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ThesisItem Restricted Water productivity, energetics and economics of maize based cropping sequences compared to rice-wheat system under different moisture regimes(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Navneet Kaur; Brar, Ajmer SinghA field experiment was carried out over two consecutive years of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. To compare various maize based crop sequences with rice-wheat system, a replicated experiment was conducted with varying degrees of crop sequences and irrigation regimes. Eight crop sequences were compared in the main plots: rice-wheat, maize-wheat, maize-potato- mentha + onion, maize + cowpea (f)-potato-mentha + onion, maize + cowpea (f)-potato-spring maize, maize + cowpea (f)-gobhi sarson-summer moong, maize-toria + gobhi sarson-summer moong and maize + cowpea (f)-toria + gobhi sarson-summer moong. Four irrigation regimes of IW/CPE ratio 0.75, IW/CPE ratio 1.0, IW/CPE ratio 1.25 and recommended schedule were compared in sub plots. The rice equivalent yield was significantly higher in maize + cowpea (f)-potato-mentha + onion followed by maize-potato-mentha + onion and maize + cowpea-potato-spring maize compared to other crop sequences. This was due to higher production potential of potato which ultimately increased the rice equivalent yield of sequences in which potato was included as one of the component crop. The rice equivalent yield of various crop sequences increased with increase in frequency of irrigation water. The crop water productivity was significantly higher with maize + cowpea-potato-mentha + onion with I0.75 during both the years as compared to all other crop sequences and irrigation regimes combinations except maize-potato-mentha + onion with I0.75. Rice-wheat sequence with recommended schedule produced significantly lower crop water productivity as compared to maize-potato-mentha+ onion, maize + cowpea (f)-potato-mentha + onion and maize-potato-spring maize with all the irrigation regimes during both the years. The apparent water productivity was significantly higher in maize + cowpea-potato- mentha + onion sequence as compared to all other crop sequences during both the years. The lowest apparent water productivity was recorded with rice-wheat sequence under all the irrigation regimes. On the basis of energy efficiency, R-W with IRec had lower energy efficiency compared to maize-wheat, maize-potato-mentha+onion and maize+ cowpea (f)-potato-mentha+onion under all the irrigation regimes during both the years. Among different maize based crop sequences, the most energy efficient was maize+cowpea (f)-gobhi sarson-summer moong with IRec followed by maize+cowpea (f)-gobhi sarson-summer moong with I1.25 during both the years. On the basis of energy productivity, maize+cowpea (f)-gobhi sarson-summer moong with I1.25 was found to be the most energy productive being statistically at par with rice-wheat with IRec and maize+cowpea (f)-gobhi sarson-summer moong with IRec during 2016-17 while it was significantly better compared to rice-wheat with IRec during 2017- 18. Economic analysis reveals that R-W with IRec recorded the lowest net returns compared to maize- potato-mentha+onion with I1.25 and IRec, maize+cowpea(f)-potato-mentha+onion with I1.25 and IRec and maize+cowpea(f)-potato-spring maize with I1.25 and IRec during both the years.ThesisItem Restricted Use of antifeedant and antifertility properties of neem seed extract for management of male Bandicota bengalensis(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Navneet Kaur; Babbar, B.K.Neem extracts have strong Insecticidal, repellent and antifertility effect. Seven different doses of NSA extract (1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, 9.0, 9.5 ml out of 25 ml stock) mixed in bait were tested against male bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis in bi-choice feeding tests. Results revealed antifeedant effect with all treated baits and there was non-significant difference among treated baits. Therefore only three different doses (1.5, 7.0 and 9.0ml) were selected for further studies. Testing of existence of primary repellent effect revealed that rats avoided all the treated baits for first five hours after exposure. After that rats developed habituation for primary/olfactory repellent effect and started eating treated baits which might had caused gastrointestinal malaise in rats resulting in development of secondary repellent effect among rats. However rats were not habituated for secondary repellent effect with all the selected doses of NSA extract upto experimental period of 30 days. Therefore for field application, formulations F1 and F2 were developed using NSA extract (7.5-9.0ml). These formulations were tested under simulated field condition. Results revealed potential