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ThesisItem Embargo Effect of container type and growing media on growth and nutrients uptake in Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. seedlings(Punjab Agricultural University, 2022) Ramandeep Kaur; Garg, Rakesh K.The present study was conducted in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources during the year 2020-21. The study comprised of two nursery experiments established in factorial complete randomized design with three replications. The first experiment comprised of fifteen treatment combinations of five container types (plastic bottles, clay pots, plastic pots, polypropylene bags and polythene bags) and three container size (500 cm³, 1000 cm³ and 2000 cm³). Second experiment comprised of twenty one treatment combinations of three soil textures (sandy loam, loamy sand and clay loam) and seven amendments (pure soil, soil: FYM 1:1, soil: FYM 2:1, soil: bio digester slurry 1:1, soil: bio digester slurry 2:1, soil: rice husk ash 1:1 and soil: rice husk ash 2:1). Seedlings raised in large size polypropylene bags attained maximum plant height (143.27cm), collar diameter (10.53mm), number of branches (24.33), number of leaves (50.33), root length (93.90cm), number of roots (34), number of nodules (22), biomass production and nutrient (N, P and K) uptake. The reusable containers viz plastic bottles, plastic pots and clay pots can be used for producing plants to reduce dependency on single-use polythene bags in nurseries. The seedlings produced in mixture of sandy loam and bio digester slurry (2:1) resulted in maximum root length (160.33 cm), number of nodules (25.33), number of leaves (46.33), biomass production and nutrients uptake at nine months of age. Seedlings raised in sandy loam:bio digester slurry (2:1) had statistically at par plant height with sandy loam:bio digester slurry (1:1) and loamy sand:bio digester slurry (2:1) at nine months of age.ThesisItem Embargo Response of Melia dubia and Dalbergia sissoo to sandy loam soil amended with water absorbent polymers(Punjab Agricultural University, 2022) Rajesh Kumar; Dhakad, Ashok KumarThe present study was carried out in the Department of Forestry & Natural Resources at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the year 2021-22. To study the effect of water absorbant polymers application on the growth, biomass, elemental concentrations in leaves and leaf physiological parameters of Melia dubia and Dalbergia sissoo, the hydrogel was applied in powdered form before planting the seedlings in pits having 50×50×50 cm3 volume at concentrations of 0, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 g/plant. Plant characteristics like plant height, collar diameter, leaf N, P, K, and physiological traits viz., chlorophyll, carotenoids, RWC, MSI and TSS were measured at 6 months or seasonal interval, while, CAI for height and diameter, crown length, crown height, root length, plant fresh and dry weight were at end of experiment (12 MAP). In Melia dubia, treatment T2 (30 gm/pit) was found best for growth and biomass parameters and lowest values was in control. However, in Dalbergia sissoo maximum readings of growth and biomass parameters were obtained in Treatment T3 (35 gm/pit) and minimum in control. The physiological parameters of Melia dubia such as N, K, RWC and MSI were recorded higher in T2 (30 gm/pit) while P was in T3 (35 gm/pit) treatment. Total carotenoid was recorded maximum for both T2 (30 gm/pit) and T3 (35 gm/pit). Chl-a, Chl-b and total chlorophyll were observed highest in T6 (50 gm/pit) and TSS was in T1 (25 gm/pit). The physiological parameters of Dalbergia sissoo did not show any definite pattern for most of the traits studied. The maximum value of N and MSI was observed in T4 (40 gm/pit), while P and K were in T2 (30 gm/pit). Chl-a, Chl-b, total chlorophyll and RWC were found maximum in T3 (30 gm/pit), total carotenoids in T6 (50 gm/pit) and TSS in T1 (25 gm/pit). Lowest values for all physiological parameters in both trees were recorded under control. The high heritability was recorded in root length, plant fresh, dry weight and few physiological traits for both Melia dubia and Dalbergia sissoo. Only growth and biomass traits showed significant positive correlation in both plant species.ThesisItem Embargo Influence of defoliation and nitrogen fertilizer on compensatory growth of Eucalyptus spp. and Melia composita seedlings(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Navpreet; Thakur, SapnaThe present investigations entitled, ―Influence of defoliation and nitrogen fertilizer on compensatory growth of Eucalyptus spp. and Melia composita seedlings‖ was performed in the main research farm of Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. In the present study, the seeds of Melia composita were germinated in polythene bags, whereas Eucalyptus (clone 413) was clonally