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ThesisItem Restricted Effect of plant growth regulators on manipulation of source-sink relationships in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.(PAU, 2013) Kanchan PahwaField experiments were conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during kharif season in the years 2010-11 and 2011-12 respectively with an objective to evaluate various groups of genotypes (early, mid, late and check) on the basis of pattern of growth, partitioning of dry matter, flower retention, growth efficiency and yield and to study the effect of foliar application of ethrel (100 and 200 μg ml-1) and cobalt chloride (10 and 15 μg ml-1) applied at vegetative and flowering stages on seed yield. Various morpho-physiological, biochemical and yield characteristics were analyzed at different developmental stages. Study conducted with early, mid, late and check genotypes of pigeonpea revealed marked differences in partitioning of assimilates to vegetative and reproductive parts at different stages of growth cycle. The higher CGR, RGR, leaf area, LAI, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, pod set percentage in mid-duration group resulted in high yield. Further, reproductive efficiency of four mid-duration genotypes (AL 1578, AL 1593, AL 1702 and AL 201) was chemically manipulated by foliar application of ethrel and cobalt chloride. The parameters determining reproductive efficiency and yield were significantly improved due to reduction in flower abscission. Ethrel (100 and 200 μg ml-1) sprayed at vegetative stage and CoCl2 (10 μg ml-1) sprayed at flowering stage efficiently improved seed yield and other biochemical traits through improved flower retention, pod formation , seed setting percentage and seed weight. Genotype AL 1578 exhibited high yield in all treatments including control as compared to all the genotypes. The leaves of treated plants exhibited higher level of chlorophyll, which provided better conditions for higher production of photosynthates to be utilized for grain yield due to larger sink resulting from increased branching and number of pods. The treatments also affected the content of various biochemical constituents (total soluble sugars, total soluble proteins, total starch content, total free amino acids, chlorophyll content as well as the activity of various enzymes viz., nitrate reductase (NR), invertase and PEP carboxylase). Correlation analysis showed significant positive relationships between plant height, crop growth rate, leaf area, number of pods/plant, pod set percentage, seed weight/plant, 100-seed weight and harvest index. Further, path analysis revealed leaf area, specific leaf weight and number of pods/plant had significant positive direct influence on yield. Path analysis of various biochemical traits with seed yield revealed that activities of nitrate reductase, total soluble proteins and total starch content in leaves and invertase activity, total starch in seeds showed positive direct effect on seed yield. These traits should be used as target traits to improve seed yield. Protein profiling in mature seeds revealed much denser bands in treated plants as compare to control and also number of bands were higher in treated plants. A study of pedicel anatomy revealed an increase in area of conducting tissues through PGRs application. This increase could be responsible for enhanced translocation of assimilates to flowers, thereby helping in their retention.ThesisItem Restricted SALICYLIC ACID INDUCED CHANGES IN SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN MASHBEAN (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) GENOTYPES GROWN UNDER SALINITY(PAU Ludhiana, 2012) Manpreet Kaur; Navita GhaiThe present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of salicylic acid on physiological and biochemical parameters in salt sensitive (KUG 363 and KUG 310) and salt tolerant (KUG 529 and KUG 502) mashbean genotypes, along with a check variety (UL 338) grown under NaCl (30mM and 45mM) stress. The plants were grown in plastic pots kept under a rain-out shelter. NaCl was applied in split dose: 50% at the time of sowing and remaining 50% at 15 days after sowing (DAS). Salicylic acid (SA) @ 0.5 mM and 1.0 mM was applied as a foliar spray at 25 DAS. Data on various physiological and biochemical changes was recorded at 35 (vegetative stage), 50 (flowering stage) and 65 (pod setting stage) DAS. Salt stress decreased the leaf area and plant dry biomass of all the genotypes at various stages of development. The decrease in plant dry biomass led to reduction in relative growth rate and crop growth rate. Sensitive as well as tolerant genotypes showed a sharp increase in membrane permeability under saline conditions. NaCl caused a decrease in photosynthetic pigments and increase in levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content. Under saline conditions, all the genotypes showed a higher accumulation of osmotic solute proline, with tolerant genotypes accumulating more amount than sensitive ones. Antioxidant enzymes like catalase and ascorbate peroxidase showed a decrease under saline