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Abundance of insect pollinators on rapeseed-mustard showed that bees were most abundant on Brassica rapa L. var. toria i.e. 15.15, 18.47, 21.02 and 15.11 bees/ m²/ 10 min and least abundant on Brassica nigra i.e. 8.43, 9.53, 11.30 and 8.47 bees/ m²/ 10 min at 1000 h, 1200 h, 1400 h and 1600 h, respectively. At 1000 h, Apis mellifera was observed as the most abundant pollinator (13.94 bees/ m²/ 10 min) followed by A. cerana (11.23 bees/ m²/ 10 min), A dorsata (10.50 bees/ m²/ 10 min) and A. florea (8.30 bees/ m²/ 10 min) and the same trend was also followed at 1200 h, 1400 h and 1600 h. The comparative mean abundance of Apis spp. on different varieties/ genotypes of rapeseed-mustard revealed that bees were most abundant on variety TH 68 (16.77 bees/ m²/ 10 min) and least abundant on Nigra (9.12 bees/ m²/ 10 min). Also A. mellifera had maximum (15.50 bees/ m²/ 10 min) mean comparative density across the varieties/genotypes followed by A. cerana (12.90 bees/ m²/ 10 min), A. dorsata (12.25 bees/ m²/ 10 min) and A. florea (9.37 bees/ m²/ 10 min). The activity of different honey bees varied with time i.e. maximum abundance of A mellifera, A. cerana, A. dorsata and A. florea was reported at 1200 to 1400 h and it was least abundant at 1000 h and 1600 h of the day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of polymorphs in the seven spotted ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) when analysed revealed five morphs collected in different seasons. These were predating on sucking pests infesting cotton and wheat. The morphological characters including male genitalia were studied in these. The abundance of various morphs revealed morph 1 with maximum abundance (73.3%), and the frequency of the melanic forms increased with the decrease in temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In conventional agriculture, expensive phosphatic fertilizers were applied in huge quantities to reduce phosphorus deficiency in mungbean. Disproportionate application of these chemical fertilizers over long periods has damaged the natural properties of soils by killing soil micro flora and fauna, leading to reduced agricultural production. Sustainable agriculture based on organics and biological fertilizers is an effective solution for overcoming these problems. Therefore, keeping the above information in view, the present study was undertaken to assess the effect of PROM and microbial inoculants on the growth and yield of mungbean. Methods: In this field-laboratory experiment which was conducted at agronomy farm of Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, during Kharif season of 2019, 12 treatments involving control, PROM, PSB, VAM, Pseudomonas fluorescens (PF) and their respective combinations were included which was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The collected samples were determined for growth and yield attributes in the field and laboratory. Result: The results showed that combined application of PROM+PSB+VAM+PF reported the maximum values of most of the growth and yield attributing characters i.e. plant height, number of branches/plant, dry matter accumulation, total and effective number of root nodules per plant, fresh and dry weight of nodules per plant, crop growth rate, chlorophyll content, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, test weight, seed, straw and biological yield of mungbean as compared to other combinations and control, but it was at par with PROM+PSB+VAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed germination characteristics help predict the degree of invasive success of a species based on capacity of the seeds to germinate and recruit into novel habitats. Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. (Bush mint, Pignut; Lamiaceae) is an invasive plant that is spreading throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. We conducted a study to understand the role of seed size dimorphism in differentiation of germination niche in H. suaveolens.We subjected small and large seeds to varying environmental conditions of temperature (°C), photoperiod (light/dark), salt (NaCl; mM), pH, osmotic potential (MPa), different soil types and ratios (clay:sand) and burial depth (cm). Different germination indices were calculated and their interaction with seed dimorphism studied.There was a significant interaction (P < 0.001) between germination indices and seed dimorphism throughout the treatments. Large seeds had higher germination percentage and rate, indicating higher germination capacity. In addition, these displayed more asynchronous germination under various environments. Small seeds, on the other hand, required a longer germination time as compared to large seeds, indicating slower germination.Differential responses of the two seed morphs to varying environmental conditions, therefore, help H. suaveolens to differentiate its germination niche and establish in heterogeneous environments. These findings will help in devising appropriate management and eradication strategies based on germination ecology of seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate numerically linear stable waves at low wave steepness in shallow water using ANSYS Fluent software. The authors mainly determined how, when, and where a linear wave will reach its stable state in shallow water. The finite volume method is used to solve the Navier-Stokes equations. The inflow velocity method and the Dirichlet boundary condition are used to generate a suitable linear wave. Numerical damping is used at the end of the tank to reduce the reflection of the wave. The accuracy and stability of the waves are judged under wave height variation between the CFD results and the analytical results. The test has been conducted in four different cases (Case 1, Case 2, Case 3, and Case 4). Wave