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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 Restricted Genotoxicity and oxidative stress in earthworms in response to pesticides under natural conditions in submountainous undulating zone of Punjab(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Jasmeen Kaur; Aulakh, R.K.The expansion of agriculture and extensive use of pesticides disturb soil ecosystem leading to soil pollution, toxicity and significant population damage to soil organisms. The current study was set out to assess the amount of pesticide residue present inside the tissues of earthworms and how oxidative stress and genotoxicity were induced in earthworms due to excess of pesticide residues in agricultural lands of Hoshiarpur and Gurdaspur districts. Pesticide residue analysis revealed the presence of chlorpyrifos and edifenphos in soil whereas no pesticide residues were found above the limit of quantification in earthworm tissues. Genotoxicity test revealed a tail DNA% of 5.61 in case of earthworms taken from chlorpyrifos contaminated soil and a tail DNA% of 21.66 in case of earthworms taken from edifenphos contaminated soil from Hoshiarpur district and a tail DNA% of 0.01 in case of earthworms taken from chlorpyrifos contaminated soil from Gurdaspur district. Cytogenetic analysis showed no chromosomal aberrations were observed. The antioxidative enzyme activity showed a significant difference between the activity of Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase, Glutathione-S-Transferase and Acetylcholinesterase was observed from earthworms from Hoshiarpur district. A significant difference between the activity of Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase, Glutathione-S-Transferase was observed from earthworms from Gurdaspur district. It was concluded that there are less effects of pesticide residues on earthworms under field conditions as compared to the previous studies done under controlled lab conditions due to the dynamic and complex nature of the environment which cannot be stimulated in the lab.ThesisItem Open Access Potential of Bandicota bengalensis Gray and Hardwicke inhabiting commensal areas in transmitting parasitic zoonotic diseases(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Rara, Shivani; Singla, NeenaPresent study recorded the potential of Bandicota bengalensis inhabiting commensal areas in transmitting parasitic zoonotic diseases. A total of 100 rats collected from fish market and railway station at Ludhiana, Punjab from November 2020 to October 2021 were examined for the presence of ecto and endoparasites along with risk factor analysis. Parasites found were identified based on morphological features of adults and their eggs. 25.00% rats collected two locations were found infected with one species of ectoparasites i.e. Oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis. Total 34 rat fleas were found in 25 rats with flea index of <1.0 indicating low risk of disease transmission. The liver and intestines of rats collected from both the locations were found infected with seven species of endoparasites, comprising two cestode species (Hymenolepis nana and Cysticercus fasciolaris) and five nematode species (Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Calodium hepaticum, Syphacia muris, Trichuris muris and Heterakis spumosa). Rats were having concurrent infection of one or more parasites. 79.00% rats collected from two locations were found infected with endoparasites with mean parasite intensity and parasite index of 30.73 and 24.28, respectively indicating high risk of disease transmission. The host age, sex and season had no significant effect on parasite prevalence except that of H. nana and S. muris whose infection in rats collected from fish market was significantly affected by season. The present study suggests that proper rodent pest and vector management should be conducted in animal and human inhabitations to avoid the spread of zoonotic diseases caused by them.ThesisItem Embargo Impact of organic applications on soil macro invertebrates in rice-wheat cropping system(Punjab Agricultural University, 2022) Bhatia, Muskan; Rajwinder SinghInvestigation on organic applications revealed that wheat crop was harboured by 38 species (14 within soil, 24 on soil/plant surface), rice crop by 50 species (16 within soil, 34 on soil surface) being dominated by order coleoptera. In both crops, higher value of Shannon-Wiener index, species evenness, species richness and lower value of Simpson's index were recorded within soil in farmyard manure (15 Vha) as compared to other treated plots. Macro invertebrate population within soil in farmyard manure (15 Uha), biochar (4 tha) and green manure was 2.14, 1.45, 1.52 (wheat) and 2.66, 1.54, 1.64 (rice) times more than their respective conventional plots. Higher macro invertebrate population within soil was recorded