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EFFECT OF EARLY AND LATE SOWING OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) UNDER WATER DEFICIT CONDITIONS ON DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIOXIDANT DEFENCE SYSTEM AND GRAIN QUALITY
(PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, LUDHIANA, 2010) SONDEEP SINGH; GUPTA, A. K.
Drought and high temperature (HT) are major environmental constraints in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production and quality world wide. Deciphering the mechanisms of drought and HT tolerance is a challenging task because of the complexity of stress respo
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.
Open Access
Dynamics of soil phosphorus in relation to carbon under different cropping systems
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2016) Dhram Prakash; Benbi, D.K.
Dynamics of phosphorus in soils were studied in relation to nutrient management and land-use practices. The nutrient management practices evaluated included source (rock phosphate and single superphosphate) and rates of P application in rice-wheat system; and integrated nutrient management (INM) and organic farming practices in basmati-wheat system in field experiments conducted at the research farm of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The land-uses studied included ricewheat, maize-wheat, cotton-wheat and poplar based agroforestry systems at farmers’ fields in different districts of Punjab. After seven cycles of rice-wheat cropping, farmyard manure (FYM) and rock phosphate (RP) application increased available P and soil organic carbon (SOC) by 72% and 98%, respectively over control. Inorganic P constituted the largest proportion (88-92%) of total P in soil and relative abundance of different inorganic P fractions in soils followed the order Ca-Al associated > Fe associated > humic bound > water soluble P. In basmati-wheat system, application of recommended rates of NPK and adoption of INM improved available P in soil over unamended control by 75 and 100%, respectively. The comparison of three organic sources revealed that available P was the highest in soil receiving 400 kg N ha-1 through FYM followed by rice straw compost and the lowest in vermicompost-amended plots. Application of FYM significantly increased inorganic, organic and total P, SOC and labile C pools compared to INM treatments. The INM increased inorganic, organic and total P by 77, 82 and 78%, respectively over NPK. Humic-bound organic P constituted major proportion (39.5-49.5%) and water soluble organic P comprised the smallest proportion (0.83-2.5%) of organic P in soils under basmati-wheat system. Beneficial effects of different treatments on soil properties were higher in surface soil (0-7.5 cm), which decreased with soil depth. Generally, soil P fractions were positively correlated with soil C pools. Cumulative P released in 96 hours of equilibration increased with manure and fertilizer application either alone or in combination. Phosphorus release kinetics were best described by Elovich and power function equations (R2≥0.98). Results of land-use studies showed that agroforestry systems had relatively higher proportion of organic P (27%) compared to sole cropping (6-7.7%). Soil organic C was the highest (0.58%) under agroforestry and was significantly correlated with soil P fractions under sole cropping systems. Soil properties viz. clay, organic C, CaCO3 and available P content significantly influenced soil P sorption and release kinetics. Phosphorus release decreased with increase in clay and CaCO3 content. On the contrary, P release increased with increase in available P and organic C. The results suggested that P availability will be higher in coarse-textured, non-calcareous soils having higher levels of organic C and available P. Therefore, for efficient P management it is important to take into account soil texture, the existing soil P level, organic C content and calcareousness of soil. Practices that increase SOC content and ameliorate CaCO3 could lead to improved P use efficiency.
Open Access
Studies on quality improvement and storage life in flame seedless grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) through use of pre and postharvest application of chemicals
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Simranbir Kaur; Arora, N.K.