evolution and particle velocity are obtained in the velocity field to understand the wave stability in the numerical wave tank. Numerical data are captured from the free surface to compare the surface profile and wave velocity. The results have revealed that the accuracy, stability, and consistency of the linear waves are in good agreement with the analytical solution. The relative error between the two results is 1.43% for Case 3. This research is a highly relevant source of information in realistic wave generation to design various practical systems such as wave energy converters, offshore marine structures, and many ocean engineering problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the rice insects, brown planthopper (BPH), (Nilaparvata lugens Stål) is a monophagous migratory phloem-sucking insect causing severe loss in Asiatic countries. High nitrogen and willful insecticide application coupled with an increase in temperature have created havoc by this pest during the last few years in certain parts of India, Indonesia, China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Though chemical control measures are advocated to mitigate this insect, yet, the incorporation of host-plant resistance factor is the preferred approach to manage this insect attack owing to the high cost of chemical control and adverse effects on the environment. To date, more than 40 major resistance genes and 22 minor genes or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) are identified. Cloning of 11 BPH resistance genes has been completed to date. Majority of the cloned genes produced coiled-coil nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat protein for the defense response in the host plant. Salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene, mitogen-activated protein kinases, Ca2+, OsRac1, and other signaling molecules play a definite role in the defense response. Signal transduction may lead to sieve tube sealing, production of metabolites, and induction of proteinase inhibitor for defense response against BPH attack. Plants have intrinsic mechanisms for recognition of damage-associated and herbivore-associated molecular patterns and elicitors for host defense response. This review provides an update on the sources of resistance, identification of resistance genes, gene maps, (QTL) detection, cloning, insights into the molecular mechanisms of resistance, and deployment of resistance genes for durable and broad-spectrum resistance in the cultivars against BPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crops need large quantity of potassium for enhancing their yield as well as quality. Pulses are important crops grown in India but their productivity is low. Among production inputs, recommendations for N and P fertilizers are made in most states with no K application resulting in imbalanced nutrient supply and lower crop yields. To quantify optimum dose for green gram (Vigna radiata L.), a series of field experiments were conducted at Regional Research Station, CCS HAU, Bawal, Haryana, to assess the response of green gram to fertilizer potassium on coarse textured (Typic Haplustepts) soils of southern Haryana. After completion of research trials, crop was tested on farmer's field through demonstrations and on farm trials (OFTs) to evaluate the response and adoptability of green gram as per the fertilizer potassium doses concluded in research experiment. Five levels of fertilizer potassium (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg K2O ha-1) were evaluated for the response of green gram in randomized block design replicated thrice. The results of research trials revealed that the yield, protein content and growth parameters of green gram increased significantly with the application of fertilizer potassium @20 kg K2O ha-1. Significantly higher yield of green gram was recorded (5.87, 16.29, 19.23 and 22.36 %) due to application of 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg K2O ha-1, respectively over control. The total K uptake by green gram increased significantly with the incremental doses of potassium application which helped to prevent the depletion of available soil K and build-up its content in the soil. The mean K use efficiency varied from 38.30 to 54.15 and maximum (54.15 %) was recorded with the application of 20 kg K2O ha-1. The benefit cost ratio was also increased with the application of potassium and reflected in terms of additional returns per rupee (Rs. 10.94, 15.63, 12.17 and 10.72) invested on application of K @ 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg K2O ha-1, respectively. The farmer's field trial results with 0 and 20 kg K2O ha-1 revealed that application of 20 kg K2O ha-1 increased the yield of green gram by 10.87% over control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background&Method: The Aim of the study isto studyA comparative study to evaluate the effect of different doses of dexamethasone as an adjuvant to 0.5% ropivacaine on duration of analgesia and motor block in supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade. After obtaining approval from ethical committee 100 patients who will fulfill the eligibility criteria will be studied with informed and written consent, subsequently patients will be randomized into four groups of 25 each. Result:Onset time of sensory blockade was 18.68+-3.34 min in Group RA, 10.78±1.44 min in Group RB, 10.05±1.82 min in Group RC and 9.66±2.22 min in Group RD. Duration of sensory blockade is 327.6±55.81 min in Group RA, 473.92±31.83 min in Group RB, 481.57±32.21 min in Group RC and 496.67± 30.18 min in Group RD. Conclusion:Dexamethasone when added to ropivacaine fastens the onset of sensory and motor blockade as compared to ropivacaine alone. Dexamethasone when added to ropivacaine prolongs the duration of sensory and motor blockade. After performing