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Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
Assam Agricultural University is the first institution of its kind in the whole of North-Eastern Region of India. The main goal of this institution is to produce globally competitive human resources in farm sectorand to carry out research in both conventional and frontier areas for production optimization as well as to disseminate the generated technologies as public good for benefitting the food growers/produces and traders involved in the sector while emphasizing on sustainability, equity and overall food security at household level.
Genesis of AAU -
The embryo of the agricultural research in the state of Assam was formed as early as 1897 with the establishment of the Upper Shillong Experimental Farm (now in Meghalaya) just after about a decade of creation of the agricultural department in 1882. However, the seeds of agricultural research in today’s Assam were sown in the dawn of the twentieth century with the establishment of two Rice Experimental Stations, one at Karimganj in Barak valley in 1913 and the other at Titabor in Brahmaputra valley in 1923. Subsequent to these research stations, a number of research stations were established to conduct research on important crops, more specifically, jute, pulses, oilseeds etc. The Assam Agricultural University was established on April 1, 1969 under The Assam Agricultural University Act, 1968’ with the mandate of imparting farm education, conduct research in agriculture and allied sciences and to effectively disseminate technologies so generated. Before establishment of the University, there were altogether 17 research schemes/projects in the state under the Department of Agriculture. By July 1973, all the research projects and 10 experimental farms were transferred by the Government of Assam to the AAU which already inherited the College of Agriculture and its farm at Barbheta, Jorhat and College of Veterinary Sciences at Khanapara, Guwahati.
Subsequently, College of Community Science at Jorhat (1969), College of Fisheries at Raha (1988), Biswanath College of Agriculture at Biswanath Chariali (1988) and Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science at Joyhing, North Lakhimpur (1988) were established. Presently, the University has three more colleges under its jurisdiction, viz., Sarat Chandra Singha College of Agriculture, Chapar, College of Horticulture, Nalbari & College of Sericulture, Titabar. Similarly, few more regional research stations at Shillongani, Diphu, Gossaigaon, Lakhimpur; and commodity research stations at Kahikuchi, Buralikson, Tinsukia, Kharua, Burnihat and Mandira were added to generate location and crop specific agricultural production packages.
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ThesisItem Open Access INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT IN YELLOW SARSON - GREENGRAM CROPPING SYSTEM UNDER RAINFED CONDITION(2016) Gogoi, Bebi; Ojha, N. J.A field experiment entitled “Integrated nutrient management in yellow sarson - greengram cropping system under rainfed condition” was carried out at the Instructional-cum-Research farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during two consecutive rabi (Oct-Feb) followed by summer (Feb-May) seasons of the year 2017- 2018 and 2018-2019. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design for first crop and split plot design for second crop with three replications. The eight INM practices viz., 100% RDF (60-30-30 kg/ha N-P2O5-K2O) (Y1), 100% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (Y2), 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost (Y3), 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y4), 50% RDF + 50% N through vermicompost (Y5), 50% RDF + 50% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y6), 25% RDF + 75% N through vermicompost (Y7) and 25% RDF + 75% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y8) were applied to yellow sarson crop. In greengram crop the residual effect of the treatments applied to yellow sarson were allotted in main plots and two different integrated nutrient management practices viz., 100% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (G1) and 50% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (G2) in the sub plots. The soil of the experimental site was sandy loam in texture, acidic in reaction (pH 5.40 and 5.56), medium in organic carbon (0.69 and 0.72%), available N (274.86 and 290.75 kg/ha), available K2O (138.16 and 140.89 kg/ha) and low in available P2O5 (17.90 and 20.30 kg/ha) in the year 2017-18 and 2018-19, respectively. Experimental findings revealed that application of 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y4) resulted in significantly higher growth as well as yield attributing characters like plant height, number of branches per plant, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, number of siliquae per plant, length of siliqua, number of seeds per siliqua in both the years. The highest seed yield of 998.34, 1026.22 and 1012.28 kg/ha, stover yield of 2393.97, 2420.65 and 2407.31 kg/ha during 2017-18, 2018-19 and in pooled analysis, respectively, were recorded with treatment having 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y4). The seed oil content of 36.40 and 36.97% and seed protein content of 13.27 and 13.44% were also recorded in Y4 in 1st and 2nd year, respectively. Similar effects of this treatment were also observed in respect of N, P and K content and uptake by both seed and stover. However, soil microbial population, microbial biomass carbon, phosphomonoesterase activity and fluorescein di-acetate hydrolase activity after harvest of yellow sarson were significantly higher in treatment having 25% RDF + 75% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y8). The crop recorded the highest gross return (` 56105 in 2017-18 and ` 57652 in 2018-19), net return (` 35407 during 2017-18 and ` 36954 during 2018-19) and benefit-cost ratio (2.71 during 2017-18 and 2.79 during 2018-19) with the treatment containing 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y4). 