Thesis

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 9 of 134

Open Access
Morpho-physiological and biochemical characterization of a recombinant inbred line population of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under direct-seeded aerobic conditions
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2014) Cheema, Amandeep Kaur; Bedi, Seema
Direct seeding of rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a resource conservation technology but at the cost of reduction in yield. In the present study, recombinant inbred lines (RILs) obtained from a cross between PR 120 x UPLRi 7 were sown as direct-seeded aerobic and conventional transplanted crops respectively for two seasons. Various morpho-physiological, biochemical and yield related traits were studied under the two conditions. In general, plant height, dry matter, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, leaf area and chlorophyll content were lower under direct-seeded aerobic conditions than under conventional transplanted conditions. Plant height and crop growth rate showed a positive correlation with grain yield and had a direct effect on grain yield. Dry matter accumulation did not show any significant correlation but had an indirect effect on grain yield. Relative growth rate, leaf area and chlorophyll content did not show any correlation or effect on grain yield. All the yield contributing traits viz., above ground biomass, total number of tillers per 0.5m row, number of fertile tillers per panicle per 0.5m row, spikelets per panicle, grain filling percentage, grain yield per 0.5m row, harvest index, 1000 grain weight were lower and sterile grain per panicle were higher in direct-seeded aerobic condition. Above ground biomass and harvest index showed correlation with yield and had a direct effect on grain yield under both direct-seeded aerobic and conventional transplanted conditions. In general, higher sugar, starch and proline content were detected in leaves of direct-seeded aerobic crop. Out of twenty RILs under study, Ae-RIL-B-158, showed highest proline and sugar contents. Interestingly, this RIL showed least reduction in yield when sown under direct seeded-aerobic condition as against conventional transplanted condition suggesting this RIL may be more tolerant to drought stress as it accumulated highest proline and sugars under direct-seeded aerobic condition. The development of aerenchyma was comparatively more in crop raised under conventional transplanted conditions than under direct-seeded aerobic conditions. UPLRi7 (parent) showed maximum aerenchyma under direct-seeded aerobic conditions while PR120 (parent) showed maximum aerenchyma formation under conventional transplanted conditions. Under both the sowing conditions, two high-yielding RILs (Ae-RIL-B-42 and Ae-RIL-B-44) had higher aerenchyma than the two low-yielding RILs (Ae-RIL-B-7 and Ae-RIL-B-117). These characters could be used as criteria for selecting RILs for incorporating into breeding programmes for yield enhancement.
Restricted
AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF TURMERIC CULTIVATION IN PUNJAB
(PAU Ludhiana, 2014) Devendra Kumar Mahawar; D. K., Grover
The present study was carried out to estimate the relative profitability of turmeric and its major competing crops/rotations along with marketing problems. The returns over variable cost per hectare were found to be the highest for the paddy-wheat (`87381) followed by turmeric-green gram (`84724), turmeric-fodder (`55983) and turmeric-fallow (`45380) crop rotations on the sample farms. The benefit-cost ratio was highest for the paddy-wheat crop rotation (2.78) followed by turmeric-green gram (1.72), turmeric-fodder (1.48) and turmeric-fallow (1.40). The returns from turmeric-green gram crop rotation were almost at par with paddy-wheat crop rotation. Thus farmers can go for this option to diversify their cropping pattern away from paddy-wheat rotation. Regression analysis has highlighted to increase expenditure on seed and weeding in order to further enhance the productivity/ profitability of turmeric. Weed management and scarcity of labour were the major biotic and abiotic constraints as reported by the sample farmers. Price variability and inadequate marketing facilities were the other constraints inhibiting the farmers to expand turmeric acreage. Such constraints need to be addressed properly to promote turmeric cultivation in the state.
Open Access
Impact of Self help groups on Women Empowerment in Punjab
(PAU, 2014) Kaur, Lakhwinder; Kalra, Rajinder Kaur
