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The field experiment was conducted during two subsequent years, i.e., 2017-18 and 2018-19 at the Department of Horticulture, Hisar with aim to study the effect of organic manures and Azotobacter on quality and leaf nutrient status of strawberry cv. Winter Dawn under hi-tech greenhouse conditions of Haryana. In this experiment, organic manures in combination with biofertilizers comprised of nine treatments, viz., T1: Sand: FYM (3:1), T2: Sand: FYM (2:1), T3: Sand: Vermicompost (3:1), T4: Sand: Vermicompost (2:1), T5: Sand: FYM (3:1) + Azotobacter, T6: Sand: FYM (2:1) + Azotobacter, T7: Sand: Vermicompost (3:1) + Azotobacter. T8: Sand: Vermicompost (2:1) + Azotobacter and T9: Control (Sand); were tested as potting media in complete randomized block design. Maximum TSS, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin content and minimum acidity content and leaf with maximum N, P and K content were observed under sand: vermicompost (2:1) + Azotobacter in comparison to the other treatments. The results of this experiment revealed that, the combination of sand: vermicompost (2:1) with Azotobacter showed significant influence on leaf nutrient content of strawberry and produced better results with respect to quality of strawberry fruits.

Aim: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of biofertilizers in combination with phosphorus rates on growth, yield and quality of strawberry. Methodology: The experiment was conducted during the year 2017-18 and 2018-19 at hi-tech greenhouse of the Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment was arranged in a factorial completely randomized design with four phosphorus fertilizer rates (0, 80, 100 and 120% RDP per plant) and three biofertilizers (control, VAM and PSB) at five replicates. Growth and yield parameter were estimated. Quality traits, viz., TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin and juice content of fruits were also measured at maturity stages. Results: All the possible combinations of phosphorous and biofertilizers were found to have significant influence on the vegetative growth, yield and quality parameters of strawberry. The minimum number of days taken to first flowering, maximum fruit weight, size and fruit yield per plant were recorded with 100% RDP along with VAM. TSS and ascorbic acid were noted maximum with combined application of 120% RDP and biofertilizers. Interpretation: VAM and PSB inoculation in combination with 100 percent recommended dose of phosphorous showed maximum vegetative growth, yield and quality of strawberry as compared to non-biofertilizer inoculation.

Balanced plant nutrition is vital to increase crop yield and reduce costs of cultivation. This study tried to verify the influence of Nitrogen (N) in combination with biofertilizers on plant growth...

The snow cover is greatly diverse in distribution due to landscape, slope, duration, wind, etc. However, the snow build-up and spatial patterns play an important role in the hydrological cycle. These characteristics can be determined through a number of weather station which widely represents the entire glacier and hilly region of Leh-Ladakh to support understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of snow cover. Remotely sensed data overcome these natural and other anthropogenic limitations that hinder data collection. Snow and ice cover has a distinct spectral reflectance from the land surfaces, therefore, shortwave infrared (SWIR-1) bands were used to discriminate these. Snow was extracted by applying Normalized Difference Snow Index and Normalized Difference Snow Thermal Index. In this study, snow and ice of different classes like fresh snow, dirty snow, and blue ice from the optical images were interpreted and Landsat 8 OLI and Sentinel-2 images were used to extract both spatial and temporal aspects. Temporal changes of snow and ice in the year of 2015–2017 shows a decline in snow cover area. The accuracy assessment of supervised classification using maximum likelihood and support vector machine accuracy with the Sentinel-2 optical image was compared and it was 94.40%. The landsat-8 image depicted 80.88% accuracy of snow and ice.

Management of available natural resources is of utmost importance for the economic prosperity of any region. Use of Geospatial Information System provides very useful information about available natural resources in space and time. Important policy decisions can be taken on the basis of such information. Remote sensing provides important information on land use and land cover, vegetation, soil, morphology and water resources of any region. Using various models, different layers/scenarios can be created for the planning. Geospatial Information System can be used for the real-time mapping of wastelands, sodic and acidic lands, crop acreage, estimation of crop yield, degraded lands, groundwater, runoff potential, delineation of watersheds etc. This tool very important for providing information from inaccessible areas and real-time monitoring of intervention undertaken in any area. The present paper provides details of these methodologies and features of Geospatial Information System.

