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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.
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Impacts of agricultural mechanization on avian diversity in Ludhiana district
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Harnoor Kaur; Kler, Tejdeep Kaur
The 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.
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Evaluation of larvicidal potential of kinnow peel extracts against Aedes aegypti Linnaeus
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Arshkamaljot Kaur; Kocher, Devinder Kaur
Transmission 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.
Open Access
Development of processed products from green chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2021) Palwinder Kaur; Sukhpreet Kaur
The 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.
Open Access
Evalution of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria As potemtial Biofertilizer For Broccoli ( Brassica Oleracea L.)
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Sharma, Kavia; Jupinder Kaur
The present study was carried out with the aim to develop a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial inoculant for improving the growth and yield of broccoli. A total of 24 bacteria were isolated from rhizosphere of broccoli collected from the fields of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and village Sangrur, Mansa, Barnala and Patiala. Biochemical characterization of these rhizobacterial isolates showed that most of these were oxidase, urease, indole, MR and catalase positive and were involved in starch hydrolysis and gelatin liquefaction whereas negative for citrate and VP test. These isolates were screened for multifarious plant growth-promoting traits viz. solubilization of phosphate and zinc, production of IAA, siderophore, ammonia, HCN and growth on nitrogen free medium. Out of 24 isolates, 17 isolates showed solubilization of phosphate on modified Pikovskaya agar with solubilization index ranging from 0.5-4.5 cm and 53.63-178.6 μg/ml in liquid medium. Eleven isolates showed solubilization of zinc oxide (solubilization index: 0.4-1.9 cm), five isolates showed solubilization of zinc carbonate (solubilization index: 0.3-1.2 cm) and zinc phosphate (solubilization index: 0.1-2.5 cm). Siderophore production was exhibited by fourteen isolates (0.3-1.4 cm). All the isolates were positive for auxin (without tryptophan: 2.04- 13.90 μg/ml; with tryptophan: 10.05-32.04 μg/ml) and ammonia production as well as ammonia excretion (1.803.65 μg/ml). The luxuriant growth on different nitrogen free medium was observed for all the isolates and higher HCN production was observed in three bacterial isolates. Out of these 24 isolates, two potential bacterial isolates RP4 and RP5 (which were named as CBF 2) were selected on the basis of PGP traits for evaluation of their potential to promote growth and yield of broccoli under pot as well as under field conditions. In green house experiment, these isolates when used synergistically showed a significant improvement in soil enzymatic activities (viz. dehydrogenase: 26.13 µg TPF formed h-1 g-1 of soil, alkaline phosphatase: 14.02 µg PNP formed h-1 g -1 of soil and urease: 370.80 µg urea hydrolysed formed h-1g -1 of soil) and plant growth parameters (plant height: 45.7 cm, root length: 6.3 cm, stem diameter: 3.9 cm, fresh weight of shoot :167.85 g, dry weight of shoot:35.70 g, number of leaves per plant: 26, days taken to visible curd:56 days, head compactness: 1.36 cm, number of heads/plant: 4 heads, mean head weight: 87 g and floret stalk length: 12.8 cm) over the control as well as other bioinoculants. The field evaluation of these bacterial isolates as consortium along with FYM and inorganic fertilizers was carried out using Palam samridhi variety of broccoli. The combined application of bacterial strains (RP4 and RP5) and FYM resulted in significantly higher soil microbial population and enzyme activities. Significantly higher available nitrogen (137.30 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (34.21 kg ha-1) and available potassium (170.15 kg ha-1) were also observed in treatment having FYM and bacterial inoculants (N75FYM+N25 + CBF 2). Significantly higher plant nutrient uptake of nitrogen (98.87 kg ha-1), phosphorus (24.84 kg ha-1), potassium (182.27 kg ha-1) was observed in (N75FYM+N25+ CBF 2) and higher uptake of micronutrients viz. zinc (75.5 mg/kg), iron (172.16 mg/kg) and manganese content (71.11 mg/kg) were found to be significantly higher in treatment (N100FYM+ CBF 2) having synergistic application of organic and bio-fertilizers. The various growth attributes of broccoli viz. plant height: 42.1 cm, root length: 11 cm, stem diameter: 4.9 cm, fresh weight of shoot: 214.20 g, dry weight of shoot:38.18 g, number of leaves per plant: 29, days taken to visible curd:44 days, head compactness: 1.11 cm, head yield: 153.15 q/acre, number of heads/plant: 6 heads, mean head weight: 88 g and floret stalk length: 12.8 cm was observed to be statistically higher in treatment T10 with combined application of FYM and bacterial isolates (N100FYM+ CBF 2). The study has led to the selection of a plant growth-promoting bacterial consortium as a potential bacterial inoculant for improving the growth, yield and nutrient content in broccoli.