7 In case of greengram, residual effect of 25% RDF + 75% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium (Y8) resulted in significantly higher growth as well as yield attributing characters like plant height, number of branches per plant, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod in both the years. The effect of these was reflected in higher seed yield (849.56, 806.56 and 828.06 kg/ha in the year 2018, 2019 and in pooled analysis, respectively) and stover yield (2012.68, 1935.58 and 1974.13 kg/ha in 2018, 2019 and in pooled analysis, respectively) under the same integrated nutrient management practices. The maximum values of N, P and K uptake by seed and stover, soil microbial population, microbial biomass carbon, phosphomonoesterase activity and fluorescein di-acetate hydrolase activity after harvest of greengram were also observed under this treatment (Y8). However,direct application of 100% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (G1) brought about higher values in growth parameters, yield attributes, yield of seed (804.21, 724.68 and 764.45 kg/ha during 2018, 2019 and in pooled analysis, respectively) and stover yield (1830.89, 1763.80 and 1797.35 kg/ha during 2018, 2019 and in pooled analysis, respectively), protein content in seed (22.39 and 22.26% in 2018 and 2019 respectively), content and uptake of N, P and K by both seed and stover, soil microbial population, microbial biomass carbon, phosphomonoesterase activity and fluorescein diacetate hydrolase activity after harvest of greengram over 50% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (G2). The highest gross return (` 50726 in 2018 and ` 48922 in 2019), net return (` 33611 during 2018 and ` 31807 during 2019) and benefit-cost ratio (2.96 during 2018 and 2.86 during 2019) were observed under treatment Y8G1 containing 100% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (G1) + residue of treatment Y8 (25% RDF + 75% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium). In regards to yellow sarson-greengram cropping system the highest yellow sarson equivalent yield (1678.57 and 1614.02 kg/ha in 2018 and 2019, respectively) were obtained by treatment Y4G1 containing 100% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (G1) + residue of treatment Y4 (75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium). The highest gross return (` 93518 in 2017-18 and ` 89981 in 2018-19), net return (` 55705 during 2017-18 and ` 52168 during 2018-19) and benefit-cost ratio (2.47 during 2017-18 and 2.37 during 2018-19) of yellow sarsongreengram cropping system were observed under treatment Y4G1, containing 100% RDF + biofertilizer consortium (G1) + residue of treatment Y4 (75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium). The performance of yellow sarsongreengram cropping system was assessed on the basis of yellow sarson equivalent yield, net monetary returns and B-C ratio. The application of 75% RDF + 25% N through vermicompost + biofertilizer consortium to yellow sarson and 100% RDF + biofertilizer consortium to greengram was the most beneficial combination compared to rest of the treatments.ThesisItem Open Access CRITICAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS OF CLIMATE, SUSTAINABILITY, PREFERENCE AND PERFORMANCE OF LIVESTOCK IN ASSAM(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2017-07) TALUKDAR, JUPI; SAHARIA, K. K.A “Critical Component Analysis of Climate, Sustainability, Preference and Performance of Livestock Sector in Assam” has been planned with a random sampling technique in Kamrup, Dibrugarh and Bongaigaon districts of Assam to fulfill the above specified reasons. The method of random sampling technique got established when the Deputy Commissioners of each district were discussed. Further after going to the Block office, the villages were also selected as per the directive and facilitations provided by the block/field officials. It was in the village where Snow Ball sampling method was adopted. Based on the needs PCA method was also applied for getting the information relating to the social dynamics of animal husbandry in the study. Data were collected in three sets of pre-tested, reliable and valid interview schedule containing the features of climate, sustainability, preference, and performance. Collection of data were done based on the person actually who is involved in farming, considering analysis on the basis of 20 per cent confidence level and then finding the critical factors, analysis were done. The data such collected were arranged, tabulated, and analyzed so as to arrive at useful conclusion and interpretation so that they become benchmark for animal husbandry policies with regard to production system, supply chain and promotional livestock rearing. Results showed that the average age of the respondents was around 39 years. A good number of the respondents (45.67 %) had medium family size as high as 66.00 per cent of the respondents had nuclear type of family. The average educational qualification of majority (44.33%) of the respondents was of lower primary level. Educational status of majority (63.00 %) of the other member of the family of the respondents was higher secondary level. Average 14.58 numbers of livestock in the pooled sample could be considered towards a healthy sign considering the fact that large majority of farm people in whole of the districts had landless to marginal categories of farmers. The average annual family income of the respondents was Rs.1, 62,095/- and majority of them fell in middle income group. The average respondents own income was found to be Rs.116393/- and majority of them fell in middle income group. Majority (74.00%) of the respondent’s received medium income of Rs 29056 from livestock farming. The major sources of personal income of the respondents was Agriculture (29.80%) followed by animal husbandry (22.18), business (10.55%), fishing (8.28), art and culture (7.37%) , handicraft (5.90%), transport of item (5.62%), services (5.48) and household items (4.82%). Food (35.36%) and Education (22.66 %) were the two main areas in which maximum expenditures were made by the respondents in this study. Most of the respondents were having medium social participation with 3.47 numbers of times per