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ThesisItem Restricted Studies on avian diversity, biology and behaviour along Beas river conservation reserve(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Sachin Kumar; Kler, Tejdeep KaurRiver Beas was declared as conservation reserve in year 2017 under section 36A of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 but no study is available on the avian diversity along river. Therefore, present study was conducted from April 2019 to March 2021along Beas conservation reserve to understand the avian diversity in various sub habitats present along the river by selecting three locations i.e. Location I (Talwara: In foot hills of Shiwaliks), Location II (Beas: near urban settlement) and Location III (Harike: near rural settlement). Each location was further divided as crop fields, riparian, shallow water, edge, island and river. Study revealed that river Beas provides shelter to 245 bird species where 228 species were recorded at Location I with 40 exclusive species, 126 at Location II and 202 at Location III with 13 exclusive species. Crop fields had avian diversity of 104 at Location I, 78 at Location II and 94 at Location III. Riparian zone of river harbours 143 at location I, 83 at location II and 117 at location III. Shallow water river zone had 110 at location I, 126 at location II and 58 at location III. During this study a total of 113 species were recorded to exploiting edge sub habitat and 85 species Island sub habitat for various activities while 126 in shallow water sub habitat of riverine system which shows that the edge and island habitats are equally important from avian conservation point of view. Both Island and edge habitat are made of relatively very small area as compare to overall river habitat zone therefore these sub habitats are easy to manage but need attention during conservation planning. Crop fields and riparian habitats support more single species roosters and single group roosters. Riverine habitats (Edge, Shallow water and Islands) supports more mix group roosters. A total of 527 nests were recorded during study period having 193 nests at Talwara, 115 at Beas and 219 at Harike. Nesting of birds was niche area specific where colony nesters were tree species specific including Baya weaver nesting was specific to Date Palm and Cattle Egret nesting was specific to Kikar. Riparian zone of Talwara was wide and had minimum anthropogenic activities therefore harbour maximum of 143 species in riparian zone while Harike had wide shallow water zone therefore maximum of 126 water dependent species as compare to other two locations. Location II had almost lowest values for all diversity indexes under study (Abundance, Richness, Shannon index, Simpson index) in comparison to Location I and III shows the effect of proximity of human habitation on avian diversity. Though the all six sub-habitats understudy were adjoining to each other still a clear distinction of niche area preference was recorded during study. The birds may enter the adjoin niche but overall abundance remains similar for preferred niche for each bird species. The study concludes that significant number of species recorded have specific niche area requirements that are completed by the river’s sub-habitats including feeding, foraging, roosting and nesting therefore conservation plans should be designed in such a way that whole area come under protection as a single unit while maintaining its sub habitat identity.ThesisItem Restricted Impacts of agricultural mechanization on avian diversity in Ludhiana district(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Harnoor Kaur; Kler, Tejdeep KaurThe present investigation was carried out to study the impacts of agricultural mechanization on avian diversity at nine selected rice-wheat fields from three locations, Sarabha (Location I), Pakhowal (Location II) and Dangon (Location III) from April 2020 to March 2021. A total of 50 avian species were recorded from the selected fields during the study period. Rock Pigeon (8.63%), Cattle Egret (8.55%), House Crow (8.50%), Common Myna (7.61%), Eurasian Collared Dove (7.17%) and Red-wattled Lapwing (6.46%) were the most abundant species found. During the Kharif season, a total of 48 bird species of 46 genera were recorded while 49 bird species belonging to 45 genera during the Rabi season. The mechanical operations like ploughing, harvesting and other post harvesting operations with disc plough harrow, plougher, combine harvester and straw baller have shown much higher avian species richness and diversity irrespective of the field type. Higher values of species richness and diversity were recorded from the organically cultivated fields and fields with agronomic practices recommended by PAU as compared to fields with conventional cultivation practices. Increase