The present research entitled “Studies on quality improvement and storage life in Flame Seedless grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) through use of pre and post-harvest application of chemicals” was conducted at Fruit Research Farm and Postharvest Laboratories, Department of Fruit Sciences, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during two consecutive seasons 2017 and 2018. The investigation was conducted in three experiments viz. cumulative effect of forchlorfenuron (CPPU), berry thinning and ethephon on time of ripening, yield and quality of ‘Flame Seedless’ grapes; preharvest applications of hexanal formulation and methyl jasmonate on fruit quality and storage life of ‘Flame Seedless’ grapes and effect of postharvest applications of hexanal, calcium chloride & salicylic acid on fruit quality and storage life of ‘Flame Seedless’ grapes. In quality improvement studies, the grape vines were treated with CPPU (1, 2 & 3 ppm) and berry thinning at pea stage in combination with foliar application of ethephon (300, 400 & 500 ppm) at veraison stage. Results revealed that maturity time was delayed by 5-7 days in grape vines perceived highest concentration of CPPU (3 ppm) in comparison with berry thinning + ethephon (400 ppm) treatment. Foliar spray of CPPU @ 1 ppm + ethephon @ 400 ppm significantly improved the average yield (26.81 Kg/ vine) and quality of grape clusters viz. cluster weight (338.04 g), cluster length (22.82 cm), berry size (1.70 × 1.69 cm) and berry weight (2.58 g), berry pedicel diameter (1.44 mm), berry firmness (224.42 g force-1), TSS: acid ratio (34.79), sugars (14.39 %), juice pH (3.49), anthocyanin accumulation (34.29 mg/l) and CIRG index (3.47). However, an adverse effect on fruit quality parameters has been observed in response to higher concentration of CPPU (3 ppm) where ethephon remained partially effective to overcome the detrimental effects; although positive influence on berry firmness and yield characters was documented. No significant effect on phenolic concentration improvement was observed with respect to CPPU treatments as compared to berry thinning treatments. Potential of preharvest applications of hexanal formulation, methyl jasmonate and ethephon was investigated for evaluation of pre and postharvest quality of grapes. Two superimposed application of hexanal formulation (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 %) were given before 15 and 30-days of harvesting, whereas methyl jasmonate (100, 200 and 300 ppm) and ethephon (400 ppm) was sprayed at veraison stage. Clusters were harvested at commercial mature stage for the evaluation of initial and postharvest quality attributes after 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of storage. Grape clusters were harvested and packed in low density polythene bags followed by storage at 0-2oC and 90-95 % RH. Results revealed that the earliest ripening (June 6) was induced by ethephon @ 400 ppm treatment. The maximum average yield (26.46 kg/vine) was obtained from grape vines treated with foliar application of hexanal formulation @ 2.0 percent through increasing the average cluster weight (340.62 g), cluster length (24.06 cm), berry weight (2.48 g), berry size (1.56 × 1.61 cm) and berry pedicel diameter (1.38 mm). Hexanal formulation @ 2.0 % significantly improved the berry firmness (217.60 g Force-1), specific gravity (1.11 g cm-1) as well as total phenolic content (43.71 mg GAE/100 g FW). Grape clusters treated with ethephon @ 400 ppm accumulated highest mean TSS (18.4 %), TSS: acid ratio (43.59), total sugars (16.11 %), juice pH (3.89), anthocyanin content (47.27 mg/l) and lowest mean titratable acidity (0.42 %). Pre-harvest foliar application of hexanal formulation @ 2.0 % was found to be the most effective in maintaining the postharvest life of ‘Flame Seedless’ grapes under 60 days of cold storage by reducing the physiological loss in weight (2.06 %), berry shattering (1.16 %), PME activity (0.13 µg/g FW) while maintaining the higher mean palatability rating (7.92), rachis freshness (0.86), TSS (17.8 %), TA (0.54 %), total sugars (16.39 %) and anthocyanin content (49.24 mg/l) during entire storage period as compared to other treatments, where ethephon (400 ppm) treatment exerted prejudicial effects during cold storage studies. The effect of postharvest applications of hexanal, calcium chloride and salicylic acid was evaluated for quality maintenance of table grapes cv. ‘Flame Seedless’ under extended cold storage. Uniform coloured grape clusters were harvested at commercial maturity and treated for five 5-miutes in aqueous solution of hexanal (0.010, 0.015 and 0.020 %), calcium chloride (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 %) and salicylic acid (1, 2 and 3 mM). Treated fruits were packed in low density polythene bags aligned with grape guard and stored at 0-2oC and 90-95 % RH followed by quality evaluation upto 60 days. Grape clusters treated with hexanal @ 0.015 and 0.020 % and calcium chloride @ 1.5 % were moderately to very much desirable after 60 days cold storage. Hexanal @ 0.015 % was found to be the most efficacious treatment in maintaining the postharvest life of ‘Flame Seedless’ grapes upto 60 days cold storage by reducing the physiological loss in weight (1.70 %), berry shattering (1.53 %), titratable acidity (0.54 %), PME activity (0.12 µg/g FW and maintaining the palatability rating (8.21), rachis freshness score (0.18), TSS (17.9 %), total sugars (16.51 %), anthocyanin content (57.26 mg/l) at higher level during entire storage period as compared to other treatments.