the supraclavicular brachial plexus block patients were observed for - Onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, duration of analgesia, VAS score at the time of rescue analgesia, sedation, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, side-effects and complications. Observation, tabulation, statistical analysis done using ANOVA test and paired student t test. In this study demographic data like Age and weight of all the three groups were comparable and were found to be statistically insignificant(p>0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field experiments were conducted during rabi (October to march) 2014-15 and 2015-16 at Agronomy farm, Jobner, Rajasthan, India to evaluate effect of weed management practices and sulphur fertilization on growth, yield and qualityof mustard (Brassica juncea (L.). The experimental field was laid out in a split plot design with seven treatments of weed management with four sulphur levels and three replications. Among weed control treatment crop dry matter at harvest stage (312.6 g-1 row length), maximum value of CGR and RGR during all the stages of crop growth, maximum seed yield (2493 kg ha-1), output energy (151500 MJ ha-1), output input energy ratio (13.65), Energy use efficiency (0.225) and energy balance (140430 MJ ha-1) was obtained with 2 HW at 25 and 45 DAS. Among the herbicidal treatment pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg ha-1 was next better treatment which was at par with one HW at 25 DAS. Among sulphur levels crop dry matter at harvest (222.3 g m-1 row length), maximum value of CGR and RGR during all the stages of crop growth, seed yield (2167 kg ha-1), oil yield (885 kg ha-1), oil yield (885 kg ha-1), output energy (135918 MJ ha-1), output input energy ratio (12.26), energy use efficiency (0.195 kg MJ-1) and energy balance (124856 MJ ha-1) were obtained with 60 kg S ha-1 which was at par with 40 kg S ha-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiments were conducted at CCS HAU, Hisar (Haryana) to study the morpho physico-chemical components of resistance to pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera in pigeonpea with different sowing dates. In different four sowing dates, the minimum pod infestation (1.70%) was recorded in (D4) 3rd week of July sown crop, whereas, it was observed maximum (4.54%) in (D2) 1st week of July sown crop. In different pigeonpea varieties, the minimum mean pod infestation (2.45%) was recorded in AL-201, whereas, the maximum mean pod infestation (3.72%) was recorded in Pusa-992. The glandular (type A) and non-glandular (type B) trichomes on pods of top and middle canopy of the plant and pod wall thickness were associated with resistance to H. armigera, whereas, the non-glandular lengthy (type C) trichomes and pod length were associated with susceptibility to this insect. The expression of resistance to H. armigera was also associated with the high amount of fat, phenol and tannin content. Crude protein and total soluble sugar content were responsible for higher pod infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants have remained an integral source of therapeutics for primary healthcare since antiquity. The information pertaining to usage of plants is either inherited from elders or acquired through trials or the experience of others but is not documented frequently. South Haryana is one such rich storehouse of ethnomedicinal knowledge. Hence, ethnomedicinally important plants from Charkhi Dadri district of Haryana state were documented in the present study. The data was collected through field surveys and in-depth interviews organized in the fields during the years 2018-19. Factor of informant consensus was also calculated. A total of 90 ethnomedicinal plants were identified, belonging to 41 families and 79 genera. Majority of plants were herbs (47.7%), followed by trees (30%). Leguminosae (10%) represented the maximum number of plants, followed by Solanaceae (6.6% each) and Amaranthaceae, Lamiaceae and Poaceae (5.5% each). A total of 64 ailments were reported to be treated traditionally by ethnomedicinal plants in the area. The most commonly treated diseases were menorrhagia, skin boils, typhoid, diabetes, piles and diarrhoea. It was observed that the majority of plants were used freshly to extract juice, followed by powder and decoction and rarely as tea or oil forms. The present study provides comprehensive ethnomedicinal data including vernacular and botanical names, names of the family, mode of preparation, administration and dosage of plant drugs and diseases treated. It was concluded that this region still possesses numerous useful ethnomedicinal knowledge and may contribute to further herbal drug development programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. is a well-known plant in Ayurveda and named "Sarwa wranvishapaka" for its property to heal wounds. Traditionally, it is practiced for impotency, asthma, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, syphilis gonorrhea, rheumatism, enlargement of kidney and spleen. It is an important component of herbal preparations like Tephroli and Yakrifti used to cure liver disorders. Various phytocompounds including pongamol, purpurin, purpurenone, tephrosin, bulnesol, tephrostachin, β-sitosterol, and so on have been reported. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the plant have wound healing, antileishmanial, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antifertility, antispermatogenic, anti-diarrheal, diuretic, and insecticidal properties. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory action reported from this plant aids its utilization for the development of drugs for Alzheimer's and dementia neurological disorders. Among the known active compounds of T. purpurea, tephrostachin is responsible for antiplasmodial activity, tephrosin, pongaglabol, and semiglabrin exerts antiulcer activity while quercetin, rutin, β-sitosterol, and lupeol are mainly responsible for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. From different toxicological studies, concentrations up to 2,000 mg/kg were considered safe. The present review comprehensively summarizes the ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of T. purpurea. Further research on elucidation of the structure-function relationship among active compounds, understanding of multi-target network pharmacology and clinical applications will intensify its therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological advancements in the field of chemical threat have made it possible to create extremely dangerous chemical warfare agents (CWA). Hence, the effective protection of personnel is very important in a chemical warfare scenario amidst the current climate of terrorism awareness. In particular, body protection plays a substantial role in the chemical defence considering the urgency of situation in the nuclear, biological and chemical environment. Activated carbon spheres (ACS) based permeable chemical protective clothing (coverall) was developed for protection against CWA. The adsorbent material i.e, ACS used in this protective clothing provided higher adsorption capacity (1029 mg/g in terms of iodine) and low thermal burden (34 °C WBGT index) compared to earlier indigenously developed NBC suit. This article focuses on the extensive evaluation of chemical protective clothing against sulfur mustard (HD), a CWA. The results revealed that the developed protective clothing provided more than 24 h protection against HD. This chemical protective suit is light weight (< 2.75 kg for XL size). It also has higher air permeability (> 30 cm3/s/cm2) as well as less water vapour resistance (< 9.6 m2Pa/W). With continued innovations in materials and attention to key challenges it is expected that advanced, multifunction chemical protective suit will play a pivotal role in the CWA protection scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was planned to evaluate the performance of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under varying levels of sulphur and its sources under Semi-Arid condition of Rajasthan. Application of 60 kg S/ha resulted 8.8, 23.8 and 59.6% more pod/plant than 45, 30 and 15 kg S/ha, respectively. Gypsum as a source of S recorded 15.4 and 50.4% higher pods/plant over SSP and elemental sulphur, respectively. However, number of kernels/pod increased significantly upto 45 kg/ha only. Gypsum and SSP improved the kernels/pod by 14.2 and 11.2% over elemental sulphur, respectively. Application of 60 kg S/ha resulted in 140, 345 and 744 kg/ha and 127, 319 and 616 kg/ha higher pod and kernel yield over 45, 30 and 15 kg/ha, respectively. Sulphur application through gypsum recorded the highest pod yield (1872 kg/ha) of groundnut that was 13.1 and 32.0 percent more than obtained under SSP and elemental sulphur treatment, respectively. Application of sulphur at 75 kg S/ha was recorded highest shelling% (72.13%) which were 7.0 and 10.9 per cent higher over 30 and 15 kg S/ha. The application of S at 45 kg/ha exhibited 7.6 and 17.0% higher protein content over 30 and 15 kg S/ha, respectively. Among sources, the highest protein content (23.75%), oil content (44.49%) and oil yield (597.76 kg/ha) was obtained with gypsum. Application of 60 kg S/ha increased oil yield by magnitude of 70.3, 175.1 and 316.9 kg/ha over 45, 30 and 15 kg S/ha, respectively. Sulphur application at the rate of 60 kg/ha increased the margin to the tune of ₹ 6343, 15867, 34062 /ha over 45, 30 and 15 kg S/ha, respectively. Likewise, graded increment in levels of sulphur resulted in significantly higher BCR upto 60 kg/ha over lower levels. The maximum net returns ₹(55358/ha) and BCR (1.68) were obtained with gypsum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been argued that fertilization may influence the susceptibility of insect pests, and thus, can increase the crop production by lowering the incidence of insect-pest. Here, the present investigation was carried out to study the influence of nitrogen and potash levels on the incidence of early shoot borer, Chilo infuscatellus Snellen in sugarcane varieties at Regional Research Station CCSHAU Uchani farm, Karnal. The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design with three differently maturing varieties viz., Co 0238, CoH 119 and CoH 150 as main plot, three doses of nitrogen viz., 150, 200 and 250 kg per hectare (kg/ha) as sub plot and two doses of potash viz., 0 and 50 (kg/ha) as sub-sub plot. The early shoot borer mean per cent incidence recorded in April, May and June, 2015 was highest (7.68, 12.19 and 6.35, respectively) in Co 0238 while, lowest (5.16, 8.51 and 5.40, respectively) in CoH 119 followed by CoH 150 (6.29, 8.79 and 5.43, respectively). In relation to nitrogen application, maximum mean per cent incidence (7.12, 11.19 and 6.48, respectively) in April, May and June, 2015 of early shoot borer was recorded at 250 kg N/ha and the minimum (5.68, 8.57 and 5.23, respectively) at 150 kg N/ha. Application of potassium significantly reduced the shoot borer infestation with mean per cent incidence lower at 50 kg K2O/ha (5.90, 9.24 and 5.33, respectively) in April, May and June, 2015 compared to control i.e., no application of potassium (6.85, 10.42 and 6.12, respectively). Results revealed that application of potassium with optimum dose of nitrogenous fertilizer along with selection of suitable variety acted as preventive measures to avoid shoot borer infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processed food industry is growing with leap and bounds but at the same time contamination of food products has become a major global problem and serious health hazards. The problem of food contamination