Browsing by Author "Rajwinder Singh"
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ThesisItem Embargo Amphibian diversity and abundance in relation to pesticide residues in rice fields and village ponds(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Shelly; Rajwinder SinghSix amphibian species were recorded from transplanted rice crop fields of both Ludhiana (Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Duttaphrynus stomaticus, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, Euphlyctis adolfi, Fejerverya limnocharisi and Hoplobatarachus tigerinus) and in Panchkula (Hoplobatrachus crassus in place of Euphlyctis adolfi). However, 36.03-37.93% increase in amphibian population was recorded in unsprayed as compared to sprayed transplanted rice crop fields, respectively from Ludhiana and Panchkula. Total mean population in unsprayed fields was 37.05% higher as compared to sprayed fields. Increase in body weight of males (2.96-14.21%) was more than females (3.87-11.17%) in unsprayed than sprayed fields. Villages ponds included four species with Ludhiana as 22.23% more abundant than Panchkula. On land, population was 61.86-67.80% more than water. Residential areas included three species with Panchkula 2.32% more abundant than Ludhiana. Positive correlation was found between amphibian population with atmospheric temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. Pesticide residues were below the limit of quantification (0.01 mg kg-1) in soil, excretory contents and water samples without any amphibian morphological abnormality. Our findings imply that amphibian species may prefer agricultural environments, permanent ponds with good vegetation cover or crops and devoid of urbanization. Rice ecosystems helps amphibians in completing their life cycle, as rice cultivation practices provides a landscape mosaic of hydroperiods which further increases the diversity of regional species by providing habitats for a variety of species.ThesisItem Restricted Amphibian diversity and abundance in relation to pesticide residues in village ponds and Kanjli Wetland(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Ankita; Rajwinder SinghThe present study investigates amphibian diversity and abundance in relation to pesticide residues in village ponds (Chotian Kalan, Darapur and Kukhrana) of district Moga and Kanjli Wetland and was carried out from June 2021 to May 2022. The results revealed the occurrence of three amphibian species (Duttaphrynus stomaticus, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus and Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis) belonging to order Anura and two families (Bufonidae and Dicroglossidae). Abundance of amphibians was reported to be highest in village Chotian Kalan followed by village Darapur and village Kukhrana of district Moga. Comparison of sites such as land and water showed that diversity and abundance of amphibians was higher on land as compared to water in all three village ponds and Kanjli Wetland. Duttaphrynus stomaticus was found only on land and not in water. Hoplobatrachus tigerinus was found to be heaviest as compared to other two species. A positive correlation of amphibian population was recorded between temperature and relative humidity. The recoveries of pesticide residues were below the limit of quantification (0.01 mg kg-1) in soil, water and excretory contents of amphibians of selected sites. Our findings imply that amphibian species prefer agricultural ecosystem as compared to residential areas. Hence, new ponds should not be constructed near residential areas due to negative consequences of urbanisation and anthropogenic habitat change.ThesisItem Embargo Diversity and abundance of spiders and their predatory potential against lepidopteran pests in maize crop (Zea mays)(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Noorani; Rajwinder SinghPresent study was conducted with an objective to study on diversity and abundance of spiders and their predatory potential against lepidopteran pests in kharif and spring maize crop during 2021-22. About 31 different species of spiders belonged to order Araneae and seven different families Tetragnathidae, Araneidae, Oxyopidae, Lycosidae, Salticidae, Pisauridae and Phylodromidae were recorded where Lycosidae (38.70%) showed the highest dominance. In kharif and spring maize crops the number of spider species recorded were 20 and 15, respectively. The dominant genus belonged to Pardosa