in treated rice crop (25.40-44.92%) as compared to conventional plots (6.00-16.00%) over preceding wheat crop. In wheat crop, invertebrate population was distributed from November- April (higher incidence in March), in rice crop from July-October (higher incidence in September) being highest in farmyard manure (15 Uha) plots. Higher value of Shannon- Wiener index, species evenness, species richness and lower value of Simpson's index were recorded in farmyard manure (15 tha) plots for on surface invertebrates. In wheat crop. invertebrates had positive correlation with soil and atmospheric temperatures, negative correlation with soil moisture and relative humidity. In rice crop, invertebrates had negative correlation with soil and atmospheric temperatures, soil moisture, and positive corelation with relative humidity. Thus, addition of different organic applications for soil management practices decreases bulk density and increases organic carbon, soil macro invertebrate population which may further improves soil health.ThesisItem Embargo Amphibian diversity and abundance in relation to pesticide residues in rice fields and village ponds(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Shelly; Rajwinder SinghSix amphibian species were recorded from transplanted rice crop fields of both Ludhiana (Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Duttaphrynus stomaticus, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, Euphlyctis adolfi, Fejerverya limnocharisi and Hoplobatarachus tigerinus) and in Panchkula (Hoplobatrachus crassus in place of Euphlyctis adolfi). However, 36.03-37.93% increase in amphibian population was recorded in unsprayed as compared to sprayed transplanted rice crop fields, respectively from Ludhiana and Panchkula. Total mean population in unsprayed fields was 37.05% higher as compared to sprayed fields. Increase in body weight of males (2.96-14.21%) was more than females (3.87-11.17%) in unsprayed than sprayed fields. Villages ponds included four species with Ludhiana as 22.23% more abundant than Panchkula. On land, population was 61.86-67.80% more than water. Residential areas included three species with Panchkula 2.32% more abundant than Ludhiana. Positive correlation was found between amphibian population with atmospheric temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. Pesticide residues were below the limit of quantification (0.01 mg kg-1) in soil, excretory contents and water samples without any amphibian morphological abnormality. Our findings imply that amphibian species may prefer agricultural environments, permanent ponds with good vegetation cover or crops and devoid of urbanization. Rice ecosystems helps amphibians in completing their life cycle, as rice cultivation practices provides a landscape mosaic of hydroperiods which further increases the diversity of regional species by providing habitats for a variety of species.ThesisItem Open Access POTENTIAL OF PAPAYA SEED EXTRACT BASED NANOPARTICLES IN INDUCING STERILITY IN MALE Bandicota bengalensis(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Ruchika; Singla, NeenaPresent study investigated the potential of papaya seed chloroform extract-based solid lipid nanoparticles (PSCEN) as a natural antifertility agent for field rat, Bandicota bengalensis. Nanoparticles prepared were spherical in shape with size varying from 300-600nm. Mature male rats trapped from fields were fed on bait containing two different concentrations of PSCEN i.e. 5% and 10% in bi-choice condition for 15 days. Mean total ingestion of active ingredient by treated groups of rats varied from 2.13-2.94 g/100 g body weight. No adverse effect of treatment was observed on body weight of rats. The weight of testis and epididymis was significantly reduced in rats treated with 10% PSCEN but the weight of other organs such as seminal vesicles, prostate gland, liver, kidney and spleen were affected variably by the treatment. There was a significant decrease in sperm motility (%), sperm viability (%), sperm concentration (millions/ml), sperm mitochondrial activity (%), sperm nuclear chromatin decondensation (%) and hypo-osmotic swelling (%), and a significant increase in sperm abnormality (%) in rats of both the treated groups as compared to control group. Breeding success of untreated male rats paired with untreated female rats varied from 33.33 to 80% while that of male rats treated with 5% PSCEN varied from 20.00 to 66.67 %. None of the untreated female rats paired with male rats treated with 10% PSCEN delivered pups indicated nil breeding. Only 16.67% breeding was observed in females paired with male rats treated with 10% PSCEN and evaluated after 60 days of termination of treatment. Present study revealed the maximum antifertility effect of 10% concentration of PSCEN which was partially reversed or not reversed after 105 days of treatment, indicating its long-term effect.
