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ThesisItem Open Access Retirement financial planning behaviour of working women of Ludhiana city(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Supriya, Ediga; Dr. Harpinder KaurThe present study was conducted on “Retirement financial planning behaviour of working women of Ludhiana city” with objectives; to study the financial planning behaviour of working women during retirement period; to study the factors influencing financial planning decisions taken by respondents during retirement and to develop and suggest retirement planning guide to achieve financial well-being after retirement. Survey was conducted on working women of Ludhiana city. A total number of 200 working women were randomly selected from four zones of Ludhiana city. A pre-structured interview schedule was used to study the financial planning behaviour of respondents, various factors influencing financial planning and decisions taken by respondents by using different modified scales namely Retirement Financial Planning Scale (Parrotta and Johnson 1998); Financial Risk-Tolerance Scale by Grable and Joo 2001 (on three-point basis) and Financial Decision-Making Style Instrument by Retting and Schuttz 1991. The major findings revealed that maximum number of respondents had 15-20 years in service and 6-10 years were left for their retirement. It was observed that majority of respondents had started planning between the age of 55-58 due to additional liabilities and a lack of financial knowledge. It was found that ‘saving’ aspect of financial planning behaviour got the highest mean score followed by ‘investment’, ‘spending’ and ‘borrowing’ aspect. Maximum number of respondents were in the view that good understanding of money is always required to lead a comfortable life after retirement. Majority of respondents gave more importance to safety in investment rather than returns. Regarding financial literacy, majority of respondents were aware of different financial terms like ‘mobile banking’, ‘on-line banking’, ‘functions of credit card’ and ‘Equated Monthly Instalments’ (EMI)’. It was further observed that maximum number of respondents were investing money in ‘banks and post office’ due to more safety. The confidence mean score of respondents was found confident while performing financial activities manually and digitally. Majority of respondents followed pragmatist type of decision-making style. The influence of personal and economic factors was more on retirement financial planning as compared to psychological and social factors. Statistical analysis showed that age and education were found as the most related independent variables with different dependent variables. A retirement planning guide was formulated which will be helpful for respondents to achieve financial well-being after their retirement.ThesisItem Embargo Genetic analysis for morphological and quality traits in field pea (Pisum sativum L.)(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Manavpreet Singh; Dr. Usha NaraField pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a self-pollinated crop. The research work was carried out on genetic diversity and inter-relationship in a collection of 132 field pea germplasm accessions along with five checks viz., HFP529, IPFD12-2, P243, P14, HFP8909. The study was done on 14 morphological and 2 biochemical parameters. The diversification in the germplasm was analysed with the help of 119 SSR primers. The research was done at Experimental Field Area, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during rabi, 2022-23. ANOVA and correlation analysis revealed considerable extent of diversity, and the association among different parameters. Most of the morphological and biochemical parameters showed significant differences in mean values viz., days to 50% flowering ranged from 57 days to 103 days, plant height 15.38 cm to 169.08 cm, seeds per pod 2.53 to 6.93, pods per plant 2.37 to 29.97, days to maturity 80 days to 138 days, 100-seed weight 3.33 g to 31.91 g, biological yield per plant 21.91g to 59.06 g, seed yield per plant 1.25 g and 25.95 g, crude protein 13.53 % to 36.51 % and starch 27.97 % to 50.87 %. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for all the traits was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) which signified the presence of environmental variation to some extent in the phenotypic expression. Plant height had the highest values of PCV (53.72) and GCV (52.84). Highest broad sense heritability H2 (99.31%) and (96.71%) was estimated for biological yield per plant and seed yield per plant, respectively. Highest Genetic Advance (69.32) was recorded for plant height. Correlation analysis showed high significant positive correlation among different important morphological and biochemical parameters i.e., seed yield per plant showed significant and positive correlation with biological yield per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, pod width, days to maturity, pod length, number of primary branches per plant, seed diameter, pod weight, starch % and 100-seed weight. In present study, total of 29 SSR primers out of 119 SSR primers showed 24.36 % of polymorphism and amplified a