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Introduction India’s contribution to the malaria burden was highest in South-East Asia Region in 2021, accounting for 79% of the estimated malaria cases and 83% of malaria-related deaths. Intensified Malaria Control Programme supported by Global Funds to Fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has deployed crucial interventions to reduce the overall burden of malaria in India. Evaluation of utilisation of malaria elimination interventions by the community and assessment of the healthcare system is underway in eleven high malaria endemic states in India. Health system preparedness for malaria elimination, logistics, and supply chain management of diagnostic kits and anti-malarial drugs in addition to the knowledge, attitude and practice of the healthcare workers is also being assessed.Methods and analysis The study is being undertaken in 11 malaria endemic states with a variable annual parasite incidence of malaria. In total, 47 districts (administrative unit of malaria control operations) covering 37 976 households are to be interviewed and assessed. We present here the protocol following which the study is being undertaken at the behest and approval of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India.Ethics and dissemination No patients were involved in the study. Study findings will be shared with Institutional ethics board of National Institute for Malaria Research New Delhi (NIMR) in a timely, comprehensive, accurate, unbiased, unambiguous and transparent manner and to the National Vector-borne Disease (Malaria) Control Programme officers and the Community public who participated. Important findings will be communicated through community outreach meetings which are existing in the Health system. Results will be informed to study participants via local fieldwork supervised by District Malaria Officers. Also findings will be published in reputed journals based on Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) publication policy.The ICMR-NIMR ethics committee approved the study via letter No. NIMR/ECM/2023/Feb/14 dated 24 April 2023 for version 5. All standard ethical practices will be followed.

The present experiment was conducted during 2020–21, 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Regional Station, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh to evaluate the best spacing combination and dehaulming time for enhancing the seed size potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers and profitability under north-central plains of India. Experiment was conducted in a split-plot design (SPD) comprised of 5 spacing combinations, viz. S1, Ridge and furrow 60 cm × 20 cm (Control); S2, Ridge and furrow 60 cm × 15 cm; S3, Flatbed paired row 90 cm bed width (two rows at 40 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing); S4, Flatbed paired row 90 cm bed width (two rows at 40 cm × 15 cm plant to plant spacing); and S5, Flatbed triple row 90 cm bed width (three rows at 20 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing) in main plot and 2 haulm killing dates, viz. 70 and 80 days after planting in sub plots. The treatment S5, Flatbed triple row 90 cm bed width (three rows at 20 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing) spacing combination significantly increased the number and weight of seed size tubers, net seed size and total tuber yield when dehaulming was done after 80 days. The highest increase in seed size and total tubers over control reported when dehaulmed at 70 days. However, the treatment S3, Flatbed paired row 90 cm bed width (two rows at 40 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing) with 80 days haulm killing recorded highest seed size tuber 58.03% and benefit cost (B:C) ratio of 2.51:1 among all other treatment combinations. Though, treatment S3 i.e. flatbed paired row 90 cm bed width (two rows at 40 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing) with 80 days haulm killing combination require higher seed rate but can be an economically viable option for enhancing seed size tuber percent and B:C ratio.

Purpose: To compare postoperative cosmesis, mydriasis, fundus visibility, and anterior chamber depth (ACD) in congenital and traumatic iris defects after single-pass four-throw pupilloplasty (SFTP). Settings and Design: Hospital-based non-randomized interventional study. Methods: SFTP was done along with phacoemulsification in six patients each with congenital and traumatic iris defects, and the patients were followed for a minimum period of 3 months. The postoperative pupil shape, size, mydriasis, and ACD were compared between the two groups. Results: Tissue approximation was successful in 11 out of 12 patients (91.7%), whereas it failed to do so in one patient with traumatic iris tear (8.3%). A central round pupil was attained in all six patients with congenital defects (group 1), whereas in the traumatic group (group 2), a central round pupil was attained in four cases. Group 1 did not show a significant reduction in horizontal pupil diameter, but group 2 had a significant reduction in pupil diameter postoperatively. Mydriasis and fundus visibility were satisfactory in all cases. There was a significant deepening of ACD in both groups. Conclusion: Traumatic mydriasis usually requires SFTP at two opposite poles to achieve a central pupil with a significant reduction in pupil size, whereas congenital coloboma requires SFTP to be done at the site of coloboma with occasional enlargement at the opposite pole if the pupil is eccentric.

Incorporating by-products like coal bottom ash (BA), recycled concrete aggregates (RCA), and fly ash (FYA) in concrete is an essential step toward green and sustainable development in construction sector. For sustainable utilization of RCA as natural coarse aggregates (NCA) and BA as natural fine aggregates (NFA) in high-volume fly ash self-compacting concrete (HVFYA-SCC), this study investigates ten numbers of designed HVFYA-SCC mixes. HVFYA-SCC mixes were developed with varying content of ordinary Portland cement, FYA (60%), NCA, NFA, RCA (maximum 50%) and BA (maximum 30%). The substitution of 20% BA and 25% RCA in HVFYA-SCC mixes increased compressive and split tensile strengths after 120 days of curing, while further substitution (s) led to a drop in properties. Similarly, at 120 days of curing the maximum electrical resistivity was achieved (20% BA and 25% RCA), while all mixes under ultrasonic pulse velocity resulted in the ‘good category.’ Also, the same mix resulted in lower sorptivity values for maximum curing. A good correlation (R2 0.8) was observed among the tested mechanical and durability properties. The outcomes of this study indicate valuable information on the performance and potential benefits of using HVFYA-SCC in advanced structural designs for upcoming concrete industry. Furthermore, the findings successfully support the implementation of designed concretes as sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional concrete(s).

Barbari is a most preferred breed for commercial goat farming-under intensive management. However, pure-bred Barbari goats; especially buck’s availability are meager due to indiscriminate castration which resulted in stagnation of genetic improvement and breed dilution. Multiplier Flock Scheme, an integrated genetic improvement model was initiated at ICAR-CIRG, Makhdoom to cater the need of pure-bred and high merit goats and to promote commercial goat farming. Trained farmers with adequate housing and know-how were registered under this scheme and they were provided a foundation stock of Barbari goat to multiply with all technical support. Currently, 50 such goat farms exist in India with flock size of 50 to 350 goats. Data was collected on animal performance and economic attributes from eight such farms. The least squares means of body weight of Barbari kids at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age were 1.58, 7.22, 14.54, 20.01 and 25.76 kg, respectively. The average 60 and 90 days milk yield were 45.23 and 66.28 litre. The pre-weaning, post-weaning (3-12 month) and adult mortality were 9.03, 4.33 and 5.40% of flock strength. The net profit per goat/year ranged from ₹3800 to ₹13000 under various business models and the benefit:cost ratios ranged from 1.50 to 2.42 with mean and median value of 1.94 and 2.00, respectively. Present study concluded that multiplier flocks is efficient breeding model for improvement, conservation of goat breeds, promoting scientific goat farming at grass root level and very helpful to policymakers for small ruminant development.