in species richness and diversity was observed during the harvesting and post-harvesting operations due to use of combine harvesters, thresher, straw baller, disc plough harrow and land leveller. As evident from the present study cultivating crops both organically and by following PAU recommended agronomic practices might help in sustaining higher avian species richness and diversity.ThesisItem Restricted Evaluation of larvicidal potential of kinnow peel extracts against Aedes aegypti Linnaeus(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Arshkamaljot Kaur; Kocher, Devinder KaurTransmission of dengue virus by Ae. aegypti mosquito is one of the major global issues. Presently plant based products are in high demand for mosquito control, as they are effective, easily available and eco-friendly. Different types of extracts viz. oil, ethanolic and aqueous were prepared from kinnow peel and tested @ 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80ppm, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25% and 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 and 10.0% respectively for their larvicidal efficacy against Ae. aegypti 4th instar larvae. Results indicated 70ppm of oil, 0.20% of ethanolic and 9.0% of aqueous extracts as effective larvicidal concentrations. Certain morphological damages and abnormal behavioural activities were observed in the treated larvae. These kinnow peel extracts were found to be highly volatile in nature, as no residual activity in terms of larval mortality occurred in the left over effective concentrations of these extracts. However, residual effect in the form of delayed development (L4 to adult) was observed in all the treated sets in comparison to control and vehicle-control. All kinnow peel extracts were found to have statistically similar larvicidal potential in freshly prepared and stored (2, 4 and 6 months old) extracts, indicating no effect of storage on their larvicidal activity. Thus, the identification of kinnow like plant based oil/extracts having larvicidal properties combined with capacity to damage larvae, alter their behaviour along with delay in developmental phases is the need of hour and should be exploited in future for managing the problem of dengue transmitting vector, Ae. aegypti.ThesisItem Open Access Productivity and Nutritional Composition of Fish in Relation to Nutritional Quality of Fish Feeds in Some Commercial Fish Ponds of Shri Muktsar Sahib District of Punjab(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Lovepreet Kaur; Sehgal, G.K.The present study evaluated productivity and nutritional composition of a cultured fish species, Labeo rohita (Ham.) in relation to nutritional quality of feeds and on-farm feeding practices in six commercial fish ponds of Shri Muktsar Sahib District of Punjab. The ponds were divided into two groups (3 in each group). The productivity of the pond group 1 was 6.25 to 7.5t ha-1 year-1 and in group 2, it was 4.0 to 5.6 t ha-1 year-1. Nutritional composition of the fish varied seasonally. The moisture content was minimum in summer and maximum in monsoon. Slightly higher moisture content was noticed in the fish from pond group 2 (78.05%) than from the group 1 (77.88%). Crude protein content (CP) was lowest in winter and highest in summer. The fish from the pond group 1 had significantly higher CP content (17%) than those from the group 2 (16.1%). The crude lipid content also remained higher in the fish from pond group 1 than those from the pond group 2 in monsoon and winter (2.01% and 1.80%, respectively). Carbohydrates were highest in summer and lowest in monsoon. There were non-significant differences in carbohydrates between the two groups of ponds. Ash was maximum during summer (2.55%) and minimum in monsoon (1.13%). The fish ash content from group 1 ponds was higher than from the group 2 in summer and monsoon but in group 1 in winter. Gross energy (GE) was highest in summer and lowest in winter. The GE of the fish from the pond group 1 was higher than of those from the group 2. Nonsignificant differences in air and water temperature occurred except in water temperature in winter when it was higher in group 2. Non-significant differences between the two groups of ponds existed in Secchi disc transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, and salinity. Significantly higher dissolved phosphorus was recorded in group 2 in summer and monsoon. The total phytoplankton was higher in group 1 than in group 2 ponds. The average values were 221.31×105/L and 196.46×106/L in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There were seasonal differences in zooplankton also. The total zooplankton number remained significantly higher in pond group 1. The average values were 402.29 No./L and 352.12 No./L in pond groups 1 and 2, respectively. Farmers of ponds 1 and 6 used de-oiled