is used in Ayurvedic and Unani formulations for the treatment of various disorders like flatulence, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, abdominal pains, piles, and bronchial problems, lack of appetite, galactogogue, asthma and amenorrhoea. It has been reported to possess many pharmacological bioactivities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, hypolipidaemic, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, antiasthmatic, antitussive, and many more. This review summarizes the reported traditional benefits, phytochemical and pharmacological studies of T. ammi.

Flood basalt structures and textures as guides to cooling histories and palaeoclimates: the Deccan Traps of Saurashtra, western India

AbstractThe primary features (morphologies, structures, textures) of volcanic lava flows are determined by parameters such as composition, temperature, crystallinity, viscosity, flow velocity, strain rate and cooling rate. However, lava flows are open systems, and their primary features are strongly influenced by their emplacement environment. Among subaerial lava flows, those that solidify in a wet environment with rainfall develop very different internal structures (e.g. jointing patterns) and textures from those in a dry environment. Thus, the outcrop structures and textures of ancient lava flows, such as those forming continental flood basalt sequences thousands of metres thick, provide clues to their cooling histories and the palaeoclimates. Here we provide field, petrographic and geochemical data on large tholeiitic lava flows (sheet lobes) and associated dykes of the Saurashtra region in the northwestern Deccan Traps continental flood basalt province (India). The sheet lobes are dominantly pāhoehoe and rubbly pāhoehoe, and occasionally ‘a‘ā, with colonnade and entablature tiers. We show that the jointing patterns in the entablatures (irregular, chevron, rosette and skeleton jointing), and the textures of the sheet lobes and even some dykes (abundant glass, and quench crystals of plagioclase and Fe–Ti oxides) reflect convective heat removal, owing to widespread interaction with meteoric waters (rainfall) during solidification. The observations thus provide evidence for a wet climate in western India 65.5 million years ago.

An Evaluation of Net Profit to Working Capital Ratio and Loans and Advances to Working Capital Ratio of The Amreli District Cooperative Bank Ltd.

Majorly 21 types of banks are functioning worldwide. Each and every bank plays important role in growth and development of economy of the nation. This research is focusing on district level banks of Gujarat State. Presently total 42 district level banks are functioning in Gujarat. Amid them, the orientation is taken in account to evaluate the financial performance based on two parameters – Net profit to working capital ratio and Loans and advances to working capital ratio of the bank. The research is examined for Amreli District Co-Operative bank ltd for financial year 2013 to 2019. An application of t – test is used to examine the results. It is observed that there is significance difference between the yearly upgradation in Net profit to working capital ratio and Loans and advances to working capital ratio of the bank. The bank has progressively worked for Saurashtra region of Gujarat state.

Thermal Modification of the Northwest Indian Shield: As Evidenced by Integrated Geopotential Modelling

Abstract The architecture of the continental lithospheric mantle is vital for understanding the wide-ranging processes that govern the creation of Earth’s continents. The present investigation delineates the crustal and lithospheric boundaries underneath northwest India, which provides essential constraints as an imprint of tectonomagmatic events under the distinct tectonic setting. This study integrates three data sets (gravity, geoid, and topography data) and thermal parameters in a three-dimensional inversion algorithm to northwest India. Inversion results are constrained by available passive seismic crustal thickness, which we are using as a priori information. Our modelling results show crust down to a depth of 33 to 39 km in the Saurashtra and Kachchh region, which increases gradually to about 40 km beneath the Jaisalmer region. The deepest Moho at about 42-45 km is found under the Aravalli-Delhi fold belt and Indo-Gangetic plain. A comparable crustal thickness of 41-44 km is observed beneath the Bundelkhand craton. The mean crustal density varies laterally between 2850 and 2890 kg/m-3 in the study area. The lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) is 115-145 km deep under Saurashtra and Kachchh regions, which remains comparable under the Barmer-Pokharan region (130-160 km). A moderate LAB depth under the Aravalli-Delhi fold belt (140-180 km) and relatively deeper under the Bundelkhand craton (175 to 185 km) reaches over 200 km below the Indo-Gangetic plain. The thinned lithosphere beneath the Kachchh, Saurashtra, and Barmer-Pokhran regions, crisscrossed by two different rift systems, together with the dominance of the volcanic centres of two major magmatic episodes, and the possible presence of a low-velocity zone in the subcrustal upper mantle region suggest a genetic link between the evolution and the multistage thermal modification of the mantle lithosphere of this region.