Modern intensive farming technologies enhance crop production but over time are associated with more problems, causing environment pollution that is hazardous to human health, and, ultimately poor production of crops and the threat to food security of the growing world population. Therefore, sustainable agricultural production is the major challenge to encounter the huge demand of food grain production by the emerging population in an environmentally safe and cost-effective manner. Biofertilizers are one of the key sources in sustainable agriculture production and organic farming to meet consumer preferences and quality crop production. Biofertilizers are live microorganisms that enhance the supply of adequate nutrients to the crop plants through nitrogen fixation, phosphorus and potassium solubilization, and production of plant growth hormones, ensuring optimum growth and development of crops, and ultimately facilitate higher crop production and productivity. Biofertilizers, being essential components of sustainable farming, are vital in maintaining long-term soil fertility and the sustainability of crop production. The modern agricultural production system needs the widespread use of biofertilizers and potent sources for inclusive and sustainable development of agriculture without damaging the ecosystem.

The article made an inventory of typical frost heave features in the cold arid region of the Leh-Ladakh region. The study found variations in morphology and patterns and also identified degraded forms of heaves. Such features were correlated with pasture degradation in the region.

Pharmacoeconomics can be regarded as a branch of health economics which deals with identifying, measuring, and comparing the costs and consequences of pharmaceutical products and services. It helps in forming an economic relationship which combines the drug research, its production and distribution, storage, pricing, and further use by the people. Some of the concepts involved in pharmacoeconomic analysis include cost minimization, cost effectiveness, cost benefit, and cost utility analysis. Pharmacoeconomics can be of tremendous help in decision-making when evaluating the affordability of and access to the right medication to the right patient at the right time when comparing two drugs in the same therapeutic class of drugs. This helps in establishing accountability that the claims by a manufacturer regarding a drug are justified. Proper application of pharmacoeconomics will allow the pharmacy practitioners and administrators to make better and more informed decisions regarding products and services they provide.

A pot experiment was conducted in the screen-house of Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the two successive seasons of 2011-12 and 2012-13 to investigate the potential effect of different strains of Bacillus (BS1- SYB101, BS2- SB155 and BS3- SB127), Pseudomonas (PS1- WPS73, PS2- CPA152 and PS3-P20) and their combination on growth, flowering and nutrient content of chrysanthemum. Strains of Bacillus and Pseudomonas significantly influenced the observed parameters of chrysanthemum. Maximum plant height and number of branches per plant were recorded in plants inoculated with PS2 strain of Pseudomonas (CPA152) and BS3 strain of Bacillus (SB127) in both the years. The minimum number of days taken to bud initiation, days for first flowering from bud initiation and days taken for 50% flowering were recorded in plants inoculated with PS2 strain of Pseudomonas (CPA152) and BS3 strain of Bacillus (SB127). The maximum flower size was noticed with PS3 strain of Pseudomonas (P20) in the first year whereas, in second year, the response of Pseudomonas strains was found non-significant. Among Bacillus strains, the plants inoculated with BS3 (SB127) recorded maximum flower size. Maximum flower yield/plant was recorded in plants inoculated with PS2 strains of Pseudomonas (CPA152) and BS3 strains of Bacillus (SB127). The N content of plant was recorded maximum with PS2 (CPA152) and PS3 (P20) strains of Pseudomonas and BS3 (SB127) strains of Bacillus, whereas, P content of plant was noticed maximum with PS3 strains of Pseudomonas (P20) in the first year, while it was found non-significant in second. The response of Pseudomonas strains to K content of plant was found non-significant in both years, while K content of plant was influenced significantly by Bacillus strains. Key words: Chrysanthemum, PGPR, rhizosphere bacteria, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, nutrient content.

The preparation, electrical and thermal properties of nickel (Ni) particles filled poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composites were discussed in this paper. The experimental density of the composites was close to that of theoretical density. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that PVDF has primarily α-phase. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the composites decreased approximately 30 % compared to pure PVDF. The percolation threshold of the composite is about 5 vol% Ni, which is less than one-third of the value reported for metal filled polymer composites in the literature. The significantly lower percolation was attributed to the increased crystallinity and the better processing method which results in an easy formation of 3-dimensional network of Ni particles in the matrix, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrical conductivity of these composites increased from 6.3×10 -13 S/cm to 2.6×10 -1 S/cm which is better and comparable than those of required for antistatic (10 -4 -10 -8 S/cm) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. The significant increase in electrical and thermal properties showed that these composites might be potential candidates for the EMI shielding and antistatic devices. Copyright © 2015 VBRI press.

