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2018 - 201912020 - 20223
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Author: Ankita × End date: 2023 × Type: Thesis ×
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    Amphibian diversity and abundance in relation to pesticide residues in village ponds and Kanjli Wetland
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Ankita; Rajwinder Singh
    The present study investigates amphibian diversity and abundance in relation to pesticide residues in village ponds (Chotian Kalan, Darapur and Kukhrana) of district Moga and Kanjli Wetland and was carried out from June 2021 to May 2022. The results revealed the occurrence of three amphibian species (Duttaphrynus stomaticus, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus and Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis) belonging to order Anura and two families (Bufonidae and Dicroglossidae). Abundance of amphibians was reported to be highest in village Chotian Kalan followed by village Darapur and village Kukhrana of district Moga. Comparison of sites such as land and water showed that diversity and abundance of amphibians was higher on land as compared to water in all three village ponds and Kanjli Wetland. Duttaphrynus stomaticus was found only on land and not in water. Hoplobatrachus tigerinus was found to be heaviest as compared to other two species. A positive correlation of amphibian population was recorded between temperature and relative humidity. The recoveries of pesticide residues were below the limit of quantification (0.01 mg kg-1) in soil, water and excretory contents of amphibians of selected sites. Our findings imply that amphibian species prefer agricultural ecosystem as compared to residential areas. Hence, new ponds should not be constructed near residential areas due to negative consequences of urbanisation and anthropogenic habitat change.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of iron oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on vermicomposting efficiency of Eisenia fetida
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Ankita; Hundal, S.S.
    The advent of nanotechnology has led to the entry of an enormous amount of nanoparticles in the terrestrial environment. Earthworms being the major soil fauna are continuously exposed to these nanoparticles. The present study is focused on the effect of iron oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on vermicomposting efficiency of Eisenia fetida. The worms were exposed to artificial soil spiked with iron oxide nanoparticles of size 30 nm, 100 nm, 30 nm+100 nm; zinc oxide nanoparticles of size 20 nm, 240 nm, 20 nm+240 nm and combination (20 nm+240 nm+30 nm+100 nm) at selected concentrations viz. 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg of soil. The most suitable concentrations (250 mg/kg for 30 nm; 750 mg/kg for 100 nm; 500 mg/kg for 30 nm+100nm; 500 mg/kg for 20 nm; 750 mg/kg for 240 nm; 750 mg/kg for 20 nm+ 240 nm and 500 mg/kg for 20 nm+240 nm+30 nm+100 nm) were selected for further study to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles on the vermicomposting efficiency in Farm Yard Manure when spiked with suitable doses. The size determination of nanoparticles was done through TEM and XRD analysis. However, lacerations (250 mg/kg; 30 nm) and change in colour (750 mg/kg; 100 nm) were observed in earthworms present in iron oxide nanoparticles. The earthworms present in zinc oxide nanoparticles had weak clitellum (500 mg/kg; 20 nm) and large prominent clitellum (750 mg/kg; 240 nm).While evaluating reproductive parameters, the lowest number of cocoons (51.00±0.035), cocoon production rate (0.08±0.001) and number of hatchling per cocoon (1.00±0.213) were recorded in combination of nanoparticles (20 nm+240 nm+30 nm+100 nm; 500 mg/kg). Vermicompost when analyzed for nutrient composition revealed significant (p<0.05) increase in the levels of total nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus (%); while a decrease in the levels of pH and total organic carbon content (%) as compared to control. Maximum number of days required to convert substrate to vermicompost were also in this (95±0.043) as compared to control (82±0.014). The inference drawn from the study is that both iron oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in combination reduce reproductive efficiency and increase vermicomposting duration of Eisenia fetida. However, the physic chemical content of the compost was better than other treatments.
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    Effect of different planting time on the performance of onion varieties under poplar block plantation
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2020) Ankita; Gill, R.I.S.