with account of 10 species. Functional response of four dominant spider species (Lycosa pseudoannulata, Pardosa pseudoannulata, Pardosa amenata and Pardosa milvinia) was studied against major lepidopterans (Chilo partellus) and (Spodoptera frugiperda) which showed type II functional response where larval consumption increased with increased prey density, but after reaching to the upper asymptote it started decreasing. Interestingly, this predation was recorded against 2nd instars and 3rdinstar and adult lepidopterans except 4th and 5th larval instars due to their large size. Thus, present study suggests that spider fauna in maize crop fields should be protected by judicious use of insecticide applications so as to utilize their full potential in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme which can manage the most damaging stage (3rd instar) of major lepidopteran pests i.e., fall armyworm and maize stem borer, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access Effect Of Paracetamol On Pharmacokinetics Of Ceftizoxime In Crossbred Cow Calves(Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, 2000) Rajwinder Singh; R. K. ChaudharyThe present study was planned to determir e the effect of paracetamol on pharmacokinetics and dosage regimen of ceftizoxime in crossbred cow calves. Ceftizoxime and paracetamol were administered by intramuscular route at a dose rate of 10 and 50 mg.kg-1 body weight, respectively. Ceftizoxime in plasma was estimated by the microbiological assay technique using Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) as the test organism, while paracetamol was estimated by spectrophotometric method. Following administration of ceftizoxime alone, drug followed one compartment open model. The minimum inhibitory concentration 1.0 j_tg.m1-1) was maintained from 1 min to 6 h after its administration. The values of absorption half-life, elimination half life, apparent volume of distribution (Vd(area)) and total body clearance were 0.23 ± 0.03 h, 1.44 ± 0.12 h, 0.58 L.kg-1 and 283.4 ± 28.1 ml.kg-1.11-1, respectively. Pharmacokinetics of ceftizoxime was also analysed by one compartment open model, when it was administered with paracetamol. The M1C was maintained from 1 min to 8 h. The values of absorption half life, elimination half life, Vd(area), and C18 were 0.12 ± 0.04 h, 2.78 ± 0.59 h, 0.58 ± 0.01 L.kg-1 and 164.3 ± 32.2 ml.kg-1.h-1, respectively, when ceftizoxime was administered with paracetamol. The t1,2Ka, tvg, Vd(area. and C1B of paracetamol were 0.31 ± 0.09 h, 2.27 ± 0.39 h, 1.35 ± 0.44 L.kgand 387.6 ± 51.14 ml.kg-1.h-1, respectively. On the basis of pharmacokinetic data, a satisfactory intramuscular dosage regimen for ceftizoxime alone would be 11.7 mg.kg-1 followed by 11.6 mg.kg-1 at 6 h ntervals. However, the dosage regimen for ceftizoxime was reduced to 7.5 ng.kg-1 followed by 6.1 mg.kg-1 at 6 h interval when it was given with paracetamol. On the basis of information gathered from the present study, it is concluded that the concomitant administration of paracetamol alters the pharmacokinetics and dosage regimen of ceftizoxime.ThesisItem Open Access Impact assessment and adoption of rodent control strategies by farmers(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Shubhkiran Kaur; Rajwinder SinghThe present research “Impact assessment and adoption of rodent control strategies by farmers” was carried out in the three selected villages of District Ludhiana, namely Dhatt, Boparai and Raqba; categorized as maintenance, neglected and survey villages, respectively. Farmers from thee selected villages were categorized as: large, medium and small farmers based upon their land holdings. There was pre-dominance of Bandicota bengalensis over Tatera indica followed by Mus booduga and Milardia meltada. It was concluded from the study through KAP analysis that after imparting education and training to farmers there was increase in farmer’s knowledge and attitude towards rodents’ control. Increase in percentage was recorded among the large farmers followed by medium and small farmers of maintenance and neglected villages. All large farmers use rodenticides in their fields after knowing the correct method of poison bait application as more %control success and less %cut tillers, yield loss and burrow count were recorded among the large farmers of neglected and maintenance villages. Medium and small farmers only apply the rodenticides to their fields when these are