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Open Access
Development of neem based formulation for management of Rattus rattus (Linn.) population
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Jasvir Kaur; Babbar, B.K.
Six different concentrations of NSP (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12%), nine different doses from stock solution of NSAE (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 ml) and six different doses from NSO (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 ml) were tested under laboratory condition to determine the effective dose with repellent effect against R. rattus. Results revealed antifeedant/ secondary repellent effect with the all doses and there was non-significance difference in antifeedant index (AI) among doses, therefore for the further studies, two dose each of NSAE ( 0.2ml and 2ml) and NSO (0.1ml and 0.6 ml) were selected. Testing of existence of primary effect revealed that rats avoided all the treated baits four first one to four hours after exposure. After that rats developed habituation to primary/olfactory repellent effect and started eating treated baits but consumption of treated baits remained low. Rats were not habituated for secondary repellent effect with the effective doses of NSAE (2 ml) and NSO (0.6ml) upto experiment period of 30 days. Six formulation (F1 to F6) were prepared using effective doses of NSAE and NSO and were tested under simulated storage conditions and in grain stores. Result revealed potential of F3 and F4 as repellent in preventing rodent damage for considerably long time as compared to other formulations tested. For using antifertility property of neem, seven different formulations (F7 to F13) were prepared using neem seed alcoholic hexane extract (NSAHE). As consumption of F11 was maximum, therefore antifertility effect was recorded in rats fed on F11 as well as in rats given oral dose of NSAHW. Results revealed potential of neem seed alcoholic hexane extract and its F11 formulation in reducing reproductive potential of rats. However there is need to further increase the acceptance of F11 based bait.
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Habitat ecology and management of Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) in central plain and sub-mountainous undulating zones of Punjab
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Dar, Muzamil Hussain; Vashishat, Nisha
Birds have a special place in human science and culture: they capture our hearts, arouse our curiosities, and inspire a sense of wonder. We may revel in the diversity and simple beauty of their forms, but birds also fuel fascinations that drive us towards deeper scientific inquiries into their varied ways of life. The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) is commonly known as a parrot and belongs to the family Psittacidae and order Psittaciformes. It is considered to be the worst avian pest throughout the Indian subcontinent. The present study was carried in central plain and sub-mountainous undulating zones of Punjab, aimed at feeding and roosting behaviour, assessment of damage caused to sunflower, maize and guava, evaluation of different management methods, estimation of the pesticide residues and heavy metals in feathers and fecal pellets of Rose-ringed Parakeet. The parakeets foraged in these crops in two sessions, each separated by a period of inactivity in the afternoon. The morning-forenoon sessions on an average lasted for 157 to 175 minutes for different crop while as afternoon-evening session lasted for 155 to 175 minutes. The average number of parakeets during morning-forenoon and afternoon-evening session in the sunflower varied between 33 to 178, in maize between 3 to 195 and guava 8 to 154. The morning-forenoon session started after 40 to 50 minutes for sunflower, 41 to 51 minutes for maize and 22 to 64 minutes for guava, while as the afternoon-evening session ended 16 to 17 minutes for sunflower, 25 to 27 minutes for maize and 21 to 29 minutes for guava before the sunset. The parakeets roost on the tall and old trees (Eucalyptus, Poplar and Acacia) at both the locations. The first early morning departure was recorded to take place a few minutes to 84 minutes before sunrise. The number of departing parakeets generally declined before sunrise, past which the number of parakeets returning to the roost casually increased. The damage caused to the control sunflower crop ranged from 5.8 to 19%. The average damage caused to the sunflower fields covered with the reflective ribbons, shining plates, CDs, scare crow was 0.7 to 4.5%, 0.9 to 5.20 %, 1.20 to 9.70% and 0.60 to 8.00%. The damage caused to the control maize fields ranged from 9.5 to 29.5% while as reflective ribbon installed fields have a damage in range of 4 to 12.5%. Guava had a damage of 14.69 to 16.76 % in control fields while as reflective ribbon installed fields have a damage of 5.67 to 8.51%. Ripened fruits were more preferred and the top canopy of trees was more affected. The pesticides viz. chlorpyriphos, triazophos were found to be present in concentrations of range 0.02-1.61 ppm. 0.02-3.08 ppm respectively and ethion (2.141 ppm). The Heavy metals were in the descending concentrations in the order: Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), and Cadmium (Cd). Cr, Cu and Mn was found above the threshold level at both the locations. The results of this study will contribute to environmental management at both the locations.