propagated in the mist chamber and shifted to polythene bags containing Soil: FYM (2:1) as growing media. The seedlings were treated with defoliation (50%) and different doses of nitrogen (Control, 3g N, 6gN, 12g N/kg soil) and were evaluated for growth, biomass and physiological characters. The results revealed that Eucalyptus and Melia composita seedlings/plants supplied with 12g N/kg soil (3 split doses) treatment produced quality seedlings with higher values for all the growth and biomass characters. The seedlings of both the species also exhibited compensatory growth in response to defoliation treatment. The physiological parameters such as total chlorophyll and chlorophyll index in both the species were also observed higher in the seedlings/plants treated with 12g N/kg soil. Similarly, the higher survival percent and DQI index of Eucalyptus and Melia composita seedlings was observed higher in 12g N/kg soil treatment. Therefore, on the basis of overall mean performance and seedling quality indices, 12g N/kg soil fertilization treatment can be recommended for production of quality planting stock of Eucalyptus and M. composita species.ThesisItem Embargo Crossability pattern and genetic variation among F1 of Moringa oleifera Lam.(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Kamboj, Rohit; Dhakad, Ashok KumarThe present study was carried out to assess the crossability behaviour followed by genetic variation studies among F1 hybrids and open pollinated progenies of Moringa oleifera seed sources in the Department of Forestry & N.R., PAU, Ludhiana during 2021-22. Seed sources (S12 and S11) were reported to initiate bud initiation and flower initiation events earlier than other sources. Source S12 was observed best among M. oleifera seed sources due to having more petal length. The optimum timing of anther dehiscence was in between 6:00 am in morning hours and up to 12:00 pm in afternoon. Source S7 showed maximum pollen viability (~92%) and maximum pollen size (~36.12×33.92µm). Crosses were made among seed sources S1, S3, S7, S8, S9, S10, S11, and S12. The maximum numbers of successful crosses were 10 in S7×S1 cross followed 3 in S7×S8 cross. The highest percent successful crosses (20 %) were observed in the crosses S7×S1. Only (3.07%) crosses were successfully developed fruits/pods. Cross H2 showed maximum pod length, pod width, number of seed per pod, seed weight per pod, and H5 had the maximum day taken for seed maturity. Crosses made among H2 produced more seed weight of 100 seeds (22.36 g) and S11 showed maximum seed weight (31.00 g) in the open-pollinated seed sources. Cross H2 showed maximum germination and survival percentage. However, seeds of the H6 cross were not germinated and in open-pollinated, source S7 showed maximum germination and survival percentage. Crosses made among H2 produced more seedling height, collar diameter, leaf width, petiole length, number of pinnae. Source S12 had the greatest seedling height among the seed sources. In Hybrid, maximum total dry matter in H3; ash content in H1, crude protein and fibre in H2, crude fat in H1, carbohydrates in H4, total energy value in H3; chlorophyll in H1, total soluble sugars in H2, carotenoids in H1, while, in open-pollinated progenies, maximum dry matter in S8; ash in S11, protein in S1, fibre in S7, fat in S13, carbohydrate in S9, total energy value in S13; chlorophyll in S1, soluble sugars in S10 and carotenoids in S11. Only two hybrid progenies of crosses H1 and H2 showed higher economic heterosis for a majority of traits. Majority of nursery and seedling traits had positive significance, and nutritional and physiological traits had negative significant correlation.ThesisItem Embargo Assessment of Salix clones for morphological and physiological traits under salt stress(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Manpreet Kaur; Thakur, SapnaThe present investigation entitled “Assessment of Salix clones for morphological and physiological traits under salt stress” was carried out in the teaching area, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab during the year, 2021. Stem cuttings of selected five Salix clones were established in a pot experiment in Feb, 2021 arranged in Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) using four replications and were irrigated with 0, 20, 40, 60, 80mM NaCl treatments for the active growth period. The observations on growth and physiological characteristics of clones as well as chemical parameters of soil were recorded at an interval of two months after initiation of salinity treatments i.e., May, July and October. However, the biomass parameters were recorded at the end of experiment. All the growth and biomass traits showed significantly reduction with increase in salinity treatments. Among physiological traits, significant reduction were observed in total chlorophyll, carotenoids, total starch and