provided to them at free of cost. So, timely education and training to farmers for rodent control management are very important aspect for controlling rodent population in fields. So, government policies should be made in such a way that subsidized rodenticides should be supplied to the farmers which will be used by the farmers and thus, there will be reduction in rodent loss to the food grains.ThesisItem Embargo Impact of organic applications on soil macro invertebrates in rice-wheat cropping system(Punjab Agricultural University, 2022) Bhatia, Muskan; Rajwinder SinghInvestigation on organic applications revealed that wheat crop was harboured by 38 species (14 within soil, 24 on soil/plant surface), rice crop by 50 species (16 within soil, 34 on soil surface) being dominated by order coleoptera. In both crops, higher value of Shannon-Wiener index, species evenness, species richness and lower value of Simpson's index were recorded within soil in farmyard manure (15 Vha) as compared to other treated plots. Macro invertebrate population within soil in farmyard manure (15 Uha), biochar (4 tha) and green manure was 2.14, 1.45, 1.52 (wheat) and 2.66, 1.54, 1.64 (rice) times more than their respective conventional plots. Higher macro invertebrate population within soil was recorded in treated rice crop (25.40-44.92%) as compared to conventional plots (6.00-16.00%) over preceding wheat crop. In wheat crop, invertebrate population was distributed from November- April (higher incidence in March), in rice crop from July-October (higher incidence in September) being highest in farmyard manure (15 Uha) plots. Higher value of Shannon- Wiener index, species evenness, species richness and lower value of Simpson's index were recorded in farmyard manure (15 tha) plots for on surface invertebrates. In wheat crop. invertebrates had positive correlation with soil and atmospheric temperatures, negative correlation with soil moisture and relative humidity. In rice crop, invertebrates had negative correlation with soil and atmospheric temperatures, soil moisture, and positive corelation with relative humidity. Thus, addition of different organic applications for soil management practices decreases bulk density and increases organic carbon, soil macro invertebrate population which may further improves soil health.ThesisItem Open Access Population dynamics and burrow structure of lesses handicoot rat, bandicota bengaensis (gray and hardwicke) in rice-wheat crops(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Kajalpreet Kaur; Rajwinder SinghRodents are major vertebrate pests in agricultural crops, causing damage to the extent of 2 to 8% in various cmps. They also transmit many infectious diseases to humans and pets. Rodents live in various habitat by forming burrows of different sizes, structure with various identification factors. the species of rats and mice inhabiting crop fields in Punjab. In the present smdy, the main ojective was to smdy the population dynamics and burrow structure of B. bengatensis in relation to different stages of’rice-wheat crops and determination of endopamsitic fauna inhabiting B. bengalensis trapped mom rice and wheat tields. The study was conducted in village Dhatt, District Ludhiana and laboratory smdy was carried out in the Department of Zoology and Soil 5cience at Punjab AgriculMal University, Ludhiana.ThesisItem Open Access Prevalence of Indian flying fox, Pteropus giganteus Brunnich (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) and its damage in ber crop(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-, 2020) Ali, Shahid; Rajwinder Singhhe present study was conducted with the motive of collecting information about roosting preference, population fluctuation of P. giganteus from three different sites; Panjab University Campus, Chandigarh; Company Bagh, District Jalandhar and village Ayali Khurd, District Ludhiana and observe damage done by fruit bat in ber fruits along with their management using LED bulbs of different wattages which was conducted at “New Orchard” of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during 2017-18 and 2018-19. In Panjab University Campus Chandigarh, during 2017-19, the mean bat population varies from 2809 to 2953 with 5.1% increase in P. giganteus bat population during 2018-19 as compared to 2017-18. Interestingly, for both years, during winter season, bats preferred to roost on pinus and eucalyptus, whereas during summer and rainy seasons