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A situational analysis of powerloom industry : micro, small and medium enterprises of Ludhiana
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Singh, Garima; Brar, Kanwaljit Kaur
The present study was conducted on a sample of 128 micro, small and medium enterprises, comprising of all the micro and medium powerloom enterprises enlisted in the list of DIC, Ludhiana and seventy-six small enterprises selected through purposive probability proportional to size sampling technique, in purposively selected Industrial Area A and Focal Point areas of Ludhiana district as the clusters of powerloom MSMEs existed there. The data collected from owners/managers of the units using self-structured interview schedulewere analysed using percentages, mean score and chi-square test. In powerloom MSMEs of Ludhiana, acrylic yarn (97.65 %) was the most popularly used raw material for woven goods. All the MSMEs procured the yarn from local sources as high-quality man-made and blended yarns were readily available in the local market. Maximum percentage of the MSMEs (78.90%) had installed plain looms with jacquard attachment for structural designs. Among all MSMEs, only 12.05 per cent units had electronic looms with jacquard attachment and just 7.81 per cent possessed fully computerized looms with dobby attachmentwhich had higher production capacity. Out of 39 MSMEs, 38.46 per cent had imported new looms from Italy. Nearly 60.00 per cent of the powerloom MSMEs operated throughout the year. Still a considerable percentage of units (40.61%) had main production period from July-December. All the MSMEs performed the pre-loom activities like winding to weaving, and more than 60.00 per cent of them were also designing and finishing the products. Cutting (14.06%), printing (7.03%) and stitching (14.47%) activities were performed by low percentage of small enterprises and half of the medium enterprises carried out all the postloom activities. Men‘s yardage for shirting and suiting (64.85%), women‘s suit yardage (87.5%) and different types of shawls such as plain, jamawar (39.06) and embroidered shawls (29.68%) were manufactured by MSMEs. Most of the MSMEs had not ventured into forward vertical integration and value addition of the products due to lack of funds and low managerial capacities. Maximum percentage of the MSMEs (53.12%) could earn 5-10 per cent profit followed by 35.93 per cent owners who gained 10-15 per cent profit in their business. Majority of the MSME owners (87.50%) were found to be well acquainted about government schemes. All unit owners were aware of Margin Money Subsidy Scheme, yet only 37.50 per cent of them were availing its benefits due to time consuming and cumbersome process. Stiff market competition offered by large enterprises was a challenge for all the medium powerloom enterprises. Perennial problems of powerloom MSMEs of Ludhiana such as hiked prices of yarn, old weaving technology, soaring cost of labour, low profit margin and market recession still persist. Concrete policy framework, government‘s intervention and help to the industry can boost its performance.
Open Access
Characterization of psychrotolerant rhizobacteria for Zn biofortification in lentil (Lens culinaris L. Medikus)
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Jaskiran Kaur; Khanna, Veena
Seventy psychrotolerant rhizobacterial isolates were evaluated for their PGP traits at 10°, 20° and 30°C. Highest IAA production was recorded with isolates PRh-9, PRh-14, PRh- 15, PRh-60, PRh-61 and that was confirmed by HPLC (8.98, 4.91, 5.66, 2.73 and 1.62 μg/ml respectively). Isolate PRh-14 recorded maximum Zn-solubilization potential of 354, 304.8 and 284.5 ppm at 10°, 20° and 30°C. It also recorded the maximum P-solubilization efficiency, gibberellins, EPS production and biofilm formation at 10°, 20° and 30°C. Eleven isolates amplified acdS gene which confirmed the presence of ACCD activity. Maximum naringin and quercetin production was shown by isolate PRh-61 and PRh-9, further confirmed by TLC studies. Highest antagonistic activity was recorded by PRh-9 against Rhizoctonia bataticola and Fusarium oxysporum (33.3% and 48.1% respectively) and was also established by SEM analysis. Potent siderophore, salicyclic acid and HCN producers were PRh-9, PRh- 61 and PRh-60. The SEM analysis of root surface revealed that coinoculation with Rhiobium and PRh-14 helped in maintaining the root integrity owing to biofilm formation on the root surface. Under field conditions coinoculation of Rhizobium with PRh-15, PRh-14, PRh-9, PRh-61, PRh-60 and PRh-30 further increased by grain yield by 1.7, 4.4, 3.7, 2.5, 2.09, 1.5% respectively, over Rhizobium alone. A significant increase in the grain and straw zinc content was recorded with the treatment R+PRh-14 (105.9 and 141.0 ppm respectively). The DGGE analysis of soil DNA depicted a composite banding pattern that reflected a high microbial diversity. The promising rhizobacterial isolates were identified as PRh-9 (Pseudomonas flourescens), PRh-14 (Aeromonas hydrophila), PRh-60 (Lysinibacillus fusiformis) and PRh-61 (Pseudomonas korensis) based on 16S rDNA sequencing.