total of 87 alleles with an average of 3.39 alleles per primer in a size range of 150–450 bp. Mean polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0.63. The dissimilarity matrix values for allelic data ranged from 0.29 to 0.95 with mean value of 0.62 thus exhibiting enormous diversity. Genetic relationship inferred from a neighbour-joining tree separated accessions into 3 groups i.e., A, B and C. Cluster ‘A’ comprised of 5 germplasm accessions. Cluster B formed the major cluster comprising of 87 germplasm accessions and was divided into two main sub-clusters B1 and B2. Sub-cluster B1 comprised of 47 germplasm accessions and sub-cluster B2 comprised of 40 germplasm accessions. Maximum of these were indigenous collection (IC) and was further divided into sub-clusters. Cluster C had 45 germplasm accessions and majority of them were exotic collection (EC). Our investigation successfully grouped germplasm accessions with similar backgrounds into distinct clusters. Thus, the amount of diversity observed during the experiment can be beneficially exploited in breeding programmes by direct selection or by using them donor parents in hybridization programmes.ThesisItem Embargo Studying effect of genotype × environment interaction on bread making quality in wheat(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Himanshu Aggarwal; Dr. Puja SrivastavaPunjab has surplus production of wheat, thus having huge potential for the bakery industry. The bakery industry in India is projected to grow, with bread being considered a cheap and basic instant food due to increasing urbanization. The presence of gluten protein in wheat plays a crucial role in producing various processed foods, especially baked goods. The challenge in bread making is loaf volume, often addressed by using artificial additives. With the aim to address this issue, Twenty four bread wheat genotypes were analysed for biochemical, quality, molecular parameters and bread quality characteristics during Rabi season 2021-22 and 2022-23 focussing on factors like protein content and grain hardness. Yield of the genotypes varied from 18.33 to 68.52 quintals per hectare with a mean yield of 41.44 q/ha. The research reveals significant differences in quality traits among genotypes and emphasizes the impact of particle size, protein content, grain hardness, and growing environment on bread loaf volume. Bread quality emerged as a very complex trait with no single component making a direct effect on its quality. Specific wheat genotypes, such as DBW 296, PBW 823, HD 3086, DBW332 and BWL 1663, show better loaf volume. A significant effect of locations was observed on bread quality score. The average loaf volume values ranged between 360-585 ml with 450 μ flour. High loaf volume of upto 810 ml were observed with very fine flour (150 μ). The selected bread wheat genotype BWL 1663 was the best having high protein content (>15%) and good glu-1 score (10) along with high bread quality score. BWL 1663 performed consistently well over the years and locations thus is a perfect candidate for being released as a good bread quality variety in breeding and quality programmes. The study also explores the role of glutenin subunits, highlighting their influence on bread quality and suggesting potential improvements through further research.ThesisItem Embargo Studies on standardisation of macropropagation technique for Dalbergia sissoo Roxb(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Harmandeep Kaur; Dr GPS DhillonIn the present study, the effect of cutting size , position, clonal variability and IBA levels on the macro propagation and growth of plantlets in Dalbergia sissoo were evaluated . In the first experiment, shoots of clone 5 of Dalbergia sissoo were collected from the clonal hedge orchard maintained at Research Farm of the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana . The cuttings of different sizes 4 cm, 7 cm and 10 cm ) were treated with 4 hormonal treatments (0 ppm, 1000 ppm, 2000 ppm and 3000 ppm IBA) and we re planted in the mist chamber conditions. The significant differences were found among cutting sizes and IBA levels for rooting and sprouting percentage, number of roots, root length, shoot length, shoot biomass and root biomass. The 7 cm cutting size sho wed the maximum rooting percentage (70.50 %) which was statistically at par with 4 cm cutting size (70 %) and 2000 ppm had the highest rooting percentage (74.45 %) which was statistically similar to 1000 ppm IBA level (73.33 %) In second experiment, cutti ngs from different positions (top, middle and basal) were treated with 3 hormonal treatments (0 ppm, 1000 ppm and 2000 ppm IBA) and were planted in the mist chamber conditions. The significant differences were found among the cutting positions and IBA leve ls for rooting percentage, number of roots, root length, shoot length, shoot biomass and root biomass. C uttings taken from middle portion had maximum rooting (66.67 %). With regard to IBA levels, maximum rooting was observed at 2000 ppm treatment (66.67 %) which was statistically similar to 1000 ppm IBA level (64.17 %). In third experiment, s hoots from 15 different clones from the clonal hedge orchard maintained at Research Farm of