more bat population was recorded on mango, sterculia, jamun and silver oak. Per cent population of bats roosted on tree species was highest on pinus (35.40%), silver oak (19.63%), sterculia (13.73%) and mango (13.21%). In Company Bagh, Jalandhar Cantonment, mean bat population varies from 1754 to 1861 with 6.07% increase in bat population during 2018-19 as compared to 2017-18. Interestingly, during winter season, bats preferred to roost on pinus and eucalyptus, whereas during summer and rainy seasons more bat population was recorded on mango, sterculia, jamun, ficus and silver oak. Per cent population of bats roosted on tree species was highest on silver oak (20.09%), eucalyptus (19.95%), pilkhan (16.95), pinus (10.70%) and ficus (10.70%). In village Ayali Khurd, mean bat population varies from 346 to 252 with 27.20% decrease in bat population during 2018-19 as compared to 201718. Per cent population of bats roosted on tree species was highest on eucalyptus (97.52%) as compared to banyan tree (2.48%). During May when there is highest atmospheric temperature (31.6 to 32.4°C) and lowest relative humidity (42.0 to 44.0%), bats migrate from their roosting site to a long distance and come back again during October-November months, due to less availability of tree species surrounding the roosting site, unlike other selected roosting sites along with human settlement. Depending upon the temperature and relative humidity (%) of the environment bats shows their seasonal shifting pattern on different tree species. Mean damaged ber fruit recorded was 10.94 kg/tree, per cent yield loss 10.49% and ber fruit loss of Rs. 383.25/tree. Interestingly, a minimum damage (0.51%) to ber fruits was recorded when LED bulbs of 30 watts were used in ber orchards. So, it is concluded that by using 16 LED bulbs of 30 watt/acre at a distance of 50×50 feet and 6 feet above tree canopy, farmers can get profit of Rs. 9386.0/acre which will help them to keep the fruit bats away from ber orchards thus reduce damage and increase farm income.ThesisItem Restricted Soil macro invertebrate diversity in relation to different organic applications in maize-wheat cropping system.(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Garg, Geetika; Rajwinder SinghPresent investigation on soil macro invertebrate diversity in relation to different organic applications like farmyard manure (7.5 t/ha and 15 t/ha), biochar (2 t/ha and 4 t/ha) and green manure in maize-wheat cropping system was carried during 2020-21. Wheat crop was harboured by 39 species, out of which 12 species (5 orders and 10 families) were present within soil and 27 species (7 orders and 16 families) on soil/plant surface whereas maize crop was harboured by 53 species, out of which 17 species (7 orders and 13 families) were present within soil and 36 species (9 orders and 25 families) on soil surface being dominated by coleoptera. In wheat and maize crops, higher value of Shannon-Wiener index (2.11 and 2.22), species evenness (0.90 and 0.82), species richness (11 and 15) and lower value of Simpson’s index (0.15 and 0.14) were recorded within soil invertebrates in farmyard manure plots (15 t/ha). In wheat crop, total macro invertebrate population within soil present in farmyard manure (15 t/ha), biochar (4 t/ha) and green manure plots was 2.08, 1.27 and 1.51 times more than conventional plots whereas in maize crop, it was 2.15, 1.28 and 1.60 times more than conventional plots. Higher macro invertebrate population within soil was recorded in treated plots of maize crop (23.06-46.72%) as compared to conventional plots (5.33-14.03%) over preceding wheat crop. In wheat crop, total invertebrate population within soil was distributed from November-April (higher incidence during March) and ranged from 285.44-546.28 in treated as compared to conventional (261.83) being highest in farmyard manure (15 t/ha) plots. Similarly, in maize crop, total invertebrate population within soil was distributed from June-September (higher incidence during August) and ranged from 1260.72634.01 in treated as compared to conventional (585.40) being highest in farmyard manure (15 t/ha) plots. Among macro invertebrates on soil surface for both crops, higher value of ShannonWiener index (2.78 and 3.37), species evenness (0.85 and 0.96), species richness (26 and 36) and lower value of Simpson’s index (0.08 and 0.04) were recorded in farmyard manure (15 t/ha) plots. In wheat and maize crops, total phytophagous