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ThesisItem Restricted Host-parasitoid relationship between Pyrilla perpusilla (Walker) and Fulgoraecia melanoleuca (Fletcher) on sugarcane(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Sharma, Tarun; Shera, P.S.The studies on the “Host-parasitoid relationship between Pyrilla perpusilla (Walker) and Fulgoraecia melanoleuca (Fletcher) on sugarcane” were conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2019 and 2020. Among the host stages, 4th instar nymphs and adult females were more suitable for the parasitoid, F. melanoleuca in terms of higher larval survival, adult emergence, more proportion of females in the progeny and higher fecundity. The exposure of 1st instar host nymphs to the parasitoid resulted in cent per cent mortality within two days before any signs of parasitism. None of the parasitized 2nd to 4th instar nymphs survived as normal adults as all the parasitized individuals died as nymphs, nymph-adult intermediates or weak adults. However, in case of parasitized 5th instar nymphs, 18.0 per cent adults were normal. The mean longevity of nymphs parasitized in the 3rd, 4th and 5th instars was prolonged significantly; maximum prolongation was in the 4th instar. However, longevity of nymphs parasitized in the 2nd instar was even less than un-parasitized ones. When host adults were offered to the parasitoid, there were significant differences in mortality of parasitized and un-parasitized adults. Further, parasitoid-induced prolongation in the longevity of the surviving parasitized adults was observed for both the sexes. Among different agro-climatic zones, population count of P. perpusilla and F. melanoleuca as well as natural parasitism was more in Jalandhar (central plain zone) as compared to Hoshiarpur (sub-mountainous undulating zone) and Fazilka (Western zone). The parasitoid remained active in overlapping stages during the months of April to November with peak activity in September month at all the locations. It overwintered in cocoon or egg stage on sugarcane trash from December to March months. Among the selected insecticides, chlorpyriphos 20 EC, imidacloprid 17.8 SL and fipronil 5 SC were comparatively toxic to the parasitoid, while pymetrozine 50 WG, chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, flubendiamide 480 SC and flonicamid 50 WG were harmless to moderately harmful. The prolonged pupal period, reduction in adult emergence and decreased adult longevity were the sub-lethal effects in the insecticides, chlorpyriphos 20 EC, imidacloprid 17.8 SL and fipronil 5 SC. Biopesticides (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki 0.5 WP, Metarhizium anisopliae 1.0 WP and Beauveria bassiana 1.0 WP) and botanicals (azadirachtin 1500 and 50000 ppm) were safer to all the stages of F. melanoleuca.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 Restricted Technologies for utilization of hull less barley for high fibre foods(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Mahamudu Mohamed Sasamalo; Amarjeet KaurBarley (Hordeum vulgare) is the fourth significant cereal cultivated for human use next to wheat, rice and maize. The demands of barley production keep on increasing day to day due to its diverse utilities, nutritive value and ever-increasing demand. Keeping these in view Punjab Agricultural University has developed two hull less barley, variety PL 891 and BHS 352. These two hull less barley varieties PL 891 and BHS 352 were procured from Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics and were given treatments viz. germination, pressure cooking, acid and alkali and milled into flour. Milled sample were analyzed for chemical composition, functional and rheological characteristics. Barley flour was stored and estimated for shelf life. The effect of treatments for changes in functional, nutritional and antinutritional was studied. All the treatments showed increase in protein content, crude fiber and dietary fiber ranging from 12.5912.77%, 4.06-4.52% and 17.48-23.8%, respectively. β-glucan content improved after treatments; ranging from 4.02-5.05%. Processing caused 33.7-74.3%, 24.4-81.4 %, 75.7-84.6% and 43.173.1% reduction in antinutritional factors such as tannins, saponins, phytic acid and trypsin inhibitor, respectively. Notably, the mineral bioavailability as well the in-vitro protein digestibility and the antioxidant potential improved with the processing. Food products such as chapatti, flat bread and cookies were prepared by 30% incorporation level. Barley drink was prepared by using 100% roasted barley grains. Among the food products prepared, for chapatti all the treatments were accepted by the panelist with the highest overall acceptability of 8.50 from those prepared from germinated flour, for flat bread and cookies those prepared from alkali treated grains had highest overall acceptability of 8.55 and 8.50, respectively. Between hull less barley varieties, variety PL 891 was found better in preparation of high fiber chapatti, flat bread and cookies and variety BHS 352 was found better for preparation of fiber