Open Access
Assessment of Cytotoxicity in Flesh, Gills and Liver of Fish (Labeo rohita) Reared in Untreated and Treated Sewage Water
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Bhanot, Reetu; Hundal, S.S.
The unregulated discharge of municipal sewage water in the water bodies acts as a major threat to the aquatic ecosystem and is also known to induce detrimental effects to the inhabiting fauna. The present study was designed to examine the cytotoxicity in fingerlings of Labeo rohita after exposure to untreated and treated sewage water for different intervals. The acute toxicity test was conducted for 96 hr to determine LC50 of the untreated sewage water (UT) using five concentrations viz. 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. The results of acute toxicity test depicted that 75% and 100% concentration of UT induced 100% mortality in fingerlings in less than 48 hr and 24 hr, respectively. After determining 96 hr LC50 value of UT, fingerlings were divided into four groups: control, treated, 1/10th of LC50 UT and 1/20th of LC50 UT. The fingerlings were exposed and dissected at the interval of 15, 30, 45 and 60 days and additional 60 days for recovery. The results of chronic toxicity test revealed significant decrease (p<0.05) in morphometric parameters viz. body weight, body length, weight of liver, gills and flesh of 1/10th LC50 UT and 1/20th LC50 UT groups in comparison to control and treated groups. Significant histopathological alterations were also observed in the gills and flesh of 1/10th and 1/20th LC50 UT group. The biochemical studies depicted a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the level of total proteins in flesh and liver; the total lipids in flesh, however, depicted significant increase (p<0.05) in 1/10th LC50 UT and 1/20th LC50 UT groups. The analysis of fatty acid composition of flesh of fingerlings revealed significant decrease (p<0.05) in per cent of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA’s) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA’s), however, saturated fatty acids (SFA’s) indicated significant increase (p<0.05) in 1/10th LC50 UT and 1/20th LC50 UT groups. The evaluation of antioxidant profile of liver revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the levels of LPO and specific activity of catalase, GST and GR, however, the specific activity of SOD and GPx decreased significantly (p<0.05) in both 1/10th LC50 UT and 1/20th LC50 UT groups. High frequency of micronucleated cells (MN) was observed in gill cells of 1/10th LC50 UT and 1/20th LC50 UT group. DNA damage was also observed in gills and flesh of 1/10th and 1/20th LC50 UT groups. A significant recovery (p<0.05) was observed in weight of liver and muscles, histo-architecture of gills and flesh, biochemical parameters viz. proteins in flesh, total lipids in flesh, PUFA’s, SFA’s, MUFA’s, oxidative stress parameters viz. LPO, SOD, catalase, GPx, GR, GST , frequency and number of micronucleated cells (MN) in gills cells of 1/10th LC50 UT and 1/20th LC50 UT groups. Hence, the results of the present study implied that untreated sewage water at the level of 1/10th and 1/20th LC50 has a potential to bring alterations at cellular, organ and genetic level, and after treatment the water is safe for use in fish culture.
