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The field experiment was conducted to evaluated varietal response of urea foliar sprays on growth and yield of leafy amaranthus, there were two varieties (Cv.Suvarna and Cv.Phule Kartiki) with three concentration of urea sprayings along with water spray and control. Thus in all ten treatment combinations were replicated thrice in FRBD in winter season at Oilseeds Research Station, Jalgaon of Maharashtra State. Among the varieties studied, maximum yield of 148.93 q/ha was recorded by Cv.Suvarna than the Cv.Phule Kartiki (124.35q). Among the urea spraying treatments, the treatment of spraying 0.75 % urea was found more beneficial than the rest of spray treatments studied and the control it recorded yield of 152.66 q/ha. Among the interactions, the superior treatment combination was Cv.Suvarna + 0.75 % urea spraying and it resulted highest yield of 166.44q/ha of leaf amaranthus.

Summer groundnut is one of the most important oilseed legume crop grown in India having high yield than its kharif season crop. The field study at oilseed research station Jalgaon, revealed recommendation to the farmers of Maharashtra for enhancement of yield of summer groundnut through foliar application of water soluble fertilizers after three year study. The field study was carried for the three consecutive year 2018, 2019, 2020 summer season at Jalgaon location with 11 different treatment in Randomized Block Design. It is found that treatment T11 i.e. application of 75%RDF +2.0 % WSF at 45,60 and 75 DAS(18.75 kg N/ha+ 37.50 kg P2O5/ha) is found significantly superior to increase the No. of pod /plant (24.04), dry pod yield (3030Kh/ha), kernel yield (2209.27 kg/ha), haulm yield(5344 kg/ha), net monetary returns(Rs./ha.1,17,765) and B:C ratio (2.96) of summer groundnut over rest of the treatment. While the treatment T 9(75%RDF+2.0 % WSF at 45 and 60 DAS) and treatment T10(75%RDF +1.5 % WSF at 45, 60 and 75 DAS) found at par with it for same as No. of branches/plant (10.26,9.52), No. of pods/plant(21.83,22.79), Dry pod yield kg/ha (2772kg/ha,2653kg/ha), Haulm yield kg/ha (5110,4905) Net monetary returns(Rs/ha)(99,916,102398) with the B:C ratio (2.61,2.71)respectively. So comparatively the recommendation is accepted in Joint Agrosco at VNAU Parbhani in 2021 that with the monetary returns and B:C ratio with haulm yield and dry pod yield the treatment T9(75% RDF +2.0% WSF at 45 and 60 DAS) with saving the cost of cultivation having best performance.

The disposal of cow dung was a great problem in dairy as the dung raises a lot of problems for human health and ecology system. Fossil fuels are depleting day by day there was need to increase the use of renewable energy sources and for reduce the dependency on fossil fuels for our energy needs. At Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, University dairy produces a huge amount of dung everyday which had a problem of disposal of such waste. To handle the waste in an efficient manner large scale modified fixed dome biogas had been constructed. A 50 m3 fixed dome biogas plant had been constructed to produce biogas. An average percentage of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium were found 1.13, 0.75, 0.55 and 1.33, 0.90, 0.68 in fresh cow dung and digested slurry, respectively. The biogas production from modified Janta biogas plant was found maximum 49.90 m3day-1 on 29th May 2021 at 49.90 oC digester temperature and minimum of 40.00 m3day-1 on 17th December 2021 at 33.10 oC digester temperature. Economic indicators i.e. net present worth, benefit-cost ratio, payback period and internal rate of return of the system was found to be Rs. 2143000.40, 1.87, 2 years, 11 months & 3 days and 40 % respectively.