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Status of agricultural marketing infrastructure in Punjab
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Gohain, Namami; Sukhpal Singh
The present study was conducted with the objectives of estimating the magnitude of existing agricultural marketing infrastructure in Punjab, studying the trends in market arrivals of different crops in Punjab, analyzing the extent of adequacy of market infrastructure, studying the problems and constraints faced by the farmers in the marketing of farm produce and spelling out the policy implications of the study. The primary data was collected during 2016- 17 from a sample of 180 farmers from 6 districts of the state. An increase in the number of principal markets, storage capacity and road length per 100 sq km of area was witnessed over the years whereas there was a decline in the average number of villages served per regulated market. Majority of the principal yards and sub yard had the facilities of covered sheds, auction platforms, roads and parking and boundary walls. Trend analysis indicated an increasing trend in the market arrivals of paddy, wheat, fruits and vegetables whereas cotton and maize displayed a decreasing trend over time. Analysis of adequacy of regulated markets in Punjab revealed that the magnitude of regulated markets is somewhat closer to the required number of markets for almost all the districts of the state. Factor analysis on various infrastructural facilities revealed that weighing facilities, lighting arrangements and electricity were adequate in the markets of Punjab. Garrett’s ranking technique ranked delay in procurement as the major problem of paddy marketing. However, exploitative practices by the intermediaries, lack of public procurement and lack of remunerative prices were identified as major problems faced during marketing of basmati, maize and cotton respectively. For the marketing of fruits, the major problem faced by the farmers was the exploitative practices by market intermediaries whereas in case of vegetable, lack of remunerative price for their produce was identified as the major problem. Therefore emphasis should be laid on enhancing the existing facilities in the regulated markets, providing appropriate information on prices of agricultural commodities and imparting training to farmers for efficient marketing.
Open Access
Economic evaluation of timber cultivation in Punjab
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Bhangu, Preet Kamal Singh; Manjeet Kaur
The present study analysed viability of poplar and eucalyptus (desi and clonal) cultivation in block and boundary plantation in Punjab. It further investigated the comparative economics of timber cultivation vis-à-vis wheat-paddy, risk involved, supply chain analysis and adoption behaviour of timber cultivation in Punjab. For the purpose, primary data were collected from 300 farmers; 100 poplar growers, 100 eucalyptus growers and 100 non-adopter farmers from Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and Muktsar districts. To analyse the supply chain of timber, 84 intermediaries were selected. The data were collected for the year 2015-16. BC ratio, NPV and annuity value were estimated. Two types of agro-forestry systems AFS-1 (wheat + khariff fodder during first four years) and AFS-2 (sugarcane for first two years and wheat during 3-4 years) were identified. AFS-2 (NPV Rs 164998) gave marginally higher returns than AFS-1 (Rs 155489) at 12 % discount rate at fourth year of harvesting. The study revealed that net returns from poplar cultivation were at par with pure cropping system. In case of eucalyptus, the clonal variety gave higher returns in terms of BC ratio, NPV and annuity value. NPV was Rs 52991 for desi eucalyptus and Rs. 76299 for clonal variety at 12% discount rate at the fifth year of harvesting. In boundary plantation, the one side plantation gave the higher returns than two and four side plantation. Farmers got the net margin of Rs 260 per quintal in case of poplar by selling it to pre-harvest contractor whereas in case eucalyptus farmers received net margin of Rs 280 per quintal. Socio-economic parameters like age and members working in agriculture were negatively correlated with adoption behaviour while farm size, education, off farm income and extension contacts were positively correlated with adoption behaviour of timber cultivation.
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Epidemiological studies on Alternaria blight of marigold
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2018) Mailem, Y.S; Amarjit Singh
Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is an important multipurpose flower crop grown throughout India. Its production is affected by various biotic and abiotic factors of which Alternaria blight caused by Alternaria tagetica plays an important role in economic production. The pathogen affects almost all parts of the crop under severe condition. It was found that the disease affects plant at all stages of growth with increased severity in older plants compared to younger plants. The optimum inoculum load of the fungus for disease development was 4 x 104 conidia/ml of water, although incidence and severity increased with increased inoculum load. Leaf wetness duration and temperature were also found to play a role in disease development. Temperature of 25± 1oC and wetness period of 12 h was found to be optimum creating high disease pressure. Marigold seeds were found to play role in the transmission of the disease when naturally and artificially infected by the pathogen. The pathogen also showed survivability under different conditions. Maximum survival was observed under room conditions where there were no soils during storage. Progression of disease was more towards South-eastern and North-western direction due to flowing of North-westerly and South-easterly winds during the two crop seasons. Among twenty-one marigold cultivars evaluated, four cultivars viz. Pusa Arpita, Double Dwarf Lemon, Harmony Boy and French Banita were found to be resistant under field conditions. All other remaining cultivars, except Pusa Narangi Gainda were found to be moderately susceptible. Morphological characters of marigold plant were found to show non-significant role in disease development. Biochemical analysis of defense related enzymes viz. peroxidise, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase among eight cultivars showed that these enzyme activities were greatly reduced in susceptible marigold cultivar in comparison to resistant and moderately susceptible cultivars.

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