Journal of Environmental Biology
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Morphometric trait normalization, cluster analysis and molecular phylogenetic analysis in delimiting sympatric Neolissochilus hexastichus and N. hexagonolepis in Umngi River, Meghalaya (India)(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Laskar, M.A.; Sarma, D.; Nath, R.; Kharbani, R.; Shahi, N.; Haldar, R.S.; Ganie, P.A.Aim: To assess the ability of an integrative approach comprising multivariate morphometric data analysis and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (CO I) sequence divergence analysis in delimiting sympatric Neolissochilus hexastichus (McClleland, 1839) and N. hexagonolepis (McClleland, 1839) mahseer populations in River Umngi, Meghalaya. Methodology: Authoritative descriptions of mahseers were referred during the sampling of 40 individuals from River Umngi, Meghalaya. Multivariate morphometric data were normalized with respect to standard length. The normalization procedure maintained the particular shape factor for each sample. Normalised data were subjected to hierarchical clustering on principal components Analysis (HCPC) for grouping samples according to morphometric features. Genetic affinities based on CO I sequence divergence were assessed by Bayesian Inference (BI) and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) protocols. Results: The normalization protocols removed the variations in traits due to body size effects and facilitated the identification of allometric traits. HCPC analysis revealed morphometric features that had a significant impact on clustering. Nine N. hexagonolepis and 13 N. hexastichus individuals were identified by integrative morphological and molecular phylogenetic approach. The remaining 18 individuals had incongruence in their memberships in the morphometric and phylogenetic clusters. Interpretation: The integrative approach, apart from delineating N. hexagonolepis and N. hexastichus congeners, highlighted the need to include nuclear genetic markers in future studies for confirming the presence of natural hybrids in sympatric populations of Neolissochilus mahseers.Item Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) movement with respect to rosette flowers in cotton: Novel insights for integrated pest management(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Naik, V. Chinna Babu; Murthy, J.S.V.; Supreeth, G.S.; Kumbhare, S.; Prabhulinga, T.; Narkhedkar, N.G.; Prasad, Y.G.Aim: This preliminary study aimed to investigate the movement patterns of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) larvae in the rosette flowers. Methodology: Field experiments conducted on the migration behavior of pink bollworm larvae with respect to rosette flowers in cotton fields. Observations included monitoring infested flowers, larval stage duration within rosette flowers, and larval movement to soil for pupation, larval mortality post-drop, and larval migration to early bolls, all conducted without insecticide application to reflect natural conditions. Results: The movement of the larvae was tracked and recorded from the start of flowering to the boll formation stage. Nearly, 44.88% of the larvae present on the infested flowers had moved to the soil for pupation, while 14.29% had moved to newly formed bolls on the same rosette flower. Additionally, 30.90% of the larvae had moved to dry leaf debris on the soil, and the remaining 9.93% either escaped or died due to environmental factors such as damp soil. Notably, the study showed that dry soils or light debris accumulation were the most favorable environments for pink bollworm larvae. Interpretation: The present study has generated useful information regarding the movement of PBWs larvae from rosette flowers to bolls that contribute to infestation. Hence, by implementing integrated pest management strategies during the early crop periods between 60 and 100 DAS, green boll infestations can be avoided and economic yields improved.Item Impact of different natural hosts and meridic diet on fatty acid profiling of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) vis-à-vis reproductive physiology(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Kumar, H.; Sagar, D.; Keerthi, M.C.; Sharma, M.; Singh, S.; Subramanian, S.Aim: This study was undertaken to document the influence of natural hosts and meridic diet on fatty acid profiling vis-a-vis reproductive physiology of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius). Methodology: S. litura were larvae fed on various hosts (castor, cauliflower, cabbage and tomato) and meridic diet. After emergence, the adults were frozen in liquid nitrogen. Fatty acid analysis was conducted by Fatty Acid Methyl Esters through gas chromatography (MIDI Sherlock, 2006). Results: One-way ANOVA and Principal component analysis (PCA) of fatty acid biomarkers from emerged adults showed that the