Open Access
Breeding biology of Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) and its management
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Sandaldeep Kaur; Kler, Tejdeep Kaur
The present investigation was carried out to study abundance of Indian Peafowl, breeding biology, reproductive success and to evaluate management strategies in different study sites in Punjab from February 2016 to September 2018. The study has shown high relative abundance of Indian Peafowl at PAU campus and village Rauni which was due to habitat structure, scrub vegetation, tree diversity and food availability. The breeding period was recorded from March to end October in studied locations. The value of annual reproductive success was found to range from 0.67 to 0.80 during three breeding season. During entire study period, nest depth, radius of nest and nest circumference ranged from 2.5 to 5.5 cm, 7.0 to 15 cm and 43.96 to 94.20 cm respectively. Egg length, egg width and egg weight varied from 70.2 mm to 74.2 mm, 52.1 mm to 57.8 and 114.6 g to 123.5 g in three breeding seasons. Incubation period varied between 23.6 days to 26.5 days during three breeding seasons. Clutch size varied between 2 to 3 eggs at all selected locations. Observed nests were having shallow scrapped depression in ground whereas nesting material used by Indian Peahen was found to vary at different nesting sites. The chicks were observed having along with 1 or 2 females in crop fields involved in foraging activities for a period of one month. Different management methods i.e. bird protection net, jute rope, reflective ribbon were evaluated in mustard crop fields at ripening stage in replicates during Rabi season 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. The importance of Indian Peafowl in agro ecosystem from present work was worked out from two different perspectives, one as National Bird whose breeding sites should be protected and other aspect its depredation on oil seeds and vegetable crops should also be dealt with.
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Effect of chlorpyrifos on the reproductive system of Metaphire posthuma (Vaillant, 1868) and Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826)
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Avneet Kaur; Hundal, S.S.
The present study was field-laboratory integrated approach to evaluate effects of pesticide on earthworms. The agricultural fields of South West (S-W) Punjab (Malout, Bathinda and Muktsar regions) and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana were surveyed to monitor chlorpyrifos residues and check species and population density of earthworms. The residue level ranged from 0.014-0.044 mg/kg in Malout region, 0.018-0.116 mg/kg in Bathinda region and 0.010-0.056 mg/kg in Muktsar region of Punjab. The Metaphire posthuma was the predominant species found in S-W Punjab and PAU, Ludhiana and Lampito mauritii was also inhabiting these regions. The biochemical, histological, cytological and genotoxicity studies were also performed on former abundant species. The investigation revealed that the biological alterations were more pronounced in Kharif season than Rabi. Higher AchE activity during Rabi season and elevated GST activity during Kharif season was recorded in earthworms .The histological alterations were only observed in earthworms of S-W Punjab. Low differential, total coelomocyte count and higher DNA damage was reported in Kharif. The comparative study showed that PAU, Ludhiana is a zone with good agricultural practices. In laboratory two ecologically different earthworms i.e Metaphire Posthuma (endogeic) and Eisenia fetida (epigeic) were exposed to different doses of chlorpyrifos (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 ml/l) in an artificial soil test following OECD guidelines. The significant decrease was observed in body weight, cocoon and hatchling number of both earthworms, at higher doses of chlorpyrifos (7.5 and 10.0 ml/l). The mortality as a result of morphological alterations was observed at higher doses of chlorpyrifos in earthworms. Further, these higher doses led to inhibition of activity of AchE and GST, decrease in total, differential count of coelomocytes and high DNA damage. Histological alterations were also observed in gonads of M. posthuma and E. fetida on exposure to higher doses. The field and laboratory studies revealed that earthworms are excellent bioindicators for assessing soil contamination caused by pesticides. The species specific response was observed, M. posthuma was found to be more sensitive as compared to E. fetida so, can used as standard test species to evaluate pesticidal toxicity.
Open Access
Status of population and assessment of environmental contaminants on egg parameters and breeding biology of House Crow (Corvus splendens) in Malwa region of Punjab
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2017) Manpreet Kaur; Khera, K.S.