barley drink.ThesisItem Restricted Development of lactic acid starter culture based fermented fruit and vegetable juices(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Modi, Ritika; Sahota, ParampalThe lactic acid fermented fruit and vegetable beverages have been developed through controlled fermentation using ten allochthonous high lactic acid producing (0.612-1.35%), phenotypically and genotypically characterized, homo-lactic- Lactic Acid Bacterial (LAB) strains as starter culture consortium. Value-added secondary metabolite enriched Turmeric, Amla, Black carrots (Kanji), and Black pearl grapes-based functional beverages were developed with improved nutritive value (15-35%) antioxidants, (21-63%) polyphenols, (20-42%) flavonoids and (24%) carotenoids; microbial quality (1010 LAB CFU/ml) and acceptability (8±0.2) with shelf life of 90 days. The optimized bioprocess parameters using Box-Behnken Design in Response Surface Methodology with 5% (v/v) (107 CFU/ml) active starter culture for Turmeric beverage -[turmeric 2%w/v), lemon juice (5%v/v), ginger juice (1.5%v/v); dilution ratio (1:3 with sterilised water); salt (1%w/v)]; Amla beverage -[amla juice: guava juice: ginger juice (1:1:1.5 %v/v); dilution ratio (1:3); salt (0.6%w/v)]; Kanji beverage -[black carrots juice (100ml); salt and rye (1.5%w/v); dilution ratio (1:3)]; Grapes beverage -[grapes juice (100ml), lemon juice (8% v/v); dilution ratio (1:1.5); salt (1.2%w/v)], pasteurized at 82ºC for 10-15 sec and fermentation at 37ºC for 28 hrs. A generic HACCP plan determining critical control points on the line was recommended as a food safety tool during the preparation of beverages. Unstructured kinetic model so developed depicts maximum LAB growth at 8th hour and highest ∆pH and Vmax on the 28th hour and 8th hour, respectively. The increase in lactic acid production (0.35, 0.55, 0.96, 0.63 %TA), reduction in pH (4.51, 4.96, 3.76, 2.64) with enhanced functional aspects based on total polyphenols (52.30, 45.58, 41.85, 52.29 gallic acid equivalents mg/100ml) and flavonoids (44.20, 31.13, 43.91, 46.96 quercitin equivalents mg/100ml) with significantly stronger scavenging activities for the 2,2diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical (74.25, 86.36, 86.91, 69.70%) and ferric reducing power (87.9, 94.4, 108.66, 100.3 μM FeSO4 equivalents) was observed for Turmeric, Amla, Kanji and Grapes fermented beverages, respectively. These bio-interventions showed antimicrobial activity against food borne pathogens Staphylococcus aureus MTCC3906, Listeria monocytogenes MTCC657, Klebsiella pneumonia MTCC109, Escherichia coli MTCC443, Aeromonas hydrophila MTCC173, as well arrested the initial phase of MOLT-4 and CaCo2 cancer cells lines, down regulating the expression of proto-oncogenes and up regulating the tumor suppressor gene exhibiting the antitumorigenic effect. Further, hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic effect studies showed administration of functional lactic acid fermented turmeric and amla beverages (10 ml/kg body weight) for 6 weeks, significantly reverse or reduce the physiological, metabolic damage, and histological alterations equivalent to the hepatoprotective drug Liv52 in alcohol-induced liver damaged and hypoglycemic drug glibenclamide in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats, respectively. Further, lyophilised freeze-dried turmeric and amla fermented powders were developed which can be consumed as ready-to-use fermented beverages by reconstitution @2% and @3.2% (with sterilized water) with retention of all properties of freshly prepared beverage prepared.ThesisItem Open Access Development of processed products from green chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Palwinder Kaur; Sukhpreet KaurThe present study was carried out to developed processed products from green chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) by utilizing canning and freezing technology. The effect of thermal processing and storage conditions (at ambient temperature for canned products and at -30°C for frozen products) on physico-chemical and phyto-chemical parameters of green chickpeas have been studied. The canning and freezing of green chickpeas were carried at standardized processing conditions. The calcium carbonate treatment effectively maintained the textural properties of green chickpeas during thermal processing. Citric acid effectively maintained the pH and color parameters of brine canned green chickpeas during processing and storage period. Thermal processing significantly (p≤0.05) reduced the phyto-chemical characteristics of green chickpeas as compared to freezing with average loss of 44.0% in total phenolics, 49.80% loss in ascorbic acid content, 42.5% loss in chlorophyll content and 30.5% loss in radical scavenging activity in developed products. During storage, products prepared from both technologies showed retention of phytochemicals with maximum retention observed in frozen products i.e. the average total phenolics, ascorbic acid and radical scavenging activity was retained by 87.0%, 76.50% and 74.0% respectively. Developed