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ThesisItem Open Access Physico-Chemical and Marker Based Characterization of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm for Organoleptic Properties and Cooking Quality(SKUAST Kashmir, 2024) Nakeeb-Un-Nisa; Ishfaq AbidiRice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the few crops with a diverse genetic base. Grain milling, appearance, cooking, and other quality attributes are among the many closely related characteristics that make up rice grain quality. Evaluation of germplasm for grain and cooking quality is very important to obtain basic information about the breeding programmes. So, present study was conducted with the objective of cooking quality and physico-chemical characterization of 200 rice germplasm lines representing indica and japonica subspecies of rice and SSR marker based profiling of same rice germplasm lines consisting of pre-released and released varieties and also some local landraces. The data on various descriptive statistics, variability and diversity analysis indicated that all grain and cooking quality descriptors showed remarkable differences in their distribution and amount of variations within them. Correlation analysis showed that significant and positive correlation existed between traits like milling percentage and head rice recovery percentage, kernel elongation ratio and kernel elongation index, kernel length/breadth ratio after cooking and kernel length after cooking, kernel length/breadth ratio before cooking and kernel length before cooking, rough grain length/breadth ratio and rough grain length, kernel length/breadth ratio before cooking and kernel length/breadth ratio after cooking. Also kernel length/breadth ratio before cooking exhibited significant and negative correlation with traits like kernel breadth before cooking and rough grain breadth. Rough grain length/breadth ratio showed substantial negative correlation with rough grain breadth. Similarly, kernel length/breadth ratio after cooking showed significant negative correlation with kernel breadth after cooking. The significant positive relationship between desired attributes is beneficial since it aids in the simultaneous enhancement of both traits. Diversity analysis based on Euclidean dissimilarity matrix grouped 200 rice germplasm into two main clusters on the basis of amylose content, gel consistency, grain type and grain shape traits. The pattern of constellation proved the existence of significant amount of variability. Cluster 1 constituted 136 rice gemplasm lines, forming the largest cluster. Cluster II consisted of 62 rice germplasm lines, while Pusa Basmti-1509 and GS-284 fall outside of both the clusters. Principal component analysis explained that first, second and third principal coordinates account for 35.9, 13.9 and 11 per cent of the variation, respectively. The use of 3 gene based SSR markers for diversity analysis located on chromosomes 6 of rice detected 18 alleles across 200 rice germplasm lines. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 8; with an average of 6.0 alleles per locus. The PIC value of RM190, RM170 and RM253 was 0.776, 0.676 and 0.449, respectively with an average of 0.65. Markers depicting high polymorphism (RM190 and RM170) are suggested for use in molecular characterization of accessions from various sources. RM190 explained about 84.5 % variation of amylose content in the present study. The results of RM190 marker can help us utilize Waxy alleles in marker assisted breeding for grain quality improvement. The results reflected high genetic differentiation existing in this rice germplasm set, and proved the worth of molecular markers as supplementary tool for germplasm characterization. Characterization of germplasm with more number of highly informative markers is also suggested for ensuring uniqueness of each genotype at molecular level.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of foliar spray of micro-nutrients on the growth of mulberry and its impact on the silkworm, Bombyx mori L. rearing(SKUAST Kashmir, 2024) Sheetal Rani; Noor-ul-DinInvestigation on “Effect of foliar spray of micro-nutrients on the growth of mulberry and its impact on the silkworm, Bombyx mori L. rearing” was carried at the experimental farm of College of Temperate Sericulture, SKUAST-Kashmir, Mirgund which is located at 340.17N latitude and 740.17E longitude at an altitude of 1585 meters above mean sea level. Goshoerami mulberry variety was taken for this experiment. The present investigation was carried under two experiments, i.e. “Influence of foliar spray on mulberry qualitative and quantitative parameters with Randomized Block Design (RBD)” and “Influence of foliar spray