The present study entitled “Impact of self help groups on women empowerment in Punjab” was undertaken to determine the profile of the members of self help groups, impact of self help groups on empowerment of women, problems faced by the members of self help groups and extension approaches used by promoting agencies in organizing and managing group affairs. The study was conducted in the state of Punjab and a total of 200 members were selected based on the probability proportional to the size of members in each district. All the managers for promoting selected self help groups under different agencies were selected. Data were collected from members by using interview schedule and managers by using questionnaire approach. Results revealed that majority of the members of self help groups were young, matriculates, labourers, belonged to SC category, had family size of 4-6 members and earned up to Rs.65000 per annum. Most of self help groups engaged in food processing (5), tailoring (4), making of household products (3) and honey production (2). Most of the respondents availed training opportunities provided to them by different agencies for capacity building as a result of which they increased their income in the range of Rs.1000-1500 per month. A large number of women in Punjab developed courage to think independently (99.50%), understood group activities (96%) and managed group activities (95.5%) after joining the group. Furthermore the social empowerment of the members in terms of team spirit (97%), talked freely within family (94%), confidence in dealing with people (95.5%) were enhanced. The socio-personal and psychological traits like annual income, mass media exposure, extension contacts, scientific orientation, and group cohesiveness were found to have positive and significant relationship at 5 per cent level while education, economic motivation, achievement motivation and risk bearing capacity had positive and significant relationship at 1 per cent level with the women empowerment. All the traits jointly explained 47.9 per cent (R2 = 0.479) variation in the women empowerment of self help groups. Extension approaches like group discussion, trainings and group meetings were „always used by the managers of promoting agencies for empowering the members. Linkages with line department (83.33%), regularity in savings (75%) and division of labour (41.66%) were the strengthening points while group crisis (50%) , non-cooperation of family members (50%) and over-dependence on the leader of the group (33.33%) were the weak points of groups formed by various organizations. Lack of transport facilities (81.50%), procurement of good quality raw materials (61%) and non-cooperation of the family to attend training outstations (51%) were the major problems perceived by the respondents. The study would be beneficial to analyze the social, economic and managerial aspects for economically deprived women of the society for effective functioning of the groups as well as will facilitate stakeholders for better future planning regarding formation of the self help groups.
Open Access
Comparative studies on heat and drought tolerance mechanisms in wheat using biochemical traits
(PAU, 2014) Shashi Bala; Asthir, Bavita
In semi-tropical regions, particularly in the Punjab (India), drought and high-temperature stress are erious constraints for wheat production. Six wheat cultivars PBW 343, PBW 550, PBW 621, PBW 175, C 306 and HD 2967 were extensively characterized for biochemical and physiological parameters under heat and drought conditions. High temperature (HT) elevated activities of syringaldazine peroxidase (SPX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and coniferyl alcohol peroxidase (CPX) in C 306 and HD 2967 cultivars while, drought stress accentuated arginine decarboxylase (ADC) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activities in PBW 621 and PBW 175. Both heat and drought stress enhanced activities of diamine oxidase (DAO) polyamine oxidase (PAO) along with contents of H2O2. Amongst studied POXs, SPX activity was relatively high and coincided well with lignin deposition in leaves during vegetative stage while at 15 days post anthesis stage, CPX was the main peroxidase in the grain. Activity of ADC/ODC paralleled with putrescine and spermidine contents under drought stress condition. Higher build up of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in PBW 343 and PBW 550 indicated higher membrane disruption during stress. Grain carbon metabolism was also altered under heat and drought stress condition as indicated by significant reduction in enzymes activities of ADP-Glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), alkaline inorganic pyrophosphatase and phosphofructokinase (PFK) in conjunction with reduced starch content. However, contents of reducing sugars and fructans were increased while amylose and amylopectin content decreased. Correlation analysis revealed positive correlation of amylose with alkaline inorganic pyrophosphatase and starch with AGPase and PFK. Role of PFK was evident from correlation between AGPase and PFK indicating its predominant role in providing substrate for AGPase activity. Thousand grain weights decreased more under heat stress as compared to drought stress indicating higher severity of the former stress. Our results reveal variable response of cell wall peroxidases, amine oxidase and starch synthesising enzymes under two stress conditions. Increased activities peroxidases and contents of lignin, H2O2 and TBARS antioxidants, and other metabolites viz. Sugar and fructans alleviate the effect of heat and drought stress. Based on the results, we infer that cell wall peroxidase under heat stress and polyamines under drought led to enhanced abiotic stress tolerance for plant survival.