Calves faecal samples (n=216) were investigated to observe the effect of seasons on the prevalence of serogroups and virulence genes of non-O157 VTEC. A total of 177 (81.94%) E. coli were isolated and 32 (14.81%) were identified as VTEC and serotyping resulted in 13 different non-O157 ‘O’ serogroups. The prevalence of serogroups and their virulence genes was found to be influenced by seasons and highest number were shed in summer (22.22%) followed by rainy (13.88%) and winter season (8.33%), respectively. A higher prevalence of O9 and O11 serogroups (25% each) was observed in summers. Molecular detection of virulence genes revealed the overall prevalence of vt1 to be 37.5%, vt2 43.8%, (vt1+vt2) 18.8%, eaeA 21.9% and hlyA 34.4% genes. Dominance of hlyA 50% was observed in summers, whereas vt1 and vt2 were more prevalent during rain (50% each). The study revealed the link between the occurrence of hlyA gene and O9, O11 serogroups in summers as both the serogroups were hlyA gene bearer. This association might be responsible for more VTEC outbreaks in summers. So, faecal contamination of raw milk seems to pose greater threat of non-O157 VTEC outbreak during hotter and humid months.

Background & objectives: The female Aedes mosquito is a vector of many arboviruses-borne diseases. The evidence and information regarding their breeding habitats are vital for implementing appropriate control policies. Methods: An entomological survey was done at three sites in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh, India viz. Indirapuram, Vasundhara, and Vaishali to generate the first boundary line information of breeding sites of Aedes aegypti larvae for the early prevention and control interventions for dengue management. Results: A total of 2994 containers were checked in 1169 households at the time of the survey for breeding sites of Aedes mosquito during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon period, out of which 667 containers were found positive in 518 positive households. The total HI, CI, and BI were 44.31, 22.27, and 57.05 respectively. The maximum and minimum breeding indices were found during monsoon and pre-monsoon respectively. The most preferred containers for Aedes breeding were cement tanks for lotus plants in nurseries, drums, and small and large size pots for storage of water and ornamental plants mostly in 8 plant nurseries. Interpretation & conclusion: Breeding of Aedes was found in nurseries and desert coolers which were the primary breeding containers found during the survey. The containers found positive during surveys were emptied or destroyed with the help of the local community and the breeding status of nurseries was informed to the health authorities of Ghaziabad to take necessary action against the breeding sites of the Aedes mosquitoes.

Background: The high prevalence of hypertension in India necessitates both pharmacological and nonpharmacological measures to control it. Here, we report the findings of a study to investigate the effectiveness of yoga therapy in lowering blood pressure (BP) in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals. Methods: This was a single center, nonrandomized controlled clinical trial, of 200 hypertensives and 100 prehypertensives patients. The control group received the prescribed antihypertensive and lifestyle modification while the yoga group was additionally taught simple yogic exercise by a trained yoga teacher. This training included intensive supervised phase 2-h training sessions in Ujjayi breathing, Bhastrika Pranayama and chanting of “Om” for 10 lessons, followed by self-performed yogic exercise at home for 1 h till the end of study at 1 year. Results: The systolic BP (SBP) in the hypertensive yoga group was significantly lower (t = 3.04, P < 0.01) than the control group at 6 months, but not so at 1 year (SBP t = 0.53, P > 0.05). In the prehypertensive participants, at 6 months (t = 5.85, P = 0.00), and 1 year (t = 6.385, P < 0.05) a significant difference was observed between SBP of the two groups However, no significant difference was observed between the diastolic BP among hypertensives or prehypertensives at 6 months and 1 year. Conclusion: Our present study indicates that yoga therapy is a viable adjunct to pharmacological intervention to reduce SBP in the management of hypertension and prehypertension and that yoga should be incorporated in the treatment regime of such patients, specifically for individuals who have prehypertension.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties, viz. Kufri Lauvkar (early maturing), Kufri Gaurav and Kufri Jyoti (medium maturing) were examined during the years 2018–19 and 2019–20 for the seed size tubers production with 3 dates of haulm killing, viz. 70, 80, and 90 days after planting under West-Central Indian conditions at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Haulm killing at 80 (15.05 t/ha) and 90 days (14.60 t/ha) noticed significantly greater seed size tubers weight over 70 days' haulm killing (12.13 t/ha). Kufri Gaurav recorded substantially greater number of seed size tuber (288 t/ha) and weight (15.76 t/ha) than the other two varieties. Eighty days haulm killing was observed to be the best seed significantly: non-seed ratio (1.088 by number and 0.659 by weight) followed by 70 days (1.140 by number and 0.734 by weight) over the poorest 90 days haulm killing (1.121 by number and 0.946 by weight). Therefore, for achieving high seed-size potato tubers, haulm cutting should be done at 80 DAP.

The present study was conducted on performance records of 648 Hariana cattle with respect to first lactation and lifetime traits spread over a period of 57 years (1962-2018) from DUVASU farm, Mathura and 23 years (1995– 2017) from State livestock farm Babugarh, Hapur. Lifetime production traits, viz. Lifetime 2 Milk Yield (LT2MY), Lifetime 3 Milk Yield (LT3MY), Lifetime 4 Milk Yield (LT4MY) and Lifetime 5 Milk Yield (LT5MY) were predicted by multiple linear regression analysis. Step-wise regression procedure was used to predict the lifetime milk yield from first lactation traits, viz. age at first calving (AFC), first calving interval (FCI) and first lactation total milk yield (FLTMY). The optimum models were selected with the help of Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), Mallow’s conceptual predictive value and variance inflation factor. The models with lower AIC, BIC and RMSE values and with higher co-efficient of determination were selected as optimum. The optimal models for lifetime production traits, viz. LT2MY, LT3MY, LT4MY and LT5MY with co-efficient of determination were 75.46%, 66.63%, 59.4% and 55.03%, respectively.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in central India is witnessing increasing infestation of bollworm and sucking pests since 2016. In recent years, pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypeilla (Saunders) has emerged as a serious problem causing severe damage to cotton in several parts of our country. Farmers rely on chemical pesticides to control pest incidence that adversely affects naturally occurring predators and parasitoids in the crop ecosystems. The study was conducted by ICAR-National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi during rainy (kharif) season 2018–21 to implement IPM validation trials at Wakhari village of Jalna district, Maharashtra with a view to study the economic viability and feasibility of adaptable IPM technology in farmer participatory mode. IPM implementation significantly reduced the number of insecticidal sprays (49.74%) and increased the cotton yield (28.49%) against the farmer’s practice (FP). Benefit to cost ratio was also higher in IPM fields (1.7, 2.4, 2.3 and 3.96) as compared to FP (1.3, 1.5, 1.74 and 2.97) during 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. It was evident that by adopting IPM strategy, pink bollworm in cotton can be successfully managed with minimum application of insecticides along with conservation of natural enemies and higher net return (42.6%) over farmer’s practice. The technology will be helpful in increasing the seed cotton yield and improve quality especially in terms of reduced pesticides contents, thereby improving the socio-economic status of cotton growers of the country.

An experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the research farm of Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University College, of Agriculture, Jobner, Rajasthan to study the effect of micronutrients and organics on performance of sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.). A trial having 25 treatments was conducted in Factorial Randomized Blocks Design (F-RBD) with 3 replications. The treatments grouped into categories consisting 5 micronutrients (control, borax @15 kg/ha, Znso4 @25 kg/ha, (NH4)2MoO @1.5 kg/ha and Mnso4 @10 kg/ha) and another category consisted 5 organics (control, cowurine @10%, panchagavya @5%, vermiwash @10% and azotobacter). The results indicated that soil application of Znso4 as well as foliar application of 5% panchagavya to the sprouting broccoli significantly increased most of the plant attributes i.e. plant hight (71.88 cm and 71.95 cm), no. of leaves/plant (31.38 and 31.12), leaf area (3055 cm2 and 3068 cm2), chl-a (2.90 mg/g and 3.09 mg/g), total curd yield per ha (28.81 Mt/ha and 29.41 Mt/ha), NR (224848 `/ha and 230256 `/ha) and BCR (3.55 and 3.60), respectively in comparison to the control. Application of ZnSO4 and panchagavya contributed 24.72 and 26.49%, respectively more in total curd yield per hectare as compared to control. Thus, findings of experiment were in conclusion that application of ZnSO4 @25 kg/ha in soil and application of panchagavya @5% as foliar spray have the prospective effect to enhance all attributes in sprouting broccoli not only in comparison to control but also to rest of other treatments.

The present investigation was undertaken to ascertain stable genotypes across nine environments. Ten advanced genotypes including three checks of themid-late group were evaluated for their adaptability in respect of cane yield, CCS yield and sucrose (%) for two crop seasons 2009-10 and 2010-11 under three locations with three cuttings. The stability of genotypes was worked out by using the model of Eberhart and Russell (1966). The regression coefficient (bi) and deviation from regression (S2 di) were used to define genotypic stability. Mean square due to G x E for all the characters was not significant. The genotypes CoBln 05502, CoP 05437 and CoP 9301 were stable and suitable for cane and CCS yield under favorable environments, while BO 91 was stable for CCS yield and sucrose per cent in juice under unfavorable environmental conditions. Apart from this, genotype CoP 05437 was on top and most stable and widely adaptable in cane and CCS yield across nine environments.

Whitefly [Bemisia tabaci (Gen)] is a serious sucking pest of cotton in the north zone of India. Cotton (Gossypium spp.) fields adjoining kinnow orchards used to have a quite higher incidence of whiteflies compared to the fields away from orchards. Therefore, the study was carried out at ICAR-National Centre for Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi during 2017–19 to implement integrated pest management (IPM) validation trial in cotton fields located adjoining the kinnow orchards in the village Nihalkhera of district Fazilka, Punjab in farmers’ participatory (FP). The IPM strategy consists of weed removal from orchards, timely sowing of recommended cotton hybrid, 4 foliar sprays of 2% potassium nitrate, use of azadirachtin 1500 ppm @5 ml/litre, conservation of natural enemies by avoidance of insecticides that are harmful (IOBC Class-4) to natural enemies and judicious use of safer pesticides (IOBC class1 and 2). The IPM adoption resulted in the successful management of whitefly and other sucking pests along with a two to three-fold increase in predator population compared to FP. IPM recorded a substantial reduction in the use of pesticide active ingredients (86%) and the number of sprays (58%) along with high parasitization (35.32–45.98%) of whitefly nymphs by Encarsia sp. IPM provided a significant increase in yield (23%), net return (57.5%) along with a high benefit cost (B:C) ratio of 2.65.

The culture system of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs) in the normoxic environment does not imitate the hypoxic milieu of typical biological conditions, thus hypoxic culture conditions may improve survival, and growth attributes of bmMSCs during in vitro culture. Therefore, the present study was conducted at ICAR-CIRG, Makhdoom during year 2020 with the objective to investigate the changes in biological characteristics of cultured caprine bmMSCs (cbmMSCs) including the cellular senescence, survival, rate of proliferation, immuno-phenotypic characteristics, and gene expression pattern in a normal and hypoxic microenvironment condition. For this, cbmMSCs isolated from bone marrow collected from iliac crest were enriched and grown under either hypoxic (5% O2) or normoxic (20% O2) conditions. Thereafter, the outcome of hypoxic (5% O2) culturing of cbmMSCs on growth characteristics, proliferation, senescence, and expression profile of important stemness-associated (OCT-4) and oxidative stress [glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD)] marker genes was evaluated. cbmMSCs cultivated in hypoxic conditions showed higher proliferation and decreased population doubling time and senescence-associated β-GAL expression; however, the immune-phenotypic characteristics of the cells remain unchanged. Furthermore, the culture of cbmMSCs in hypoxia increased the expression of OCT-4, GPx1, and CuZnSOD, compared with the cells grown under normoxia. In conclusion, the culture condition with low O2 level improved the growth characteristics and proliferation of cbmMSCs. These outcomes would provide information to formulate strategies for the collection and efficient in vitro expansion of bmMSCs from goats and other farm animals before their downstream applications.

The present investigation was undertaken to access first lactation total milk yield, first lactation length, productive life, herd life and total life. Breeding information were used from the history sheet registers and herd inventory registers of Hariana cattle maintained at DUVASU farm, Mathura and Babugarh farm, Hapur. The data of productive animals with date of calving from 1966 to 2018 and date of birth from 1962 to 2013 were collected for the study. The overall averages for FLTMY, FLL, PL, HL and TL were estimated as 971.2±16.9 litres, 328.2±3.8 days, 2019.1±42.1 days, 2251.8±43.9 days and 3915.7±44.2 days, respectively. The overall least-squares mean of 961.3±24.1 litres, 331.6±5.9 days, 2285.2±64.9 days, 2489.9±69.1 days and 4219.4±70.0 days was observed respectively for the above traits. Season of calving had significant effect on first lactation length and period of calving had significant effect on first lactation total milk. Farm, period of birth and AFC age group had significant effect on PL, HL and TL of Hariana cattle. The heritability for FLTMY and FLL was moderate to high in Hariana cattle.