insects reared on meridic diet had the highest percent of linoleic acid (18:2) and oleic acid (18:1) fatty acids, which are mainly responsible for insect reproduction. Interestingly, reproduction related fatty acids were distributed proportionally in case of adults emerged from meridic diet fed larvae. Interpretation: Fatty acid profile can be used as a surrogate marker to assess the reproductive fitness of insects. The study also concluded that the meridic diet would be an alternate choice in the absence of natural hosts for mass rearing of S. litura throughout the year.Item Social network analysis approach to identify agricultural key communicators(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Yamini, T.; Venkatesan, P.; Jyothi, V.; Devy, M.R.; Rao, V.S.; Suseela, K.Aim: This paper employed Social Network Analysis approach to visualize and calculate different social network metrics. It identifies key communicators who play pivotal roles in information flow. Methodology: Research was conducted at Jammulapalem and Perali villages of Bapatla district, Andhra Pradesh, India, during 2022-23 using an exploratory research design. A total of 120 farmers Eigen vector were selected using simple random technique, and data was collected using a well-developed interview schedule. Network metrics such as Degree centrality, betweenness centrality, and eigen vector centrality were computed to evaluate the network structure using R software (version 4.3.1). R packages, namely igraph, statnet and network D3, were used for network creation, analysis and visualization to identify the influential nodes. Results: The study revealed a complex web of relationships among various stakeholders within the agricultural network through a network graph, identifying key communicators with the highest Degree centrality. Interpretation: The focal points identified through Social Network Analysis represent a specific demographic and socio-economic group, typically aged between 35 and 55, primarily medium-scale farmers,with landholdings spanning 10 to 25 acres and high annual income, with educational backgrounds ranging from high school to pre-university college, and wield significant influence within their local communities. They require sensitization, training, practical demonstrations, and personalized support to effectively disseminate agricultural information.Item Enriched Linz-Donawitz (LD) slag application for improving grain yield and quality of wheat grown under nutritionally poor degraded soil(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Khokhar, S.K.; Goyal, V.; Kumar, N.; Usha, K.; Pandey, V.; Sharma, J.; Gupta, C.K.; Singh, B.Aim: To evaluate the impact of enriched steel slag on the physico-chemical characteristics of soil and yield attributes of wheat under poor quality degraded soil. Methodology: Steel slag was biologically and organically amended with natural sources of phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) and characterized for its nutrient content along with biological activity. The impact of resultant products was assessed on soil quality and yield component traits of wheat for two consecutive years(2021-2022 and 2022-23). Results: Application of slag based products significantly (p<0.05) improved the plant height, biological yield, grain yield and ear bearing tillers (EBT) of -1 wheat even with 80% of recommended fertilizer dose (NPK). Further, in comparison to control, a moderation of soil pH (8.6 to 8.8), EC (0.18 to 0.20 dS m ), -1 -1 -1 OC (0.22 to 0.24 %) and essential mineral macronutrients viz., N (126 to 130 kg N ha ), P (8.0 to 13.0 kg ha ), K (100 to 125 kg ha ) were observed with the application of amended steel slag products. No significant change with respect to existing heavy metal concentration viz., Co, Ni, Cd and Pb in soil was observed when supplemented with amended slag products. Interpretation: Steel slag can be transformed favorably for on-farm application to improve wheat yield besides serving as an environmentally sustainable alternate of soil conditioner for the management of degraded soil.Item Eco-friendly formulation preparation of fungal biopesticide Metarhizium anisopliae and its impact on the viability, insecticidal activity and pesticidal compatibility(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Avinash, G.P.; Namasivayam, S. Karthick Raja; Bharani, R.S. Arvind; Samrat, K.; Tamilselvi, M.Aim: The present investigation evaluated the effect of various formulations on the viability, pesticide compatibility and biocontrol potential of fungal biopesticidal agent Metarhizium anisopliae under laboratory conditions. Methodology: Soil isolate of M. anisopliae biomass was formulated with different oils like sunflower, groundnut, neem oil, water and diesel using green principles. Results: Sunflower oil recorded maximum viability among the formulations, revealing 91.4% formulation efficacy, followed