of F2 in preventing rodent damage for considerably long time as compared to F1. To use the antifertility property of neem seed, neem seed alcoholic hexane (NSAH) extract and its formulations as baits (F3 –F7) were developed and fed to rats. Consumption of F7 bait was maximum. Results revealed potential of NSAH extract and its F7 bait in reducing reproductive potential of rats. However there is a need to increase the acceptance and application rate of F7 bait under field conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Physiological and biochemical evaluation for acquired thermotolerance in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) at seedling stage(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Navneet Kaur; .) Jagmeet KaurThe present investigation was conducted to study the physiological and biochemical evaluation for acquired thermotolerance in three pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) genotypes at seedling stage. Heat acclimation (45°C for 3h) and salicylic acid (0.5 mM and 1 mM for 3h) pre-treatments induced physiological changes in terms of seedling length, seedling weight, RGR, electrolyte leakage and RWC and biochemical changes in terms of cellular respiration, total soluble sugars, proline content, photosynthetic efficiency, MDA and H2O2 content and changes in antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT and POX) imparting thermotolerance. These pre-treatments conferred protection against heat stress through improved seedling growth, reduced electrolyte leakage, increased RWC, increased accumulation of sugars and proline, improved photosynthetic efficiency, reduced MDA and H2O2 content. Antioxidant defense system was induced in terms of CAT (average 1.02 fold increase in heat acclimated, 0.77 fold in 0.5 mM SA and 1 fold in 1 mM SA) and POX (average 1.30 fold increase in heat acclimated, 1.24 fold in 0.5 mM SA and 1.37 fold in 1 mM SA) activity in all genotypes. Separation of proteins through SDS-PAGE revealed the accumulation of some new proteins (heat shock proteins) of low and high molecular weight in heat acclimated seedlings to overcome the harmful effects of heat stress. Among the three genotypes, AL 1931 performed best and acquired maximum thermotolerance. Although both the pre-treatments resulted in induction of thermotolerance but SA pre-treatment proved better in the present study.ThesisItem Open Access Physico-chemical studies on synthesized graphene oxidemagnesium ferrite based nanocomposites and their adsorption potential for Ni (II) ion(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Navneet Kaur; Manpreet KaurRole of magnetic nanocomposites for the remediation of waste-water is a thrust area of research. In the present study, hybrid graphene oxide (GO) based inverse spinel magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) nanocomposites (NCs) with bentonite/charcoal/chitosan were synthesized using facile sonication method. p-XRD patterns confirmed the presence of spinel ferrite phase in the NCs with the crystalline size 8-32 nm. FT-IR spectra displayed absorption bands corresponding to GO, MgFe2O4 NPs and bentonite/charcoal/chitosan in the NCs along with red shift of bands corresponding to C=O, C=C and O-H stretching. TGA confirmed higher stability of NCs over pristine GO. MgFe2O4 NPs imparted appreciable saturation magnetization to the NCs (4.03-11.10 emug-1). SEM and TEM revealed high porosity and immobilization of clusters of MgFe2O4 NPs onto GO sheets in the NCs. BET surface area of the NCs ranged from 58.34 to 165.29 m2g-1 and was markedly higher than pristine MgFe2O4 NPs. Removal of Ni (II) ions was studied by batch adsorption method. Langmuir, Temkin and Freundlich models were followed in perfect way. Maximum adsorption capacity from Langmuir model ranged between71.43-111.11 mgg-1 for NCs. Kinetic data fitted pseudo-second-order equation. Thermodynamic parameters revealed spontaneous and endothermic removal using NCs; whereas using GO the removal was exothermic. Percentage removal of Ni (II) was maximum for MgFe2O4 NPs and their binary NCs with GO. Effect of co-existing ions on Ni (II) adsorption was studied in Pb-Cd-Ni-Zn system. NCs possessed higher removal potential for Pb (II) as compared to Ni (II) due to the lower hydration energy of the former. For electroplating waste-water the optimum adsorbent dose required for complete metal ion removal was higher than that for spiked water because of presence of other interfering ions.ThesisItem Open Access Chemistry and antioxidant potential of dill (Anethum graveolens L) seed essential oil(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Navneet Kaur; Chahal, K.K.The present investigation deals with chemistry and antioxidant potential of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) seed essential oil. The dill seed essential