Bhendi yellow vein mosaic disease (BYVMD) is the most devastating viral disease of okra (Abelmoschus moschatus ssp. moschatus) which affects yield and quality of the produce in India. The causative agent of BYVMD is begomovirus i.e. bhendi yellow vein mosaic virus (BYVMV) having DNA-A molecule along with betasatellite. Present study was carried out during 2019–21 at research farm of ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi to find out the diversity of begomovirus and its satellite nucleotide sequences derived from wild okra infected samples exhibiting conspicuous symptom of BYVMD using PCR-based detection technique on two wild okra symptomatic samples, viz. EC361170 and EC361148. Full length amplification of BYVMV satellite molecule and partial amplification of DNA-A was carried out using PCR and cloning of both randomly selected samples showed the presence of monopartite BYVMV. In both samples, presence of DNA-A molecule, betasatellite and alphasatellite were noticed. Two year (kharif 2019 and 2021) field screening of 10 accessions of wild okra (Abelmoschus moschatus ssp. moschatus) was carried out at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi. Out of 10 accessions, viz. EC360586, EC360794, EC360830, EC360900, EC359730, EC359836, EC359870, EC360351, EC361111 and EC361171 screened, 4 accessions, viz. EC360794, EC360586, EC360830 and EC361171 showed resistant (R) reaction during both the seasons against BYVMD. This is the first study which showed the presence of alpha-satellite molecule of BYVMV from New Delhi region in wild okra along with its resistance source.

Okra enation leaf curl disease (OELCuD) is a recently emerged whitefly insect vector transmissible viral disease of okra which adversely affects the quality and quantity of okra fruits. Okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCuV) is a main disease causative agent. Two year (kharif 2018 and 2019) field experiments were conducted at research farm of ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa, New Delhi for field screening of 10 wild okra (Abelmoschus moschatus ssp. moschatus) accessions, viz. EC360586, EC360794, EC360830, EC360900, EC359730, EC359836, EC359870, EC360351, EC361111 and EC361171. Out of 10 accessions, 4 accessions, viz. EC360794, EC360586, EC360830 and EC361171 showed resistance (R) reaction in both the seasons. Whitefly population was also monitored in both the rainy (kharif) season, since, OELCuD is transmitted by whitefly insect vector. Majority (>77%) of okra genotypes were moderately preferred by the whiteflies. To further validate the resistance reaction in these 4 field resistant accessions, artificial screening experiment was conducted using viruliferous whitefly vector and VRO 6 as susceptible check. Prominent okra enation leaf curl symptom appeared after a minimum incubation period of 15 days under controlled conditions. Betasatellite (DNA-β) molecule of OELCuV was amplified (1.3 kb) using PCR for virus detection and these 4 accessions were found free from virus. These 4 promising accessions would serve as resistance source in breeding programmes to develop varieties resistant to OELCuV.

The developed IFS model is having different components which comprise of arable crops (1.04 ha), horticulture crops (0.22 ha), fishery (0.10 ha), mushroom (0.02 ha), poultry (10 birds), vermicompost (0.02 ha) and kitchen garden (20 m2). The overall productivity of model was 174.04 tonnes/ha/year in terms of sugarcane equivalent yield (SEY) during the representative years (2013–18). The farmyard manure (FYM) together with vermicompost and other farm-based by-products saved the nutrients by 338.71 kg N, 124.60 kg P, 306.22 kg K and 769.56 kg NPK (kg/year). The entire annual man-days generated were 441, 465, 473, 467 and 470 in various components during 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17 and 2017–18, respectively. However, maximum man-days were generated by crop component (209/year) followed by dairy component (152/year) of the IFS model. The gross return/year/ha obtained was `6.12×103/ha and net returns of (`3.74×103/ha) with per day income of `1025 from 1.5 ha of the IFS model under irrigated agro-ecosystem. Inclusion of horticulture components and boundary plantations in the IFS model also tend to reduce GHG emissions.

Biotin supplementation to the sperm cryopreservation medium appears to be beneficial in enhancing the in vitro sperm survival without affecting the fertilizing ability. Since, biotin is an essential micronutrient, it may be a safer sperm motility enhancing agent. We inferred that the fortification of 3 μM biotin significantly (P

Integrated pest management (IPM) strategy has greatly contributed to a progressive commitment for sustainable agriculture in India. Long term studies conducted on validation and promotion of IPM in basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) in district Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India resulted in a gradual enhancement in the area under IPM from 40 ha in 2010 by participation of 25 farmers to 990 ha in 2019 by participation of 654 farmers from 42 villages. Implementation of IPM technology resulted in a significant (P

Field experiments were conducted during 2019 and 2020 at the Crop Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment consisted of 14 different treatments replicated thrice in a randomized block design. Soil of the experimental field was sandy clay loam in texture, neutral in reaction with low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and potassium. Result on pool basis reveal that highest growth and yield attributes parameters, viz. plant height (97.04 cm), effective tiller (225.22/m2), panicle length (30.67 cm), grain weight (1.77 g/panicle), filled grains/panicle (82.18), test weight (28.50 g) along with biological yield 108.24 q/ha and grain yield 40.78 q/ha were recorded with the application of 25% recommended N through dhaincha incorporated on planting date + rest N through chemical fertilizer followed by application of 25% recommended N through vermicompost incorporated 10 day before transplanting + rest N through chemical fertilizer.

Pusa developed three walk-behind type electric power units were evaluated in 9.96 ha area for tillage in polyhouse, secondary tillage, planking and weeding-cum interculture operations at research farm of ICAR-IARI during kharif and rabi 2020 and 2021. The power of four-wheel and two-wheel electric power units was 350W while Pusa mini electric prime mover was having 450W power. The controlling-cum-guiding force for operation of four-wheel power unit, two- wheel power unit and mini electric prime mover was found 26.72, 30.9 and 22.7 N, respectively. Correspondingly, the draft force was 210, 245 and 300 N. Based on the rigorous field study, the effective field capacity with these electric power units were 2.3 times higher than manual operated four-wheel weeder for wide-row crops. The field efficiency with four-wheel, two-wheel electric power unit and mini electric prime mover was 78–83.26, 78.6–81.25 and 69.2–92.6% in weeding-cum-interculture operation, respectively. The walk-behind electric power units are also found to reduce operator’s drudgery by 80–85%. The mini electric prime mover was found 32.7% cheaper than the four-wheel and 17.2% than the two-wheel power unit. Its command area is one ha for secondary tillage and 5 ha for weeding-cum-interculture operations in wide-row crops.

The present investigation was undertaken to access age at first calving, actual lifetime milk yield per day of productive life, actual lifetime milk yield per day of herd life and actual lifetime milk yield per day of total life. The non-genetic factors such as period of birth, season of birth, AFC age group and farms on these traits were studied by least-squares analysis and the means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test. The least-squares means for age at first calving, actual lifetime milk yield per day of productive life, actual lifetime milk yield per day of herd life and actual lifetime milk yield per day of total life were estimated as 1668.3±16.6 days, 1.878±0.04 litres/day, 1.735±0.05 litres/day and 1.029±0.03 litres/day respectively. Farm and period of birth had significant effect on age at first calving, actual lifetime milk yield per day of herd life and actual lifetime milk yield per day of total life. In actual life time milk yield per day of productive life, period of birth had significant effect. AFC class had significant effect on actual lifetime milk yield per day of total life.