by groundnut oil, which showed 87.2% efficacy. The viability of the fungal isolate was found to be low in diesel formulation, which showed 69.2% formulation efficacy. A compatibility study revealed that sunflower oil formulation showed high tolerance to all the tested pesticides. Sunflower oil formulation also showed a high rate of mortality against S. litura. Interpretation: The present study suggests using oil formulation as an effective carrier for the fungal biopesticide Metarhizium anisopliae with high compatibility and viability.Item Management of mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) on rapeseed mustard (Brassica napus) using biopesticides under organic farming conditions(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Singh, S.; Singh, G.; Singh, R.Aim: To manage mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi Kalt on rapeseed-mustard through neem formulations, which are the safest, eco-friendly and cost effective and can hold promise to keep this pest below economic threshold levels. Methodology: The neem formulations, AZA5% @ 30,40,50 and100ml per acre, AZA1% @ 200, 250 and 300 ml per acre and AZA 0.15% @ 800, 900 and 1000 ml per acre were evaluated against L. erysimi on rapeseed- mustard under organic farming conditions at Organic Research Area of School of Organic Farming, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2020-21 and 2021-22. Results: A highest efficacy against L. erysimi with 83 and 84.99% treated over untreated control plots was recorded with AZA 5% @100 ml per acre at 5 days of spray during both years of study, followed by AZA 1% @ 300 ml per acre (61.84%) and AZA 0.15% @ 1000 ml per acre (59.33%). The coccinellid population at 10 days after spray was non-significant (0.03 to 0.21), but numerically more in untreated control plots. The highest seed yield was recorded in AZA 5% @ 100 ml -1 -1 (18.38 q ha ), AZA1% @ 300 ml (16.70q ha ) and AZA 0.15% @ 1000 -1 -1 ml (15.75 q ha ) over untreated control plots (13.91q ha ). The highest economic returns were obtained with AZA 5% @ 100ml (Rs.22408.72 -1 -1 ha ), AZA 1% @ 300ml (Rs.16424.22 ha ) and AZA 0.15% @ 1000ml -1 (Rs.10285.68 ha ) treatment, respectively. Interpretation: Management of L. erysimi on rapeseed mustard can be obtained with AZA 5% @ 100 ml, which caused 84 per cent reduction over -1 control at 5 days after spray and also gave net returns of Rs.22408.72q ha , which will not only increase the farm income but is eco-friendly in nature.Item Contribution of provisioning ecosystem services of homestead trees to rural livelihoods in Kashmir Himalaya, India(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Islam, M.A.; Wani, A.A.; Gatoo, A.A.; Shah, M.; Sofi, K.A.; Bhat, G.M.; Parrey, A.A.; Arjumand, T.Aim: To quantify provisioning ecosystem services (PES) derived from homestead trees, estimate their economic value and contribution to rural livelihoods, and ascertain socio-economic determinants of household PES income from homestead trees in district Budgam of Kashmir. Methodology: In this study 106 homesteads were selected across 12 sample villages using multi-stage random sampling. Data were gathered through structured interviews, focus group discussions, homestead inventories, non-participant observations, and rapid market assessments. The data were analyzed through descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: The mean value of PES of homestead trees was ? 14349.27 per household per year, which was composed of fruits (45.54%), fuel wood th (20.50%), tree browse (18.15%), timber (8.06%), and wicker (7.75%). PES of homestead trees constituted 4 important component of rural economy, accounting 16.23% of the average household's income. ANCOVA indicated that social membership, family size, family labour, farm size, livestock 2 holding, main occupation, wealth status and annual income were potent predictors of household PES income from homestead trees. The R (0.872) of the ANCOVA model indicated that socio-economic determinants accounted for 87.20% of the variation in homestead trees' domestic PES revenue. Interpretation: Findings suggested that PES income from homestead trees is a vital intervention for socio-economic development, livelihood diversification, and forest conservation; hence, policy must be implicated towards a sustainable supply of PES from homestead trees by promoting homestead tree holdings.Item Comparison of catch efficiency of wire mesh fish traps operated along the coast of Thoothukudi, South-east coast of India(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Mariappan, S.; Ravikumar, T.; Neethiselvan, N.; Dineshkumar, E.; Dhilipmaniraj, N.; Manickavasagam, S.Aim: The study designs and fabricates traps with diverse wire mesh colors and shapes for field experiments. It also collects detailed catch data to assess their catch efficiency and determine the most effective design. Methodology: Experimental fish traps were fabricated utilizing four distinct colors (Light green, Dark green, White and Orange) and three different shapes (rectangle, square and circle). Fishing trials were conducted in selected fishing villages of Thereshpuram, with the traps operated fortnightly from June 2022 to May 2023. The catch rate per trip (CPUE) was calculated using the Total catch (in numbers) divided by the Unit Effort (White, 1987). An economic analysis of trap fishery was also performed based on gross revenue and total cost (Geetha et al., 2014). Results: The traps' overall catch per unit effort (CPUE) was recorded at 0.48Nos -1 hr . Siganus canaliculatus emerged as the dominant species among the fishes trapped, constituting 16% of the total catch. Regarding trap color, the highest CPUE was observed with traps of dark -1 green color (0.63 Nos hr ), followed by light green (0.51 Nos hr-1), white (0.49 -1 -1 Nos hr ) and orange (0.38 Nos hr ). Economically, the performance of the trap fishery was evaluated using indicators such as operating cost/year, fixed cost, gross revenue and profit cost ratio. The success of the trap fishery was further emphasized by a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 3.50. Interpretation: Dark green-colored, square-shaped traps show promise in significantly enhancing fishermen's profits due to their higher catch per unit effort (CPUE) compared to other colors. Moreover, dark green traps may offer ecological advantages by blending into natural surroundings. This study highlights their potential and provides practical insights for fishermen to make informed gear choices, considering factors like color and shape.Item Dynamics of phytoplankton community in relation to environmental variables in tropical mangrove estuary, Sundarbans, India(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Bhutia, R.N; Abhilashwodeyar, K.; Devadas, D.; Mandal, U.K.; Sreekanth, G.B.; Landge, A.T.; Jaiswar, A.K.; Deshmukhe, G.; Burman, D.Aim: To explore the spatio-temporal variation of phytoplankton diversity and community structure, in response to associated environmental variables in Matla estuary, Sundarbans, India. Methodology: Monthly sampling was carried out from August 2022 to July 2023 at three locations within the estuary. Plankton was identified and its dynamics were studied in relation to the environment variables. Results: A total of 38 genera of phytoplankton, belonging to 8 classes, were identified. Spatial diversity was high in the upper reaches of the estuary, while temporal diversity peaked during the monsoon season. The majority of the abundance (96%) was contributed by four classes: Coscinodiscophyceae (35%), Mediophyceae (27%), Bacillariophyceae (25%) and Dinophyceae (9%). Bacillariophyceae exhibited higher species richness, while Coscinodiscophyceae dominated in terms of density. Cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed four separate groups with varying spatio-temporal attributes. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) post-hoc tests highlighted significant variations in environmental parameters across seasons. Various phytoplankton groups were positively correlated with the physio-chemical parameters such as temperature, alkalinity, free CO , NO , NO , silicate, temperature, orthophosphate and chlorophyll-a.2 3 2 Biota-environment stepwise analysis (BIO-ENV) underscored the importance of air temperature and free CO (?= 0.4929) as key factors shaping phytoplankton2 distribution and community structure. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) further showed the significant influence of parameters such as temperature, silicate, nitrite and orthophosphate on the phytoplankton community. Interpretation: Finding of this study enriches our comprehension of estuarine ecosystem dynamics, and this information may serve as a baseline study and thereby aid in framing management measures for long-term conservation and management of both biotic and abiotic components within estuaries.Item Zinc fortification and legume incorporation in forage based cropping systems: Implications for yield and nutrient dynamics(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Mir, N.H.; Alie, B.A.; Ahmad, S.; Bhat, S.S.; Atufa, R.Aim: To evaluate the synergistic effects of legume intercropping and zinc fortification on forage yield, and plant and soil nutrient dynamics. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design. Treatment combinations included five cropping systems, i.e., sole maize, sole cowpea, sole soybean, maize + cowpea (2:1), maize + soybean (2:1) and three zinc levels; Zn = control or no zinc application, Zn = 20 kg0 1 -1 -1 ZnSO ha (basal soil application) and Zn = 20 kg ZnSO ha (basal soil application) + 0.5% ZnSO sprayed twice (30 DAS and 50 DAS).4 2 4 4 -1 Results: Sole maize recorded highest dry matter (11938 kg ha )yield. Soil + foliar zinc application (Zn ) recorded an increase of 37.93 % increase in dry2 matter yield over control (Zn ). Maize + legumes recorded higher nitrogen uptake. There was an overall increase (122.34%) in zinc uptake from Zn to0 0 Zn . Soil + foliar applied Zn increased ZnUE by 27.60 % (619.14 kg) over soil applied Zn (485.19 kg). Zn application increased Zn values of soil to 0.502 ppm with soil application and 0.56 ppm with soil + foliar application from the initial value of 0.36 ppm. Interpretation: Intercropping of legumes and application of 20 kg ZnSO as basal soil application plus two foliar applications of 0.5% ZnSO at 30 and 504 4 days after sowing significantly increased forage yield, nutrient uptake and enhanced soil zinc levels.Item Genetic diversity and species prevalence revealed by Mitochondrial COI- DNA sequence of thrips population in cotton(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Nagrare, V.S.; Gawande, S.P.; Nagrale, D.T.; Thakare, V.S.; Baghele, D.J.; Biradar, V.K.; Nikoshe, A.P.; Meshram, M.; Narkhedkar, N.G.; Waghmare, V.N.Aim: To elucidate the population genetic diversity and species prevalence of thrips on cotton. Methodology: Thrips species were identified utilizing both mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence analysis and morphology-based keys. Results: Thrips palmi Karny, Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan), Ayyaria chaetophora Karny, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood and Rhipiphorothrips cruentatus Hood identified from collected samples. The distribution analysis revealed that T. palmi stands out as the most abundant and prevalent species, constituting a substantial majority (74%) and occupying a pervasive presence across most cotton-growing locations. The phylogenetic analysis, relying on COI sequences, clearly categorized these five species into four distinct major clades. T. hawaiiensis and R. cruentatus were placed within the first clade, while the second clade featured Scirtothrips dorsalis. The third clade comprised the abundant T. palmi, and the fourth clade accommodated A. chaetophora. Interpretation: The study highlighted genetic diversity of five species of thrips, accentuating the emergence of T. palmi as a dominant pest in cotton, an observation not previously reported.Item Enhancing yield and economics of banana cultivar Rasthali (Silk-AAB) through bunch spray of growth regulators and nutrients(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Pradeep, M.; Srivignesh, S.; Krishna, K.R.; Kathiresan, S.; Pravin, I.A.; Kumar, A.R.Aim: Poor finger filling is often observed in Rasthali bananas, which results in low fruit yield. Hence, different growth regulators and nutrients were sprayed at various concentrations to enhance the yield and economics of Rasthali banana. Methodology: The experiment was conducted at Dharumathupatti village, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu during 2022 and 2023 in a Randomized Block Design with eight treatments, replicated thrice. The treatments included Gibberellic acid @ 50 ppm (T ), NAA @ 50 ppm (T ), 2,4-D @ 25 ppm (T ),1 2 3 Ethephon @ 100 ppm (T ), Urea @ 10000 ppm (T ), Potassium nitrate @ 10000 ppm (T ), Potassium sulphate @ 20000 ppm (T ) and Control (T ). The4 5 6 7 8 spraying was done twice; the first spray at emergence of the last hand and the second, one month after the first spray. The observations on various growth, bunch and finger parameters as well as the benefit: cost ratio (B:C ratio) were recorded. Results: T treatment produced the highest number of leaves (8.97) whereas T treatment registered the minimum number of days taken from last hand7 4 opening to harvest (98.67). The highest bunch, finger parameters and benefit-to-cost ratio were also recorded in T treatment.7 Interpretation: Potassium sulphate (20000 ppm) effectively enhanced the growth, yield and economics of Rasthali banana.Item A comprehensive review on the role of Vitamin A on human health and nutrition(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Beer, K.; Singh, A.; Ravi, S.C.; Gupta, A.K.; Kumar, A.; Sharma, M.M.Vitamin A is a crucial nutrient that protects the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cellular components. Its antioxidant properties helps maintaining various physiological functions that depend on its presence, including vision, immune function and skin health. The human body can convert natural forms of vitamin A (retinol, retinal and retinoic acid) and provitamin A (?-carotene) into active forms, which interact with specific molecular targets, influencing gene expression, cell differentiation and cellular processes. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth examination of vitamin A, covering its dietary sources, physiological roles and consequences of deficiency. In this research review explored the metabolic pathways of vitamin A, including absorption, transport and storage, as well as its potential applications, offering a thorough understanding of this essential nutrient. Furthermore, we have decreased the latest research on vitamin A's role in, maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health, treating various diseases and conditions, such as retinal disorders, infectious diseases and cancer, mechanisms of action, including gene regulation, cell signaling, and antioxidant activity, relationships with other nutrients and health outcomes, including vitamin D, iron, and zinc, impact of deficiency on human health, including night blindness, impaired immunity, and skin disorders and emerging research on potential benefits and risks, including its role in chronic diseases and interactions with medications.Item Occurrence, distribution and description of Harmonia dimidiata (Fabricius), a predacious Coccinellid from West Bengal, India(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Majumder, T.; Roy, K.Aim: To provide information about the occurrence and distribution of Harmonia dimidiata from West Bengal and facilitate the identification of species based on morpho-taxonomy. Methodology: Survey was done in different agro-climatic zones of West Bengal. Specimens were procured from their associated host plants, brought to the laboratory and investigated for taxonomic characters. Results: The morpho-taxonomy of H. dimidiata, as well as its host record, and distribution, were fully explained in the present investigation. It is most common in hill, terai, and old alluvial zone of West Bengal. They have been observed preying on Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) in corn and Aphis gossypii (Glover). Interpretation: H. dimidiata population were recorded during survey from four different agro-climatic zones of West Bengal. They were observed to be preyed upon A. gossypii and R. maidis. The information about the biodiversity of H. dimidiata and their role as predator of numerous agriculturally important crop pests are extremely valuable that enrich our knowledge and immensely help in devising a pest management programme considering them as an important biocontrol agent. Furthermore, research on their biodiversity aids in learning about the predaceous behaviour in connection with the pest and crop populations, their reproduction and occurrence. This information is indeed praiseworthy while exploiting the ladybird species, H. dimidiata for a commercial biocontrol operation.Item Long term impact of manuring, fertilization and liming on soil resilience, enzyme activities and productivity under maize-wheat system in an acidic Alfisol(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Patil, K.; Biswas, S.; Mahapatra, P.; Purakayastha, T.J.; Das, D.; Raj, R.; Maity, P.P.; Singh, P.; Rahaman, R.Aim: This study was carried out to evaluate the long-term impact of manuring, fertilization and liming on soil resilience, enzyme activities and system productivity under changing climate scenarios. Methodology: The soil samples were collected from 67 year old long-term experiment going on, at Birsa Agricultural University, Jharkhand during 2022- 23 under maize-wheat cropping system from seven treatments, viz. T : control, T : 100 % N, T : 100 % FYM, T : ½ (N+FYM) + P + K , T : 100 % NPK,1 2 3 4 X/2 Y/2 5 T : Lime + NPK, T : Lime + FYM +P + K . To assess soil resistance and resilience, surface samples were subjected to with and without heat stress6 7 (A-X) (B-Y) -1 (48±2°C for 80 hrs) and substrate addition (0.02 g glucose g soil). Results: Application of FYM/lime with NPK significantly improved bulk density, pH, SOC and system productivity. The highest enzyme activities and cumulative respiration were observed in lime + FYM + P + K treatment. It exhibited the highest resistance index (0.92) and resilience index (0.34).(A-X) (B-Y) Interpretation: The integrated use of inorganic, organic along with liming proved to be a useful management strategy for maintaining soil quality, resistance and resilience, and crop productivity in acid soil of JharkhandItem Influence of spraying nutrients and bioregulators on vegetative growth, flowering and productivity of litchi(Triveni Enterprises, 2024-12) Nayak, S.; Tarai, R.K.; Swain, S.C.; Patra, C.; Nayak, R.K.; Panda, R.K.Aim: To investigate the influence of nutrients and bioregulators on the vegetative growth, flowering and productivity of Litchi. Methodology: The vegetative growth, flowering and productivity of litchi cv. Bombai was assessed through application of nutrients and bioregulators. Results: The plants receiving treatment with @ 0.5% Borax (T1) showed the highest percentage increase in canopy volume (7.56 %) and plant height (2.46 %) in litchi, outperforming all other treatments. The maximum productivity (38.69 kg per plant) was registered in plants under treatment T2 (0.3% Borax), which was found to be statistically at par (36.68 kg per plant) with plants