Pollution is a pervasive phenomenon and inconvenient truth. Effluents from domestic and industrial sources are being released into the water bodies. They not only pollute the water bodies but also disturb the normal biological cycles of associated organisms. Industrial effluents are more polluting in nature as compared to domestic effluents. Industries utilize humongous quantities of water for cooling, cleaning, transportation and other tasks. In the process the water interacts with different chemicals, some are toxic while some may be neutral. It forms a harmful effluent and when it is disposed of in water bodies, causes water pollution. Wastewater from the brewery, tannery, paper pulp industries, food industries and textile industries are rich in organic contaminants. Removal of degradation of these contaminants is quite important before their disposal into water bodies. Various methods are available for effective removal of these contaminants from the effluents namely physical, chemical & biological. Biological treatment involves both aerobic & anaerobic treatment as well as degradation with microbes. Microbes contain several enzymes that can effectively degrade different organic compounds. Tannase isolated from some fungal and bacterial strains is effective in the degradation of tannin present in the effluent from the leather industry.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most cultivating pulse crops globally and in India, its productivity is limited blisteringly by Gram pod borer insect (Helicoverpa armigera) and Fusarium wilt disease. Pyramiding of these two biotic stress resistance in a single genotype is expected to increase crop productivity and reduces the usage of pesticides/fungicides by farmers, which boost economic viability in the cultivation of this crop. Hence, we planned to transfer the cry1Ac gene, which imparts pod borer resistance from BS 100B event, to Super Annigeri-1(SA-1), the wilt resistant variety bred through marker-assisted backcrossing.The F1 plants developed by SA-1 X BS 100B crosses were confirmed with cry1Ac gene-specific marker and polymorphic SSR marker (ICCM0299).The expression of the cry1Ac gene at the transcriptional level through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and at the protein level through enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay was confirmed in F1. The presence of a single copy of a gene integration, stably, was confirmed through the inheritance of the cry1Ac gene and 3:1 segregation ratio in F2 using Chi-square test. BS 100B (donor parent), F1 and F2 plants, respectively recorded 21.47 µg, 20.43 µg and 15.31-21.17µg of Cry1Ac protein/g of leaf tissue in quantitative ELISA test that is enough to record pest resistance. This is the first study to combine resistance to both pod-borer and Fusarium wilt by intercrossing of one cry1Acevent (BS 100B) together with SA-1 developed through molecular breeding and developed progenies have shown resistance to both biotic stresses.

Betelvine (Piper betle) is heart-shaped deep green leaves perennial plant an important cash crop of India for livelihood security in rural area particularly small as well as marginal betel growers of “baree community” in Maharashtra. The anthracnose leaf spot is the major constraint in production and market value of betel leaf production. A study was undertaken during two consecutive years (2019, 2020) the significant results were obtained in eight fungicides with respective commercial concentration tested against the Colletotrichum piparis leaf spot disease in betel vine. All treatment in the year 2019-20, 2020-21 are found statistically significant in reaction for mean % disease intensity and no. of leaves harvested (yield).For the year 2019-20 and 2020-21, mean % disease intensity the lowest was found in treatment T3 (Chlorothalonil@2.5 m/lit) i.e.4.83 and 4.93 respectively while they showing highest % disease control i.e. 49.68%and 43.59%.In year 2019 in respect of no. of leaves harvested (Yield) the treatment T 4 (Trichoderma spp. @ 5gm./lit.) giving significantly superior yield of leaves (1052) over rest of all the treatment. The treatment T3 (Chlorothalonil@2.5 m/lit.) with yield 952.00 found at par with it. In year 2020 the no. of leaves harvested (Yield) the treatment T 4 (Trichoderma spp. @ 5gm./lit.) giving significantly superior yield of leaves (1075) over rest of all the treatment. The treatment T3 (Chlorothalonil@2.5 m/lit.) with yield 963.00 and treatment T2 (Copper oxychloride +2 Chloro,2Bromo,1,3 diol (Bromopol))@ 2.5 g+0.5 g/lit. respectively with leaf yield 913.67 found at par with it.