The present study was aimed to study lifetime milk production of Hariana cattle in organized farms. The nongenetic factors such as period of calving/birth, season of calving/birth, AFC age group and farms on these traits were studied by least-squares analysis and the means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test. The leastsquares means for first dry period, lifetime 2 milk yield, lifetime 3 milk yield, lifetime 4 milk yield, lifetime 5 milk yield and actual lifetime milk yield were estimated as 198.8±6.1 days, 1802.8±42.3 litres, 2797.0±68.6 litres, 3886.6±100.3 litres, 4984.9±141.9 litres and 4598.3±144.7 litres respectively. Farm, season of calving and period of calving had significant effect on first dry period. Farm and AFC class had significant effect on actual lifetime milk yield. Period of birth had significant effect on lifetime 2 milk yield, lifetime 3 milk yield, lifetime 4 milk yield, lifetime 5 milk yield and actual lifetime milk yield. Season of birth had significant effect on lifetime 3 milk yield, lifetime 4 milk yield and lifetime 5 milk yield. The autumn season born animals had lowest first dry period and highest lifetime 2 milk yield, lifetime 3 milk yield, lifetime 4 milk yield, lifetime 5 milk yield and actual lifetime milk yield.

Okra enation leaf curl disease (OELCuD) caused by Okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCuV) is a whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) transmitted viral disease of okra which deteriorates vegetable quality and reduces yield. The OELCuV was confirmed based on the amplicon of 1.3 Kb of beta satellite (DNA-β) molecule of the virus. Field screening of wild okra (Abelmoschus moschatus ssp. moschatus) accessions was carried out for OELCuD resistance during kharif 2017-19 at experimental Farm of ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa, New Delhi. Out of 76 wild okra accessions tested, 10 accessions, viz. EC360586, EC360794, EC360830, EC360900, EC359730, EC359836, EC359870, EC360351, EC361111 and EC361171 showed resistant (R) reaction in kharif 2017, whereas in kharif 2019, only four accessions, viz. EC360794, EC360586, EC360830 and EC361171 exhibited R reaction and remaining six accessions were moderately resistant (MR). In the first year, average percent disease index (PDI) was 14.15 and overall PDI ranged from 3.70 to 52.86. The range of PDI was 4.53-56.40 during the second year with an average PDI value 18.04. Apart from PDI determination, whitefly population was also monitored in both the years mainly showed moderate preference. The prominent four accessions of okra, viz. EC360794, EC360586, EC360830 and EC361171 could be utilized in resistance breeding programmes against OELCuV.

An experiment was conducted at SKRAU, Bikaner during 2016–18 comprising 28 treatments combinations havingfour crop establishment methods and seven weed management practices in a strip-plot design with four replicationsin wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop and its residual effect on succeeding greengram (Vigna radiata L.) crop wasobserved. Among crop establishment methods, stale seedbed (SSB)+ glyphosate 2.0 kg/ha significantly reduced thedry matter of weeds, viz. Chenopodium album, Rumex dentatus, Cyperus rotundus and Cynodon dactylon at all thestages, and increased the number of effective tillers, grain and straw yield of wheat to the tune of 8.02, 10.14 and 8.08,10.28 and 8.09, 10.85 percent (%) in comparison to deep and conventional tillage, respectively. Metsulfuron methyl4.0 g/ha + one hand hoeing registered the lowest dry matter of all the weeds except Cyperus rotundus and Cynodondactylon at 60 DAS and harvest and it also produced the maximum number of effective tillers (105.75), spike length(6.26 cm), grains per spike (38.53), grain yield (3354 kg) and straw yield (4403 kg) over other herbicidal treatments.In succeeding greengram crop the weed dry matter was not significantly affected due to crop establishment methodsexcept C. rotundus and C. dactylon. Yield of greengram was also not influenced by applied treatment in wheat.

Present study investigated the use of fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) sheet roof as alternate roofing material in goat shelters. Twenty lactating goats, 10 each, housed under pen having cemented sheet roof (CR) and FRP sheet roof (PR) were managed uniformly during winter. Analysis of data revealed that microclimate and physiological responses of does were similar and does were equally comfortable. The milk yield was significantly lower up to 30 days, recorded lower trend up to 60 and 90 days of lactation in does housed under PR than does under CR. The overall mean weekly test day milk yield and body weight of does recorded under PR was significantly lower than does under CR. Results indicated that the provision of FRP roof as alternate roofing material in goat shelters in semi-arid areas may not be beneficial in increasing production of lactating goats during winter.

A total 76 germplasm accessions of wild okra (Abelmoschus moschatus ssp. moschatus) along with 4 checks were evaluated against okra leafhopper Amarasca biguttula biguttula Ishida in field condition during kharif 2017 and 2019. Of the 76 wild okra accessions used for two years of field screening, negligible preference of okra leafhopper insect exhibited towards nine wild okra accessions namely EC360586, EC360794, EC360830, EC360900, EC359730, EC359836, EC359870, EC360351 and EC361171 with hopper population in the range of 1.33 to 1.44/leaf while moderate preference of okra leafhopper was observed to another 11 wild okra accessions during first year of field screening (kharif 2017). During the second year (kharif 2019) of field screening, negligible preference of okra leafhopper was recorded on five accessions, viz. EC360586, EC360794, EC360830, EC360900 and EC361171 with hopper population in the range of 1.33 to 1.45/leaf while moderate preference response of okra leafhopper was observed on two wild okra accessions only. Whereas, high to very high preference response of okra leafhopper was observed on the remaining wild okra accessions during both the years of field screening and all were found susceptible. Based on two years field screening of wild okra accessions against okra leafhopper, five wild okra accessions, viz. EC360586, EC360794, EC360830, EC360900 and EC361171 were found resistant against okra leafhopper. The hopper burn symptoms were also negligible on these 5 accessions.

Bt cotton has witnessed the increasing infestation of sucking pests especially whitefly during last one decade. During 2015, whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Ishii) emerged as a serious pest in North India destroyed 2/3 of the cotton crop in Punjab. There was an urgent need to validate integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for management of whitefly in Bt cotton in hot spot area with farmer's participatory mode. To overcome the problem, ICAR-NCIPM initiated a trial on validation of IPM in cotton at Fazilka, Punjab in 2.5 ha during 2016, which was extended to 12 ha and 40 ha area in the year 2017 and 2018 respectively. The validated IPM strategy included timely sowing of recommended cotton hybrid, removal of weed as alternate host, proper plant nutrition along with foliar spray of 2% potassium nitrate, use of neem based pesticides, conservation of natural enemies by avoidance of insecticides which are harmful to natural enemies, and judicious use of safer pesticides. IPM implementation resulted in successful management of whitefly and other pests with significant increase in population of natural enemies predators along with significant reduction in the number of insecticides spray (>68%) and amount of active ingredients (>84%) in IPM fields as compared to FP (Farmer's practice) fields. IPM implementation also brought > 18% increase in yield, > 17% reduction in input cost and >90% increase in net profit compared to FP. The benefit-cost ratio in IPM was 2.55 against 1.88 in FP.