relative water content, while salinity stress raised the content of proline, total soluble sugar, total soluble protein, total phenol, electrolyte leakage and Na+/K+ ratio in all the clones. The enzymatic activities of POD and SOD increased in all the clones when subjected to higher levels of salinity stress. On the basis of overall mean performance, clone UHF 03 showed better growth and biomass accumulation at 80 mM and was found to be the most tolerant to salinity stress among tested clones. SEM and EDS mapping confirmed anatomical changes and higher Na accumulations in the roots and leaves of Salix in response to salinity stress. Highest heritability and genetic gain were recorded for relative water content, POD, fresh root weight, dry root weight and proline content. Strong correlation was observed for total dry weight with various physiological traits i.e., total starch, relative water content, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, total phenol, electrolyte leakage, Na+/K+ ratio, SOD and POD and thus, these traits must be given due importance while making selection for salt tolerance in Salix species.ThesisItem Restricted Studying the variation among clones of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. for growth, stem quality and physiological traits.(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Ravi Inder Singh; Dhillon, G.P.S.In the present study, eight clones of shisham (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) were evaluated on the basis of growth traits, adaptability and stem quality parameters mainly clear bole height and stem straightness under field conditions at the age of 54 months. Significant variation was observed among clones for all the growth and stem quality traits. Mean tree height varied from 7.50 to 10.86 m in which clone PS-52 exhibited maximum tree height. Mean DBH was in the range of 9.62-12.33 cm with clone PS-54 having the highest DBH. Clone PS-54 recorded maximum volume index (0.159 m3/tree). Highest clear bole height was recorded by clone PS-20 (4.01 m) and was at par with clones PS-90 and PS-52. Straightness score varied from 2.58-3.83 and clones PS-20, PS-52 and PS-54 were superior ones. Clone PS-52 witnessed highest survival percentage of 97.60%. Pathological infestation ranged from 1.33 to 2.67 and clone PAU-2 was the superior most. Clones PAU-2 and PAU-5 were showing the least symptoms for insect-pest attack. All the clones were similar in the phenological observations. In biochemical estimation of leaves, significant variation among the clones was observed for chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, total soluble sugars, total soluble proteins, starch and reducing sugars content. Variability estimates were quite high for disease incidence, straightness and clear bole height. The heritability and predicted genetic gain was high for stem quality traits and medium for growth traits. Clones PS-52 and PS-20 were adjudged promising based on the index score given for the studied morphological traits.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of Moringa oleifera Lam. seed sources for nutritional value and mineral content(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Karamdeep Singh; Dhakad, Ashok KumarThe study presents nutritional, fodder and mineral values of tender leaves, mature leaves and twigs collected during rainy season from fourteen seed sources of Moringa oleifera. Out of 14 genotypes/seed sources, 5 were national varieties, 5 seed sources from Punjab and rest 4 from different parts of India. Studies on dry matter, ash content, organic matter, nutritional traits i.e. crude protein, crude fats, crude fibres, total carbohydrates, total soluble sugars, nitrogen free extract and total energy value; fodder traits i.e. NDF, ADF, ADL, IVDMD, hemicellulose, cellulose, DMI, DDM, RFV and pH; anti-nutritional characters i.e. total phenols, flavonoides, tannin, saponin, nitrate and oxalate were carried out using standard protocols and procedures, while mineral elements were determined by ICPMS. Significant differences were observed for all traits studied among seed sources. Mean maximum dry matter, crude protein and total energy was recorded in S13, S9 and S14 sources, respectively. However, maximum dry matter intake and digestibility was observed for PAU local source (S5). Seed source S14 (PAU local source) was observed best for nutritional value (based on energy value) under Punjab conditions. In general, S9 seed source was found to be best for the fodder traits (based on RFV) and S5 had fewer amounts of antinutrients (based on nitrate content). The pH of leaves ranged from 5.11 to 6.59. Tender leaves were observed best for ash content, total carbohydrates, NFE, NDF, ADF, ADL, DMI, DDM, RFV and nitrates; mature leaves for crude protein, crude fats, crude fibre, total energy value, IVDMD and pH; and twigs for dry