Open Access
Development of functional food products utilizing purple wheat (Triticum aestivum) bran
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Jhans, Bhupinder; Gurkirat Kaur
Functional foods are the natural ingredients, fortified, enriched or value-added products which have health beneficial effects beyond their basic nutrition owing to the presence of bioactive compounds. Purple wheat is one such ingredient containing anthocyanins and other polyphenols compartmentalized in the outer regions of the grain. The present study aimed at assessing the functionality of purple wheat bran in different functional foods including pasta, bread and kulfi. Bran was incorporated at 0, 5, 10 and 20 % each in pasta and bread while at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 % in kulfi. Resultant products were investigated for compositional profile, functional properties, product quality parameters, tristimulus color profile, textural and structural properties. The results indicated that for pasta, enrichment with purple wheat bran caused significant reduction in minimum cooking time and firmness while due to the effect of fibre, water absorption, volume expansion, gruel solid losses were increased. These changes could be ascribed to higher fibre content interfering with protein matrix allowing accelerated movement of water. Molecular changes were also affected as found in FTIR and SEM analysis. Similarly in bread, purple wheat bran resulted in the dilution of the gluten networking affecting its strength, thus higher levels of bran influenced the loaf volume, height, texture, and other internal and external parameters. In case of kulfi, fibre showed binding ability; however, at 8 % level of bran, the texture was found to be grainy which is not a highly desirable property. All the products exhibited linear increment in the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanin content and DPPH· radical scavenging activity. On the basis of organoleptic evaluation, pasta and bread enriched up to 15 % and kulfi up to 6 % purple wheat bran were most acceptable and exposed to storage studies. After assessing the biochemical indices of storage and overall acceptability, it was found that pasta was stable for 4 months, bread for 8 days and kulfi for 4 months of storage.
Open Access
Evaluation of some new chemical and organic amendments in rice-wheat system under sodic water irrigation
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Harjot Kaur; O.P. Choudhary
Persistent and continuous use of sodic water for irrigation in south-western regions of Punjab has led to the development of sodicity in soils which severely impacts the physical, chemical and biological properties. The deteriorated soil health proves futile to plant growth causing yield losses and lower farm income. The problems caused by the irrigation-induced sodicity can be rectified by the amelioration of the soils using amendments. Gypsum has been popular among farmers as a source to ameliorate sodic water irrigated soils but the issue with its availability and quality has propelled the scientific community to explore the potential of some others resources such as yellow gypsum, a by-product of steel industry which can help sustain growth in sodic soil environment. Organic amendments such as farm yard manure (FYM) has been studied extensively while others like rice straw compost, rice straw (RS) and biochar (BC) are presently getting attention in terms of their utility in restoring sodic soils. A pot experiment was conducted to collate the effect of application of inorganic (yellow; YG and grey gypsum; GG) and organic amendments (FYM, rice straw compost, RS and BC) on properties of soils (loamy sand; ls and sandy clay loam; scl) irrigated with sodic water and biomass yield of crops. Soils were irrigated with different levels of RSC of irrigation water i.e. RSC 0, 5, 7.5 and 10 meq L-1 . Organic amendments, FYM @ 15 t ha-1 , Rice straw compost @ 6 t ha-1 , RS 6 t ha-1 and BC @ 4 t ha-1 were applied once before sowing of wheat whereas gypsum (both types) @ 50%GR was applied on soil basis and later with each irrigation to neutralize sodicity of water. Individual effect of these amendments was studied through 56 treatment combinations in completely randomized design replicated three times. Results revealed decrease in biomass yield, photosynthetic activity, stomatal conductance and uptake of Ca, Mg and K on irrigation with sodic water in wheat and rice crop whereas uptake of Na and proline content increased. With regard to soil properties, irrigation with sodic water increased pH, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) (higher in scl), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) (higher in ls), and bulk density (BD) but decreased microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and mean weight diameter (MWD). Upon application of gypsum (both types), decrease in pH, SAR and ESP was observed along with significant improvement in biomass yield and other soil properties such as MBC and MWD. Among the organic amendments, BC reduced uptake of Na whereas rice straw compost and FYM gave promising results in restoration of soil properties and biomass yield in both the crops. Further, field studies need to be conducted to evaluate the restorative effect of yellow gypsum vis-à-vis grey (mined) gypsum and it combined application along with the organic amendments in soils receiving sodic water irrigation.