on silkworm rearing and cocoon parameters with Complete Randomized Design (CRD)”, during 2017 and 2018 with 17 different treatments including one control, where no micronutrient spray was used. Foliar spray of liquid formulations was done twice, first on 30th day after sprouting/pruning of mulberry and second 15 days after first spray at the rate of 600 litres of formulation/hectare/spray. Rearing was conducted as usual up to 3rd stage. From day 1st of 4th age up to seriposition the worms were reared on treated leaves as per the experiment details. Iron sulphate, zinc sulphate, manganese sulphate and copper sulphate were used as foliar sprays for supplementing Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu respectively. Iron, zinc, manganese and copper was sprayed at 4 different concentrations each viz., 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4%. Soil analysis was conducted at initial stage, which revealed that pH, electrical conductivity, exchangeable calcium and exchangeable magnesium increased with soil depth of (0-30cm to 30-60cm) with values of (7.28-8.00), (0.21-0.23dSm-1), (3044.99-3995.40 ppm) and (900.06-964.56 ppm) respectively. It further revealed that organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, iron, zinc, manganese and copper decreased with soil depth (0-30cm to 30-60cm) with values of (2.09-1.62 %), (113.09-60.23 ppm), (13.00-7.57 ppm), (133.59-82.50 ppm), (12.26-10.00 ppm), (8.99-6.00 ppm), (0.58-0.52 ppm), (11.60-7.99 ppm) and (2.47-1.20 ppm) respectively. Regarding the plant parameters, supplementing leaf with Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu through foliar spray had a significant effect on many mulberry growth and yield parameters. Maximum values for length of longest branch, average branch length, number of leaves per plant, fresh weight of 100 leaves, leaf yield, moisture content and crude protein content of (120.118 cm), (102.890 cm), (1022), (439.117 g), (4.957 kg), (78.653 %) and (17.719 %) during spring and (123.333 cm),(105.333 cm), (785), (596.550 g), (5.216 kg), (76.060 %) and (16.072%) during autumn, were recorded in T12(Mn@0.4%) respectively. Higher content of iron (254.140ppm), zinc (32.950 ppm), manganese (104.825ppm) and copper (16.245ppm) in mulberry leaves were recorded in treatments with higher levels of foliar spray viz., T4=Fe@0.4%, T8=Zn@0.4%, T12=Mn@0.4% and T16=Cu@0.4%respectively. Silkworm larvae were fed on treated leaf and all biological and economic parameters were recorded. Results obtained indicated that foliar spray of Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu had a significant effect on many rearing parameters. Maximum weight of 10 mature larvae, Cocoon yield/10000 larvae by number, Cocoon yield/10000 larvae by weight, Pupation rate, Single cocoon weight, Single shell weight and Shell ratio % age with values of (55.708g), (9116), (19.99kg), (91.720%), (2.17g), (0.49g) and (22.58 %) respectively, were recorded in T12=Mn@0.4%.It further revealed that highest values for average filament length, raw silk %age and denier with values of (1102 m), (15.371%) and (2.995) respectively, were recorded in T12=Mn@0.4%.Supplementing leaf with Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu through foliar spray had a significant effect on many mulberry and rearing parameters. Foliar spray of T12=Mn@0.4% had resulted in increased leaf yield and improvement in rearing parameters, suggesting the need for use of manganese @ 0.4% in conjunction could pave way for increased cocoon crop.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on the impact of Spirulina and Thyroxine on growth and silk production of the silkworm, Bombyx mori L.(SKUAST Kashmir, 2024) Sameena Maqbool; Sahaf, K ANutrition plays an important role in the growth and development of silkworm Bombyx mori L. which subsequently influences the cocoon production. Although the mulberry leaves are complete diet for silkworm, the supplementation with extra nutrients results in higher yields. In the present investigation entitled “Studies on the impact of Spirulina and Thyroxine on growth and silk production of the Silkworm, Bombyx mori L.” Carried out at College of Temperate Sericulture, Mirgund, during the year 2021 and 2022 rearing of bivoltine hybrid (CSR2 × CSR4) was conducted. Two fortificants viz., Spirulina and Thyroxine with three different concentrations i.e., 300ppm, 400ppm, 500ppm and 1.25ppm, 2.50ppm, 5.00ppm respectively were utilized to determine their effect on growth and development of silkworm, dietary efficiencies, commercial cocoon characters, and on biomolecules of haemolymph and silk gland. These fortificants as per treatment concentration and combinations plans were sprayed on the mulberry