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ThesisItem 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.ThesisItem Restricted Biomanagement of sugarcane bagasse and paddy straw through vermicomposting and its use on growth of vegetable crops(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Dhatt, Jasgeet Sofia; Hundal, S.S.The ever-growing population and increasing urbanization has necessitated the need to produce large amount of food and resulted in intensive farming leading to accumulation of various crop wastes, thereby imposing stress on environment. The disposal of these wastes has become a mandatory issue for maintaining sustainable and pollution free environment. Thus, vermicomposting is an environmentally sound and economically viable technology to recycle these wastes for the production of organic fertilizer. The present study deals with the efficacy of Eisenia fetida in bioconversion of agricultural crop residues: sugarcane bagasse (SB) and paddy straw (PS) amended in farm yard manure in the ratio 1:1. The results revealed that the maximum weight gain of 46.42% and the shortest life cycle of 45 days was recorded in PS+SB+FYM. The longest life cycle of 56 days was observed in control and the maximum number of cocoons produced per worm and per day was observed in PS+SB+FYM (1.85 and 5.60 respectively). The duration of conversion of substrate into vermicompost was recorded maximum in sugarcane bagasse (SB) of 80 days as compared to control. The nutrient analysis of the vermicompost showed a general trend in increase in the level of macronutrients i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (%) and decrease in the level of pH and total organic carbon content (%). It was inferred that among the test substrates studied, vermicompost from paddy straw+sugarcane bagasse+FYM (PS+SB+FYM) in 1:1 ratio was the best for its nutrient value and worms showed better growth and reproduction, thereby concluding that E.fetida exhibited a better efficacy in this substrate than others. Vegetable crops viz. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) and Indian palak (Beta vulgaris. var. bengalensis) were grown in soil amended with vermicompost in 1:1 ratio in the earthen pots. Growth, yield and quality attributes were analyzed using Randomized Block Design (RBD). It was inferred that the vermicompost prepared from test substrate paddy straw and sugarcane bagasse (PS+SB) i.e. treatment T5 revealed beneficial outcomes with improved quality of both the crops. In conclusion, vermicomposting can be regarded as ecofriendly and economical technology to convert agricultural crop wastes into value added manure for sustainable farming.ThesisItem Restricted 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, NishaBirds 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.ThesisItem Restricted Egg characteristics of granivorous birds in agro-ecosystem of central Punjab(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Kamalpreet Kaur; Kler, Tejdeep KaurBirds are one of the major victims of environmental contaminants as they occupy a wide range of trophic levels in different food chains. The present study was carried out at the three study areas i.e. PAU (Ludhiana), Jagraon and Ladhowal to investigate the characteristics of eggs belonging to granivorous birds. The selected transects of the PAU, Ludhiana, Jagraon and Ladhowal were surveyed for the presence of granivorous birds i.e. Blue Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) and Ring Dove (Streptopelia decaocto). The number of Blue Rock Pigeon and Ring Dove was significantly different in different months in selected transects of study areas. The breeding season of selected birds was observed to be from first week of February, 2017 to last week of July, 2018. The morphometric parameters of eggs such as weight, length and width of eggs, specific gravity, egg volume, shape index and weight and percentage of components of eggs (shell, albumen and yolk) were determined along with calcium carbonate content and eggshell thickness. Results revealed that morphometry and parameters of eggs of Ring Dove and Blue Rock Pigeon varied significantly depending upon the availability of food and environmental contamination. Egg shell thickness and calcium content (weight and proportion) in Blue Rock Pigeon and Ring Dove were highest in eggs collected from Punjab Agricultural University (Ludhiana) followed by Ladhowal and Jagraon villages with thinner egg shell and lowest calcium content in egg shell. Organochlorine residues were not found in examined egg samples. Chlorpyriphos and triazophos pesticides exceeded Maximum Residual Limits (MRLs) of (0.01) mg/kg in examined samples collected from Jagraon. But no residue was found in eggs of Blue Rock Pigeon and Ring Dove collected from Punjab Agricultural University and Ladhowal. The chlorpyriphos was found to be higher in eggs of Blue Rock Pigeon than eggs of Ring Dove. In eggs of Blue Rock Pigeon and Ring Dove, 8 heavy metals were detected through ICAP-AES, out of which As, Cd, Pb were heavy metals and Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn were essential elements. The concentration of all metals varied significantly at 0.05% level of significance among the different locations of district Ludhiana. The large fluctuations in levels of heavy metals and pesticide residues between the species illuminate the fact that there are significant variations in the level of environmental contamination in which birds liveThesisItem 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.ThesisItem Open Access Breeding biology of Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) and its management(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Sandaldeep Kaur; Kler, Tejdeep KaurThe 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.ThesisItem Restricted 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.ThesisItem Restricted Biological monitoring in cypermethrin induced albino rats(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Kalra, Shasta; Sangha, G.K.Cypermethrin (CYP), a synthetic pyrethroid, was used in the present study to investigate its toxic effects on female and male albino rats at two sub-chronic dose levels of 1/25th and 1/50th of LD50 for four weeks. It was observed that CYP treatment at higher doses resulted in loose fecal pellets, hyperirritability alongwith reduced average daily feed and water intake. Net body weight gain was significantly lower in 1/25th of LD50 CYP treated female and male rats. Estrogen, progesterone and FSH hormones showed significant decrease in CYP treated female. Testosterone, FSH and LH decreased in cypermethrin treated male rats at both the doses. After four weeks of treatment, various organs were obtained after dissection and weighed. A significant decrease in the weight of liver was observed while kidney, adrenal and thyroid weights increased significantly in female and male albino rats treated with CYP (1/25th of LD50 and 1/50th of LD50).The weight of uterus increased in female rats and that of ovary and testis decreased in female and male rats respectively at higher dose of CYP. Increased ATPase, ACP, AKP, urea and creatinine levels were observed in plasma of rats administered CYP at both the doses. Low and high-dose treatments of rats with CYP significantly increased the levels of ALT, AST and NADPH Cytochrome C reductase in liver in a dose-dependent manner. Activity levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were differentially altered in plasma, liver, kidney, brain and gonadal organs of treated female and male rats at both the doses of CYP. Decrease in phospholipids and increase in cholesterol levels were observed in ovaries and testis of treated female and male rats. Histoarchitectural changes were observed in liver, kidney and brain of CYP treated female and male rats. Maximum percentage of atresia was observed in CYP treated rats at higher doses. Testes revealed some distorted seminiferous tubules and reduced number of spermatozoa. Sperm motility and count decreased while sperm abnormalities increased in treated male rats. Increase in percent of chromosomal aberrations, frequency of micronucleated cells, SCE and average tail length of comets in CYP treated rats indicate that CYP has definite interactions with DNA in treated rats. Decreased gestation period, litter size, sex-ratio, reduced body weight and delay in developmental parameters of pups were also observed in CYP treated rats. The present study provides greater insight to the fact that CYP induces oxidative DNA damage and alters the biochemical parameters accompanied by degenerative histological changes in rats.ThesisItem 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.