invertebrate population among various treated plots varied from 793.0-1494.03 and 73.57-121.0 whereas predacious population varied from 63.72142.82 and 28.60-79.0, being lowest in biochar (4 t/ha) plots. In wheat crop, invertebrates had positive correlation (+0.03 to +0.77) with soil temperature and negative correlation with soil moisture (-0.17 to -0.99) whereas positive correlation (+0.25 to +0.90) with atmospheric temperature and negative correlation with relative humidity (-0.06 to -0.83). In maize crop, invertebrates had positive correlation with soil temperature and soil moisture (+0.10 to +0.99), atmospheric temperature and relative humidity (+0.04 to +0.64). Thus, addition of different organic applications for land management practices, increases organic carbon and soil macro invertebrate population which may further improves soil health and hence, crop yield.ThesisItem Open Access Study of invertebrate diversity in sprayed and unsprayed vegetable fields of okra crop(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Ramanpreet Kaur; Rajwinder SinghThe present investigation was carried out from July 2019 to October 2019 at Vegetable Farm and Department of Zoology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to generate information on diversity of invertebrates in okra crop. It was revealed that okra crop has been harboured by 39 invertebrate species belonging to 16 orders and 31 families, maximum number of species belonged to order Hemiptera followed by Coleoptera. Both earwig and millipede were positively correlated with mean temperature (r=+0.24 to +0.37) and mean relative humidity (r=+0.69 to +0.80). All the predators had significant positive correlation with temperature (r=+0.88 to +0.99) except robber fly. Whereas, all predator species were positively correlated with relative humidity (r=+0.06 to +0.74). All the phytophagous arthropods and non arthropods had a positive correction with relative humidity (r=+0.19 to +0.80). except dusky cotton bug, mealy bug, ash weevil and rice stem borer which were negatively correlated (r=-0.03 to -0.96). However, all the phytophagous arthropods and non arthropods were positively correlated (r=+0.37 to +0.67) with mean temperature except rice stem borer, white spotted leaf beetle, jassid, red cotton bug, dusky cotton bug, mealy bug, red pumpkin beetle and ash weevil which were negatively correlated (r=-0.03 to -0.82). Higher value of Shannon-Wiener index (1.75, 1.84 and 1.13) and Simpson‟s index (0.26, 0.17 and 0.35) were recorded for control plot for phytophagous arthropods, predators and soil invertebrates, respectively followed by neem baan 50,000 ppm @ 0.8 ml/l of water [Shannon wiener index (1.71, 1.79 and 0.96) and Simpson‟s index (0.27, 0.19 and 0.43) for phytophagous arthropods, predators and soil invertebrates, respectively]. This indicated that control and neem baan treated plots were more diverse and supported higher population of natural enemies as compared to insecticide treated ones. Although, the use of chemical pesticides cannot be omitted completely as they form the mainstay of management strategies, yet their use can be limited by including biopesticides like neem baan 50,000 ppm @ 0.8 ml/l of water for the control of harmful arthropods which could provide cheaper alternative for management of phytophagous arthropods without effecting predators. This study can help us to plan the management strategies in advance so that control measures can be taken on time to reduce the phytophagous arthropods to minimize the crop damage.ThesisItem Open Access Study on antifertility effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum Linn.) on house rat, Rattus rattus (Linn.)(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Rana, Priyanka; Rajwinder SinghPresent study was conducted to investigate anti-fertility effects of fenugreek seed alcoholic extract (FSAE) against male and female Rattus rattus at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2018-20. FSAE treated baits 1, 2 and 3 containing 30, 60 and 90% fenugreek seed powder in WSO bait were fed to rats for 15 days in bi-choice conditions. Results revealed that percent acceptance and mean active ingredient ingested varied from 15.9732.24% and 0.59-1.33 g/kg bwt in R. rattus, respectively in different treatments. Antifeedant index (%) varied from 37.40-67.85% showed development of habituation towards treated baits. Weight of reproductive organs of both sexes was significantly