Structural Breaks, Growth and Instability Test in Onion Cultivation: A Case of Saurashtra Region of Gujarat

Onion is one of the most important commercial vegetable crops grown in India. Among the bulb crops onion is the only member grown to a great extent in this country. The historical data on area, production and yield of onion from Gujarat were collected for 26 years from the year 1992-93 to 2017-2018 and analysis was carried out using compound growth rate, Cuddy- Della Vella index and Structural break analysis (Chow test). This study was conducted on onion cultivation in Gujarat for the study period of 1992-93 to 2017-18. To capture the impact of NHM (National Horticulture Mission), the study period was re-categorized into: Pre- NHM Period (1992-93 to 2004-05); Post- NHM Period (2005-06 to 2017-18) and Overall Period (1992-93 to 2017-18). Major onion producing districts of Gujarat were selected for analysis. In case of growth rate and instability the yield was showed negative during study period so, more emphasis should be given to enhance the yield level with the help of innovations and technology in onion cultivation. structural break points plays a vital role regarding the forecasting purpose. For, structural break chow test was carried out, the results revealed that occur of structural break in particular district due to area and yield components used in this study.

Impact on quality of life in acne patients attending the tertiary care center in Saurashtra region of Gujarat

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Acne vulgaris is a common chronic skin disorder that is defined by inflammation of the pilosebaceous units and has a variety of symptoms and treatment options. Acne is very prevalent among teenagers, and it can linger far into adulthood. In this study, the dermatological life quality index was assessed in acne vulgaris patients.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This is a hospital based prospective cross-sectional questionnaire study done on acne vulgaris patients attending the dermatology outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital in Saurashtra region, Gujarat. Quality of life (QoL) was measured using both acne specific (Cardiff acne disability index (CADI)) questionnaire and skin disease specific (Dermatology life quality index (DLQI)) questionnaire.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; In our study, women outweighed men (M:F ratio=1:1.43). Those between the ages of 15 and 20 were the most affected. The average DLQI score was 5.5947. The vast majority had a 'minor impact' on QoL. Females had a lower QoL than males. In general, grade 2 acne was the most common kind of acne. Males were more likely to have grade 3 acne. The majority of the patients (84%) experienced embrassement or heightened self-consciousness as a result of their acne.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Our research reveals that acne has a detrimental influence on QoL, demonstrating the need for a comprehensive approach to treating the body and mind for overall well-being.&lt;/p&gt;

Economic analyses of milk production among members and non-members offarmer collectives in Saurashtra

Primary data collected for 2019-‘20 from 416 members and non-members of dairy farmer collectives (where farmers come together to market their milk collectively – this study considers a co-operative union and a milk producer company – both prominent forms of farmer collectives) in Saurashtra region of Gujarat are used to work-out the cost and returns in milk production from local cow and buffalo, and across dairy farmer categories. The analyses reveal that farmer collective organizations like co-operatives and producer companies are profitable in case of both local cow and buffalo milk production, and also for the small (1-3) and medium (3-6) herd-size category (in Standard Animal Units or SAU) of farmers. Both the overall average feed cost and Total Variable cost (TVC) per animal per day incurred by members is 12 per cent and 11 per cent less than that of non-members, respectively. Members of the co-operative receive annual bonus and members of the producer company receive annual dividends and cash incentives; with this additional benefit received by the members, their total return per litre is 25 per cent more than that of non-members. The overall average annual net returns from dairy per household for members are higher at Rs. 11,641/- compared to the returns of non-members at Rs. 3955/-. Expanding the reach of farmer collective organizations would benefit more dairy farmers by making dairy a more profitable enterprise for them.

Mantle and Crustal Contributions to the Mount Girnar Alkaline Plutonic Complex and the Circum-Girnar Mafic-Silicic Intrusions of Saurashtra, Northwestern Deccan Traps