conditions. However, peroxidase activity was increased under salt stress. Maximum increase was shown in salt sensitive genotypes. Reduction in yield contributing parameters like number of pods plant-1, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight and seed yield plant-1 was observed at both the levels of salinity. SA treatments had a pronounced ameliorative as well as, growth promoting effect under saline conditions. The ameliorative effect of SA was observed as increase in leaf area, relative leaf water content, water potential of leaves and photosynthetic pigments in salt-stressed plants. SA treatments increased the biosynthesis of proline under salt stress. Foliar application of SA enhanced the level of antioxidant system (catalase and ascorbate peroxidase) in mashbean plants under NaCl stress and reduced the hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content. The reduction in yield and yield contributing parameters was also less in SA-treated salt-stressed plants as compared to non saline controls. However, tolerant genotypes (KUG 529 and KUG 502) and check variety (UL 338) were able to tolerate high salinity and responded better to the application of SA as compared to sensitive genotypes probably due to improved growth, metabolism and enhanced antioxidant system. Lower concentration of SA (0.5 mM) proved to be more effective to ameliorate the adverse effects of salt stress.ThesisItem Unknown PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR BASIS OF SEED PRIMING IN LATE SOWN WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.)(PAU Ludhiana, 2011) Ambalika; Geeta, BassiSeed priming is an important physiological seed quality enhancement method. It provides a low-cost practical solution to sow seed in stress conditions. Abiotic stresses like low temperature and inadequate moisture during sowing season, many a times result in poor germination and poor plant stand leading to drop in crop yield. To harvest the full genetic potential, seeds must germinate and seedlings emerge quickly and uniformly throughout the field so that light, water and other soil nutrients may be utilized with maximum efficiency. However, this may not always happen in nature. Most of the major crops grown under stressed conditions can benefit substantially from pre- sowing seed priming treatment. In Punjab during sowing, prevailing low temperature, closure of canals or scanty rains result in poor germination and poor crop stand of late sown wheat. Therefore, keeping in view the prospects of this technique, the present investigations were undertaken to observe the effect of seed priming on different physiological and molecular parameters in late sown wheat. PBW 509 is late sown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety released by Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana. Different hydration durations applied were 8h, 12h, 16h and 18h and it was found that hydration for 16 h as well as 18 h enhanced the physiological parameters and elevated biochemical and molecular parameters. It was also observed that primed seeds after germination of 24 and 48 h indicated higher values of molecular parameters.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF ROSE (Rosa hybrida L.) CULTIVARS FOR LANDSCAPE USE(PAU Ludhiana, 2011) Parget Singh; R. K., DubeyThe present experiment entitled, “Evaluation of rose (Rosa hybrida L.) cultivars for landscape use” was carried out at the Research Farm, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the year 2009-2011. The experiment comprised of 30 floribunda and 20 miniature cultivars. The maximum plant height (53.67 cm) was observed in cultivar ‘Banjaran’ and ‘Torch of Liberty’ (30.00 cm) in floribunda and miniature cultivars respectively. The maximum plant spread (90.83 cm) was recorded in floribunda cultivar ‘Brown velvet’. The floribunda cultivars ‘Summer Snow’, ‘Ahalya’ and miniature cultivars ‘Red Flush’ and ‘Red Ace’ were observed to be thornless. The foliage glossiness was observed in four floribunda and two miniature rose cultivars. Flower size was observed to be maximum in ‘Charleston’ (8.37 cm) and ‘Black Jade’ (5.23 cm) in floribunda and miniature cultivars respectively. Flower colour of the cultivars evaluated varied from Red, Purple, Yellow to Orange group. Maximum duration of flowering (141.33 days) was observed in ‘Brown velvet’ cultivar of floribunda. In case of miniature cultivars maximum duration of flowering (131.33 days) was observed in cultivar ‘My Valentine’. Maximum number of petals per flower was recorded in cultivars ‘Arunima’ (66) and ‘Rosy’ (100) in floribunda and miniature rose cultivars respectively. Seed setting was observed in seven floribunda rose cultivars and seven miniature rose cultivars.ThesisItem Unknown EFFECT OF NUTRIENT STATUS ON TREE GROWTH, FRUIT QUALITY AND YIELD IN PEAR cv. PATHARNAKH(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2013) Singh, Kawaljagdeep; Singh, NavPremThe present investigation entitled “Effect of nutrient status on tree growth, fruit quality and yield in pear cv. Patharnakh” was carried out at twenty five pear orchards established in and surroundings of Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts of Punjab during the year 2011-12. In various orchards of the districts soil characteristics showed ranges as given: soil pH (7.0-8.8), EC (0.19-0.44 dS/m), OC (0.15-0.71 %), CaCO3 (0.11-6.3 %)N (168.0-795.2 kg/ha), P (3.4-93.4 kg/ha) and K (60.0-386.8 kg/ha). Foliar nutrient content in the districts was determined to be: N (1.85-2.30 %), P (0.10-0.21 %), K (0.87-1.26%), Ca (1.43-4.73%), Mg (0.28-0.68%), Cu (3.8-10.2 ppm), Zn (13.8-49.8 ppm), Mn (67.2-234.6 ppm) and Fe (194-234 ppm).The pear orchards under survey had shown deficiency in P, K, Cu and Zn on the basis of leaf analysis and percentage was 8, 48, 8 and 32 per cent respectively. Almost 92, 60, 4 and 100 percent orchards exhibited higher range of leaf Ca, Mg, Mn and Fe contents respectively. Leaf N was significantly and positively correlated with fruit yield whereas, leaf P and K showed positive correlations with fruit yield with r values of 0.29 and 0.04 respectively but results were non-significant. Likewise, Leaf K showed positive and significant correlation with TSS (r = 0.39). Fruit weight showed positive significant correlation (r = 0.58) with leaf Mn content. Leaf Zinc (r = 0.49) showed positive significant correlation with fruit juice content. Leaf Mg showed positive significant correlation with Trunk Girth.ThesisItem Open Access PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN SOME THERMOTOLERANT AND THERMOSENSITIVE CHILLI (Capsicum annuum L.) GENOTYPES(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2014) Kaur, Jaspreet; Ghai, NavitaThe present investigation was carried out to study the physiological and biochemical changes in some thermotolerant and thermosensitive chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes. Fourteen chilli genotypes viz., SL 461, PP 404, DL 161, MS 341, VR 521, PB 405, PS 403, SD 463, FL 201, AC 102, S 343, SL 462 and SL 464 along with sensitive check (Royal Wonder) were grown in a randomized block design with three replications during 2012-13. The observations on morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters and yield attributes were recorded between 45 to 105 days after transplanting (DAT) (high temperature period). On the basis of our studies, genotypes S 343, AC 102 and FL 201 were found to be relatively thermotolerant. However, high temperature markedly decreased the photosynthetic activity of chilli plants by decreasing the photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoid content) in leaf chloroplasts of all the genotypes. The levels of ascorbic acid, total soluble sugars and total phenols increased in the leaves of all the genotypes with the maturity of the crop. Electrolyte leakage and proline content also increased with rise in temperature. Genotypes AC 102 and S 343 were able to accumulate the maximum ascorbic acid, proline, total soluble sugars and total phenols under heat stress conditions. Early flowering was observed in relatively thermotolerant genotypes as compared to sensitive check (Royal Wonder). High temperature also caused a reduction in pollen viability, fruit size and seed number per fruit. Decrease in fruit set percent and fruit weight led to reduction in the total yield per plant. Maximum yield was observed in genotype S 343 followed by FL 201.ThesisItem Open Access IDENTIFICATION OF MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS OF INDIAN MUSTARD (Brassica juncea) GENOTYPES IN RESPONSE TO NITROGEN APPLICATION(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2014) Bains, Khushmeet KaurThe present investigation was carried out on a set of forty-eight genotypes of Brassica juncea to assess the effect of nitrogen on physiological, growth and yield traits during two crop seasons. Leaf area revealed variability in the light harvesting capacity of genotypes manifested in terms of LAI, chlorophyll, PAR interception which were reduced under N-stress. During crop growth and development, chlorophyll content and LAI was highest at 90 DAS and PAR interception at 60 DAS. Under unfertilized conditions(N0) photochemical efficiency was much lower (0.677-0.744 mean 0.706) indicating more damage to PSII whereas higher values (0.708-0.775 mean 0.735) indicated only minor photoinhibition with fertilization. Improvement in photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) was 3.9%, photosystem activity (Fv/Fo) 13.3%, ETR 45.9% and root length 28.1% with fertilization(N100). Growth and yield attributes improved significantly with N. With N0 cultivars PBR-357, JT-152-1 and ELM-151 and with N100 JT-152-1, MLM-19, NPJ-79 and PBR-357 recorded highest seed yield. Yield improvements was less than 10% in MCP-632, PBR-357, JT-152-1 and ELM- 151 and were rated as promising/N-efficient genotypes. Oil content decreased while protein content increased significantly with fertilization. An increase of 20.4% in oil yield and 25.9% in protein yield was recorded with N100. Positive correlation existed between oil content and protein yield (r=0.630*) under N-deficient and with fertilization (r=0.612*). N uptake enhanced by 27.2% and had strong positive correlation with seed yield under N-deficient (r=0.988**) and fertilization (r=0.989**). Eruric acid ˂ 2% was found in cultivars K-109- 113, EC-564646, ELM-303, JM-06026, EKLA and JC-1359-23-558 which is a desirable quality trait.ThesisItem Restricted REGULATION OF SENESCENCE THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS AND NUTRIENTS IN RELATION TO PRODUCTIVITY IN SOYBEAN (Glycine max L. Merrill)(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2010) Kaur, Jasdeep; Kaur, JagmeetSoybean called ‘Miracle Bean’ belongs to family Fabaceae, contains 40% proteins and 20% edible oil. A striking feature of maturing soybean is decline of assimilatory capacities due to growing reproductive structures and is characterized by syndrome of physiological changes that include decline in foliar N, protein, chlorophyll and photosynthetic activity culminating in leaf abscission. The regulatory signals exchanged between the parts of soybean plant during development are affected by endogenous levels of hormones and possibly nutrient fluxes. The exogenous application of plant growth regulators and nutrients was done to study the senescence behavior in soybean. The treatments comprised of control (no spray), foliar application of SNP @150 and 200 µM, ethrel @ 150 and 200 µgml-1, calcium chloride @ 1 and 2 mM and sodium selenite @10 and 20 µgml-1. The treatments were applied in combinations of three stages vis-à-vis preflowering (V), pod initiation (P) and grain filling (G). Various observations pertaining to the morpho-physiological, biochemical and yield attributes were recorded at various growth stages. The morpho-physiological traits vis-à-vis plant height, root length, leaf characteristics, canopy characteristics and biomass accumulation studied at 60, 80, 100 and 120 DAS; were effectively enhanced by V+P+G application of SNP 200µM and P+G application of sodium selenite 20µgml-1. Also, the application of SNP 200µM (V+P+G) and sodium selenite 20µgml-1 (P+G) gave best results in terms of yielding attributes viz. pod count, 100 seed weight and seed yield. The photosynthetic pigments and activity along with storage biomolecules (total soluble sugars and starch) exhibited maximum change with SNP 200µM (V+P+G) and sodium selenite 20µgml-1 leading to enhanced production of photosynthates and accumulation of photoassimilates. The activities of antioxidant enzymes vis-à-vis catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase concomitant with proline accumulation was putatively enhanced with the application of SNP 200µM (V+P+G) and sodium selenite 20µgml-1 (P+G) thereby counteracting the senescence induced oxidative stress. Also, the treatment with SNP 200µM elicited the activation of high molecular weight proteins in the leaves at 80 DAS. Conversely, higher concentration of ethrel at all treatment combinations depicted reduction in morpho-physiological traits, intense loss of chlorophyll and membrane integrity, lesser production of sugars and starch and reduced antioxidants contributing towards much reduced yield. Therefore, NO donor SNP 200µM (V+P+G) and sodium selenite 20µgml-1 (P+G) behaved as anti-senescence growth substance.ThesisItem Open Access COMPETITIVE ABILITY OF DIFFERENT WHEAT VARIETIES AGAINST Phalaris minor (Retz.) IN RELATION TO CROP GEOMETRY(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2011) Neeraj SharmaA field investigation was conducted at Students’ Research Farm, Deptt. of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during rabi 2010-11 to study the competitive ability of different wheat varieties against Phalaris minor (Retz.) in relation to crop geometry. The experiment was conducted using Split Plot Design with four replications. Three spacings (15cm, 22.5cm and 22.5cm × 22.5cm) and two weed control methods (sprayed and unsprayed) were kept in main plots and four wheat varieties viz: PBW 550, DBW 17, PBW 621 and WH 542 were kept in sub plots. The weed count (118 and 130/m2) and weed dry weight (22.6 and 24.0q/ha) was found to be significantly less at harvest under bi-directional (22.5cm × 22.5cm) sowing and closer (15cm) sowing, respectively as compared to normal 22.5cm sowing which resulted in increased grain yield i.e. 56.5q/ha and 52.5q/ha in bidirectional and closer sowing respectively. The plots sprayed with herbicide showed significantly less weed count (112/m2) and weed dry matter (21.5q/ha) at harvest which resulted in increased grain yield in sprayed plots (57.9 q/ha) as compared to unsprayed plots (45.3q/ha). Among four wheat varieties, PBW 621 and PBW 550 were at par with each other in terms of grain (57.1 and 55.4 q/ha) and straw (86.5 and 78.8 q/ha) yield due to more number of effective tillers/m2 (445 and 416), ear length (8.7 and 7.7cm), numbers of grains per ear (53.7 and 50.5) and thousand grain weight (39.1 and 38.2 g) respectively. The weed count (120 and 126/m2) and weed dry matter (22.4 and 23.2 q/ha) was found to be significantly less at harvest for wheat variety PBW 621 and PBW 550, respectively due to more leaf area index and number of tillers/m2 recorded at different growth stages of wheat and proved more competitive against Phalaris minor as compared to DBW 17 and WH 542.