Birds are the common inhabitants of the ecosystem and are well known as indicator species of the ecosystem health. Among these birds, the Indian House Crow (Corvus splendens), is the most wide spread subspecies of the corvidae family in India as well as in the world. Present study was undertaken to study the dynamics of house crow population in some pockets of Malwa region of Punjab. The present study on the status of population of House Crow was carried out in the 3 districts of Malwa region of Punjab (Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana and in selected villages of Sangrur and Bathinda), while study on assessment of environmental contaminants on egg parameters and breeding biology was carried out only in the 2 districts of Malwa region of Punjab (PAU, Ludhiana and in selected villages of Sangrur). It was observed that population of House Crow was significantly low at the Sangrur and Bathinda villages as compared to PAU, Ludhiana. In present study, breeding season of House Crow was observed to be from April to September. 99 nests were recorded during two breeding seasons in PAU, Ludhiana and 9 nests were found in two villages of Sangrur. Quantitative analysis of the nests of house crow was also done. Majority of the nests of the House Crow located on 17 different tree species. In the present study two types of nests were observed i.e. Active nests and Non-active nests. In PAU, Ludhiana, out of total 99 nests, 61 nests found to be active and 38 nests were remain in-active on 16 different tree species in both breeding seasons. In villages of Sangrur, all nests were found inactive on the 3 tree species used. Average egg length, breadth, shape index, egg weight, albumen weight, yolk weight, shell weight, albumen percentage, yolk percentage, shell percentage, egg shell thickness, CaCO3, egg volume and specific gravity which indicate hatchability of eggs were determined. In present study high levels of chlorpyriphos and few heavy metals were detected in feather samples collected from villages of Sangrur. Overall it was observed that the population at PAU, Ludhiana was higher as compared to selected villages of Sangrur and Bathinda. Analysis of feathers indicated higher levels of chlorpyriphos and some heavy metals in the feathers collected from villages of Sangrur. As birds are the visible indicators of the health and quality of the ecosystem in which they live, therefore, fixing priorities and developing strategies for their conservation needs further studies for a healthy environment.
Open Access
EFFECTS OF HEN EGG WHITE PROTEINS ON REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF RED FLOUR BEETLE (Tribolium castaneum)
(PAU Ludhiana, 2010) Geetu Choudhary; R.K. Parshad
The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae) is a destructive pest of stored grains and it is renowned for adapting to various insecticides. The hen’s egg white proteins possess unique multifunctional properties including antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulatory and anticancer. Therefore, the present study was carried out to determine the insecticidal potential of hen’s egg white proteins to manage red flour beetle population. Protein samples obtained through salt fractionation (PPT-I and PPT-II) including whole egg white (WEW) were lyophilized. Different concentrations (2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%) of each of the protein samples were tested separately and simultaneously by adding them to wheat flour and milk powder (75:25 w/w). The results indicated that mortality rate of the adult beetles was dependent on the type of treatment, concentration of protein samples and duration of feeding. WEW, PPT-I and PPT-II treatments delayed the emergence of developmental stages, reduced the fecundity rate, egg volume and reproductive effort of the female beetles. In multiple-choice feeding trials, beetles showed repellency towards the food containing PPT-I and PPT-II proteins. Marked abnormalities were observed in appearance and dimensions of the ovarioles and eggs which indicated that the hen’s egg white proteins caused considerable effect on the process of oogenesis. Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed changes in the structure of epithelial sheath cells of ovarioles probably caused due to resorption of ova in the beetles fed on PPT-II proteins. Higher resolution of the egg surface showed the presence of wrinkles or shrivelled appearance of the chorionic layer in PPT-I and PPT-II treated eggs and these deep folds and wrinkles were more conspicuous in the beetles fed on PPT-II proteins. PPT-II proteins appeared to be most effective among WEW, PPT-I and PPT-II samples in causing mortality and reduction of fecundity in T.castaneum.
Open Access
MUSCLE FATTY ACID PROFILES OF SOME WILD FISH SPECIES AND ENHANCEMENT OF OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS THROUGH DIETARY MANIPULATION IN Cyprinus carpio (Linn.)