treated with 0.1% Seaweed extract (T10) . The percentage increase in the plant height, plant spread in East-West and North-South direction, canopy volume, , fruit weight and fruit set capture positive correlation in both PC-1 and PC-2. The total contribution of PC-1 and PC-2 was 60.857 %. Interpretation: Among all the treatments, T2 (0.3% borax) and T4 (ZnSO @ 0.4%) treatments proved superior over other treatements with respect to4 vegetative growth, flowering and productivity parameters in litchi. However, further investigation need to be carried out with combination of these applied nutrients and bioregulators for getting acceptable results.Item Selection and development of superior strains through functional trait-based approach in agarophytic red alga Gracilaria dura (Rhodophyta)(Triveni Enterprises, 2023-11) Dawange, P.S.; Mantri, V.A.; Jaiswar, S.Aim: Gracilaria dura, a red agarophyte, is known for its high-quality agarose content and holds significant potential for commercial applications in aquaculture-related industries. The successful commercial utilization of seaweeds relies heavily on obtaining high-quality seed material with commercially valuable traits. Methodology: This study focuses on employing a functional trait-based approach to develop superior strains of G. dura for commercial aquaculture in India. Cultivation through an open sea farm, variations in growth, agar yield, pigments, antioxidant capacity, and primary productivity among the strains were observed. Results: The daily growth rate ranged from 0.5 to 3.5% per day, while pigment content exhibited variations in the Chlorophyll-a, R-Phycocyanin, and R-Phycoerythrin contents. Antioxidant capacity and gross primary productivity also displayed diverse ranges. From a total of 38 strains of G. dura, three were selected based on their growth and other functional traits, namely ADI0221201, VER0220090, and ADI0221202. Positive correlations were identified between growth and regeneration, as well as growth and Chl-a. Agar content showed a positive association with antioxidant capacity and productivity. 1H NMR analysis identified 12 metabolites as potential biomarkers for G. dura growth. Interpretation: All three selected strains hold promise for future commercial cultivation of Gracilaria dura. Furthermore, six additional strains were selected based on their higher growth and agar yield for targeted breeding and hybridization to enhance desirable traits.Item Comparative studies on ber genotypes under arid conditions of Western Maharashtra(Triveni Enterprises, 2023-09) Kamble, S.; Joshi, V.R.; Kulkarni, S.S.; Wanave, A.; Kumar, R.Aim: To determine the nature and magnitude of variation among ber genotypes for different morphological and biochemical characters; and to identify the potential genotypes with promising attributes under arid conditions of Western Maharashtra. Methodology: The observations on metric traits were recorded following the standard procedures. The genetic divergence among the 28 ber genotypes was estimated by Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). Results: The genotype S211 had performed better in terms of fruit weight and estimated the heaviest fruit (22.58 g). The maximum fruit length (4.3 cm) was determined in the genotype Mundia, while the genotype Seo had the maximum fruit diameter (3.60 cm). Genotypes Katha (6.8 kg), S211 (6.7 kg), Dandan (6.4 kg) and Betawadi (6.1 kg) were found superior for yield than the remaining genotypes. In terms of fruit quality, Senure No.3 contained maximum TSS content (21.70 ºBrix) whereas Mundia witnessed minimum titratable acidity (0.19%) and Safeda Rohtaki had the highest acidity percentage (0.87%). Interpretation: PCA revealed Nazuk, Bagwadi, Banarasi Pebandi, and Senure No.3 to be superior ber genotypes that outperformed PC1 and PC2 based on the quality of representation of these genotypes on the factor map.Item Characterization of chemical composition of ethanolic extract of bee pollen in India(Triveni Enterprises, 2023-11) Khakhlary, D.; Rana, A.Aim: Bee pollen is a mixture of pollen/male gametophyte of flowers, nectar/sweet liquid substance from flowers and salivary secretions of bees. It comprises a huge diversity of compounds which are thought to work together for medicinal purpose. The present study was undertaken to assess the bioactive components of bee pollens responsible for therapeutic properties. Methodology: The volatile chemicals compounds found in ethanolic extracts of Apis mellifera pollen were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: The observations revealed the presence of hydrocarbons, sugars and their derivatives, fatty acids, glycosides, alcohol, esters, aldehyde and carbamate. Interpretation: Present findings authenticate huge chemical diversity and hence, further study on pollens is required due to its broad spectrum of potential medicinal and nutritional activities.