oil was analysed using GC–MS which showed the presence of 31 compounds. Carvone (41.15 %) was identified as major compound; other compounds identified were limonene (23%), camphor (9.25%), dihydrocarvone (3.75%), butyl acetate (2.65%), dill apiole (1.65%) and dill ether (1.02%) etc. The essential oil was fractionated into its non-polar and polar fractions by column chromatography. Carvone, limonene and camphor were isolated from dill seed oil using column chromatography. Carvone, limonene and camphor were chemically transformed into different derivatives viz. carveol, carvone semicarbazone, carvone oxime, camphor oxime and perillyl alcohol. Isolated and transformed compounds were identified using FT-IR, 1HNMR and 13CNMR spectroscopy. Methanol, dichloromethane and hexane extracts were prepared by Soxhlet extraction method. Presence of phytochemicals such phenols, flavonoids, anthraquinone, reducing sugar, tannins, cardiac glycosides and saponin were tested in hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extract. Quantitative estimation of phenolic, flavonoid, sugars, peroxide value and saponification value was calculated. Dill seed essential oil, its fractions, isolated and derivatized compounds were tested for their antioxidant potential at different concentration levels viz. 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.1 and 0.05 mg ml-1. The antioxidant potential of tested components were evaluated using 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), hydroxyl (OH•), nitric oxide (NO•), superoxide (O2•) radical scavenging methods and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Methanol extract was found most active among extracts and fractions whereas carveol showed maximum potency for radical savenging activity amongst isolated and derivatised compounds.ThesisItem Open Access Assessing variation in Eucalyptus clones for morphological and physiological traits(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2016) Navneet Kaur; Dhillon, G.P.S.The study was conducted at main experimental area of Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Fourteen clones were characterized for morphological and physiological traits. All clones had similar leaf shape i.e. lanceolate except clone PE-10. Branch habit was either upward (PE-3, PE-12, PE-7, PE-5, PE-6, PE-8, PE-11 and C-413) or perpendicular (PE-14, PE-9, PE-13, PE-4 and C-72) except in PE-10 (drooping). Leaf base shape was obtuse in clone PE-3 while all other clones had cuneate shape. Wide variations were found for all the leaf traits and number of branches. However no clear trend was noticed. The ratio of open to closed stomata was significantly variable on abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces. In second experiment, out of the four treatments- T1 (submerged conditions), T2 (30 % moisture), T3 (25% moisture) and T4 (15% moisture), T3 registered maximum plant height, collar diameter and number of branches. Significantly lowest values were found under submerged conditions. Clone C-413 showed maximum height; clones PE-11 and PE-13 recorded significantly highest collar diameter values. T3 registered the maximum values for fresh and dry biomass of branches and leaves as well as stem. Root biomass was maximum in T2. Clone PE-13 was the best for biomass of branches and leaves as well as stem. Root biomass was highest in clone PE-11. The third experiment had four treatments at 75%, 100%, 125% and 150% of the Cumulative Pan Evaporation (CPE). T2 registered the maximum values for all growth traits i.e. plant height, collar diameter and number of branches. Clone C-413 was found to be the best for plant height. PE-1 had maximum collar diameter and number of branches. T1 registered the maximum number of roots. Clone PE-1 performed best for number of roots as well as length of roots. C-2045 was the poorest performer for root traits. T2 registered maximum values for both fresh and dry biomass of branches and leaves, stem and roots. Clone PE-1 recorded maximum biomass of branches and leaves, stem as well as root. Clone C-2045 showed lowest biomass values. Under submerged conditions, clone PE-1 registered maximum biomass values. T2 registered the maximum values for photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration. Clone PE-1 was found to be the superior most for all physiological traits.ThesisItem Open Access Weed control in autumn sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) based intercropping systems(PAU, 2013) Navneet Kaur; Bhullar, M.S.The investigation entitled “Weed control in autumn sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) based intercropping systems” was conducted at The Students’ Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2010-11 and 2011-12. The soil was loamy sand, normal pH and EC, low in organic carbon & available N and medium