    The present study entitled “Effect of different planting time on the performance of onion varieties under poplar block plantation” was carried out at research area of the Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana for two years 201819 and 2019-20. The growth, yield and quality parameters of onion varieties planted at different times under poplar block plantation were studied. The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design with the two environments (poplar and open) as main plot, three planting times (Mid-December, End-December and Mid-January) as sub-plots and six varieties (POH-1, PRO-6, PRO-7, PWO-2, PYO-1 and Punjab Naroya) as sub-sub plots. The soil of the experimental area was loamy sand in texture. Organic carbon content and available N, P and K was observed higher under poplar based agroforestry system than open conditions. The tree growth parameters such as tree height, diameter at breast height and crown spread increased with increase in age of trees (4 to 5 years). Maximum leaf fall under 4 and 5 year plantation was observed from mid-November to end December and complete leafless stage was achieved by mid-January. Leaf area index (LAI) of poplar trees started increasing from mid-March and reached maximum from May onwards with the development of full-fledged canopy. The average temperature was recorded higher under open conditions as compared to poplar plantation whereas relative humidity followed opposite trend of temperature. Under poplar plantation, PAR started increasing from January till first fortnight of April and then it declined. The variety PRO-7 recorded the highest (25.7 t/ha) bulb yield amongst the varieties screened, while mid-December (25.3 t/ha) planted crop gave significantly higher yield than end-December and mid-January planted crop. The percentage reduction in bulb yield recorded under 4-year-old canopy was 34.35 while, under 5-year- old canopy it increased to 36.70. Amongst different varieties, PRO-7 revealed better growth with maximum plant height, number of leaves and desired neck thickness. The average bulb weight (69.04 g, 57.10 g) and bulb diameter (5.31 cm, 5.17 cm) was recorded higher in variety PRO-7 during both the years. Maximum fresh and dry weight of plants were observed in mid-December planting time and it decreased with further delay in planting. PRO-7 is an early maturing variety therefore, it took minimum number of days to bulb initiation, maturity and harvesting. PWO-2 produced significantly higher dry matter content (DMC) as well as total soluble solids (TSS) thus better variety in quality compared to other onion varieties screened. Therefore, based on this study it is concluded that rabi onion variety PRO-7 should be planted in mid-December under poplar-based agroforestry for increasing productivity and diversification of the ecosystem.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Morpho-physiological characterization of Mexican wheat landraces for traits of Economic importance
    (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Ankita; Sarlach, R.S.
    The present research work on “Morpho-physiological characterization of Mexican wheat landraces for traits of Economic importance” was carried out to explore the genetic diversity of landraces for drought and salinity stress tolerance. The study was carried out at wheat laboratory and experimental area of Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2015-16 and 2016-17. A set of 1161 Mexican wheat landraces was procured from CIMMYT, Mexico and was sown in field in augmented block design. The landraces set was narrowed down to a smaller set on the basis of their yield potential and seed availability. Selected 177 Mexican wheat landraces were subjected to salinity and drought stress conditions. To find the salinity stress tolerance among Mexican wheat landraces, they were subjected to different concentration of sodium chloride (0, 25mM, 50mM, 75mM, 100mM, 125mM and 150mM) in laboratory. Among different concentration of NaCl, 125mM was found to be the optimum dose for screening. Similarly, to find the drought stress tolerance among Mexican wheat landraces, these were subjected to different concentration of PEG (6000) 0 (control), 2%, 4% 6% 8%,10%,12%,14%,16% and 18%.Dose of 14% was found to be the optimum dose for further screening. The landraces selected from the laboratory screening at seedling level were further evaluated for drought stress (irrigated, restricted irrigated and rainfed conditions) and salinity stress tolerance (Rajpura and Rattakhera, Sri Muktsar Sahib) under actual field conditions and in pots with simulated salinity stress conditions (control, 120mM and 240mM NaCl).The soil of Sri Muktsar Sahib was slightly alkaline having pH 8.1 and high EC (0.948 dS/m). The district contains high salinity and water logged area. And the soil of Rajpura was alkaline having pH 8.5 and high EC (1.97 dS/m). The landraces MICH89.4.28, MICH89.5.5, VERY LATE, HGO94.10.7, MEX94.19.52 performed well under actual field and simulated salinity stress conditions. The drought stress was created by withholding of irrigations (rainfed conditions) pre-irrigation before sowing and subjected to rainfall for water requirements, irrigated conditions (regular recommended irrigation) and restricted (1-2 irrigation after sowing). The morpho-physiological data was recorded. The landraces TXL92.1.1.58, PBL94.14.17, HGO94.5.124, HGO94.5.130, HGO94.9.2.29 and HGO94.8.113 performed well under drought stress conditions. These landraces can be used for introgressing the salt and drought tolerance traits into commercial wheat cultivars for development of tolerant wheat varieties.