the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural Univers ity, Ludhiana were collected in order to make cuttings for evaluating the variability in the rooting behaviour of Dalbergia sissoo clones. Significant differences were observed among 15 clones of Dalbergia sissoo for sprouting, rooting and growth traits. Clone 5 was found to be the best with respect to rooting percentage (61.25 %). The genetic parameters were worked out for various rooting and growth traits.ThesisItem Embargo Awareness and usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools among school teachers of Punjab(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Mahi Singh; Dr. Mandeep SharmaThe present investigation entitled “Awareness and usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools among school teachers of Punjab” was conducted with the objectives to ascertain the awareness about ICT tools among school teachers, to measure the extent of use of ICT tools by school teachers and to identify the constraints faced by them in using ICT tools. The research was conducted in five districts of Punjab purposively which are not adjoining to each other. Two urban schools from each district belonging to different blocks were taken by the use of convenient sampling method. From each school, 20 teachers were selected by using simple random sampling method. A total number of 200 respondents were selected in order to collect data. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents were from age group of 36 to 48 years and were post-graduates. Maximum per centage of the respondents were designated as teachers and about one-third were designated as lecturers. More than half of the respondents had received in-service trainings related to ICT. Most of the ICT tools were accessible to all respondents. Majority of the teachers were having medium level of awareness and medium extent of using ICT tools in the school. WhatsApp and audio calls were highly used for contacting students and their parents. Constraints faced by teachers included slow speed of internet, poor maintenance of ICT tools, lack of technical and trained staff to handle ICT tools. All of the respondents agreed upon various benefits of ICT tools and its importance after implementation in the educational curriculum. The study suggested that the respondents needed more advanced trainings on ICT tools and provision of budget to improve ICT infrastructure for efficient use of ICT tools in the schools.ThesisItem Embargo Assessment of growth performance of Melia composita seedlings in response to various soil amendments(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Meenakshi; Dr. Sapna ThakurThe present investigation entitled “Assessment of growth performance of Melia composita seedlings in response to various soil amendments” was carried out in the main experimental area, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab. In the present study, seeds of M. composita collected from phenotypically superior trees were sown in polybags in the month of February 2023. The seedlings were established in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications and were treated with nine treatments [T1-Control, T2-Inorganic (100:50:25 mg/kg of soil N:P:K), T3-50% inorganic (50:25:12.5mg/kg of soil N:P:K), T4-Jeevamrit (1000lit/ha=0.45ml/kg of soil), T5-VAM (4g/kg of soil), T6-Microbial consortium (4g/kg of soil), T7-50% inorganic (50:25:12.5 mg/kg of soil N:P:K) + 50% Jeevamrit, T8-50% inorganic (50:25:12.5 mg/kg of soil N:P:K) + 50% VAM and T9-50% inorganic (50:25:12.5 mg/kg of soil N:P:K) + 50% microbial consortium] in the month of April. The observations were recorded for various growth and physiological parameters at an interval of two months i.e., May, July and September. However, the biomass parameters were evaluated at the end of the experiment. The soil parameters were recorded twice; at the initiation and termination of the experiment. The results revealed that all the growth, biomass and physiological characteristics showed significant differences in response to varied soil amendments except collar diameter, number of branches, DQI, total soluble sugars and chlorophyll b. Further, the analysis of variance indicated significant variations for nutrient content in plant leaves and soil media in response to different soil amendments, except for phosphorus content (leaves), electrical conductivity and available nitrogen in soil. On the basis of overall mean performance, treatment T9 i.e., 50% inorganic (50:25:12.5 mg/kg of soil N:P:K) + 50% microbial consortium, showed maximum mean values for majority of the growth and biomass characters. Among physiological traits, T4 i.e., Jeevamrit (1000lit/ha=0.45ml/kg of soil) exhibited the highest mean values for starch content, while T7 i.e., 50% inorganic (50:25:12.5 mg/kg of soil N:P:K) + 50% Jeevamrit demonstrated the highest mean values for chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid content. Nutrient analysis revealed that treatment T5 i.e., VAM (4g/kg of soil) displayed maximum mean value for Nitrogen (%) (leaves) while T7 i.e., 50% inorganic (50:25:12.5 mg/kg of soil N:P:K) + 50% Jeevamrit exhibited maximum mean values for Potassium (%) in plant