Okra yellow vein mosaic disease (OYVMD) is a major viral disease of okra crop caused by Okra yellow vein mosaic virus (OYVMV). The disease is responsible for direct yield loss in terms of both quantity and quality of capsules (fruits). Initially, DNA-A of coat protein, intergenic region and partial rep protein sequences were determined using OY2395F/OY680R specific primer and the amplified 1.2 Kb band product showed presence of OYVMV. Two years field screening of wild okra accessions (Abelmoschus moschatus ssp. moschatus) carried out during kharif 2017 and 2019 against OYVMD in agro-ecological conditions of New Delhi. Among seventy six (76) wild okra accessions 10 accessions, viz. EC360586, EC360794, EC360830, EC360900, EC359730, EC359836, EC359870, EC360351, EC361171 and EC361111 exhibited resistant (R) response in kharif 2017. While in 2019, out of these 10 promising accessions, four accessions, viz. EC360794, EC360586, EC360830 and EC361171 further showed R response. Rest of the tested lines showed either moderately resistant (MR) or susceptible (S) response. Average percent disease incidence (PDI) value was 19.51% and range value was 4.46 to 64.06% for the first year of field screening. Whereas the recorded average PDI were 21.77% with the range value of 4.36 to 67.33% in the second year. For both the years, out of 76 accessions, four accessions, viz. EC360794, EC360586, EC360830 and EC361171 were found promising and exhibited R response consistently. These promising lines could be utilized in breeding programmes for development of varieties resistant to OYVMV.

Survey conducted in and around village Bambawad, Gautam Budh Nagar, UP, for nematode population density infested basmati rice and wheat during 2015 indicated low population of rice root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne graminicola in IPM adopted fields compared with farmer's practices (FP). With this view, the study was carried out to manage M. graminicola under basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system taking advantage of IPM technology developed and validated by ICAR-NCIPM for basmati rice during 2016-19 with some modifications such as soil solarisation, bio-agents etc. Soil solarisation of nursery beds reduced population density of test nematode up to 93.4%, whereas an increase of up to 46% in FP compared to initial population. Analysis of root and soil samples of both rice and wheat crop from IPM fields showed either no visible galling or only 1-3% root galling severity (RGS) and significantly (P>0.05) low population density compared to FP. In addition, the population of beneficial soil nematodes (BSN) remained high and significantly (P>0.05) higher in IPM as compared to FP with student's t-test. Role of BSN in increasing the nutrient availability through organic matter decomposition has already been established. It is evident from the study that IPM technology might have played important role in antagonising the M. graminicola and increased the density of BSN. This technologycould be a safe and eco-friendly alternative to manage M. graminicola below ETL. Also, it has helped in sustaining IPM by the way of saving on the cost of application of pesticides and enhancing the benefit-cost ratio.

This study was designed to investigate milk and circulating profiles of progesterone (P4) and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) during early pregnancy and to determine their associations with the foetal numbers in Jakhrana goats. For this, milk (whole and defatted milk) and blood samplings from10 pregnant and 3 non-pregnant Jakhrana goats were continued from the day 7 until day 51 post-mating. The PAG profile in both milk and plasma increased gradually from day 26 to 51 of gestation. Whereas, circulating P4 remains unchanged during early pregnancy in pregnant goats. The P4 and PAG concentrations in blood plasma, whole milk and defatted milk were 1.30, 1.24 and 2.04, 1.98, 1.99 and 1.88 folds higher in twin foetus than the single foetus bearing does, respectively. The P4 and PAG in plasma and milk samples were positively correlated with the foetal number. However, the results of stepwisemultivariate linear regression analyses indicated milk and circulating P4 as better predictors of foetal numbers than plasma PAG. The defatting of milk samples resulted in about 2-folds decline in the P4 concentration, however, the PAG level remains unaffected. In conclusion, milk and plasma profiles of P4 and PAG were affected by the foetal number and P4 is a reliable predictor of foetal number during early pregnancy in Jakhrana goats.

Amongst various sources of farm power, electrical power through stored electric energy is a potential source to meet the current challenge in agriculture. At ICAR-IARI, an attempt was made to use battery-power for developing a walk behind equipment with 250-800W DC/BLDCC motors for sowing, weeding, cutting and performing operations on a common platform during 2015-20. The study further led to developing a Versatile Electric Prime Mover for Agriculture (VEPMA) using 1.5 kW BLDC motor with the provision of various attachments that can meet the need of small farmers. The VEPMA is assessed to be an economically viable unit with a saving of 5-liter diesel fuel per ha and 5 to 10 times economical to tractor and power tiller operations. Its adoption in one percent cultivable area (1.4 million ha) in India can result in the net saving of approximately 32 million litres of diesel and reduce 85000 tons of CO2 in the atmosphere.

The Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG) Task Force on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) developed combined ISG-IRIA evidence-based best-practice guidelines for imaging of the small intestine in patients suspected to have or having Crohn’s disease. The 29 consensus statements, developed through a modified Delphi process, are intended to serve as reference for teaching, clinical practice, and research.

The paper presents the results of an investigation conducted to study the influence of fibre hybridization on the compressive strength, flexural strength, flexural fatigue and flexural toughness of the HybridFiber Reinforced Self Compacting Concrete (HyFRSCC). The Steel Fibers (SF) and Polypropylene Fibers (PPF) at 1%by volume of concrete have been used. The PPF and SF proportions used are 100%PPF, 75%PPF + 25%SF, 50%PPF + 50% SF, 25%PPF + 75%SF and 100%SF. The flexural toughness parameters were calculated using procedure laid down in JCI Method, ASTM C-1018 C and ASTM 1609/C 1609 M. The flexural fatigue tests were conducted at stress levels of 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85 and 0.9. The Weibull parameters have been calculated using the graphical method and the method of moments. The results indicate that the mix with a fiber combination of 25%PPF + 75%SFcan be adjudged as the optimum combination for HyFRSCC in terms of compressive strength, flexural strength and flexural toughness. Gradual replacement of steel fibers with polypropylene fibers hasbeen found to reduce the variability in fatigue life data of HyFRSCC.