reduced. A significant reduction in progressive sperm motility, concentration, viability and increase in sperm morphological abnormalities in males and significant alternation in length of estrous cycle with prolonged di-estous and shortened estrous stages of females fed on treated bait 3 was recorded. There was significant reduction in number of both germ and sertoli cells in different stages (12) of seminiferous epithelial cycle (identified by haematoxylin-eosin) in male and number of ovarian follicles in ovary, endometrium thickness and diameter of uterine glands in uterus of female. Significant influence on different hormone levels was observed in R. rattus fed on treated bait 3. Reversibility was also recorded after 15 days of termination of treatment. Reduction in breeding success (50%) was recorded as compared to control. FSAE treated bait 3 was further evaluated under indoor grain stores, where active ingredient consumption was 1.18% for 21 days. Due to insufficient consumption of active ingredient, low anti-fertility effect was observed as witnessed by minimum effect in R. rattus reproductive parameters. Present study indicates significant effect of FSAE treated bait 3 (90%) in reducing reproductive potential and inducing sterility in R. rattus under laboratory conditions, but the effect was reversible after 15 days of treatment. To get the field efficacy of FSAE as antifertility agent against R. rattus, the acceptability of FSAE treated bait 3 must be enhanced. So, alcoholic extract of fenugreek seeds (90%) may be used as a potential anti-fertility agent and can be used in Integrated Rodent Control programme.ThesisItem Restricted Toxicological effects induced by acephate in male Wistar rats(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2020) Saloni, Saloni; Rajwinder SinghAcephate, an organophosphate pesticide is widely used in agriculture against sucking pests like white flies, jassids, aphids and leaf miners etc., and was used in the present study to investigate its noxious effects on male Wistar rats at three sub-chronic dose levels of 1/50th, 1/25th and 1/10th of LD50 for four weeks. It was observed that at the highest dose (1/10th of LD50), rats were moderately aggressive and wounds along with cloudy eyes and severe hair-fall was observed. Rats treated with 1/25th of LD50 dose were hyperactive, whereas those treated with 1/50th of LD50 show depressed activity. Average water (67.83%) and feed consumption (24.10%) decreased significantly in 1/10th of LD50 dose as compared to control and other treatments. Net body weight gain was non-significantly lower (5.82%) in 1/10th of LD50 treated dose as compared to control. On the completion of four weeks, rats were dissected and it was observed that the weight of liver significantly decreased (8.57%) in 1/10th of LD50 treated rats, whereas a non-significant decrease was recorded among lungs (20.51%), testis (33.78%), kidney (7.89%), heart (9.67%) and spleen (7.69%) at all doses. The activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, lipid peroxidation and glutathione-S-transferase were differentially altered in liver, kidney, testis and plasma of treated (1/50th, 1/25th and 1/10th of LD50) rats. A non-significant decreased level of AOA, ACP, ALP and phospholipids were observed in all the treatments as compared to control. In testis, cholesterol level increased (2.42 times) non-significantly, whereas level of total lipids decreased (18.76%) significantly at 1/10th of LD50 in treated rats as compared to control. Sperm motility, viability and concentration decreased, while sperm abnormality increased in a dose-dependent manner among all the treated groups. Thus, effecting reproductive potentials of rat. Results of spermatogenic cell count revealed that the number of cells decline with increasing dose of acephate. On evaluating histoarchitectural changes, testis revealed distorted and necrotic seminiferous tubules, vacuolar degeneration and reduced spermatozoa in lumen. Acephate did not exhibit immunotoxicity as no concentric rings appeared in the slides of treated groups, but acephate definitely interacted with DNA as comet tail was observed in 1/10th of LD50 treated rats, whereas at lower doses little DNA damage was observed. The present study provides insight to the fact that acephate induces oxidative stress, DNA damage along with degenerative histological changes in testes. Besides this, acephate was genotoxic but not an immunotoxic agent.