The present investigation entitled “to study the effect of Azotobacter isolates on growth of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)” (Variety – Omni Yellow) at PG farm of Rajarshee Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj College of Agriculture, Kolhapur during summer season of the year 2020-21. The randomized block design (RBD) was used for the field experiment. The results of investigation showed that the application of 75% RDN + 100%RDP and K + seedling + soil both treated with commercial strain of Azotobacter (Azotobacter chroococcum) found more effective and showed profuse growth and yield characters of African marigold followed by the treatment 75% RDN + 100% RDPK + seedling + soil both treated with Strain – A of Azotobacter (ATHM1) and 75% RDN + 100% RDPK + seedling + soil treated with Strain – B of Azotobacter (ATKM3). These treatments were statistically at par with one another and superior over other treatments. The treatment 75% RDN + 100% RDPK + seedling + soil both treated with commercial strain of Azotobacter (Azotobacter chroococum) showed profuse effect on the growth parameter viz. maximum plant height (74.53 cm), primary branches (19.50), secondary branches (61.87) and plant spread (50.63 cm). It enhanced the flowering parameters viz. number of buds (17.92), number of flowers (9.30), flower diameter (7.56 cm) and weight of single flower (16.26 gm) and maximum yield per plot (15.86 kg), and total yield (16.31 t/ha). It has also increase a available N in soil (177.88 kg/ha) followed by the results of treatment 75% RDN + 100% RDPK + seedling + soil both treated with Strain – A of Azotobacter (ATHM1) gave plant height (73.97cm), primary branches (19.40), secondary branches (60.80) and plant spread (48.39cm), number of buds (16.99) number of flowers (8.78), flower diameter (7.16 cm) and weight of single flower (15.78 gm) and gave yield per plot (14.72 kg) and total yield (15.05 t/ha), also has increase a available N content of soil (175.77 kg/ha). Thus, the present investigation confined that an application of Azotobacter strains with the seedling dip treatment and soil drenching found to be more effective along with 75 % RDN, and 100% RDPK and saving of 25% dose of nitrogen.

Field experiment was carried out during 2020-2021 to study the effect of amino acids and silicon on flowering, fruit characters and yield of pomegranate cv. Phule Bhagwa Super in a randomized block design with seven treatments which were replicated three times. The treatments were Potassium silicate 0.5% (T1), Potassium silicate 1.0 % (T2), Amino acids 150 ppm (T3), Amino acids 200ppm (T4), Amino acids 250 ppm (T5), Water spray (T6), Absolute control (T7). Foliar sprays of each treatment except T7 were applied twice. The first spray was taken one month before water holding for inducing hasta bahar (hasta flowering) and second spray was taken15 days after initial growth, but before flowering. The results revealed that all the parameters studied were significantly influenced due to foliar spraying of different concentrations of potassium silicate and amino acids. The treatment T5 (amino acids 250 ppm) recorded maximum number of hermaphrodite flowers/ tree (147), sex ratio (33.3), fruit set(67.8%), number of fruit per tree (99.7), fruit weight (g) and yield per tree (35.3 kg) whereas the treatment T4 (amino acids 200 ppm) recorded highest fruit weight (302.8g). The results suggested that spraying amino acids is more effective as compared to silicon as it produced more number of hermaphrodite flower, fruit set, fruit weight number of fruits per plant and yield per plant.

A field experiment was planned and conducted during Rabi 2012-13 to evaluate the “Soil nutrient status of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as influenced by potassium and zinc application in Vertisol”. The field experiment was conducted at the Departmental Research Farm of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani, was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. There were eight treatments comprising of K levels and zinc viz ; T1- Absolute control, T2- Only RDF through soil (25:50:0 NPK kg ha-1).T3 –RDF + 15 kg K2O ha-1,T4- RDF + 30 kg K2O ha-1, T5- RDF+45 kg K2O ha-1, T6- RDF+15 kg K2O ha-1+25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1, T7- RDF + 30 kg K2O ha-1 + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1, T8- RDF + 45 kg K2O ha-1 + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1.The results indicated that application of RDF+15or30 kg K2O ha-1+25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1. Available N and P status at various growth stages of chickpea found to be increased up to pod development stage and thereafter N and P available status was decreased. While, potassium availability was decreased from flowering to harvesting stage, where as sulfur availability was increased till harvesting. In respect of micronutrients, no specific trend was noted. However, the application of zinc to chickpea maintained the higher Zn availability throughout the crop growth.