Thermal and mechanical properties of new high performance polymer matrix composites based on poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) as matrix and crystalline-silica (SiO2) as reinforcement were discussed for application in electronic packaging substrates or printed circuit boards. The content of SiO2 was varied between 0 and 50 wt. %. Scanning electron microscopy showed uniform dispersion of SiO2 particles in the matrix. Thermogravimetry analysis showed significant increase in thermal stability and char yield with increase in SiO2 content in the matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that SiO2 had a heterogeneous nucleating effect on PEEK, leading to an increase in peak temperature of crystallization and onset crystallization temperature of the composites compared to a pure matrix. The microhardness increased approximately 42%. A modified rule of mixtures with a strengthening efficiency factor equal to 0.06 fit the data nicely. The results show that the prepared PEEK/SiO2 composites may have potential applications in electronics.

Senior Loken Syndrome (SLS) is a rare genetic disorder having juvenile nephronophthisis and retinal degeneration progressing to blindness and end stage renal disease. The present case report is about two sisters who presented with decreased visual acuity and end stage renal disease. Both had decreased vision, pallor, deranged renal function test and chronic malnutrition. Investigations revealed anaemia, uraemia, raised creatinine, low Glomerular Filteration Rate (GFR). Ophthalmology examination revealed nystagmus, retinal examination depicted pale optic disc and pigmentary changes in the retina. Renal ultrasound showed grade III renal parenchymal changes and bilateral cortico-medullary cysts. These cases are presented to highlight the importance of timely recognition of renal derangement in patients with retinal disease to delay end stage renal disease.

Glass particulate reinforced epoxy matrix composites containing 0 to 32 vol% glass particulate were prepared by mechanical mixing followed by hot pressing. For this, lead borosilicate glass of composition 75PbO, 7B2O3, 14SiO2, 3Al2O3, and 1P2O3 (by wt%) was prepared by melting the requisite ingredient at 900 °C and quenching the melt to produce glass frit. Prepared composites were characterized by various characterization techniques. Scanning electron microscope showed good dispersion of glass particulates in the matrix. However, some porosity was found at higher glass content. Vickers hardness increased by 4 folds for 32 vol% composite. It correlates well a modified rule of mixtures with strengthening efficiency parameter (β) equal to 0.25. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) decreased by 40 % for 32 vol% composite. Experimental CTE is slightly lower than that of theoretical CTE due to the good adhesion between the epoxy and the glass particulates. The moisture absorption of the composites measured at 95 °C follows Fickian diffusion. The parabolic rate constant decreased from 0.20 to 0.022 cm−2 h−1/2 as the glass content increased from 0 to 32 vol%. The 2 h boiling water test showed that the moisture absorption rate of composite decreased by 8 folds compared to pure epoxy.

Studies were conducted in ‘Chandler’ strawberry with the aim to optimize planting time and mulching material under the semi-arid region of north Indian plains. Three planting times viz., mid-September, mid-October and mid-November and three mulch materials viz., black polyethylene (50 μm), clear polyethylene (50 μm) and paddy straw (10 cm thickness) were tried with three replications in a split plot design. Mid-September planting favoured plant growth, enhanced flowering (77.3 days), which resulted in production of significantly larger fruit (13.0 g) and higher yield (174.4 g/plant) with fruit having higher TSS (9.23%), acidity (1.22%) and ascorbic acid content (44.1 mg/100 g of pulp) with lesser incidence of albinism (9.6%) and botrytis rot (8.1%) than other plantings. Plants mulched with black polyethylene have significantly better growth, and they flowered (80.2 days) and fruited early (29.2 days), and produced larger fruit (12.6 g) and higher yield (172.4 g/plant), with slightly higher incidence of albinism (20.1%), but with lower incidence of botrytis rot (7.3%) than those mulched either with clear polyethylene or paddy straw. Planting time × mulching interaction has significantly influenced plant growth; flowering and fruiting; fruit yield and quality, and albinism and botrytis rot. Plants have best growth parameters like, plant height (11.2 cm), crown spread (24.1 cm) and leaf area (87.9 cm 2 ), they took lesser days to flowering (73.7 days) and fruiting (31.3 days), produced larger fruit (13.7 g) and higher yield (191.3 g/plant) with fruit having higher TSS (9.41%), acidity (1.17%) and higher ascorbic acid content (46.4 mg/100 g pulp) with a slightly higher incidence of albinism (10.3%), but comparatively lower incidence of botrytis rot (5.2%) when planted during mid-September and mulched with black polyethylene than other plantings and mulched either with clear polyethylene or paddy straw. These studies indicated that strawberry could be planted in mid-September with black polyethylene mulch under semi-arid regions of India for early fruiting, and higher yield of better quality fruits.