leaves and fed to the silkworm during 4th and 5th instar. Two controls viz., control –I (Worms fed with mulberry leaves treated with distilled water) and control –II (worms fed with mulberry leaves without any treatment) were also maintained along with treated batches. During spring season the results showed that the ingesta of (15.86g), digesta of (11.77g), excreta of (4.09g), approximate digestibility of (74.20%), efficiency of conversion of ingesta to larva of (26.74%), efficiency of conversion of ingesta to cocoon of (14.52 %), efficiency of conversion of ingesta to shell of ( 3.38%), ingesta/ g of cocoon of (96.89g) and ingesta/g of shell of (29.57g), respectively were recorded when mulberry leaves were fortified with treatment combination of spirulina (500ppm) and thyroxine (5.00ppm) During autumn season the ingesta of (14.84g), digesta of (11.74g), excreta of (4.06 g), approximate digestibility of (72.67%), efficiency of conversion of ingesta to larva of (27.67%) ,efficiency of conversion of ingesta to cocoon of (13.36 %), efficiency of conversion of ingesta to shell of (3.08%), ingesta/ g of cocoon of (7.48g )and ingesta/g of shell of (32.50g) were also observed when mulberry leaves were fortified with treatment combination of spirulina (500ppm) and thyroxine (5.00ppm) during spring season the shortest 5th age and total larval duration of (170.60, 650.60 hours ) respectively ,the highest weight of 10 mature larvae of (51.36 grams), silk gland weight of (1.67grams), silk gland length of (28.61cm), silk gland somatic tissue index of (32.14 %) , silk conversion of (32.13 %) , cocoon yield of 9301.96 cocoon / 10,000 larvae by number, cocoon yield of (21.44 kg) by weight, single cocoon weight of (2.30 g) , single shell weight of ( 0.54 g) , shell percentage of (23.30 %), pupation rate of ( 94.74 %), fecundity of (598) eggs per laying ,hatching percentage of( 98.87%) were recorded when mulberry leaves were fortified with treatment combination of spirulina ( 500ppm) and thyroxine (5.00ppm). During autumn seasons the shortest 5th age and total larval duration of (216.24, 696.24) hours respectively, the highest weight of 10 mature larvae of (49.48g), silk gland weight of (1.64g), silk gland length of (27.63 cm), silk gland somatic tissue index of( 33.15 %), silk conversion of (31.50 %) , cocoon yield of 9033.46 cocoon / 10,000 larvae by number, cocoon yield of (18.54 kg) by weight, single cocoon weight of (1.98 g) , single shell weight of (0.45 g) , shell percentage of( 23.03 %), pupation rate of (91.77 %), fecundity of (571) eggs per laying, hatching percentage of (94.85%) were also recorded when mulberry leaves were fortified with treatment combination of spirulina( 500ppm) and thyroxine (5.00ppm).In case of post cocoon parameters during spring season the longest filament length of (1149.17m) , thinnest filament size (denier) of (2.49) , the highest raw silk percentage of 18.31% , highest silk reelability of (89.25 %) . During autumn season the longest filament length of (982.00 m) , thinnest filament size (denier) (2.37), the highest raw silk percentage of (16.67 %) , highest silk reelability of (84.25%) were also recorded in the same treatment combination of spirulina (500ppm ) and thyroxine (5.00ppm) .The highest total protein content of (55.86 mg/ml) in haemolymph and (35.68 mg/g) in silk gland , total carbohydrate content of (28.93 mg/ml) in haemolymph and (25.94 mg/g) in silk gland and total lipid content of (42.19 mg/ml)in haemolymph and (34.21mg/ g) in silk gland respectively were recorded when mulberry leaves were fortified with the treatment combination of spirulina (500ppm) and thyroxine (5.00ppm). During autumn season highest total protein content of (51.13 mg/ml) in haemolymph and (31.69 mg/g) in silk gland, total carbohydrate content of (27.92 mg/ml) in haemolymph and (21.96 mg/g) in silk gland and total lipid content of (41.20 mg/ml) in haemolymph and (30.28 mg/ g) in silk gland respectively were also recorded in the treatment combination of spirulina (500ppm) and thyroxine (5.00ppm). So far as economic benefit with the application of above chemicals is concerned, the overall improvement was observed to the extent of 25 to 30 percent. Thus results in this study clearly indicates that by improving the nutritional value of mulberry leaf by fortification supports good growth and development of silkworm viz –a-viz improves the dietary efficiency, the economic and biochemical parameters significantly.