Open Access
Developing Ergonomically Designed Kitchen Aid for Reducing Physiological Stress of Women Working in Standing Type Kitchen
(PAU, 2014) Charu; Sandhu, Pushpinder
The present study was undertaken to study the work, worker and workplace interfacing in selected standing type of kitchens of Ludhiana city; assess physiological stress caused thereof and to evaluate ergonomically designed kitchen aid for reducing stress of working in the kitchen. The study was conducted on 200 respondents from the age group of 35-55 years, selected purposively from two zones of Ludhiana city. Self Structured Interview Schedule was prepared and pretested to assess work, worker, and workplace interface. NIOSH Discomfort Survey and Rated Perceived Exertion were used to assess the physiological stress. On the basis of anthropometric measurements of the respondents a Kitchen Aid was designed and evaluated on 20 respondents in the department laboratory. Results revealed that majority of the respondents were suffering from back pain, joint pain and acute weakness while doing kitchen activities in standing posture. They were bending, and stretching while storing. Special cooking and dough kneading were perceived as complex activities whereas Chapatti making, special cooking and dish washing as time consuming activities. Curry making and pre preparation were found to be the most liked activities but majority of them were having discomfort while doing most of the kitchen activities however the intensity of discomfort was mild to moderate and duration was less than one hour in majority of the cases. In the observation of workplace it was found that very few respondents had kitchen size below the recommendation of National Building Code. Average height of cooking, preparation centre and sink were observed to be 85.30 cm, 85.73 cm and 85.85 cm respectively which were not according to anthropometric measurement of the respondents. On the basis of survey results a Kitchen Aid was designed and evaluated in laboratory. Significant reduction was observed in heart rate, energy expenditure, and physiological cost of work while doing chapatti making and dish washing without and with using the aid. Significant difference was also observed on Rated perceived exertion, Visual Analogue Discomfort, Overall Discomfort Rating and Rapid Entire Body Assessment scale. The aid found to be effective in reducing physiological stress among the selected subjects. However, there is a need to conduct more trials on larger sample and on more activities, to recommend the AID.
Open Access
In vitro propagation and shoot-tip grafting of Patharnakh (Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm F.) Nakia) pear
(PAU, 2014) Rehman, Haseeb ur; Gill, M.I.S.
In vitro propagation and shoot-tip grafting of Patharnakh (Pyrus pyrifolia (Burn F.) Nakai) pear was carried out in Tissue Culture Laboratory in Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2011-13. Nodal explants from Patharnakh (forced and active) and Kainth (forced and active) were used for their in vitro propagation protocol development. The effect of various media {1/2 MS (M1), MS (M2) and WPM (M3)} and growth regulators (BAP, IBA and NAA) on establishment, proliferation and rooting of Patharnakh (forced and active) and Kainth (forced and active) was studied. Patharnakh scion derived from two sources, i.e. one derived from forced shoot tip (S2) and another from in vitro shoot tip (S1) having different lengths ( L1 = < 5mm, L2 = 5-10 mm and L3 = 10-15 mm) were used for shoot tip grafting on in vitro developed Kainth rootstock. Two grafting techniques viz, wedge (G1) and horizontal (G2) were used and shoot tip grafts obtained were allowed to grow in different media i.e. MS medium + 20 g/l sucrose (M1), liquid medium composed of MS solution + 20 g/l sucrose (M2), MS medium + 40 g/l sucrose (M3) and liquid medium composed of MS solution + 40 mg/l sucrose (M4). Observations on aseptic cultures (%) graft success (%), necrosis (%), vitrification (%) and vigour (1-3 point scale) were recorded. Besides this, pre-treatment of TDZ and 2, 4-D was given to scions before grafting by dip method for one minute. Observations