ABSTRACT Continental flood basalt (CFB) provinces, while dominated by tholeiitic basalts and basaltic andesites, often also contain alkaline mafic to felsic lavas and intrusions. The tholeiitic and alkaline magmas may reflect different degrees of partial melting of the same mantle source, or the alkaline magmas may be derived from metasomatised, incompatible element-enriched mantle sources. The tholeiitic and alkaline suites, even if closely associated spatially or temporally, require independent magmatic plumbing systems. In the Saurashtra region of the northwestern Deccan Traps CFB province, India, tholeiitic lavas have been intruded by the ~66 Ma Mount Girnar plutonic complex, which comprises olivine gabbros (often with cumulate textures), diorites, and monzonites, profusely intruded by dykes and veins of foid-bearing syenites and lamprophyres. In the region surrounding the complex the tholeiitic lavas have been intruded by a large (12 km-diameter) silicic ring dyke, as well as tholeiitic dykes and sills. The region thus provides an excellent opportunity to study potential petrogenetic relationships between tholeiitic, alkaline, and silicic magmatism in a CFB province, evaluated here using field, petrographic, mineral chemical, and whole-rock geochemical (including Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic) data. Initial (at 65 Ma) Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic ratios of an olivine gabbro and diorites of the Girnar plutonic suite are in the ranges (87Sr/86Sr)t = 0.70499 to 0.70584, (143Nd/144Nd)t = 0.512675 to 0.512484 (εNdt = +2.4 to −1.4) and (206Pb/204Pb)t = 18.270–18.679. Foid-bearing syenites and lamprophyres have broadly similar isotopic ratios and marked enrichments in the most incompatible elements. Thermobarometric calculations indicate crystallisation of mineral phases in the Girnar plutonic suite at varied crustal pressures (0.02–0.9 GPa). Small but significant Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic variations within the plutonic suite rule out closed-system fractional crystallisation as a viable process, whereas a lack of correlation between isotopic ratio and degree of magmatic evolution (rock type) also negates any simple scheme of combined assimilation–fractional crystallisation. The circum-Girnar tholeiitic intrusions, hitherto practically unstudied, are low-Ti and moderately to fairly evolved (MgO = 8.0–3.9 wt %); olivine gabbro and picrite dykes with cumulus olivine show higher MgO (10.1–15.7 wt %), Ni (360–700 ppm), and Cr (410–1710 ppm) contents. The circum-Girnar tholeiitic intrusions have a large range of Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic ratios (e.g. εNdt = +4.2 to −18.7) indicating open-system processes. We infer that magmas of the alkaline Girnar plutonic suite were derived from enriched mantle, with only minor crustal residence or material input, possibly reflecting a very thin basement crust under the complex. In contrast, magmas forming the circum-Girnar tholeiitic intrusions were derived from depleted mantle (εNdt &amp;gt; +4.2) by high degrees of melting, and they experienced olivine fractionation or accumulation in crustal chambers and significant contamination by ancient granitic basement crust. These features probably reflect a much thicker crust surrounding the plutonic complex than directly under it. The circum-Girnar silicic ring dyke has Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic ratios suggesting an origin by anatexis of the basement crust. Based on a range of evidence, the tholeiitic and silicic circum-Girnar dykes and sills are petrogenetically and structurally unrelated to the alkaline Girnar plutonic suite.

Energetics and profitability of peanut (Arachis hypogaea)-based cropping systems as influenced with conservation agricultural practices

Increasing energy use efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions from agriculture are majorchallenges to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). An experiment, comprising 14 treatments, viz. sole peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), peanut-fallow-sesbania, peanut-fallow-green gram (GG), peanut-conventional tilled wheat (CTW), peanut-CTW-sesbania, peanut-CTW-GG, peanut-CTW-wheat straw incorporation (WSI), peanut-zero tilled wheat (ZTW), peanut-ZTW-sesbania, peanut-ZTW-GG, peanut-ZTW-WSI, peanut+pigeonpea, peanut+pigeonpeasesbania and peanut+pigeonpea-GG was laid out in randomized block design with three replications for five consecutive years (2011–12 to 2015–16) at Junagadh, Gujarat, at fixed site to study the influence of conservation agricultural practices on energetics and profitability of peanut-based cropping systems. Green manuring with sesbania significantly improved the pod yield of peanut (12.8%) and seed yield of pigeonpea (8.9%). Zero tillage (ZT) improved wheat yield by 4.8% over Conventional tillage (CT). The energy requirement of peanut+pigeonpea intercropping was 16.7% lower than peanut–wheat cropping system irrespective of GM and WSI. Peanut–ZT wheat with sesbania green manure recorded highest energy output (251.2 × 103 MJ/ha) and net energy (201.0 × 103 MJ/ha). This cropping system also fetched the highest system productivity (4551 kg/ha), and system profitability (` 125.7 × 103/ha) followed by peanut–ZT wheat (INR 120.6/ha × 103/ha). Therefore, peanut–ZT wheat–green manuring (sesbania/greengram) cropping system was found as productive, economical and energy efficient which might be promoted to intensify the sole peanut cropping in Saurashtra region of Gujarat.

Performance of summer groundnut under different types of plastic mulch

Groundnut is the main kharif crop of the Saurashtra region of Gujarat state. It is also cultivated in summer season in this region. The productivity of summer groundnut is limited by low temperature at initial growth stage, limited availability of irrigation water and higher temperature during reproductive growth period. A field experiment was conducted for two years to evaluate the performance of summer groundnut under six mulch treatments i.e. silver black plastic, transparent LDPE, PP nonwoven, biodegradable, no mulch (raised bed) and flatbed (control). Experiment was laid out with Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications. Crop water requirement was calculated by FAO Penman-Monteith method. Irrigation water was applied through drip irrigation in all treatments except flatbed. Silver black plastic mulch resulted in highest plant height, number of pods/plant, weight of pods/plant, pod and haulm yield and minimum weed intensity. Maximum water saving (41.2%), water use efficiency (6.77 kg/ha-mm) and benefit cost ratio (2.85) were obtained from use of silver black plastic mulch.