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on utilization of Rumex acetosa as phytogenic feed additive in broiler chicken(SKUAST Kashmir, 2024) Bushra Zaffer; Sheikh, Islam UddinAn experiment was conducted to assess the effect of incorporation of Rumex acetosa, a phytogenic feed additive, in the diet of broiler chicken. Two hundred day-old commercial broiler chicks were procured from a reputed hatchery. The chicks were initially raised under standard brooding conditions for one week. On 8th day, the chicks with similar body weights were randomly distributed among five treatment groups, viz, T1: (Control), T2: Enromycin Hydrochloride as AGP, T3: 0.5% Rumex acetosa, T4: 1% Rumex acetosa and T5: 1.5% Rumex acetosa. The birds were reared under deep litter system with standard managemental conditions up to five weeks of age. The Rumex acetosa contains 89.85±1.25% Dry matter, 20.33±0.65% Crude protein, 18.06±0.86% Crude fibre, 3.10±0.12% Ether extract and 1660.77 ME (Kcal/kg). The significant (P≤0.05) improvement in live body weight and body weight gain among the treatment groups fed diets supplemented with Rumex acetosa and Antibiotic Growth Promoter, in comparison to the control group. The birds of group fed 1.5% Rumex acetosa leaves (1654.32±3.719) and Enromycin Hydrochloride (1667.87±3.53) exhibited significantly (P≤0.05) higher body weight compared to groups supplemented with 0.5% (1528.6±4.71) and 1% levels of Rumex acetosa (1592.45±3.02). A significant difference (P≤0.05) was noted in both weekly and cumulative feed consumption among the various treatment groups of birds. Cumulative feed consumption was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in T2 (2380.94±8.54g) and T5 (2374.82±14.01g) and lowest (2248.50±14.01g) in Control group. Significantly (P≤0.05) improved FCR was found in the T2 (1.57) and T5 (1.58) groups in comparison to other groups. The overall mortality across all treatment groups was 2.50%. However, no mortality recorded in T2 and T5 groups. The digestibility of Dry Matter and Crude Protein showed a significant (P≤0.05) increase in the T2 (AGP) and T5 (1.5% Rumex acetosa) groups. Blood biochemical parameters such as AST, ALT, and Creatinine showed no significant variations among the various treatment groups. Nonetheless, Glucose, Cholesterol, and Triglycerides exhibited a significant (P≤0.05) reduction in the T2 (AGP) and T5 (1.5% Rumex acetosa) groups. Conversely, LDL was significantly (P≤0.05) elevated in the T2 (AGP) and T5 (1.5% Rumex acetosa) groups. Slaughter traits did not show significant differences among the different treatment groups. Notably, the histomorphology of the liver, intestine, and kidneys in broiler chickens fed Rumex acetosa as a phytogenic feed additive did not deviate from the normal structure. A significant (P≤0.05) decrease in caecal viable count was noted in both T2 (AGP) and T5 (1.5% Rumex acetosa) groups compared to the other groups. The birds fed with 1.5% Rumex acetosa exhibited a significantly (P≤0.05) higher anti-SRBC antibody titer and skin thickness. However, the relative weight of immune organs, including the spleen, bursa, and thymus, did not reveal significant difference among the treatment groups. Birds supplemented with 1.5% Rumex acetosa leaf powder showed a significant (P≤0.05) reduction in TOS levels and an increase in TAS levels in comparison to other treatment groups. The groups fed with 1.5% Rumex acetosa leaf powder also exhibited significantly (P≤0.05) lower values of TBARS in comparison to other treatment groups. Importantly, the proximate composition of broiler meat showed no significant variations among the various treatment groups. There was a reduction in the feed cost per kilogram of live weight gain across different treatment groups. The feed cost per kilogram of live weight gain was highest (Rs.77.85) for the birds in the T1 group (control), followed by Rs.75.76, Rs.73.22, Rs.71.57, and Rs.71.43 for T3, T4, T5, and T2, respectively. The profit per bird was highest in the T2 (AGP) group (Rs.20.11), followed by the T5 (1.5% Rumex acetosa) group (Rs.19.41). The cost of production per kilogram of live bird was highest in the T1 group (Rs.109.88), followed by Rs.107.68 in T3, Rs.104.59 in T1, Rs.102.6 in T5, and lowest in the T2 group (Rs.102.45). Based on the results of the present investigation, it can be concluded that Rumex acetosa can be safely included in diets of broiler chichen up to 1.5% without any adverse effects on the performance. Furthermore, it has the potential to replace Antibiotic Growth Promoters, offering a viable and profitable alternative for broiler production while safeguarding the human health by production of antibiotic residue-free broiler meat.ThesisItem Open Access Marker Assisted Introgression of Blast resistance genes in the background of Red Rice cultivar “Zag"(SKUAST Kashmir, 2024) Musharib Gull; Sofi, Najeeb ul Rehman`Pigmented rices are popular across the country and some States possesses a rich cultural heritage