is growing with rapid speed. Scientists and researchers are doing their best to address the challenges of this problem. Every year, consumers are exposed to harmful bacteria found in the food they eat. Moreover, a large number of food products particularly processed ones are being more prone to contamination due to chemicals and pathogens. Technology is also constantly improving for addressing the problem of food contamination; yet, food contamination still remains a big problem. A number of conventional techniques have been used but they do not satisfy the scientific communities due to several disadvantages. Hence, it necessitates looking for better alternative techniques which are simple, effective, sensitive and reliable for detecting the pathogens in food. Biosensors based on nanomaterials have offered these fascinating properties and have been used for sensing foodborne pathogens. The present review article discusses the various biosensing methods useful for detection of pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biology of citrus butterfly was studied under laboratory (room temperature 29-35°C; RH 60-75%) and screen house conditions on Kinnow mandarin. The results revealed that pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition period averaged 1.30±0.48, 4.20±0.79 and 2.44±0.45 days, respectively. A single female laid 100.9±4.04 eggs which hatched in 4.24±0.69 days. The mean duration of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th larval instar was 2.7±0.48, 2.6±0.52, 2.9±0.31, 3.2±0.42 and 5.2±0.42 days, respectively. The mean longevity of male was 4.07±0.18 days and that of female as 6.84±0.19 days. Morphometric studies on P. demoleus revealed that the eggs measured 1.01±0.05 mm in diameter. Average body lengths of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th instar larvae was 5.30±0.38, 9.18±0.11, 14.00±0.53, 26.21±2.02 and 45.00±2.62 mm, respectively. The average wingspan and body length measured 90.45±1.59 and 27.35±0.97 mm in male, while 90.93±2.13 and 28.58±1.24 mm in female, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy research farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner during kharif, 2015 in order to evaluate the performance of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under varying levels of sulphur and its sources. Results of experiment revealed that CGR of crop during 0 - 35 DAS registered significant increase upto application of sulphur at 45 kg/ha. However, at later stages of growth the significant increase was noted upto 60 kg S/ha only. Application of sulphur at 60 kg/ha recorded a significant increase of 6.1 per cent in RGR over 15 kg/ha during 70 DAS - at harvest stage. Likewise, application of 60 kg S/ha also significantly enhanced the number of total and effective nodules as well as fresh and dry weight of nodules/plant and produced significantly higher pod and biological yields of groundnut (1832 and 5361 kg/ha) than 45, 30 and 15 kg/ha. Application of sulphur through gypsum recorded significant increase in plant height and dry matter accumulation/m row length at all the stages of crop over SSP and elemental sulphur treatments. The maximum CGR at all the stages of crop was recorded when sulphur was applied through gypsum. Sulphur application through SSP registered 13.9, 9.8 and 21.4 per cent increase in CGR over elemental sulphur at these stages, respectively. On the other hand, SSP and gypsum increased the RGR by 7.2 and 6.3 per cent, respectively over elemental sulphur. Gypsum as a sources of sulphur fertilization recorded the highest number of 62.30 total and 55.00 effective nodules/plant and as well as fresh and dry weight of nodules (229.87 and 102.00 mg/plant) thereby increasing to the extent of 22.1, 27.6, 23.9 and 18.9 per cent over elemental sulphur. Sulphur application through gypsum produced 13.1 and 10.2 per cent higher pod and biological yield of groundnut over elemental sulphur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biology of pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was conducted during 2015-16 in laboratories of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Karnal on HQPM 1 (hybrid) and HKI 1128 (inbred) for two generations at room temperature. Results on biology of S. inferens in the first generation revealed that incubation period varied from 10-14 days on HQPM 1 and 11-15 days on HKI 1128. The larval duration lasted for 21-37 days on HQPM 1 and 24-39 days on HKI 1128. The adult longevity of male and female ranged from 6-7 days and 7-8 days on HQPM 1 and 5-7 days and 6-7 days on HKI 1128, respectively. The total life span ranged from 63-72 days for female and 45-58 days for male on HQPM 1 and 65-74 days for female and 49-62 days for male on HKI 1128, respectively in the first generation. The total life span in second generation ranged 94-107 days for female and 83-96 days for male on HQPM 1 and 98-112 days for female and 86-101 days for male on HKI 1128. The biology of an insect pest is a condition precedent to find out its management strategies. The biology of S. inferens on maize has not yet been studied in north western part of the country. Having regards to the fact that no systematic work on this aspect has been carried out, studies were conducted on biology of this pest for developing efficient pest management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field study on population dynamics of pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens (Walker) on maize was carried out during rabi, 2015-2016 at the research farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Karnal. Studies on population dynamics revealed that the maximum number of egg masses was observed during 46th SW (standard week), 2015. The larval population increased after 45th SW and reached the maximum during the 49th SW, 2015 and then declined