leaves, organic carbon and available potassium in soil. The maximum mean value for available phosphorus in soil was observed in treatment T8 i.e., inorganic (50:25:12.5 mg/kg of soil N:P:K) + 50% VAM.ThesisItem Embargo Processing and functionality of turmeric (Curcuma longa) for value addition(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Basha, Shaik Jakeer; Dr Kamaljit KaurThe investigation was carried out to study physiochemical, engineering and bioactive properties of turmeric varieties Punjab Haldi-1 and Punjab Haldi-2 at two harvesting stages i.e. early-harvest and harvest stage. Best variety in all characteristics (Harvest- Punjab Haldi-2) was further utilized for processing into turmeric powder (variable blanching and pressure cooking) and curcumin extraction by solvent extraction (various solvents), and supercritical fluid extraction. Turmeric powder processed by blanching time 15 min was considered as best method due to higher yield of curcumin content. Super critical fluid extraction executed higher extraction yield (94%). Solvent extraction resulted in loss of aromatic and flavour compounds from turmeric as revealed by FTIR. Three different types of products were developed from various forms of turmeric that is turmeric candy was prepared from fresh rhizomes by variation in processing methods, bread was prepared by incorporating turmeric juice (0-5%), powder(0-5%), puree (0-5%), turmeric extract (0.1 to 0.4 %), and turmeric juice (0-30%) was utilized for enrichment of soymilk. Developed products were subjected to proximate analysis, bioactive component analysis, textural, color properties, microbial analysis, storage studies and organoleptic evaluation. The shelf-life analysis revealed that the incorporation of turmeric increased the bioactive composition, acceptability index and shelf life of products than control. Thus, turmeric addition may enrich the nutritional value of products and also utilization of fresh turmeric rhizomes for commercialization.ThesisItem Embargo Morphological and molecular characterization of advanced backcross Basmati breeding lines for yield and multiple biotic stresses(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Anmol Singh; Dr. Navjot SidhuBasmati rice, a gourmet delicacy and pride of the Indian sub-continent, is well known world-wide for its long slender grains with delicate curvature, pleasant aroma, and remarkable linear elongation, low breadthwise swelling combined with impressive flaky texture on cooking. It occupies a premier position in the forex economy of India. Besides being a premium quality rice, its yield potential is affected by lower grain number panicle besides being affected by multiple biotic stresses. In this study, a total of 165 advanced backcross Basmati breeding lines along with cultivated Basmati rice varieties as checks, were evaluated for yield and yield component traits, resistance to bacterial blight, neck blast and brown planthopper. Data was recorded for days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of tillers per plant, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, yield per plot, resistance to bacterial blight, neck blast and brown planthopper. The days to 50% flowering ranged from 80.92 to 103.28 days; plant height varied from 78.88 and 145.08 cm; number of tillers per plant from 7.06 to 19.18; panicle length varied from 23.14 to 31.22 cm; number of grains per panicle from 23.08 to 164.50 and yield per plot ranged from 0.33 to 1.26 kg, indicating wide variability in the advanced backcross breeding lines. Based on phenotypic evaluation, the selected lines were also evaluated with gene based molecular markers for presence of genes for resistance to bacterial blight (Xa4, xa13, Xa21), neck blast (Pi2, Pi54), brown plant hopper (BPH34), aroma and intermediate amylose. Of 165, 41 lines showed significant improvement in yield component traits and resistance to different stresses besides presence of basmati specific traits such as aroma and intermediate amylose content. Seven lines showed significantly higher yield as compared to checks and resistance to bacterial blight. These lines showed presence of three bacterial blight resistance genes namely Xa4+xa13+Xa21. Of these seven, three lines also possessed Pi2 and Pi54 genes for resistance to neck blast. Three lines out 41 selected lines showed presence of BPH34 gene for resistance to brown plant hopper. All the 41 selected lines were genotyped with 145 SSR markers spanning on all the 12 chromosomes of rice. Basmati genome recovery in all these lines ranged from 37.7 to 91% based on all the SSR markers. The advanced backcross breeding lines are the valuable resource for improving the yield potential of basmati rice and developing basmati rice cultivars with higher yields and resistance to multiple biotic stresses.ThesisItem Embargo Integrated nutrient management in forage Sorghum with the application of liquid biofertilizers(Punjab Agricultural University, 2024) Jaspreet Kaur; Dr. Gulab PandoveForages are the foundation upon which the rumen-healthy livestock diets are formulated. Therefore, amelioration of forage quality via enhanced agronomic techniques, such as Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), is