of unique quality rice types usually grown in specific ecological niches. Apart from cultivation of important high yielding varieties, considerable area is planted under pigmented landraces under certain pockets of the State. The most prominent among them is Red rice(Zag) which is known for its distinctive flavour, texture, and nutritional value. Zag is a significant Kashmiri landrace that is renowned for having higher than average levels of iron and zinc as well as polyphenols, anthocyanins, and antioxidants. But the area planted with red rice is shrinking because red rice is highly susceptible to Blast disease caused by Magnophorthe oryzae, where losses can go as high as 70% to complete yield loss. Therefore, utilising a three-gene donor line, DHMAS70Q 164-1b, a decision was made to incorporate three important genes, namely Pi54, Pi1, and Pita, into the genetic background of red rice cultivar Zag. The two were crossed and BC1F1, BC1F2 and BC1F3 progenies were generated through marker-assisted backcross breeding. Marker-assisted foreground selection was carried out using molecular markers Pi54 MAS, RM224 and YL 155/87 in order to select for genes Pi54, Pi1 and Pita, respectively. In BC1F1 foreground selection was carried on 15 plants for the genes Pi54, Pi1 and Pita of which two plants K16-32-2 and K16-32-6 were found to be heterozygous for all the three genes. The three-gene BC1F1 plants were selfed to yield 100 BC1F2 plants. The plants, however, were again analyzed in BC1F2 for identification of homozygous plants that were homozygous for three, two or one genes. Among which 10 best plants were selected on the basis of plant and grain type and were subjected to the background analysis using 16 genome wide markers polymorphic between Zag and DHMAS 70Q 164-1b. The pyramided lines were also subjected to SNP Genotyping using 55 SNPs and were evaluated for agronomic traits, grain and cooking quality. Six three-gene pyramids carrying genes Pi54+Pi1+Pita were developed during the current program. The best lines namely K16-32-2-20, K16-32-2-22, K16-32-6-51 and K16-32-6-81 recorded a background genome recovery of 68.75, 86, 84 and 80 percent, respectively. The derived lines expressed resistance to diagnostic isolates under controlled conditions and also showed resistance under natural conditions of Khudwani. The backcross derived lines possesses cooking quality traits similar to parent Zag. The lines may be put to multi-location testing and may be released as improved resistant versions of landrace Zag.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of autumn leaf harvest on growth parameters of established mulberry plantation and juvenile saplings of mulberry during pre and post-transplantation period(SKUAST Kashmir, 2024) Sakiba Saleem; Baqual, Mohammad FarooqThe present investigation on the Influence of autumn leaf harvest on growth parameters of established mulberry plantation and juvenile saplings of mulberry during pre and post-transplantation period was conducted at College of Temperate Sericulture, Shere Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Mirgund during the years 2013 to 2015. In the present study established mulberry plantation of Goshoerami variety of mulberry was chosen for first experiment. Five different treatments were imposed where mulberry leaf was plucked from the plants in increasing order viz., T1 (25%), T2 (50%), T3 (75%), T4 (100%), T5 (no harvest) and T6 (only lamina harvest) with the objective to ascertain the influence of different levels of leaf cut on succeeding mulberry crop to be used for spring rearing which happens to be the main cropping period in Kashmir valley. Significantly highest sprouting percentage viz 66.19% was recorded in T5 where no leaf harvest was done. Significantly highest value for frost damage was obtained in T4 recording a value of 2.58% which was followed by T3 with a value of 2.33%. Significantly highest number of shoot lets viz., 86, longest shootlet length viz., 44.07 cm, total shoot let length (3534.5 cm), leaf area viz 267.94 cm2, weight of 100 leaves viz., 353.33g and leaf yield/plant (5.00 kg) was also recorded in T5. However, leaf moisture content, moisture content after 6 hours and moisture retention capacity indicated non-significant differences. Significantly highest leaf nitrogen % age viz., 1.92 %, phosphorus content (0.09 %), sulphur content (0.22 %), was recorded in T5. Significantly highest potassium % age viz., 1.70 % was recorded in T6 along with calcium content to the extent of 2.08 %. Significantly highest zinc content viz., 65.22% and 63.57% was also recorded by treatments T5 and T1, the two being at par with each other. However least zinc content of 56.77% was recorded in T4 where 100 % leaf harvest was made. Copper content was also found to be highly significant in treatment T5 recording value of 33.25% followed by T6 and T1 each recording similar values of 31.40% of zinc. However, it was least in T3 with a value of 29.60%. Manganese content was recorded to be at par in treatments T5, T2 and T1 with a value of 91.57%, 89.92%, 89.42% respectively. Iron content was found to be significant in T5, T6, T1 and T2 with values of 193.92%, 190.05%, 192.07% and 190.30% respectively. The least iron content was in T3 recording value of 174.32%. Significantly highest carbohydrate content viz 85.22 g, protein content viz 25.30g was recorded in T5 which was however at par with T1 recording a value of 22.57g. Under polyhouse conditions significantly highest survival % age of saplings was recorded in T5 viz., 59.75 % which was at par with other treatments like T6, T1 and T2 (59.00%, 55.50% and 53.25%). However, the least survival %age was recorded in T4 viz 40.50. Post transplantation growth parameters of saplings indicated significantly highest values in sapling height viz., 20.11cm, fresh sapling weight viz., 11.56 g, dry sapling weight (2.35g), leaf area (136.90 cm2) and fresh leaf weight / sapling (6.20g) were recorded in T5. The saplings which were raised from the cuttings obtained from the plants whose leaf was subjected to different levels of plucking indicated significantly highest fresh root weight / sapling (2.39 g), dry root weight (0.35 g), longest root length (18.36 cm) in T5. Significantly highest number of leaves /sapling (26.58), leaf area (395.25 cm2), fresh leaf weight (65.91 g), dry leaf weight (39.100 g) and longest root length viz., 34.37 cm was also recorded in T5.ThesisItem Open Access Impact of Juvenile Hormone Analogues on Economic and Biochemical Characters of Silkworm Bombyx mori L.(SKUAST Kashmir, 2024) Rather, Asif Rafiq; Ganie, Nisar AhmadThe investigations on “Impact of Juvenile Hormone Analogues on Economic and Biochemical Characters of Silkworm Bombyx mori L”.were carried out during spring and autumn seasons (2021 & 2022). The present study was undertaken to study the influence of three different juvenile hormone analogues on economic and biochemical characters of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. Among the different treatment combinations tested during the course of the present study, Methoprene 0.1µl/10µl/larvae at 48 hours was found to be the best treatment combination in terms of silkgland weight (21.12 g & 19.63 g), silkgland protease activity (65.0 µmoles & 64.0 µmoles), silkgland aspartate amino transaminase activity (1.11 µmoles & 1.0 µmoles), silkgland alanine amino transaminase activity (4.5 µmoles & 4.2 µmoles) during spring and autumn respectively. Juvenile hormone analogue Methoprene recorded minimum total larval duration of 27.64 days @ 0.01µl at 48 hours of 5th instar during spring season and 27.66 days @ 0.01µl at 12 hours of 5th instar during autumn season. The highest weight of 10 mature larvae of 52.33 grams and 50.20 grams during spring and autumn respectively was also recorded by Methoprene @ 0.01µl at 48 hours. Methoprene at 0.1µl after 48 hours resulted in significant improvement of cocoon and post cocoon parameters and of B. mori L. Methoprene was also found to record maximum fecundity of 600 eggs and 592 eggs during both the seasons. While estimating various biochemical parameters, it was found that methoprene @ 0.1µl at 48 hours of 5th instar recorded the highest values for total free amino acids (4.5 mg and 4.44 mg), haemolymph total carbohydrate (29.3 mg and 28.73 mg), haemolymph trehalose (6.91 mg and 6.63 mg), glycogen content of (20.95 mg and 20.55 mg), glucose level (2.0 mg and 1.88 mg) and haemolymph protein content (56.58 mg and 54.05 mg) during spring and autumn respectively. Methoprene was found to exert a positive impact on economic and biochemical characters of silkworm Bombyx mori L. as compared to Fenoxycarb and Bukchiol.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on the affinity of natural dyes on mulberry silk produced through different cocoon stifling methods(SKUAST Kashmir, 2024) Bhat, Aina; Sahaf, Khursheed AhmadSilk has enthralled fashion industry and all categories of consumers across the world with its vast repertoire of motifs, techniques and brilliant hues. In the present study entitled ‘‘Studies on the affinity of natural dyes on mulberry silk produced through different cocoon stifling methods” rearing of bivoltine silkworm, Bombyx mori L. hybrid CSR2 x CSR4 was conducted at College of Temperate sericulture, Mirgund under standard recommended practice during spring 2022 and 2023. After harvesting, cocoons were stifled and dried which is an important step before