Global warming due to greenhouse effect is expected to cause major changes in climate of some areas. The change in climate is likely to have a profound effect on hydrological cycle viz. precipitation, evapotranspiration, soil moisture etc. Evapotranspiration (ET) being the major component of hydrological cycle will affect crop water requirement and future planning and management of water resources. In the present study, an attempt has been made to study the sensitivity of evapotranspiration to global warming for arid regions of Rajasthan (India). The Penman–Monteith equation was used to estimate reference evapotranspiration, and sensitivity of ET has been studied in terms of change in temperature, solar radiation, wind speed and vapor pressure within a possible range of ±20% from the normal long-term meteorological parameters of 32 years (1971–2002). Changes in precipitation and stomatal resistance to increased CO 2 concentration have not been considered in the present study. The study suggests an increase of 14.8% of total ET demand with increase in temperature by 20% (maximum 8 °C). ET is less sensitive (11%) to increase in net solar radiation, followed by wind speed (7%) in comparison to temperature. Increase in vapor pressure (20%) has a small negative effect on ET (−4.31%). A 10% increase in temperature and actual vapor pressure coupled with 10% decrease in net solar radiation could result even in marginal decrease of total ET (0.30%). Increase of 10% in temperature alone, with 10% decrease in net solar radiation, actual vapor pressure and wind velocity could also result in marginal decrease in total ET (0.36%). A marginal increase in ET demand due to global warming will have a larger impact on resource-poor, fragile arid zone ecosystem of Rajasthan. It is high time for planners/users to think in terms of expected change in water requirement due to global warming while planning for development of future water resources in the arid region of Rajasthan. A wide spectrum climate change scenario is discussed in the paper as guideline for future development of water resources.

Objective: To study the effect of E. littorale against experimental hepatotoxicity. Methods: The hepatoprotective action of E. littorale was studied in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced acute liver damage in mice. Results: Concomitant treatment with aqueous extract at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg showed marked reduction in the ALT and AST levels as compared to CCl4 treated group. The reduction produced by aqueous extract on ALT and AST was maximum at 500 mg/kg. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin level was significantly raised by CCl4 treatment. Concomitant treatment with aqueous extract at different doses showed marked reduction in the ALP and bilirubin levels as compared to CCl4 treated group. The prolonged pentobarbitone sleeping time was significantly reduced in treatment group. The hepatic damage in animal pretreated with aqueous extract was minimal with distinct preservation of structures and architectural frame of the hepatic cells. Conclusions: Our data suggest that treatment with E. littorale extract enhances the recovery from CCl4 -induced hepatotoxicity and the activity of the extract could be attributed to preservation of structural integrity of cell membrane of hepatocyte and maintaining normal function of the liver.

Tomato is one of the most popular and widely grown vegetable crops. It is animportant tropical vegetable crop belonging to solanaceae family. The main sowing seasonof tomato in Punjab is October-November and its harvesting is done in March April . Atthis time of the year, there is glut of tomatoes in the market and prices take a sharp dipsettling at 1-2 Rs. /Per kg. So in order to fetch better market price farmers should sell theirproduce to the potential vegetable markets of Delhi, Ganganagar, Fatehabad etc.Generally, the farmers dump their produce in local markets or sell at a very low price toprocessing industries, thus cutting upon their share of profit. The farmers harvest theirproduce in batches and transport to nearby vegetable markets of cities. In this way, theyget better market price. The farmers transport their produce in variety of packagingmediums viz plastic crates, wooden cartons, corrugated fiberboard boxes, bamboo basketsetc. Generally, the farmers having large land holdings transport their produce in mediumsized trucks. The second preferred mode of transportation is by tractor -trolley. Roughhandling and transportation over bumpy roads damaged produce by mechanical action.

The shallow conical micro-catchments of 1.0 m radius constructed around the plant saplings were used to establish jujube ( Zizyphus mauritiana ) in arid conditions. The catchment surface was also lined with different waste materials like polythene bags, newspaper, stone and marble pieces. Results of the 2-year study showed significant treatment effects on the growth of jujube plants. Catchment lining also helped in maintaining the higher soil moisture status over the control (unlined) catchment. The stone and marble piece linings significantly increased the plant height by 40–48% over the control, the effect of other treatments are statistically similar. It was also found that the plants with micro-catchment have better chances of establishment in rainfed conditions as compared to conventional plantation technique.

SYNOPSIS The effect of thermal energy storage on deep bed grain drying is studied. The rate of evaporation of moisture and humidity of drying air are analysed with time of the day for different depths of bed, heat capacity of storage material and flow rate. The effect of thermal storage is also studied on the fluid temperature, grain temperature and on the overall performance of the system. A parametric study has been done for a typical day of the month of June for climatic conditions in Delhi. It has been observed that the bed moisture content decreases with time of day unlike the humidity of the drying air and grain temperature also decreases with heat capacity.