till 7th SW, 2016. Maximum plant infestation by larvae was recorded 19.5 per cent in inbred HKI 1128 and 21.0 per cent in hybrid HQPM 1 during the 7th SW, 2016. No larval activity of S. inferens, plant infestation and dead hearts were observed during 2nd SW to 4th SW of 2016 (second week to last week of January). It could be due to the fact that insect might have entered the hibernation. Correlation of S. inferens population with various environmental factors revealed that larval population had a significant negative correlation with maximum temperature (Tmax.) and minimum temperature (Tmin.), rainfall (RF) (r= -0.4992, -0.5183 and -0.5698) on HKI 1128 and (r= -0.4872, -0.4717 and -0.5242) on HQPM 1, respectively. Multiple regression analysis of S. inferens population with weather parameters showed that there was 80 per cent (HQPM1) and 82 per cent (HKI 1128) variability in larval population due to various environmental factors. The population dynamics revealed by this study have far reaching significance in pest management strategy as integrated control measures may be focused only during the period wherein population exceeds economic threshold level (ETL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea is one of the most important pulse crops in the world. However, chickpea productivity is not high enough to fulfill the requirements of an ever-increasing demand. One of the major constraints in the chickpea improvement is the narrow genetic base in the cultivated chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) and its sexual incompatibility with other Cicer species. Knowledge of molecular characterization, genetic diversity, and relatedness in the germplasm is a prerequisite for varietal registration, protection and overall crop improvement. The present study reports molecular characterization of 75 genotypes using 46 STMS markers. All the STMS loci were found to be highly polymorphic. A total of 132 alleles were found with an average of 2.87 per locus. The highest numbers of alleles were observed with marker TA-21. A cluster analysis arranged these 75 genotypes in 7 clusters. The genotypes ICRISAT 3073 and Pusa 212 showed remarkable genetic similarity (0.796) and the largest genetic distance was observed between C. reticulatum wild-1 and CSG 9505 (0.547). The present analysis provides an insight into the interrelationship among the genotypes and highlights the requirement for effective supplementation of morphological data with additional molecular markers to efficiently unearth the genetic inter-relationship among the genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound velocity density and viscosity in a binary mixture of Benzaldehyde in polar and non-polar solvents have been determined at 303K over the entire composition range. With the help of experimental determination ultrasound velocity, density and viscosity the various acoustic and thermodynamic parameters i.e isentropie compressibility (βs), Intermolecular free length (Lf),specific acoustic impedance (Z), molar volume (Vm), available volume (Va) and other constant parameter computed. The excess value of for said parameters will conclude the nature and extent of molecular interaction between like and unlike molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screen house studies on biology of citrus whitefly, Dialeurodes citri (Ashmead) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), were conducted during 2014-15 in screen house of Department of Entomology College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar on citrus mandarin (var. Kinnow). Results on biological studies of D. citri revealed that female on an average laid 151±42.99 eggs with an incubation period of 13.3±1.89 days. The mean duration of first, second and third instar nymphs were 13.1±1.77, 11.1±2.05 and 15.4±2.41 days, respectively. The pupal duration was 108.3±4.33 days. Adult Male lived for 16.5±1.96 days whereas adult female lived for 18.6±2.06 days. The male whitefly completed its life cycle in 178.8±6.73 days whereas the corresponding period for female whitefly was 180±7.02 days. This study established that biology of the insect is rather a stable trait because no significant variation was observed when compared with decade old reports despite the fact that agro-ecology including weather phenomenon have undergone significant change in the last decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficacy of some seed protectants against pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) in stored mungbean variety MH 421 was evaluated under laboratory conditions in the Department of Entomology, CCSHAU, Hisar during October-December 2018. The result revealed that the neem leaf powder (30g/kg) and neem oil (10 ml/kg) were found most effective with maximum adult mortality (100 and 98.33%, respectively), lowest grain damage and weight loss (1.06 and 1.20%) and (0.75 and 0.81%, respectively), followed by mentha oil (2.5 ml/kg) and lemongrass oil (2.5 ml/kg). Turmeric powder resulted in only less adult mortality (48.33%) with maximum infestation and weight loss (14.66 and 4.13%, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the long term use of sodic waters and gypsum on physico-chemical properties of coarse textured loamy sand soil. The study consisted of three natural occurring underground sodic waters and amendment gypsum in various cropping systems. The results demonstrated that sodic water irrigation significantly decreased infiltration rate (1.46 & 1.09 cm hr-1) and soil porosity (35.66 & 33.26 %) and increased soil strength (17.49 & 17.67 kg cm-1), pH (9.52 & 9.66), exchangeable sodium percentage (48.00 & 55.00), sodium adsorption ratio (45.14 & 54.10 (mmol/l)1/2) and calcium carbonate content (2.15 & 2.44 %). The gypsum application significantly improved infiltration rate (2.20 cm hr-1) and soil porosity (38.7 %) and reduced soil strength (16.74 kg cm-1), soil pH (9.35) exchangeable sodium percentage (39.00), sodium adsorption ratio (36.93 (mmol/l)1/2) over a period of thirty years. A significant CaCO3 build up in soil was also observed with gypsum application (3.28 % 4.56 %) as compared to its content at the start of study. Thus, it is concluded that in coarse textured soils of North west India, sodic waters up to RSC 12.0 me l-1 could safely be used crop production in combination with gypsum in loamy sand soil without any adverse effect on the physico-chemical characteristics of soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field study on population dynamics of citrus whitefly, Dialeurodes citri (Ashmead) on citrus mandarin (var. Kinnow) was carried out during 2014-15 at Centre of Excellence (COE) for Fruits situated in village Mangiana of district Sirsa, Haryana. The population of nymphs and adults of this pest was recorded from March 2014 to February 2015 at weekly interval. The nymphal population of the pest was observed only between 12th to 47th meteorological standard weeks (SW) with two major peaks i.e. one during 16th SW with a population of 83.44 nymphs/ 20 leaves and the second during 40th SW with a population of 133.22 nymphs/20 leaves. The above said population dynamics confirmed that this pest remained inactive in pupal stage during winter i.e. 48th to 11th SW. Similar trend was observed in respect of adult population. Nymphal population showed significant positive correlation with morning relative humidity (r = 0.329) and sunshine hours (r = 0.362), while adult population was found to have positive correlation with sunshine hours only (r = 0.332). Multiple regression analysis of the pest population with environment variables indicated that out of 45 per cent variability in nymphal population, 37 per cent was due to relative humidity and sunshine hours. Out of the total variability of 30 per cent variation in adult population, 20 per cent was due to evening relative humidity, while 10 per cent attributed to sunshine hours. The other weather parameters were found to have no significant correlation with the pest population. Although study of population dynamics of this study were conducted elsewhere but this is first study of its kind in the state of Haryana. The population dynamics revealed by this study have far reaching significance in pest management strategy as integrated control measures may be focused only during the period wherein population exceeds economic threshold level (ETL). The information on population dynamics of any insect pest in a given ecological niche should be considered as starting point for evolving eco - friendly pest management package. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interindividual genetic variations and environmental factors both play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The rationale of this study conducted was to analyze the association of Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) gene variants, MMP-1 (-1607 1G/2G) and MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) with susceptibility to MetS and its effect on serum MMP level. Methods: Study involved 370 subjects with 1:1 distribution of cases and controls. Patients were recruited according to modified NCEP-ATP III criteria for MetS. Clinical, biochemical analysis, PCR-RFLP and ELISA methods were employed for genotyping and estimation of serum MMP level. Results: Significantly (p < 0.001) higher Serum MMP-2 (39.13 ± 19.96 ng/ml) was detected in cases as compared to controls. The MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) was significantly associated with the risk of MetS. The variant genotype TT was significantly associated with increased risk of MetS. (p = 0.032; OR = 2.31; 95 %CI = 1.07-4.97). No significant association of MMP-1(-1607 1G/2G) was found with risk of MetS. Conclusion: Our study concluded that presence of MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) might be associated the risk of MetS. Serum MMP2 level was significantly higher in patients and correlated with clinical parameters of MetS. Clinical implication of the work may help to identify the individuals with high risk of MetS and further complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of weed control treatments and nitrogen (N) levels on weed dynamics, weed control efficiency, nutrient depletion by weeds, yield of coriander and weed competition index. All the weed control treatments significantly reduced the density and dry weight of weeds and nutrient depletion as compared to weedy check. Oxadiargyl at 0.06 kg ha-1 + hand weeding (HW) at 40 days after sowing (DAS) represented the lowest weed density and controlled the weeds to the extent of 94.9%. Two hand weedings done at 20 and 40 DAS and pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 40 DAS were found to be the most superior treatments in reducing density, intensity and dry weight of weeds and increasing weed control efficiency. These treatments controlled the weeds to the extent of 95.1% and 95.4%, respectively at harvest stage than weedy check and showed lower weed infestation of 17.4 and 18.1%, respectively. The lowest nutrient depletion due to weeds was obtained with pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 40 DAS treatment which saved 54.80 kg N, 8.31 kg P and 49.22 kg K ha-1, respectively than weedy check. Two HWs at 20 and 40 DAS and oxadiargyl at 0.06 kg ha-1 + HW at 40 DAS also reduced the nutrient depletion to the extent of 94.8 and 94.5% of N; 95.0 and 94.7% of P and 94.9 and 94.6% of K, respectively in comparison to weedy check. Two hand weeding treatment gave the highest seed yield (1.37 t ha-1) among all the treatments and was closely followed by pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 40 DAS which also increased the seed yield