imperative.Thus, the present investigation was carried out to evaluate the influence of integrated nutrient management on forage Sorghum with the application of liquid biofertilizers on the yield and quality attributes. A total of 30 forage Sorghum plants were collected from different Sorghum fields of village Dhudike, Moga, Punjab, India and 17 bacterial endophytes were isolated based on distinct colony morphology. Subsequently, 15 isolates were selected on the basis of qualitative phosphate solubilisation assay and were further scrutinized for quantitative plant growth promoting traits such as IAA production, phosphate solubilization, production of gibberellic acid, ammonia and siderophore (catechol and hydroxamate), ACC deaminase activity, Zn solubilisation assay. Consequently, the potential isolate RPR_3 was selected on the basis of multiple PGP traits and identified by 16s RNA sequencing technique as Enterobacter sp. Furthermore, the identified bacterial culture Enterobacter sp. (JJG_Zn) along with the standard cultures of Burkholderia seminalis and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, procured from the School of Organic farming, PAU were evaluated for the aforementioned PGP traits under abiotic stress conditions of salinity (0,50,100 and 150mM NaCl) and drought (0,5,10 and 15% PEG). All three PGPB were able to tolerate the stress conditions while optimum growth was recorded at 50mM NaCl and 5% PEG concentrations. Additionally, an in vitro experiment was carried out to study the efficacy of liquid bacterial inoculants (B. Seminalis, S. maltophilia and Enterobacter sp. (JJG_Zn)) in enhancing salt (0,50,100 and 150mM NaCl) and drought (0,5 and 10% PEG) tolerance in forage Sorghum seeds. The findings revealed that the seeds at 50mM NaCl salt stress when bio-primed with the treatment T5: dual inoculation (B. seminalis and S. maltophilia), exhibited superior germination and maximum plant growth parameters namely, germination percentage (92.53%), germination speed (2.74), mean germination time (2.94), shoot length (13.55cm), root length (13.41cm), as well as fresh and dry shoot (0.066g and 0.013g) and root weights (0.132g and 0.014g) respectively. Furthermore, at 5% PEG induced drought stress, the bio-priming with treatment T5: dual inoculation (B. seminalis and S. maltophilia) improved the germination percentage (92.45%), germination speed (2.82), mean germination time (2.66), shoot length (14.46cm), root length (14.12cm), as well as fresh and dry shoot (0.123and 0.014g) and root weights (0.073and 0.014g) respectively. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to examine the degree of root colonization in forage Sorghum by liquid bacterial cultures under gnotobiotic conditions. The SEM micrographs demonstrated that Enterobacter sp. (JJG_Zn) exhibited the highest level of root surface colonization, followed by B. seminalis and S. maltophilia. Before commercializing PGPB-based products in the markets, it is essential to conduct thorough characterization and biosafety analysis .In this context, the Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) B. seminalis, S. maltophilia, and Enterobacter sp. (JJG_Zn), were evaluated for various bio safety tests such as E.coli sensitivity assay, ecotoxicity test in earthworms and pathogenitcity test on Albino mice. Furthermore, sheep blood agar biochemical assay was also performed and all the tests displayed negative results for the three PGPB thereby characterizing them as potentially non-pathogenic. Field experiments were conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bathinda, and School of Organic Farming, IFS, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during kharif 2022. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design, encompassing a total of 11 treatment combinations involving liquid bacterial inoculants (S. maltophilia, B. seminalis, and Enterobacter sp. (JJG_Zn)) at 100% and 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), with three replications. Notably, the treatment T11: 75% RDF + dual inoculation (B. seminalis + S. maltophilia), exhibited superior growth, yield and quality attributes such as emergence count, plant height, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, leaf-to-stem ratio, leaf breadth, leaf length, dry matter accumulation per plant, total sugars, ash content, crude protein content, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Whereas, a significant decrease in acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and a noteworthy reduction in total phenols was observed. In the pooled analysis of green fodder and dry matter yield at both the locations, the treatment T11 demonstrated a 10.23% and 15.79% increment as compared to the control (T1).The liquid bacterial inoculants ameliorated the physicochemical properties of the soil (pH, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon content) and also enhanced the nutritional status (N,P,K). Furthermore, the treatment T11 also demonstrated increased root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Hence, it can be inferred that liquid bacterial inoculants is a promising strategy for enhancing the productivity and quality of forage Sorghum.