Biosynthesis of nanoparticles from plant-based sources has been proven to be cost efficient and eco-friendly. Due to its miniature size, nanoparticles have a higher surface area to volume proportion, which is very important for its insecticidal potentiality. Hence nanoparticles could be used as an important tool for pest management. The main objective of this study was to provide a better management strategy through analysing, evaluating and proving the bioefficacy of Azadirachta indica and Pongamia pinnata silver nanoparticles against 1st nymphal instars of A. devastans under laboratory conditions. Silver green nanoparticles were synthesized biologically from leaf extracts of A. indica and P. pinnata by Sunlight mediated exposure method and studied its bio efficacy on A. devastans. Characterization of the nanoparticles were done by UV-Visible spectroscopy for confirming the formation of nanoparticles and Particle Size Analyser (PSA) for determining size and distribution of particles. Surface Electron Microscope (SEM) was used for determining the surface topography of nanoparticles. The results obtained from Particle Size Analyzer (PSA) showed that A. indica and P. pinnata based AgNo3 nanoparticles had an average diameter of 61.70 nm and 68.80 respectively. Even though both A. indica and P. pinnata based silver nanoparticles caused cent per cent nymphal mortality at 2000 ppm, A. indica based nanoparticles were found to be comparatively more efficient and having higher insecticidal activity against A. devastans at lower concentrations. Nymphal mortality was found to be positively correlated with increase in concentration of nanoparticles. Symptoms caused by silver nanoparticles were dehydration, inactiveness, brittleness etc.

Genetic variability in F2 populations of two commercial hybrids i.e., Naga and NS-3 were studied for growth, earliness, yield and quality parameters in an un replicated trial at College of Horticulture, UHS, Bagalkot, during Jan-March 2018. The results revealed that PCV was higher than GCV for almost all the characters However, high heritability along with high genetic advance as per cent over mean was observed for the traits such as vine length at 60 DAP, node to first female flowering, node to first male flowering, average fruit weight, fruit length, TSS and Vit-C indicated that these characters are heritable to the next generation and can be improved by simple selection methods.

In this experiment, correlation and path analysis in F2 populations of two commercial hybrids i.e., Naga and NS-3 were studied for growth, earliness, yield and quality parameters by using unreplicated trials in College of Horticulture, UHS, Bagalkot, during Jan-March 2018. The results revealed that vine length at 60 DAP, number of fruits per vine, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter had significant positive correlation with fruit yield per plant, whereas days to first female flowering, days to first male flowering and sex ratio had significant negative association with fruit yield per plant, the associations of these characters is in the desirable direction. Thus, selection for these characters will improve the yield. Path coefficient studies revealed that number of fruits per vine, fruit length and fruit diameter showed direct positive effects on fruit yield per vine, whereas days to first male and female flowering and sex ratio showed direct negative effects on fruit yield per vine.

Burfi was prepared from milk with constant level of sugar (30 per cent by weight of khoa) and different levels of black gram flour (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 per cent by weight of khoa). On an average black gram flour burfi of treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 contained moisture 15.90, 15.50, 14.90, 14.35 and 13.30 per cent, fat 20.88, 19.52, 18.63, 17.93 and 16.95 per cent, protein 14.60, 15.63, 16.03, 16.54 and 16.94 per cent, ash 2.45, 2.52, 2.59, 2.64 and 2.72 per cent, total solids 84.10, 84.50, 85.10, 85.65 and 86.70 per cent, crude fiber 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.20 and 0.21 per cent, total sugar 46.17, 46.83, 47.85, 48.54 and 50.09 per cent, titratable acidity 0.539, 0.525, 0.502, 0.487 and 0.474 per cent L.A., pH 6.44, 6.62, 6.68, 6.79 and 6.88 respectively. In textural parameters, hardness ranges from 0.617 to 1.827 kg, cohesiveness 2.192 to 1.333, adhesiveness -0.001 to -0.005 kg, springiness were 1.5068 to 1.4304 mm, gumminess scored 1.352 to 2.435 and chewiness ranges from 2.037 to 3.483 for treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively.