Aim: The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate and compare the retention and patient satisfaction in implant supported mandibular overdenture with three different attachment system. Materials and Methods: After evaluation of prosthetic space, fifteen edentulous subjects received two implants in the inter-foramina region of the mandible and were divided into 3 groups with 5 subjects each, delayed loading protocol was followed in all the patients. The retention force and satisfaction level with the attachments at baseline and after 6 months was measured in a standardised way using retentive device and VAS questionnaire. The study was based on evaluation of retention and patient satisfaction. 15 subjects were included in the study. The results obtained were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA test, and multiple comparisons were carried out using the Bonferroni tests. Results: At the end of six months, the retention force and satisfaction level was higher in Group 3 (Kerator attachment) as compared to Group 1 (ball and socket attachment) and Group 2 (bar and clip attachment) and patient satisfaction was equal in groups 1, 2 and 3 but the total number of interventions is significantly higher in the attachment bar. Analysis of variance with repeated measures showed significant differences in retention force among the three attachment types. Conclusion: (1) Group 3 (kerator attachment) exhibit higher retentive capacities than Group 1 (ball and socket attachment) and Group 2 (bar and clip attachment). (2) patient satisfaction was higher in Group 3 (Kerator attachment) in compare to Group 1 (ball and socket attachment) and Group 2 (bar and clip attachment).

Foliar blast disease in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) caused by Magnaporthe grisea once considered as a minor disease, has become major threat for pearl millet cultivation during recent decade in almost all pearl millet growing areas. The present study is an attempt to understand the inheritance of foliar blast resistance in pearl millet against the natural inoculum of Magnaporthe grisea and also against artificial inoculum of its devastating strain PMg_DI. The experiment was conducted at ICRISAT, Hyderabad and IARI, New Delhi during 2017-19. F2 and backcross populations derived from a susceptible genotype ICMB 95444 and two resistant lines PPMI-10018 and PPMI-2464 were used. Screening of individual plant in F1s, F2s, BCP1s (susceptible parent × F1) and BCP2s (resistant parent × F1) under field and controlled conditions indicated that the resistance is governed by a single dominant gene. The test of allelism was conducted by crossing the resistant parents. No segregation for resistance was observed in F2 generation when screened against the natural inoculum of Magnaporthe grisea and its strain PMg_DI. This indicates that both the resistant parents possess the same gene.

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR- CPRI, Regional Station, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh to study the effect of soil solarization on weed population and multiplication of seed potatoes under aphid proof net house (Gen-0) and subsequently under field conditions (Gen-1) of 3 potato cultivars, viz. Kufri Mohan, Kufri Chipsona-1 and Kufri Lauvkar during 2017-18 and 2018-19. Treatments were replicated thrice in split plot design. The experimental area was solarized with black polythene and paddy straw mulch, whereas, unsolarized plots served as control. Mean monthly maximum temperature at all the soil depths was higher in polythene solarized plots followed by unsolarized and paddy straw mulch solarized plots under both net house and open field conditions. Soil nutrient properties, viz. pH, OC, available N, P and K were influenced by soil solarization both at planting and harvesting. Solarization with polythene and paddy straw mulch resulted in 88.23% and 41.05% reduction in weed population under net house and 74.80 and 37.79% reduction under open field conditions. Under net house conditions, total tuber yield was significantly higher with polythene solarization (29.33 t/ha), whereas, under open field conditions yield was maximum with paddy straw mulch (37.45 t/ha) over other two treatments respectively.

For the efficient hybrid seed production, several cytoplasmic-nuclear male sterility (CMS) systems were identified in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum ( L) R. Br). However, most of the hybrids developed in pearl millet are based on A1 cytoplasm due to availability of high frequency of restorers in the natural population. This dependence on a single cytoplasm makes any hybrid seed industry vulnerable to disease and insect pest epidemics. A5 can be a good alternative to A1 since it is the most stable cytoplasm available. But due to very low frequency (~2%) of restorers available in germplasm, utilization of A5 cytoplasm in hybrid development had been almost negligible. Restorer breeding efficiency of this CMS system can be significantly increased by understanding the inheritance of fertility restoration by Rf-gene for A5 cytoplasm, which is poorly studied so far and only one publication is available. Present investigation aims to understand the genetics associated with fertility restoration of the A5 system of CMS in pearl millet using pollen fertility and seed set percent as a criterion in determining the fertile and sterile plants. Three diverse cytoplasmic-nuclear male-sterile A-lines belonging to the A5 cytoplasm (ICMA502555, ICMA507999 and ICMA512222) were crossed with two restorer lines (A5RT-17/8 and A5 RT-17/26) to produce 6 F1s and their respective F2s and backcrosses. These were evaluated for male sterility (S) and fertility (F) at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi during kharif 2019 and segregation ratio was established in all the generations using χ2 test. The segregation pattern of malesterile (S) and male fertile (F) plants observed in F2 and BC1 indicated dominant single-gene control of male fertility restoration with ICMA502555 and ICMA507999. However, segregation pattern with male-sterile line ICMA512222 had a good fit to 15F:1S ratio indicating two gene control with duplicate interaction. The deviations from the expected ratio with ICMA512222 cross may be due to influence of modifiers. Association between pollen fertility and seed set percent was significant and positive.

Agroforestry is recognized as most diversified sustainable system to support farmers income. In order to assess the effect of nutrient management system under agro forestry based cropping system, a field study was conducted during kharif season of 2017 on mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] at the Agricultural Research Farm, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, Mirzapur (UP). The experimental trial was conducted in simple RBD with four replications and six treatments, viz. 75% RDF+ Rhizobium, 75% RDF+ Biochar+ Rhizobium, 100% RDF+ Rhizobium, 75% RDF+ FYM+ Rhizobium, 75% RDF+ Vermicompost+ Rhizobium and 75% RDF + pressmud+ Rhizobium. Results revealed that highest growth parameters such as plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, trifoliate leaves, chlorophyll content, root nodules/plant and dry weight of root nodules and yield attributes and was observed with the application of 75% RDF + pressmud+ Rhizobium than other nutrient sources. Furthermore, highest gross return, net return was observed with the application of 75% RDF + vermicompost + Rhizobium. However, highest B:C ratio was observed with the application of 100% RDF + Rhizobium.

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in circulating Progesterone (P4) and Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein (PAG) during pregnancy interrupted by abortion and to identify the better predictor of abortion risk in Jakhrana goats. Pluriparous goats (18) were involved in the study. Out of 15 pregnant goats, 3 goats were aborted during the third or fourth months of pregnancy. In the normal pregnancy, mean P4 concentration (13.96±0.27 ng/mL) remained unchanged throughout gestation whereas, the PAG level increased during early pregnancy and reached to the highest level (S-N=2.14±0.40) on day 51 of gestation. In non-pregnant goats, the P4 (0.3±0.03 ng/mL) and PAG (0.06±0.03) were significantly lower compared to the goats with maintained or failed pregnancy. In goats with the failed pregnancy, the PAG level started to decline about 12 days before the drop in P4 concentration (day 33.0±2.1 vs 21.3±3.5, before the occurrence of abortion). The mean PAG level in goats with failed pregnancy (0.33±0.03) was 4.8-folds lower compared to the animals with maintained pregnancy (1.58±0.08). In conclusion, the P4 and PAG concentrations in maternal circulation are changed by the pregnancy status and abortion. Plasma PAG is a more reliable predictor for the high risk of pregnancy failure than the P4 concentration in goats.