regarding aseptic cultures (%), graft success (%), necrosis (%) and vitrification (%) were recorded. Necrotic culture (%) was found to be influenced by type of media and growth regulator fortification during establishment stage in both Patharnakh (forced and active) and Kainth (forced and active). Lowest necrotic culture percentage in Patharnakh (forced and active) was observed by using M2 medium fortified with BAP (1.0 mgl-1) and IBA (0.01mgl-1) whereas, M2 medium supplemented with BAP (1.5 mgl-1) and IBA (0.01 mgl-1) proved best by inducing least necrotic cultures in Kainth (forced and active). Maximum establishment (%) was obtained on M3`medium fortified with BAP (1.5 mgl-1) and IBA (0.01 mgl-1) i.e 96.10 per cent in case of Patharnakh (forced) and on M2 medium supplemented with BAP (1.5 mgl-1) and IBA (0.01 mgl-1) i.e 96.29 per cent in case of Patharnakh (active). Similarly, M2 containing BAP (1.5 mgl-1) and IBA (0.25 mgl-1) gave maximum explant establishment of 52.80 and 63.60 per cent respectively in Kainth (forced) and Kainth (active). Maximum proliferated cultures in Patharnakh (forced) and Patharnakh (active) were obtained using M3 medium fortified with BAP (2.5 mgl-1) i.e 85.67 per cent and BAP (5.0 mgl-1) i.e 79.47 per cent respectively. However, maximum proliferated cultures in Kainth (forced) and Kainth (active) were produced using M3 medium supplemented with BAP (3.0 mgl-1). Similarly the highest shoots per explant in Patharnakh (forced) and Kainth (active and forced) were obtained using M3 medium supplemented with BAP (2.5 mgl-1) and BAP (3.0 mgl-1) respectively. However, maximum shoots per explant (3.08) in Patharnakh (active) were produced in M2 medium supplemented with BAP (2.5 mgl-1). Longest shoots in Patharnakh (active) and Kainth (forced and active) were obtained in M3 medium containing BAP (0.0 mgl-1) i.e control. However, longest shoots (53.75 mm) in Patharnakh (forced) was obtained using M3 medium containing BAP (0.5 mgl-1). Rooting (%), roots per explant and root length was found to be influenced by type of medium and growth regulator fortification in both Patharnakh (forced and active) and Kainth (forced and active). Rooting (%) was maximum in Patharnakh (forced) i.e. 10.16 and Patharnakh (active) i.e. 9.16 using M1 medium fortified with IBA (1.0 mgl-1) while as maximum rooting (%) in Kainth (forced) i.e 13.34 and Kainth (active) i.e 14.08 was observed in M1 medium supplemented with IBA (0.1 mgl-1). Although no rooting was obtained in Patharnakh (forced and active) irrespective of media using NAA however, NAA (1.0 mgl-1) induced rooting (%) of 29.61 and 27.46 using M1 medium in Kainth (forced) and Kainth (active) respectively. Roots per micro-shoot were 2.38 and 2.60 respectively in Patharnakh (forced) and Patharnakh (active) using M1 medium supplemented with IBA (1.0mgl-1). Similarly in Kainth (forced) and Kainth (active), maximum roots per explant were obtained using M1 medium supplemented with IBA (1.0 mgl-1). NAA (1.0 mgl-1) induced highest number of roots per explant in Kainth (forced), i.e. 3.40 and Kainth (active), i.e. 3.60 using M1 and M2 medium respectively. In Patharnakh (forced and active), maximum root length were obtained using M3 medium supplemented with IBA (1.0 mgl-1). However, M3 supplemented with IBA (0.1 mgl-1) resulted in maximum root length (31.15 and 31.10 mm) in Kainth (forced) and Kainth (active), respectively. NAA (0.1 mgl-1) resulted in maximum root length (22.97 mm) in Kainth (forced) in M1 medium, whileas in Kainth (active), NAA (1.0 mgl-1) resulted in maximum root length of 23.22 mm using M3 medium. Aseptic culture, graft success, necrosis, vitrification and vigour were found to be influenced by scion origin, scion length, grafting technique and medium used during shoot tip grafting. Aseptic cultures were maximum (84.34 %) by employing S1, L2, G2 and M1. Graft success was maximum (33.71%) by using S1, L2, G1 and M2. However, necrosis was least (0.0%) in many treatment combinations. Vitrification was also found to be influenced by various treatment combinations with least vitrification (12.01 %) by employing S1, G1, L1 and M4. Maximum vigour (2.68) was found by using S1, G1, L2 and M2. Pre-treatment with growth regulators was found to have beneficial effects on graft success and other parameters. TDZ (0.5 mgl-1) + 2,4-D (5.0 mgl-1) resulted in maximum aseptic cultures (88.78%), whileas highest graft success (42.34 %) was obtained by giving pre-treatment of TDZ (0.5 mgl-1) + 2,4-D (7.5 mgl-1). However, least necrosis (1.65 %) resulted by treatment of TDZ (0.75 mgl-1) and minimum vitrification (4.11 %) was observed by treatment combination of TDZ (0.75 mgl-1) + 2, 4-D (7.5 mgl-1).
Open Access
Histomorphometric and genotoxic studies in albino rats following sub-chronic exposure to arsenic
(PAU, 2014) Mehta, Madhuri; Hundal, S.S.