(PAU Ludhiana, 2012) Jyotika; H.S., Sehgal
The study has been conducted on i) seasonal variations in muscle total lipid content (MTLC), fatty acid profiles and proximate composition of two wild fish species, Puntius conchonius (Hamilton-Buchanan) and P. sarana (Hamilton-Buchanan), to determine their nutritional status and ii) enhancement of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), considered vital for human health, through dietary manipulation in a cultured carp species, Cyprinus carpio (Linn.). Both the wild species were found to be rich in crude protein, which varied between 15.74% to 18.18% in P. conchonius and 15.15% to 18.04% in P. sarana during different seasons. Based on their MTLC (2.36% to 4.89%), both the species could be categorized as lean or low-fat fishes. However, the MTLC was higher and the moisture, ash and carbohydrate contents of the fishes were comparable with many other freshwater fish species. The fishes had good PUFA content. Omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs were 2.78% in P. sarana and 2.21% in P. conchonius. Total n-6 PUFAs were 4.56% in P. sarana and 4.20% in P .conchonius, and the values of n-3/n-6 ratio were 0.73 and 0.60 in P. sarana and P. conchonius, respectively. Linolenic acid formed 1.64% of the total n-3 PUFAs in P. sarana and 1.02% in P. conchonius. EPA constituted 0.31% in P. conchonius and 0.24% in P. sarana and DHA 0.75% in P. sarana and 0.69% in P.conchonius. Stearic acid was the dominant saturated fatty acid (SFA) forming 28.75% of the total SFAs in P. sarana and 28.10% in P. conchonius. The MTLC and n-3 PUFAs of C. carpio (Linn.), a cultured carp species could be enhanced through dietary manipulation. The MTLC could be increased from 1.44% in fish fed traditional diet with no flaxseed oil to 2.83% in fish fed 30% flaxseed oil diet. Similarly, the total n-3 PUFAs could be enhanced from 10.38% in fishes fed 0% flaxseed oil diet for 90 days to 18.67% in fishes fed 30% flaxseed oil diet for 60 days and 30% fish oil diet for 30 days.
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Diversity of earthworms in sugarcane and wheat crop fields and vermicomposting of crop waste
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2016) Panjgotra, Shilpa; Sangha, Gurinder Kaur
Sugarcane and wheat crop fields were selected from Amritsar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and Moga to explore the diversity of earthworms. At all the study sites, population density of earthworms showed their maximum number in the month of July, August in sugarcane fields and in the month of March in wheat crop fields. Seasonal density showed maximum abundance in rainy season> summer season> winter season. Earthworm count per m2 was more in sugarcane fields as compared to wheat fields and among different districts abundance was maximum in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar followed by Amritsar and Moga. Overall five species of earthworms belonging to family Megascolecidae were found and these were Metaphire posthuma, Lampito mauritii, Amynthas morrisi, Amynthas corticis and Metaphire houlleti in sugarcane and wheat fields. Metaphire posthuma and Lampito mauritii were found to be dominating species of Punjab and tested for genetic variability among isolates collected from different locations. Genetic variability was detected among isolates of Metaphire posthuma, whereas variability does not exist among isolates of Lampito mauritii. Out of the tested physico-chemical parameters, soil temperature and moisture were found to be significantly positively correlated with the earthworm population. Nutrient content like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic carbon in earthworm casts were significantly more as compared to surrounding soil. Vermicomposting of Sugarcane trash and wheat straw agro-waste was done by using Eisenia fetida. Maximum significant results were obtained in 1:1 ratio of agrowaste:FYM (Farm Yard Manure) (sugarcane trash:FYM, wheat straw:FYM) as compared to 1:1/2 and control (Only FYM). The nutrient analysis of the vermicomposts showed a general trend of increase in the levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and decrease in the levels of pH, EC, organic carbon (%). It was inferred that among the two substrates studied, vermicompost from wheat straw in 1:1 was best for its nutrient value and showed better growth and reproduction, thereby concluding that, Eisenia fetida exhibited a better efficacy in wheat straw substrate (1:1 ratio) as compared to sugarcane trash.

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