Parthenogenetic activation of oocytes has gained new interest in recent years as an alternative approach to create embryos with no reproductive purpose for research in areas such as assisted reproduction technologies itself and for derivation of clinical grade pluripotent embryonic stem cells for regenerative medicine. In this study, we described the production of goat parthenogenetic ES like cells from different stages of parthenogenetic embryos. We compared the source material on the pESCs outgrowth and culture. 8-16 cell stage embryos, morula, blastocysts and ICM (inner cell mass) from hatched blastocysts produced from chemical activation were cultured on goat fetal fibroblast monolayer in stem cell culture media. Colonies were passaged when signs of differentiation were visible. ESC like colonies were cultured on feeder cells in the presence of hLIF however, some ESC like colonies were also cultured in absence of hLIF for random differentiation. In our study, ESC like colony formation with ICM of hatched blastocyst was comparatively higher as compared to blastocysts while ESC like colony formation with blastocysts and ICM of hatched blastocyst was significantly higher as compared 8-16 cells and morula. It is observed that inner cell mass source is an important criterion for the ES like cells derivation in goats. Also, in comparison to the expanded blastocysts (80.10%), hatched blastocysts showed higher (86.06%) attachment rate and primary colony formation rate. ESC like colonies in absence of hLIF differentiated in vitro into epithelial like and neuronal like cells. Undifferentiated ESC like colonies stained positive for alkaline phosphatase, SSEA-3 and OCT-4.

Enrichment of cell suspension with germ cells prior to injection into recipient seminiferous tubules is of importance in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) transplantation. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is the most widely used growth supplement for cell cultures, primarily because of its high levels of growth stimulatory factors and low levels of growth inhibitory factors. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of serum concentration on colony formation and development of different types of SSC colonies with respect to passage number. Cells were isolated from pre-pubertal buck testes by two step enzymatic digestion method. The filtered cells were enriched by differential adherence selection method. Cells were then randomly divided into 8 groups, depending on concentration of FBS in culture medium ranging from 0% to 35%. In experiment 1, effect of different concentrations of FBS on total number pSSCs with reference to differential plating was observed while in experiment 2, effect of different concentrations of FBS on types of pSSC colonies with respect to passage number was observed. No colony formation was observed in control group (0% FBS) while significantly higher number of single, paired, cluster and rosette colonies observed were with 20% FBS group in differential 2 (D2) as compared to other groups. Alkaline phosphatase staining and immunocytochemistry staining (PGP9.5 and OCT4) were positive in SSCs colonies. The growth rate of the culture was significantly and consistently higher with 20% FBS.

Male kids (36) at 6 months age, 12 each of Jamunapari, Jakhrana, Barbari breed were equally divided and allotted randomly in plastic and soil floor and reared up to 12 of age through April to September months, fed ad lib. roughage, green fodder and concentrate to meet nutrient requirements for optimum growth. Body weight was recorded fortnightly, physiological responses were recorded twice and blood sampling at 60th and 120th day of trial. The weight gain and ADG on plastic floor was similar as compared to soil floor. Kids were equally comfortable on both floors except RR; however, increased RR on plastic floor did not affect the weight gain in kids. Plasma AST and ALT enzymes, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides level differed non-significantly in kids reared on both plastic and soil floor indicating the suitability of plastic floor in goat shelters in semi-arid conditions.

A set of 31 barley genotypes was evaluated at four locations, viz. Kanpur, Pantnagar, Varanasi and Faizabad for two years (2016 and 2017) against spot blotch [Biploris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem.] resistance. The combined analysis of variance revealed significant influence of year (5.64%) and location (18.08%) effects with significant genotypic effects (29.05%). Location-wise, the highest susceptibility was observed at Varanasi (51.61%) followed by Kanpur (19.35%) whereas, the moderately susceptible reactions were obtained at Faizabad (67.74 %) and Kanpur (61.29%) locations. In heritability adjusted GGE biplot analysis, the ratio of (G+G × E)/(E+G+G × E) was estimated as 71.77 % and substantiated usefulness of generated biplots to elucidate resistant and stable genotypes with location discrimination. In AMMI analysis, the initial two principal components (PCs) cumulatively explained 90.7 % of total variation with individual scores of 51.8 % and 38.9 %, respectively. The triangular image of the initial three PCs depicted scattered pattern for disease reaction and varied response for the locations. The weather parameters, viz. maximum temperature, minimum temperature and sunshine hr/day showed strong correlations 0.87**, 0.83** and 0.64* with spot blotch severity. The genotypes, DWRB 180, PL 891 and DWRB 190 were found promising and suggested to be used in future resistance breeding and spot blotch genetic studies. The locations Varanasi and Faizabad were found type 2 discriminative and representative environments for spot blotch.

This study was undertaken to compare the performance of Barbari goats under grazing system and stall feeding system. Thirty growing Barbari goats of average body weight 15.20±0.54 kg of about 6 months of age were divided into three equal groups (Gr 1, Gr 2 and Gr 3) of ten animals each as per completely randomized design. The animals of Gr 1 was fed with concentrate pellet having 16% Crude protein (CP) while Gr 2 animals were fed with concentrate pellet having 18% crude protein. Goats of Gr 3 were fed with a combination of Concentrate pellet (16% CP), Gram straw, greens along with 6 h grazing. Total body weight gain was highest in Gr 2 followed by Gr 1 and Gr 3. Duration of experimental feeding was 192 days. Average daily gain (g) was 75.28 in Gr 1, 82.77 in Gr 2 and 65.14 in Gr 3. Average daily gain was highest in Gr 2 fed with high CP concentrate pellet and statistically similar to Gr 1 but significantly higher than the Gr 3 kept on grazing with supplementation of concentrate pellet, gram straw and greens. The blood Hb, RBC, PCV, WBC, lymphocyte, monocyte and granulocyte were comparable (P>0.05) among the different groups. Upon DLC analysis, different leukocytes were in the normal range in the stall fed group compared to the grazing group. However, plasma cortisol and testosterone level was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Gr 3 compared to Gr 1 and Gr 2. But the concentrations of plasma cortisol and testosterone were similar in Gr 1 and Gr 2. Present study concluded that the performance of Barbari goats was better under stall feeding system and farmers can gain more profit in stall feeding system of goat rearing compared to grazing system.

Since, very less information is available regarding the agro-techniques of hi-tech seed potato minitubers production, therefore an experiment was conducted to evaluate planting geometry and different doses of nitrogen for multiplication of aeroponic minitubers of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under net house conditions of north-central plains of India. 30 cm × 15 cm (97.44) plant geometry and 150 kg N/ha (95.81) and 180 kg N/ha (96.98) N dose recorded significantly higher emergence %. Linear increase in plant height was recorded with 120, 150 and 180 kg N/ha dose over 75 kg N/ ha (44.1 cm). Planting geometry 45 cm × 10 cm (34.71) and N dose 150 kg N (35.71) recorded significantly lowest per cent of