The present study was carried out to evaluate the histomorphometric and genotoxic effects of sodium arsenite at low doses on female rats. Forty eight mature female rats were divided into four groups; one group as control and three groups received sodium arsenite at the doses of 10, 30 and 50 μg/L dissolved in distilled water orally for 60 days. Half of the rats from each group were sacrificed after 30 days and the remaining after 60 days of treatment. Oral exposure of sodium arsenite results in disruption of estrous cycle with prolonged diestrous and metestrous phases. A significant decrease (P≤0.01) in the number of corpus lutea along with increased number of atretic follicles has been observed in treated ovaries after 30 and 60 days of treatment. The thickness of uterine myometrium and endometrium decreased significantly (P≤0.05-0.01) in treated rats. Histopathological observations of liver and kidney sections showed presence of pyknotic cells, infiltrations and increased glomerulus chamber spaces. The activities of antioxidant enzymes decreased significantly (P≤0.01) with an increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation, urea and creatinine in treated animals. The concentration of arsenic was high in treated as compared to control rats. Increased liver microsomal degranulation and bone marrow chromosomal aberration (chromatid gaps, fragmentation and breakage) in all the treated groups substantiates carcinogenic and mutagenic effects of sodium arsenite. It may be inferred that exposure to sodium arsenite at low doses disturbs the antioxidant/prooxidant ratio leading to a state of oxidative stress as evidenced through histological, biochemical and genotoxic parameters.
Open Access
Design and evaluation of modified atmosphere packaging for litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)
(PAU, 2014) Virk, Ramandeep Kaur
The study on design and evaluation of modified atmosphere packaging for litchi was undertaken to select the suitable polymeric film for extending the shelf-life of litchi based on respiration rate of litchi and permeability of commercially available films at different temperatures. The litchi fruits of cv. Culcuttia were packed in LDPE (100 gauge) without perforations, 12, 14 and 16 perforations. The fruits were stored under room temperature (40±3°C and 40-65% RH) and low temperature (2±1°C and 93-95% RH). Control fruits were also kept at both storage conditions. The analysis was carried out to estimate the quality and shelf-life of stored litchi. It was found that LDPE (100 gauge) with 14 perforations of 0.5mm was the best film for extending the shelf-life of litchi. To enhance the effect of MAP on litchi, various postharvest treatments viz. Sulphur fumigation, acid treatments (0.25 and 0.5% salicylic acid, 2 and 4% citric acid and 2 and 4% hydrochloric acid) alone and in combination with sulphur fumigation were given to litchi fruits. Among the postharvest treatments, the fruits treated with SO2+HCl (2 and 4%)+perforated LDPE and SO2+ 4%CA+ perforated LDPE were able to retain the overall quality of fruits for maximum storage duration of 28 days.
Open Access
Persistence and Metabolism of Imidacloprid in rice (Oryza sativa Linn.)
(PAU, 2014) Akoijam, Romila; Singh, Balwinder
The persistence and metabolism of imidacloprid in rice was studied by following application of imidacloprid @ 20 and 80 g a.i. ha-1. Samples of paddy leaves and soil were collected from each treatment at varying time intervals and analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC). The initial deposits of imidacloprid were found to be 4.57 and 13.94 mg kg-1 in leaves collected 0 day after its application @ 20 and 80 g a.i. ha-1 respectively. The residues declined to below the determination limit of 0.01 mg kg-1 in samples collected 60 and 90 days after its application at recommended and four times the recommended dosages, respectively. The samples of rice grains, bran, straw and husk did not reveal the presence of imidacloprid residues at harvest. In soil samples, total residues of imidacloprid and its etabolites were found to be 0.44 and 1.61 mg kg-1 collected at 0 day following application @ 20 and 80 g a.i. ha-1 respectively. These residues could not be detected at 60 and 90 days after its application at corresponding dosages. In laboratory conditions, the levels of total imidacloprid in sandy loam, loamy sand and clay loam at 0 day of its application @ 100 mg kg-1 were found to be 80.01, 83.64 and 89.00 mg kg-1, respectively. The persistence of imidacloprid was found to be more in clay loam followed by loamy sand and sandy loam soil. In sterilized soil, Bacillus aerophilus was found to be more efficient as compared to Bacillus alkalinitrilicus in degradation of imidacloprid.

Thesis

Browse

Thesis Type

Type

Author

Date

Subject

Search Results