in available P & K. Experiment I consisted of 3 cropping systems {sole sugarcane, sugarcane + gobhi sarson(1:1) and sugarcane + raya(1:2)} in main plots and 6 weed control treatments {pre emergence pendimethalin 0.562 kg & 0.75 kg ha -1 , pre emergence alachlor 1.25 kg & 1.875 kg ha -1 , two hand weeding (30 and 60 DAS) and weedy check}in sub plots with 4 eplications in a split plot design. Experiment II consisted of 4 cropping systems {sole sugarcane, sugarcane + cabbage (1:1); sugarcane + peas (1:2) and sugarcane + garlic (1:3)} in the main plots and six weed control treatments {oxyfluorfen 0.176 kg & 0.234 kg ha -1 PRE, pendimethalin 0.562 kg & 0.75 kg ha -1 PRE, hand weeding (30 & 60 DAS in cabbage and peas;30, 60 & 100 DAS in garlic) and weedy check} in sub plots replicated thrice in a split plot design. In autumn sugarcane and Brassicaspecies intercropping systems, gobhi sarsonandraya intercrops exhibited good weed smothering potentialand reduced the weed count and dry matter accumulation than sole sugarcane; rayawas more effective than gobhi sarson. The cane yield under gobhi sarson and raya intercropped sugarcane were similar to that of sole sugarcane during both the years; cane equivalent yield, net profit and benefit cost ratio under the intercropping systems were higher than sole sugarcane. The intercropping of rayaand gobhi sarsonin autumn sugarcane increased the net returns by ` 61,469 and ` 26,738 ha -1 , respectively, than sole sugarcane. Pendimethalin 0.75 kg and alachlor 1.875 kg ha -1 recorded effective control of weeds in these intercropping systems and increased the seed yield of gobhi sarson by 43.6 & 37.3 per cent and raya by 16.1 & 14.1 per cent, respectively than weedy check and were at par with hand weeding. The increase in net returns with the use of these herbicides varied from ` 1,775 to ` 16,406 ha -1 as compared with weedy check. In autumn sugarcane and vegetables intercropping systems, peas exhibited partial weed suppressing ability while cabbage and garlic did not show any weed suppressing ability; weed population and dry matter accumulation under these intercropping systems were similar to that of sole sugarcane during both the years. The cane yield under these intercropping systems were similar to that of sole sugarcane, however, cane equivalent yield, net returns and benefit cost ratio of intercropping systems were higher than sole sugarcane. Sugarcane + garlic intercropping recorded the highest gross, net returns and benefit cost ratio. Averaged over two seasons, the intercropping of garlic increased the net returns by ` 1,36,548 ha -1 than sole cane; the corresponding figures for peas and cabbage intercropping systems were ` 73,860 and ` 61,388 ha -1 . Oxyfluorfen 0.234 kg and pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha -1 recorded effective control of weeds in these intercropping systems and were at par with hand weeding and significantly increased yield of cabbage, peas and garlic than under weedy check. The herbicides use increased net returns by ` 11,459 to ` 36,263 ha -1 as compared with weedy check. The three herbicides at the dose tested were safe to the sugarcane and the intercrops. The herbicides only temporarily reduced the population of soil microbes on the day of application; it recovered within 15 days after application. The residues of pendimethalin and oxyfluorfen in the intercrops produce were below detectable limit.ThesisItem Open Access Growth, yield and water productivity of bed-planted summer moong in relation to irrigation regimes(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2014) Navneet Kaur; Mahal, S. S.A field experiment entitled “Growth, yield and water productivity of bed-planted summer moong in relation to irrigation regimes” was conducted at Students’ Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during Rabi 2014. The soil of the experimental site was loamy sand in texture, normal in soil reaction and electrical conductivity, low in organic carbon and available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorous and potassium. The field capacity and permanent wilting point of 0-180 cm soil profile were 37.88 and 13.13 cm, respectively, with an average bulk density of 1.59 g cm-3. The field experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with four replications. There were three dates of sowing; D1 (20 March), D2 (30 March) and D3 (10 April) and four irrigation schedules; I1 (0.6 IW/CPE), I2 (0.8 IW/CPE), I3 (1.0 IW/CPE) and I4 (1.2 IW/CPE) with IW=5.0 cm. The results revealed that D1 recorded significantly higher plant height, dry matter accumulation and leaf area as compared to D3. All the yield attributing characters viz. pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod and 1000-seed weight were significantly more in D1 than D3 sowing date. Maximum seed yield was observed