these are processed for reeling as otherwise moth emergence renders these unfit for reeling as the continuity of the filament is broken in pierced cocoons. In the present study effect of various stifling methods viz., open sun drying method, sun drying with black cloth, Barrel steaming (Steam stifling) and Hot air oven drying method on the quality parameters of silkworm cocoons viz., average filament length, average non- breakable filament length, average denier, raw silk percentage, renditta and reelability percentage was studied. The cocoon dried by hot air-drying method showed significantly higher average filament length (1138.02m) and higher non-breakable filament with a value of 817.34 m as compared to all other treatments. Non- significant difference in overall denier among all the experimental treatments was observed. The best renditta was recorded in hot air drying with a value of 6.64. The raw silk percentage and reelability percentage of cocoons dried under hot air-drying method showed significantly higher percentage of 39.50% and 84.78 % respectively compared to other treatments. Thus, stifling of cocoons with hot air-drying method showed cocoon characteristics significantly better as compared to other stifling methods. Exposure of cocoons to direct sunlight deteriorates the quality of the cocoons. All above parameters were observed inferior in open sun drying method of stifling and drying Textile industry at present uses excessive amount of synthetic dyes to meet the required coloration for global consumption of textiles due to cheaper prices, wider ranges of bright shades, and considerably improved fastness properties in comparison to natural dyes. The application of such dyes causes serious health hazards and influences negatively the eco-balance of nature. As a result, natural dyes are among the promising options for developing a greener textile dyeing process. Natural dyes are non-carcinogenic, produce soothing and exclusive color to the textiles, and have better biodegradability and higher compatibility with the environment. Three natural dyes viz., Henna leaves (15%), Beetroot peel (10%) and cockscomb flowers (10%) and two mordants i.e., ferrous sulphate (3%) and Alum (3%) were used for the present study. The extracted natural dyes were applied on silk obtained through different stifling methods adopting different mordanting methods, including and excluding a mordant. Dyed fibres were assessed for percent absorption, colour coordinates of dyed fibres, colour strength (K/S) and colour fastness to washing, light and rubbing. Percent dye absorption of all natural dyes recorded satisfactory results. Stifling methods and mordanting methods adopted recorded significant variation in percent absorption. Mordanted samples showed better percent dye absorption than the un-mordanted samples. The highest percent dye absorption (78.73±3.43) was recorded in open sun drying with black cloth at post mordanting method in henna dye. In beetroot dye, Barrel steaming recorded highest (87.65±0.46) dye absorption value at simultaneous mordanting method. Cockscomb recorded highest percent absorption (92.42±0.84) in hot air drying at post mordanting method. Post mordanting recorded highest percent absorption in henna and cockscomb dyes and simultaneous mordanting in beetroot dye. The colourimetric values of dyed fibres differ significantly with varying shades and colour tones due to different type of fibres and mordanting methods. Dyed fibres were endowed with very good dye adherence as seen from L*, a*, b*, C*, h0, ∆E and K/S values All the treatments within all the groups of ∆E showed significant difference among each other in all the natural dyes. In henna, the highest ∆E (64.66±3.85) was recorded in barrel steaming at simultaneous mordanting method. In beetroot, the highest ∆E (32.46±1.65) was recorded in open sun drying with black cloth at pre-mordanting method. In cockscomb, the highest ∆E (38.27±1.19) was recorded in open sun drying at post mordanting method. The highest colour strength value (3.76± 0.52) was recorded in simultaneous mordanting method in henna. In beetroot, the highest K/S value (0.44±0.08) was recorded in post mordanting method. In cockscomb, the highest K/S value (1.15±0.20) was recorded in post mordanting method. All the dyes, stifling methods and mordanting methods recorded acceptable fastness grades. Stifling methods and mordanting methods showed significant results of washing fastness, light fastness and rubbing fastness properties. Mordanting Methods adopted showed significant difference in fastness properties. The un-mordanted samples showed Fair to Good (3/4) to Excellent (5) grades with different dyes whereas the mordanted samples recorded good (4) to Excellent (5) grades in majority of the combination of stifling methods and mordanting methods. The post mordanting method recorded satisfactory grades with majority of the fibres obtained through different stifling methods followed by simultaneous mordanting and pre mordanting methods. All the selected dyes and mordants can be used as an alternative for synthetic dyes which are carcinogenic and banned in majority of countries of the world. These natural dyes and mordants are recommended as commercial viable sources for the dyeing of silk fibres.