by a margin of 0.84 t ha-1 over weedy check, and registered the lowest weed competition index of 0.7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Tadalafil and Tamsulosin in treating Double J stent related symptoms. Methods. In a prospective study, 161 patients with DJ related symptoms were randomized into 3 groups: Group A patients (54), Group B patients (53), and Group C patients (54). They were given Tadalafil, Tamsulosin, and placebo, respectively, at 1st week till removal of DJ stent at 3rd week. All patients completed Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) at 1st week and at 3rd week. The statistical significant difference among groups was determined by the t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test and multivariate analysis were used to assess association of the variables within the three groups, and the level of significance was set at P<0.05. Results. Tadalafil and Tamsulosin were comparable in relieving urinary symptoms, general health, and work performance (OR = 0.65, 1.8, and 0.92). But Tadalafil was more effective in relieving body pain, sexual problems, and additional problems than Tamsulosin (OR = 5.95, 19.25, and 2.69) and was statistically significant as P<0.05. Conclusion. Tadalafil was as effective as Tamsulosin in relieving urinary symptom but more effective in relieving sexual symptoms and body pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whitebacked planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera (Horvath) is an important pest of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The objective of this study was to examine the biology of pest under agro-climatic condition of Haryana, India during Kharif-2012. Observations were taken to examine the site of oviposition, hatching, per cent larval duration, pupal period, longevity etc. The colour of adult was dull - white with blackish spot on dorsal side of abdomen with average fecundity of 132.8 eggs/female in cluster of 5 to 30 eggs. The highest number of eggs (71.96%) were laid on leaf sheath of plants followed by midrib (16.66%) and stem (11.36%). The average incubation period was 8.6±0.24 days with 84.21 per cent hatching. Maximum hatching of eggs was observed during morning hours. WBPH completed its post - embryonic development in 42.09 days (male) and 44.4 days (female) and passed through five nymphal instars to become an adult with 89 per cent larval survival and 89±0.05 per cent moth emergence. Adult male was short lived 14.4 days as compared to female (15.9) days with 1.0:0.78 sex ratio. This study provides detailed information on the morphological peculiarties of immature stages with the duration required for the completion of life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Access into the collecting system is considered to be the most critical step for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Aim: The present study provides a comparative view into antegrade air pyelography and retrograde air pyelography procedures for percutaneous renal access. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with radiopaque renal calculi indicated for PCNL procedure. These patients were randomly assigned to two groups namely antegrade air pyelogram group (Group I) and retrograde air pyelogram group (Group II). In antegrade air pyelogram group, the collecting system was delineated by targeting the renal stone using a 22 gauge spinal needle where the patients were in the prone position. In another group, the collecting system was delineated by retrograde air pyelogram under fluoroscopy guidance. The method of tract dilatation and stone extraction were the same in both groups for comparison of outcome and complication. Results: The mean age of patients was 41.7±13 and 41.4±13.6 years in Group-I and Group-II respectively. The male to female ratio in Groups I and II was 35/15 (70.00%) and 38/12 (76.00%) respectively. In Group-I the average duration of access was 2.66±1.0 minutes after prone positioning whereas it was recorded to be 19.48±5.0 minutes in Group-II, after lithotomy followed by prone positioning of the patient. Duration of radiation exposure was almost similar in both groups. Additional procedural cost was significantly higher in Group II. Conclusion: Our study indicated that access for PCNL using antegrade air pyelogram can be a cost-effective and acceptable alternative to retrograde air pyelogram with decreased access time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were carried out during rabi 2007-08 and 2008-09 to evaluate the effect of different weed management measures and nitrogen (N) application on yield and economics of coriander. Results revealed that two hand weedings (HW) at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) produced the highest seed and straw yields (13.71 and 25.83 q ha-1). The highest net returns (Rs. 55841 ha-1) and B : C ratio (2.39) were also obtained under this treatment. However, it was found to be at par with pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 40 DAS, wherein seed and straw yields of 13.61 and 25.57 q ha-1, respectively were obtained. The highest harvest index of 35.01% as well as the lowest mean weed index of 0.7%, were also observed under pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 40 DAS. Results further revealed that application of N at 75 kg ha-1 significantly increased the seed yield to the extent of 11.9%, 32.7% and 84.3% and net returns by Rs. 7915, Rs. 18366 and Rs. 34536 ha-1 over 50, 25 kg N ha-1 and control, respectively. Correlation studies revealed that seed yield of coriander was significantly and positively correlated with growth and yield attributing characters and nutrient uptake by crop. Based on the response studies, 64.75 kg ha-1 was found to be the optimum level of N for coriander. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]