Open Access
Quantification of evapotranspiration using EEFLUX tool and comparison by empirical methods in maize (Zea mays L.)
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Deepan R; Som Pal Singh
Evapotranspiration (ET) is one of the most important parameter in agriculture and to water management and irrigation requirement. Under the present scenario of Climate change and Global warming, importance of ET measurement and its validation assumes a great significance. There are various techniques used to estimate actual measurement of ET in the field condition. However, researchers have developed state of the art instrument to measure it in the field condition and instruments of varying accuracy are available. The instrument can measure point value of ET for being placed at particular location in the field and therefore the spatial accuracy of the data is bound to reduce to a certain extent. On the other hand, the empirical estimation of ET has its own limitation owing to the requirement of huge data set to estimate the ET to near accuracy. Google EEFlux is a web-based tool which utilizes the satellite-based information to provide the ET rate on spatio-temporal scale. Therefore, an effort has been put forth to estimate ET using the Google EEFlux for maize crop. The ET has been estimated using the Google EEFlux for maize crop sown in the field experiment at the Research Farm, Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology, PAU during the kharif season of 2020-21. The ET was also computed using Penman’s equation geeSEBAL, NRSC-NHP, Cropwat 8.0 and FAO Ref-ET calculator for PMH-1 and PMH-2 varieties of maize during the same period grown under three sowing environments. The relationships were developed between ET (Google EEFlux), ET (geeSEBAL), ET(NRSCNHP) and ET (FAO-ETo calculator). The relationships indicated a significant association between the ET obtained by both these methods. The data generated can help the researchers to fine tune treatments and also to reorient the irrigation and management research programs.
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Estimation of irrigation water requirement of wheat in rice-wheat system in Ludhiana district of Punjab using geo-spatial technologies
(Punjab Agricultural University, 2022) Vullaganti, Niharika; Vashisht, B.B.
One of the major global concerns is increasing population. With increase in the population, a proportional increase in food and water requirements is seen. To meet the increasing food requirements, the crop productivity should be increased with the limited resources available. Recent studies stated that there is a notable amount of water being lost in the form of excessive irrigation and ground water depletion. To tackle these problems and conserve water, improving water use efficiency is one of the best ways. Irrigation scheduling can play a crucial role in reducing wastage of water in agriculture. To schedule irrigation, evapotranspiration need to be estimated. This study aims to estimate evapotranspiration of wheat crop in Ludhiana district using geo spatial technologies. Evapotranspiration (ET) of the crop was estimated using satellite and meteorological data. Reference evapotranspiration was estimated with ETo calculator using climatic parameters like mean temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and wind speed as inputs to calculate reference evapotranspiration. Monthly evapotranspiration data obtained from satellite data was represented in ET maps generated using ArcGIS. The monthly ET maps were combined to form a seasonal evapotranspiration map. ET increased with the vegetative growth from November to February and decreased as the crop reached its maturity during March and April. Various factors like climatic parameters, crop and soil characteristics effect the evapotranspiration. Crop coefficient was estimated to represent the crop characteristics at a particular area at a particular period of time. It was calculated as the ratio of crop evapotranspiration and reference evapotranspiration. Crop coefficient were low during initial growth stages, increased during mid season and again decreased during later stages of crop growth. Irrigation water requirement of the crop was estimated by deducting the effective rainfall from evapotranspiration. Mapping of the crop coefficient, evapotranspiration and irrigation water requirement enabled to represent their spatial and temporal variation within the study area. This would help the farmers to easily identify the water requirement of the crop in their localities and irrigate the crop accordingly.

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