products were shelf stable for 6 months at ambient and freezing temperatures with maximum retention of nutritional and sensory characteristics. External and internal can conditions remained satisfactory during the storage period of six months. The condition of LDPE bags was also found satisfactory during low temperature conditions. This indicated that processing conditions adopted for canning and freezing were well maintained.ThesisItem Open Access Structural Stability Analysis of Naturally Ventilated Polyhouses(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Lovepreet Singh; Kaushal, ArunThe research work on structural stability analysis of naturally ventilated polyhouses was carried out at Department of Soil and Water Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. There were total 12 treatments which were combination of four different sizes of polyhouses i.e. 560 m2 (T1-T3); 1008 m2 (T4-T6); 2080 m2 (T7-T9); 4000 m2 (T10-T12), with three design wind speeds 100 km/hr, 150 km/hr and 200 km/hr respectively. Truss members, columns and foundation stability analysis was carried out by considering dead loads, live loads and wind loads. Support reactions were computed on truss and column joints. Member forces were computed by using force method. The economic analysis was carried out by computing benefit cost (B/C) ratio and payback period for raising capsicum under stable structures. For every 17 set of truss members four members (two in compression (small arc) and two in tension (truss bracings)) failed in treatments with 150 and 200 km/hr wind speed while two members (in compression, (small arc)) failed in treatments with 100 km/hr wind speed. Minimum structural GI pipe material requirement for structurally stable polyhouses was under treatment T1 (2407 kg) and maximum under treatment T12 (19550 kg). The maximum benefit cost ratio was obtained in treatment T10 (1.77, 2.33) and minimum was in treatment T3 (1.36, 1.84) with no and 50% Government subsidy, respectively. The minimum payback period was obtained in treatment T10 (3.29 years, 1.26 years) and maximum in T3 (7.54 years, 2.19 years) with no and 50% subsidy, respectively. For the structurally stable naturally ventilated polyhouses as the size increases the benefit cost ratio increases, while the payback period decreases and for wind speed it is vice-versa.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of rootstocks on growth, yield and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Mashaal, Jamaluddin; Uppal, Gurteg SinghThe present study entitled "Influence of rootstocks on growth, yield and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin" was carried out during 2020-21 in the Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Kinnow mandarins budded on six rootstocks viz. Kuharske, Rich 16-6, Swingle, Troyer, Carrizo, and Rough Lemon were used in this study. Carrizo rootstock had the highest mean rootstock: scion diameter ratio (0.94), followed by Rough Lemon (0.92), significantly greater than all other rootstocks. However, the bark thickness of rootstock and scion was significantly higher in Troyer (2.1 mm) and Swingle (2.1 mm) rootstocks, respectively. The largest tree canopy volume of Kinnow trees was recorded on Carrizo rootstock (10.89 m3), significantly higher than all other rootstocks. However, the least was recorded on Swingle rootstock (2.25 m3). The mean fruit weight and fruit yield of Kinnow were significantly higher on Carrizo (186.25 g, 68.27 kg/tree), followed by Rough Lemon (168.58 g, 63.62 kg/tree), which were significantly higher than all other rootstocks. Swingle rootstock had the highest mean yield efficiency (9.77 kg/m3) compared with different rootstocks. A significantly higher photosynthesis rate was recorded on Carrizo (5.41μmol m-2 s-1). Kinnow trees had the highest fruit TSS/acidity (12.94) and juice content (52.5%) budded on Carrizo (12.94), followed by Rough Lemon (11.85, 50.2%) rootstock, which was significantly higher than all other rootstocks. However, Kinnow fruits on Rough Lemon recorded the highest ascorbic acid levels ((31.10 mg/100ml juice), and it was at par with Carrizo (30.25mg/100ml juice). Citrus Colour Index (CCI) values for fruit epicarp, pulp, and juice were the highest on Swingle (24.7), Troyer (11.3), and Carrizo (11.1), respectively, which indicated that these rootstocks had higher colour development. The leaf macro and micronutrient levels were also varied in Kinnow tree budded on different rootstocks. Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium contents were higher in Rich 16-6 (2.45 %), Troyer and Rich 16-6 (0.18 %), and Troyer (0.94%), respectively. The magnesium, zinc, calcium, and iron contents were maximum in Kinnow leaves budded on Swingle rootstock. However, Carrizo recorded significantly higher Mn (54.17 ppm) content. The study concluded that Carrizo and Rough Lemon rootstock are promising rootstocks for Kinnow mandarin for higher fruit quality and yield. Furthermore, Swingle rootstock is highly dwarf rootstock for having higher yield efficiency and better fruit colour development.