under D1 sowing date which was significantly higher than D2 and D3. The seed yield increase in D1 was 9.3 and 20.9 per cent as compared to D2 and D3, respectively. Crop water use was to be higher under D3 sowing date due to higher temperature conditions prevailing at that time. Likewise, water use efficiency and apparent water productivity were also higher under D1. Among the various irrigation schedules, higher values of all the growth characters were found under I4 irrigation schedule which was significantly more than I2 and I1 and statistically at par with I3. Similar trends were observed under various yield attributing characters viz; pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod and 1000-seed weight. I4 was at par with I3 and produced the highest seed yield which was significantly better than I2 and I1. Crop water use was more under I4 due to more number of applied irrigations. However, apparent water productivity was higher under I1 irrigation schedule.ThesisItem Open Access Simulating the yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under projected climate change scenarios in Punjab(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2016) Navneet Kaur; Sidhu, Prabhjyot KaurThe field experiment was conducted during kharif 2014 and 2015 at the Research farm, School of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology, PAU, Ludhiana to generate field data for the calibration and validation of the CERES-Maize model. Significantly higher plant height, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation were recorded by the maize cv. PMH 1 sown during 4th week of May which led to improved PAR interception as compared cv. PMH 2 and later sowing dates. During crop year 2015, due to lower temperature regimes, cv. PMH 1 sown during 4th week of May took more number of days to attain maturity as compared to cv. PMH 2, other sowing dates and crop year 2014. The superiority of the cv. PMH 1 over cv. PMH 2 was mainly due to longer crop duration by virtue of which it acquired better canopy architecture (more plant height and LAI) which was the main contributor towards better source to sink relation (more dry matter accumulation). This superiority was reflected in significantly higher yield attributing characters (cob length and girth, number and weight of grains per cob) and may be the reason for higher grain and biomass yield in cv. PMH 1 sown during 4th week of May as compared to other sowing dates and cultivar. The calibration and validation of the CERES-Maize model showed good agreement between the observed and simulated values with NRMSE value of 2.7 and 4.2 for anthesis and maturity respectively, and 19.7 and 17.6 grain yield and biomass yield respectively. The future simulated climatic data (temperature and rainfall) from the regional climate model viz. PRECIS (Providing Regional Climates for Impact Studies) for different agro-climatic regions, i.e. Zone II (Ballowal Saunkhri), Zone III (Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala) and Zone V (Bathinda) of Punjab was corrected by deriving the correction factor using the difference method, Leander and Buishand method and modified difference method for the mid and end of 21st century under different SRES scenarios (A1B, A2 and B2 scenario). The analysis of the corrected data on the annual/seasonal/monthly basis revealed that we may experience hotter days and warm nights by the end of 21stcentury in Punjab. The study showed that the annual maximum and minimum temperature and rainfall by the end of 21st century are likely to increase by 2.2 to 4.6 °C, 3.5 to 6.0°C and 31 to 96 % respectively in agro-climatic zone II; by 3.0 to 6.4 °C, 3.1 to 6.5 °C and 12 to 87 % respectively in agro-climatic zone III and by 4.0 to 7.1 °C, 3.3 to 6.3 °C and 19 to 30 % respectively in agro-climatic zone V of Punjab state under various scenarios of climate change. The trend analysis of these parameters revealed there is positive linear increasing trend under different scenarios in the Punjab state. The simulation of CERES-Maize under projected climate scenarios showed the significantly decreasing duration and grain yield of maize crop in the state. The reduction in the maturity period and grain yield is more under the A1B and A2 scenario (high emission scenario) followed by B2 scenario (low emission scenario). In Punjab state, the years 2073, 2078, 2084, 2085, 2086, 2090, 2093, 2096 and 2097 under A1B scenario, years 2079, 2096, and 2097 under A2 scenario and year 2084 under B2 scenario may experience failure of maize crop (duration ≤ 70 days and grain yield < 500 kg/ha) by the end of 21st century. The higher temperatures under the A1B scenario may the cause behind more grain yield reduction as compared to other scenarios as the physiology of the crop is adversely affected under high temperature conditions.