In the present investigation, the parents (P1 and P2), F1,’s, F2’s and BC1F1’s progenies of four selected hybrids involving four cytoplasmic genetic male sterile lines based on Cajanus scarabaeoides (A2) cytoplasm and four restorers from diverse source were evaluated to determine the inheritance of fertility restoration in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp)] hybrids. Among these restorers, three restorers viz. BDNHR 1, BDNHR 21-2 and BDNHR 22-1-2 were identified and developed from segregating materials of interspecific cross involving C. scarabaeoides, however one restorer viz. BDNHR 60-2 from interspecific cross involving C. albicans wild species. The results revealed that the hybrids viz. BDN 2004-1A x BDNHR 1, BDN 2004-4Ax BDNHR22-1-2 and BSMR 736A x BDNHR 21-2 showed the monogenic dominant gene action (3:1) with single fertility restoring gene. However, only one hybrid viz. BDN 2004-2A x BDNHR 60-2 showed digenic duplicate gene action with complete dominance for fertility restoration in Pigeonpea hybrids. The information generated on genetics of fertility restoration will help in knowing the selection of breeding methods and further transfer of fertility restorer genes in to elite backgrounds.

Export of groundnut and chilli products from India is ever-growing and necessitates continuous safety assessment. This study aimed to assay aflatoxin (AFs) contamination from the export quality groundnut and chilli produce using a UHPLC method. Categorized as branded, non-branded and cold storage samples were collected from retail shops and open markets of the Raichur region of South India. As a separate aim, we validated the method for AFB1 in both the groundnut and chilli matrices for linearity (0.993, 0.999), LOD (0.5 & 0.5µgkg-1), LOQ (5.0 & 2.0µgkg-1), recovery (90.66 per cent & 113.33 per cent), robustness (93.33 per cent & 112.66 per cent) and per cent residual (8.48 & 112.66) respectively. Standard linearity generated was in the range of 5- 50.0 ηgg-1 in groundnut and 0.5-10ηgg-1 in chilli matrix. Sixty-five per cent of the total chilli samples collected were infected by Aspergillus spp. and one sample showed AFB1 above the regulatory limit. The levels of AFB1 and total AFs in the contaminated dried chillies from branded, unbranded, cold storage and Radiofrequency treated were in the range of 1.895-29.653µgkg-1, 4.747-6.972µgkg-1, and 7.23-13.17µgkg-1, respectively. In contrast to chilli samples, seventeen per cent of the branded groundnut samples showed an AFB1 concentration of13.59µgkg-1. This study showed that the cold storage chilli and groundnut were aflatoxin-free and thereby safe compared to the branded and non branded samples.

A sample of 150 children (5-7 yrs old), 80 belonging to middle SES group and 70 belonging to low SES group and brought up by their both parents (either both parents are working or only one parent is working) as well as by their grandparents were chosen randomly from the selected 10 colonies from Parbhani City of Marathwada region of Maharashtra state. The data pertaining to the study were collected by personally interviewing the parents and grandparents of sample children based on structured and open ended interview schedule and also by administering Kuppuswamy’s Socio-economic Status Scale revised by Dr. Sheikh Mohd Saleem (2018) for assessing the socio-economic status of the sample children. It is apparent from the results that irrespective of the groups and socio-economic status of the sample children, a higher percentage of both the paternal grandparents(64-65%) were found to be involved in child upbringing right from their neonatal stage. With regard to the involvement in upbringing of grandchildren all the grandparents expressed that, it was most rewarding experience of their life and also it was beneficial to them for remaining physically and mentally fit (33-43%). However a majority of them (44- 71 %) expressed that sometimes it became difficult for them to carry out their personal work due to their involvement in upbringing of grandchildren. On the whole, the findings of the study highlight that families need to involve grandparents in caring grandchildren as they are found to be playing vital role in child upbringing and which in turn enabling grandparents to lead happy, contented and dignified life.

Tomato is an important plant grown in tropics as a perennial plant and in other areas mostly as annual plant. Tomato plant grows upto an height of 9 feet. The flowers are small, yellow and have five lobes on corolla. The fruit colour is green when unripe and red when it is fully ripe. Fruit is low in calorie and rich in vitamins and minerals. Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance were assessed in thirty five genotypes of tomato at Departmental Research Farm of Vegetable Science, UHF, Solan, HP during kharif season, 2016. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all the characters under study. The PCV (Phenotypic coefficient of variation) and GCV (Genotypic coefficient of variation) were higher for fruits per cluster (49.66 % and 49.50 %), fruits per plant (46.28 % and 46.11 %), yield per plant (38.13 % and 38.04 %) and average fruit weight (30.39 % and 30.29 %). High GCV and PCV provide the possibility of improving and fixing the characters through selection breeding. High heritability along with high estimates of genetic gain were observed for number of fruits per cluster (99.33 % and 101.63 %), number of fruits per plant (99.28 % and 94.66 %), fruit yield per plant (99.52 % and 78.18 %) and average fruit weight (99.35% and 62.19 %). High heritability and genetic gain suggest the possibility of improvement of traits by means of selection due to existence of additive gene effect. Selection for these above characters will be fruitful in improving fruit yield in tomato.