rice bran as fish feed. In ponds 2, 3, 4 and 5 formulated feeds were used. Nutritional composition of fish feeds varied seasonally. Non-significant differences in moisture occurred in monsoon and winter. In summer, it was higher in group 2. Non-significant differences in CP content occurred. Significantly higher CL occurred in group 1 ponds. Non-significant differences existed in carbohydrates. Significantly higher ash content was in group 1 ponds. Aflatoxins were detected in all the feeds given in all the six ponds. Daily ration size was 2% of body weight per day except in pond 3 where it was 3%. Feeding frequency and time of feeding was once in the morning. The feed dispensing method was broadcasting except in ponds 3 and 4 where perforated sacs/drums were used. Crude protein and crude lipid of feeds had major effect on nutritional composition of fish.ThesisItem Open Access Earthworm abundance and diversity in different cropping systems under organic and conventional farming(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Arshpreet Kaur; Aulakh, R. K.Earthworms form an integral part of the soil ecosystem, contributing to the development of soil structure, nutrient cycling, pedogenisis, water regulation and pollution remediation. The present study is an attempt to assess the earthworm abundance and diversity in the different cropping systems (i.e. basmati-wheat, basmati-chickpea, soybean-wheat, moong-wheat) under organic and conventional farming systems in the fields of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The four earthworm species found during the study period are Metaphire posthuma, Lampito mauritti, Amynthas morissia and Travoscolides chengannure. which belong to two families i.e. Megascolicidae and Octochateidae. Out of these Travoscolides chengannure was reported for the first time in Punjab. The results indicate that richer earthworm diversity is found in the organic farming systems as compared to the conventional farming systems. The overall abundance of earthworms (60.4%) in organic farming system was more as compared to the conventional (39.5%) farming system. The present study reveals that the management practices adopted for conventional farming like chemical fertilizers and pesticides had a negative effect on the earthworm population which might be the reason for less abundance and diversity of earthworm species in conventional fields. The correlation analysis of earthworm abundance with the physicochemical parameters of soil in different farming systems has revealed that the abundance of earthworms in organic farming system shows positive but non-significant correlation with pH, nitrogen and potassium levels while negative correlation was observed for electric conductivity, organic carbon and phosphorus. In conventional farming system, significant positive correlation (p≤0.01) was found for organic carbon, electric conductivity and nitrogen.ThesisItem Open Access Population status and breeding biology of Bank Myna (Acridotheres ginginianus) in districts Ludhiana and Sangrur(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Prabhjot Kaur; Kler, Tejdeep KaurThe present study was designed to study the population status and breeding biology of Bank Myna (Acridotheres ginginianus) in districts Ludhiana and Sangrur. The study was carried out for twelve months from March 2018 to February 2019 at location I and at location II. House Crow (7.54%) was the most abundant species in the bird community followed by the Red-vented Bulbul (6.90%), Rose-ringed Parakeet (6.58%) and Common Myna (6.57%) at transect I A. Indian Robin (10.10%), Bank Myna (30.07% and 32.67%) was the most abundant species in the bird community at transect I B, I C and I D. Bank Myna (11.10%), Common Myna (11.03%), Rose-ringed Parakeet (12.99%), Rock Pigeon (11.77%) was the most abundant species in the bird community at transect II A, II B, II C and II D. Four nesting sites were observed in transect (I C, I D, II A and II D) out of which two (I C and I D) were located holes in canal bridge and holes in the flyover, other two (II A and II D) both were located holes in the water channels. Clutch size (1-5 eggs), incubation period (17-19 days), albumen, yolk of Bank Myna ranged from 1.50-1.75 gm, 2.65-2.84 gm, 1.49-1.77 gm and 2.62-2.82 gm were noted at both locations. The overall study revealed that holes in flyovers provide safe nesting sites and food offered by people to birds might result in their higher breeding success and also in good abundance.