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on Soil Carbon, Nitrogen Stocks and Enzyme activities under Saffron Growing Soils of Jammu and Kashmir(SKUAST Kashmir, 2024) Md Mifta Faizullah; Chesti, Majeed Ul HassanThe study entitled “Studies on Soil Carbon, Nitrogen Stocks and Enzyme activities under Saffron growing soils of Jammu and Kashmir” was undertaken during the year 2022-2023. The soil samples were collected from saffron growing soils of Pulwama and Kishtwar districts from two depths i.e., 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. The study revealed that the texture of saffron growing soils of Pulwama and Kishtwar varied from loam to silt clay loam. The soils were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline in reaction with normal electrical conductivity. The mean values of calcium carbonate were in surface and sub-surface soils was 4.46 and 4.71 per cent in soils of Pulwama, whereas, in soils if Kishtwar its content was 3.52 and 3.72 per cent, respectively, in surface and subsurface soils. The mean values of available N, P and K in surface and subsurface soils of Pulwama were 338.46 and 318.07 kg ha-1, 21.25 and 18.82 kg ha-1, 258.83 and 232.03 kg ha-1 respectively, whereas the average content of available N, P and K in surface and subsurface soils of Kishtwar was 307.56 and 283.77 kg ha-1, 15.10 and 13.54 kg ha-1, 258.83 and 232.03 kg ha-1, respectively. The results revealed that available N, P and K decreased with increased in soil depth. The readily oxidizable carbon, total organic carbon, permanganate oxidizable carbon, particulate organic carbon, mineralizable carbon, water soluble carbon, microbial biomass carbon and necromass carbon ranged between 4.49-3.65 g kg-1, 7.72-23.48 g kg-1, 195-755 mg kg-1, 1149-1718 mg kg-1, 1.15-2.35 mg g-1, 23-75 mg kg-1, 135-368 gm kg-1 and 2.54-6.88 g kg-1 respectively, in soils of Pulwama, whereas in soils of Kishtwar these carbon fractions varied between 5.05-7.82 g kg-1, 8.69-13.45 g kg-1, 244-585 mg kg-1, 979-1669 mg kg-1, 0.51-1.98 mg g-1, 28.65-63.45 mg kg-1, 136.51-211.14 mg kg-1 and 2.56-3.87 g kg-1 respectively. The total organic carbon stocks varied between 15.18-39.09 Mg ha-1 and 12.65-26.47 Mg ha-1 in saffron growing soils of Pulwama and Kishtwar respectively. In saffron soils of Pulwama, the total organic and inorganic nitrogen ranged between 344.14-547.58 and 32.55-59.1 mg kg-1 whereas in soils of Kishtwar it varied between 293.47-484.81 and 21.87-41.81 mg kg-1 respectively. The enzyme activities of soil urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, aryl sulphatase, dehydrogenase, catalase and β-D Glucosidasevaried between 23.98-39.50 µg NH4+-N g-1 2h-1, 12.87-28.04 µg PNP g-1 soil hr-1, 11.40-20.58 µg PNP g-1 soil hr-1, 22.83-33.40 µg PNP g-1 soil hr-1, 2.25-7.57 µg TPF g-1 soil 24hr-1, 2.62-6.54 ml H2O2 g-1 hr-1 and 19.23-28.60 µg PNP g-1 hr-1 in saffron soils of Pulwama, whereas in Kishtwar district these enzyme activities ranged between 24.68-35.57 µg NH4+-N g-1 2h-1, 11.80-22.04 µg PNP g-1 soil hr-1, 10.17-15.53 µg PNP g-1 soil hr-1, 18.74-26.58 µg PNP g-1 soil hr-1, 6.08-16.84 µg TPF g-1 soil 24hr-1, 7.06-12.58 ml H2O2 g-1 hr-1 and 14.19-23.10 µg PNP g-1 hr-1. The viable count of different beneficial microbes like Azotobacter, PSB, KSB, ZnSB, Cellulolytic bacteria and Hemicellulolytic bacteria varied between 26.49-54.78 x103 cfu g-1, 10.39-29.46 x102 cfu g-1, 9.23-24.95 x102 cfu g-1, 2.0-6.25 x102 cfu g-1, 15-37.45 x102 cfu g-1 and 11.26-29.55 x102 cfu g-1 in saffron growing soils of Pulwama, whereas in soils of Kishtwar, it ranged between 23.99-49.87 x103 cfu g-1, 7.59-19.84 x102 cfu g-1, 10.35-22.64 x102 cfu g-1, 1.0-7.95 x102 cfu g-1, 10.37-31.65 x102 cfu g-1 and 5.66-18.26 x102 cfu g-1 respectively. The findings of the study revealed that enzyme activities, microbial populations, various carbon and nitrogen fractions were moderately supplied in both Pulwama and Kishtwar districts. To enhance the Carbon Management Index (CMI) of saffron growing soils of Pulwama and Kishtwar districts, it is advisable to incorporate improved carbon management practices which can, in turn, positively impact productivity of saffron.