The performance of yield and nutritional quality of Azolla pinnata cultivated in different water sources like Well water, River water, Bore well, Sewage water and Drainage (water-House) was shows that there is no significant change in yield between the treatments, however, higher yield of 32 kg fresh Azolla pinnata was observed in river water (T2) and lowest yield of 23.49kg in Bore well water (T3). Secondly, no significant change in crude protein content between the treatments but highest value of 28.44% in Sewage water (T4) with an average value of 25.86% is record. The increased fresh Azolla yield and protein content may be due to lower total dissolved solids, total hardness as CaCo3 and higher in Phosphate availability in the water.

A total of 18 bitches in the period in the period of six month diagnosed for transmissible venereal tumor in Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Nagpur by per vaginal examination and vaginal cytology. These bitches were divided randomly into three groups, viz., Group I (Inj. Vincristine @ 0.025mg/kg slow IV in DNS and Injection Botropase 1ml IM for 1st week), Group II (Inj. Vincristine @ 0.025mg/kg slow IV in DNS and Tab. Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavinate for first 7 days orally) and Group III (treated with autohaemotherapy@10 ml whole blood IM) for once in week and continue for 5 week. At the time of treatment, liver and kidney function tests were performed. During the course of treatment significant variation was noted in Group I and II in BUN values while creatinine values changes significantly in all treatment groups. In case of SGPT only significant changes observed in Group I. Rest of the changes in serum prolife found to be non significant. Also from recovery point of view we noted that, it was faster in Group I and II compare than Group III. Side effects observed only in Group I and II. From the study we concluded that autohaemotherapy will be an alternate option for treatment of TVT in bitches who shows the excessive side effects of Vincristine Sulphate.

Neonatal sepsis is a worldwide problem with the prevalence at 1 to10 per 1000 live birth and one of the indicator for measuring the health status of a nation. According to WHO there are about 5 million neonatal death per year with 98% occurring in developing countries. Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat worldwide. Blood culture is considered as the gold standard technique for diagnosis of neonatal septicemia. The main objectives includes, to know the various bacteria causing neonatal septicemia and their antibiogram. To detect drug resistance among the isolated bacteria. A Prospective study was done over a period of 2 year. Blood samples for culture were collected aseptically before starting antibiotic therapy and subcultures were performed. The isolates were identified by standard biochemical tests and antibiogram of the isolates were studied. Out of 360 cases 160 were bacteriologically positive, Klebsiella was the most common organism isolated (21%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (20%) Acinetobacter (15%), Pseudomonas (13%). Maximum sensitivity was seen by Linezolid, Erythromycin for Gram positive organisms and Gram negative organisms were sensitive to Piperacillin/ Tazobactum, Imipenem, Levofloxacin, Meropenem. Knowledge of likely causative organism causing neonatal septicemia can help in instituting prompt and appropriate therapy which in turn reduce morbidity and mortality.

Paneer whey was fortified with spirulina powder at two concentrations (0.3 and 0.5 %) for preparation of ready-to-serve (RTS) drink and evaluated for various physico-chemicals and sensory attributes during storage at 8°C. The study revealed that whey based spirulina drink containing 0.3% spirulina powder scored maximum for almost sensory quality attributes, i.e. appearance, color, flavor, odour and overall acceptability and showed protein content 0.76 %, essential fatty acid 8.023%,iron 5.16 ppm and calcium 137.37 ppm during the storage at refrigeration temperature over a period of 60 days.