Assessment of diversity indices and rank abundance curve for herbaceous community of Junaghad district of Saurashtra

This Research was aimed at studying diversity indices and plotting a Rank Abundance Curve for herbaceous plant community at Kapuriyavadi area located in Junagadh District of Saurashtra region. The study was conducted from July to September 2021-22. Five quadrats of 1mx1m size were randomly laid down in the study area in such a way that they include maximum vegetation cover. Total number of individuals of each plant species, Rank abundance curve and Simpsons and Shannon-Wiener indices were calculated. A total of 33 plant species were identified and listed.Brachiariasp.Cyanodondactylon and Phyllanthus nirurirecorded more number of individual of species than the other species in the area, Brachiaria sp. being maximum (63 individuals) followed by C. dactylon (58) and P. niruri(47 individuals).Simpson’s and Shannon diversiy indices were then calculated for the plant community under investigation. The values were found to be 0.082 and 2.861 for Simpson’s and Shannon-Weiner respectively. To overcome shortcomings of these indices, Rank Abundance Curve to display relative species abundance was plotted for the community. The species richness was found to be maximum for Brachiaria sp. whereas the lowest were recorded for Xanthium strumarium, Calotropis procera, Sesamum sp., Trichodesma indicum, Boeerhaviaerecta and Cardiospermum halicacabum. Brachiarasps. was investigated to be the highest ranking species that have much higher abundance as compared to other species in the area. Xanthium strumarium, Calotropis procera, Sesamum sp., Trichodesma indicum, Boeerhaviaerectaand Cardiospermum halicacabumwere found to be lower raking spp. with much lower abundances. A steep gradient of the curve obtained for Rank Abundance indicated low evenness in the community since the high ranking species have much higher abundances than the low ranking species. Descriptive statistics followed by statistical test was applied to understand the variation in biodiversity indices within all quadrates.

Parasitological and Molecular Incidence of Trypanosoma Evansi in Dromedary Camels of Gujarat, India

The present study was aimed to assess the incidence of T. evansi infections in camel in Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India, through microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Blood samples were collected from 192 camels, randomly. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of Field’s stain, Giemsa stain and RoTat1.2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for detection of T. evansi in blood samples was evaluated. T. evansi infection recorded in camels based on Field’s stain, Giemsa stain and RoTat1.2 PCR assays was 3.23%, 8.85% and 22.39%, respectively. Sensitivity of Field’s stain was 35.29% while PCR test had 100% sensitivity in comparison to Giemsa stain for the detection of T. evansi in blood samples. The analytical sensitivity of newly developed RoTat1.2 PCR assay was determined as 1.07 pg of purified whole blood genomic DNA. Epidemiologically, T. evansi was an important pathogen in camels of all age groups but more prevalent in adult animals and in monsoon season.

Nitrogen Dynamics and Influence of Soil Properties in Calcareous Soils of Saurashtra Region of Gujarat, India

The majority of medium black soils of Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India are calcareous in nature derived from trap basalt in semi-arid climate. Almost 10 agro-ecological situations of Saurashtra region have been identified which vary in soil resource. One hundred sixty nine surface soil samples were collected (0-15 cm) at an interval of 10 years and N status in respect of its different fractions were determined. The experimentation on various soil groups of Saurashtra revealed that the available N content in general improved from 54.69 to 58.44 ppm, total N from 0.034 to 0.035% and organic carbon from 0.44 to 0.45%, while ammonical N declined from 7.49 to 7.39 ppm and nitrate N from 3.16 to 3.09 ppm in the span of 10 years interval. Whole set of data from 10 different soil groups of Saurashtra region was subjected to statistical analysis including correlation among the fractions and various soil physicochemical properties. Available N exhibited a significant positive relationship with other forms of N in all soil groups except soil groups deep black trap basalt (DBTB) and stony, where the relationship was not significant. As far as soil properties are concerned, different soil groups rendered obviously a variegated picture. The available N showed a significant positive relationship with soil electrical conductivity (EC) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) in soil group medium black trap basalt (MBTB) and only with soil EC in soil group medium black lime stone (MBLS). However, a significant negative relationship was exerted by available N to soil pH and soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) in soil group MBLS.