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of microplastics on growth and reproduction of Eisenia fetida(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Raminderdeep Kaur; Vashishat, NishaPlastics are versatile, hygienic, light weight and highly durable product. Microplastics are ubiquitous in nature. The microplastics reach soils via routes viz. sewage sludge, agricultural mulching, through plastic waste etc.The current study investigated the effect of microplastics on growth and reproduction of Eisenia fetida. The earthworms were exposed to microplastics for a period of 28 days. There were six treatments considered for the present study viz. T1 (1g/kg dry wt), T2 (5g/kg dry wt), T3 (10 g/kg), T4 (15 g/kg), T5 (g/kg dry wt). Following exposure change in body weight, effect on cocoon number, change in hatchling no, change in the activity of glutathione-S-transferase, DNA damage through comet assay was observed. In addition effect on the microflora composition of gut of earthworm was also observed. The results indicated dose dependent effect on body weight. The weight decreased as the dose of the microplastics increased. There was no significant change observed in cocoon and hatchling number. The GST activity was found to increase initially at higher dose. But with further increase in the dose GST activity decreased significantly. The DNA damage was found showed a dose dependent effect. There was no effect reported on the microflora in the gut of the earthworm. The results indicate that microplastics have a dose dependent effect on body weight of earthworms. It is inferred that microplastics have no effect on the reproduction of the earthworm at the selected concentrations.ThesisItem Open Access Ameliorative potential of Vitamin C against Bisphenol A induced alterations in reproduction of male albino rats(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Nimrat Kaur; Vashishat, NishaBisphenol A (BPA), has been overused worldwide and acts as an endocrine disruptor generating genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in male reproductive system by disturbing cellular antioxidant balance causing oxidative stress. Hence, this study focussed on amelioration of BPA induced toxicity by supplementing Vitamin C. Rats were treated for 45 days with 20 mg/kg b.w. BPA, 20 mg/kg b.w. BPA+40, 80, 120 and 160 mg/kg b.w. Vitamin C. BPA gavaged rats showed hyperactivity, irritability, wounds and weakness and no such symptoms were seen in other groups. BPA significantly decreased body weight and organ weight of reproductive organs as compared to control but were significantly increased in Vitamin C groups. Histological alterations like tubular distortions and widening of interstitium were observed in testis and cauda epididymis of rats treated with BPA alone. Sperm motility, viability and count significantly decreased in BPA group with increase in sperm abnormalities whereas Vitamin C reversed BPA caused changes. BPA significantly decreased plasma levels of FSH, LH and Testosterone and increased Estrogen while Vitamin C significantly increased FSH, LH and Testosterone and significantly decreased Estrogen. SOD, CAT, GR, GPx, GST, total lipids and phospholipids decreased in testis and epididymis of BPA rats and increased at different doses of Vitamin C. BPA significantly increased LPO and cholesterol but Vitamin C decreased them in dose dependent manner.ThesisItem Restricted Potential of sulphur compounds in increasing bait acceptance and trapping of Bandicota bengalensis(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Gurjap Kaur; Singla, NeenaPresent study evaluated the response of mature male and female Bandicota bengalensis towards the odour of five different sulphur compounds such as carbon disulphide, dimethyl sulphoxide, dimethyl sulphide, allyl sulphide and dimethyl disulphide. Five different concentrations (5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 ppm) of these sulphur compounds were admixed in WSO bait for exposure to mature male and female rats under bi-choice condition. Attractant effect of these compounds was assessed based on consumption of treated and untreated baits. Rats exhibited attractant behaviour towards 5ppm concentration of all the five compounds which was also confirmed in Maze experiments. 5ppm concentration of all the compounds was admixed in 2% zinc phosphide bait and exposed to both male and female rats in choice with plain 2% zinc phosphide bait without sulphur compound in laboratory. Results revealed significantly higher consumption of poison bait admixed with carbon disulphide by female rats and both carbon disulphide and dimethyl sulphide by male rats. Under field conditions, rodents consumed significantly higher amount of 2% zinc phosphide mixed with 50 ppm carbon disulphide as compared to plain zinc phosphide bait in rice crop fields. Carbon disulphide at 5 ppm concentration in laboratory and simulated field conditions and at 50 ppm concentration in crop fields enhanced trapping efficacy of traps to both male and female rodents, especially B. bengalensis. Study thus suggests the potential of carbon disulphide in increasing poison bait acceptance and trapping by rodents.