The study revealed that China aster seeds lose viability quickly if stored under ambient conditions. At the end of 12th months, seeds stored at refrigerated condition (5-70C) still maintained high seed germination (64.00%) at field condition well above the minimum seed certification standards. However, in case of ambient storage very drastic reduction in seed germination was observed. It was 32.43 % for first months and reduced to 14.95 % for second month by declining 53.90% as compared to first month and thereafter no germination was recorded at field condition. Results from the interaction effect indicated that previously stored seeds of China aster for six months in aluminium foil and kept under refrigerated condition recorded higher seed quality parameters viz. percent seed germination at field (92.67 and 72.00%), percent survival of seedlings (89.33 and 70.67%), height of seedling (11.53 and 8.60 cm), shoot length (7.00 and 5.10 cm), root length (4.53 and 3.50 cm), shoot weight (0.42 and 0.33 g), root weight (0.040 and 0.027 g), root:shoot ratio (0.095 and 0.082) and percent seed germination at laboratory (97.33 and 76.00%) for first and sixth month, respectively.

Thirty three seed cow genotypes (Vigna unguiculata L. WALP) collected from different geographical region were assessed for their genetic divergence based on ten characters during kharif-2020 at Post Graduate Farm, MPKV, Rahuri. The genotypes were grouped into six clusters which indicating high genetic diversity among them. It indicated that genetic diversity and geographic diversity are not related. The present study revealed that days to 50% flowering contributed maximum (34.09%) for divergence followed by plant height (32.58%), number of pods per plant (10.98%) and test weight (8.71%). Based on inter-cluster distance, intra-cluster distance and per se performance the genotypes viz., CP-04, CP-10, CP-10R, PCP-1411, CP-37, CP-10R,CP-39 and Phule Sonali are suggested to utilize for future breeding programme.

A quality indicator is a tool that enables the user to quantify the quality of a selected aspect of care by comparing it with a set benchmark. The objective of this study was to review quality indicators for COVID-19 molecular testing at S.S. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre and to compare with the predefined quality indicators in order to improve the performance of the molecular laboratory and to initiate the corrective and preventive measures. Over the period of one year we assessed different quality indicators collected from the molecular laboratory of a tertiary care hospital in Central Karnataka which has processed 36000 throat swabs for the diagnosis of COVID-19. Twelve quality indicators under pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical stage were assessed for the quality by referring it with the select criteria. Missing test request form / specimen (1.36/1000) was the most common inconsistency observed during the assessment of pre-analytical indicators followed by specimen inadequacy (0.194/1000), duplicate specimen referral forms (SRF) generated in ICMR portal (0.277/1000) and color change in the viral transport medium. In analytical phase, non-conformity with QC was seen in 2.83/1000 samples. In post analytical phase, excessive turnaround time was seen in 0.75/1000 samples followed by revised reports due to transcription error (0.38/1000) and duplicate reports (0.13/1000). The results of assessment of quality indicators in the molecular laboratory explicitly supports that laboratory could keep the incidence of errors to the minimum level by following proper corrective and preventive measures. Thus, catering quality laboratory services during devastated COVID pandemic year.

The field experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Dept of Agricultural Meteorology, CCS HAU, Hisar (Lat.: 290 10’ N, Log.: 75036’ E & 215.2 m above msl), Haryana, India during the rabi season of 2014-15 and 2015-16. Experimental designed laid out with strip plot, as main plot treatment: four growing environments i.e. D1: 5th Nov., D2: 20th Nov., D3: 5th Dec. and D4: 20th Dec. and sub-plot treatment: four irrigation regimes, it applied at different phenophases (I1-CRI, I2- CRI and heading, I3- CRI+ jointing and milking, I4- CRI+ jointing + anthesis and dough stage). Crop growth and yield data of 2014-15 were used for calibration of DSSAT model and cultivar coefficients for WH1105 based on the observed crop characteristics. Genetic coefficient parameters are in the ranges obtained by the few other studies conducted on wheat with the exception of parameters G1, G2, and G3, related to grain growth. Sensitivity of simulated grain yield to down scaled sunshine hours, solar radiation -0.5 to -2.5 hours and -1°C to -5 MJ-2 day-1 showed a gradual decrease in grain yield, respectively.