matter, TSS, hemicellulose, cellulose, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and oxalates. For mineral elements, mature leaves are better for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Na, B, Mn and Ni except Cu and Zn. Tender leaves possess the less amount of heavy metals like Pb, Cd and Cr. Over all, PAU local source (S14) found better for major nutrients like K, Ca, Fe, Na and Mg. All traits were strongly genetically controlled as environmental coefficient of variation was very low. Dry matter showed positive correlation with OM, CP, fats and fibre, while negative with carbohydrates, TSS and NEF, however, negative with CP in twigs. Crude protein was negatively correlated with total carbohydrates, TSS and NFE.ThesisItem Open Access Variability and correlation studies in poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr. Ex Marsh) clones for growth and quality traits(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Lakhwinder Singh; Dhillon, G. P. S.The present study entitled “Variability and correlation studies in poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr. Ex Marsh) clones for growth and quality traits” was conducted at main experimental area of the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the years 2019-2020. Sixteen poplar clones (14 clones introduced from YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan and 2 from PAU) were evaluated at nursery and field stage for growth and quality traits in randomized complete block design. Significant differences were found among the clones for all traits except wood specific gravity. Under nursery condition, the data were taken at three different ages (3, 7 and 11 months). Clones T-46, L-200/86 and 6503 exhibited highest collar diameter and height and were statistically at par with both check clones. Clones L-200/86 and T-98 recorded the maximum inter-nodal length and was superior than both the check clones at three different ages. The maximum root and shoot length were recorded in clone T-50 and maximum number of roots was found in clone T-46. Clone T-50 and T-33 were promising for dry root and shoot biomass. Highly significant and positive correlation was found for height with collar diameter and inter-nodal length at nursery stage. At field condition, clones check L-48/89, check L47/88, 9607 and 6503 were promising for all growth traits at three different ages (4, 4.5 and 5 years). The number of branches per meter crown length was significantly higher under clone T-98 which was superior than both the check clones. Clones check L-48/89, check L-47/88, 9607 and T-50 showed moderately resistant reaction to leaf spot under field condition. However, lower incidence of defoliators was obtained in clone T-50. The genotypic coefficient variation and phenotypic coefficient variation ranged from 11.47-38.60 % and 14.78-47.51 %, respectively. High heritability was recorded in number of branches per meter crown length (0.76 %) followed by DBH (0.73 %). The index score for morphological traits (DBH, plant height, volume index, number of branches, defoliator incidence, indarbela incidence and leaf spot incidence) was maximum clones in 9607 and check L-47/88. The clones were clustered into five distinct groups with maximum diversity of (17.659) between cluster II and cluster IV.ThesisItem Open Access Phenological behaviour and development of fruit yield prediction models in Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre under Punjab conditions(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Amjed K. E.; Saralch, Harmeet SinghThe study on “Phenological behaviour and development of fruit yield prediction models in Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre under Punjab conditions” was carried out at the main campus, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and road side plantations, Hambran road, Ludhiana, respectively during 2020-21. The study consisted of two experiments. In the first experiment, phenological data from ten selected Pongamia pinnata trees were collected for one complete year (March 2020 to February 2021). The study revealed that in Pongamia pinnata, leaf bud bursting occurs twice a year, i.e., in early May when the day length and temperature are high, and in early August after the monsoon season has begun. The initiation of flowering with leaf emergence during the dry period promotes a higher rate of fruit setting due to maximum pollinator availability and activity. The late maturation in P. pinnata indicates its independence from rain. In the second experiment, fully ripened fruits were taken from sixty trees of various diameter classes, and various response models were employed to determine the best fit to predict the fruit biomass with respect to DBH. The results clearly indicated that the polynomial function is best suited for estimating fresh fruit biomass based on DBH in Pongamia pinnata.