year with the society and bringing it at a reflection of development, proliferation or non-orthodox atmosphere among the people of the districts. Most of the respondents were having medium to higher level of extension contact with 7.07 numbers of times per year among the respondents in different districts, which was definitely an encouraging phenomenon. More than 80 per cent of the farmers were having awareness about different farm related problems. Farmers involved in mass media contact belonged mostly to medium level category with 6.62 average numbers of areas per year. Majority of the respondents (76%) were involved in progressive livestock rearing practice. Land ownership was the most preferred indicator of progressive livestock farming in all the three districts. Different indicators of progressive livestock farming can be listed from highest to lowest impact as follows- Land ownership (6.19%), Association with the society (5.97%), Innovativeness (5.95%), Ideal family members to help farming (5.76%), More time to spend with animals (5.75%), Entrepreneurship Habit (5.73%), concern for quality (5.58%), Enduring livestock keeping (5.55%), Leadership Quality (5.51%), Willingness of people for farm products (5.27%), Contact with extension worker (5.18%), Economic orientation (5.06%), Self employment (4.87%), Religious mindedness (4.85%), Good market (4.83%), Educational qualification (4.72%), Good size of the farm (4.50%), Keeping hope for future generation (4.44%), Mass media contact (2.65%) and Political affiliation (1.64%). Most of the farmers realizing factors that affected animal husbandry development belonged to medium group level. Flood has been recognized as the most important factor affecting Animal Husbandry in all the three districts. Different micro-climatic factors affecting animal husbandry can be ordered in terms of their impact as follows- Flood (6.09%), Less availability of grass (5.82%), Parasitic infestation (5.72%), Education (5.66%), Draught (5.56%), Increasing cost of animal husbandry (5.39%), High temperature (5.37%), Less per capita availability of land (5.16%), Misunderstanding with neighbors (5.03%), Low rainfall (4.96%), Land used for infrastructure (4.83%), Social standing (4.71%), Lack of technical people in field (3.82%), No departmental support (3.66%), Pollution in water (3.62%), Soil erosion (3.41%), Job in public/private sector (3.22%), Frequency of visiting dignitaries (3.15%), General atmosphere (2.95%), Pollution (2.88%), Traditional rituals and festivals (2.78%), More dust in air (2.34%), Vehicular traffic (2.11%), Stringent rules and regulations (1.77%). Cattle was the highest preferred species in all the three districts, Kamrup (70.00%), Dibrugarh (65.00%), Bongaigaon (62.00%) while Bee keeping remained the least preferred farming practice in all the cases. Number of years of involvement in farming by the farmers of the Dibrugarh district was highest against Kamrup district to be the lowest. The overall ranking of the six different livestock species in terms of their profitability was as follows, Cattle (1575.00), Pig (692.33), Goat (503.67), Buffalo (453.00), Sheep (128.67) and Bee keeping (95.33). Flood was regarded as the most serious problem by the respondents of Dibrugarh and Bongaigaon districts while the same for Kamrup was the scarcity of fodder. The average degrees of changing status of livestock farming were 2.56. This in equivalent value revealed that the sector was slowly progressing. Association of the respondent with the market of the district Kamrup was highest and for Bongaigaon was found to be the lowest. The price of the farm product of the district Kamrup was highest and for Bongaigaon was found to be the lowest and the mean prices in the three districts varied significantly from each other. The mean transaction in market among the respondents in the districts of Kamrup was significantly higher than that of Bongaigaon district but it was marginally lower than that of Dibrugarh district. Most of the respondents preferred to sell their livestock product and produces to whole sellers. The mean satisfaction of the Kamrup district was found to be highest and the same for Bogaigaon was the lowest. Whenever and wherever animal husbandry produces and products were traded, there was no difficulty in selling them off and as such the chance of spoilage was minimum. The local sources in different extent and that could be ranked (overall) in terms of the gradually decreasing local procurement as follows Cattle (79.49%), Pig (52.13%), Goat (47.50%), Honey bee (24.37%), Sheep (23.50%) and Buffalo (11.97%). Cattle enjoyed highest demand and high profit oriented, because of traditional more acceptance of cattle milk over the milk produced by other species. Majority of the changes taking place in livestock sector were in medium group of distribution i.e. 71.67%. Marketing (6.91%) is the highest degree of changes occurring in the livestock sector.ThesisItem Open Access ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF HERBAL PLANTS ON COTTON FABRICS(AAU, Jorhat, 2016-07) Choudhury, Swapna; Phukan, Ava RaniThe study comprises of an investigation on antimicrobial effect of herbal plants on cotton fabric. Antimicrobial finish on textiles is a large research focus in the textiles industry. The population explosion and the environmental pollution in the recent years forced the researchers to find new health and hygiene related products for the well being of mankind. The nuisance caused by microbes is numerous and the problem is still aggravated in tropical and subtropical regions. Pathogenic microorganisms transfer infectious diseases and develop lung related disorders. Mold and fungi cause staining, discolouration and degradation of textile substrates. The Antimicrobial textiles are becoming important to avoid cross infection by pathogenic microorganisms, especially bacteria to control the infestation by microbes and to arrest metabolism in microbes in order to reduce the formation of odor. Textiles for medical and hygienic use have become important areas in the textile industry. Therefore, to reduce/prevent infections, various antibacterial compounds have been used for all types of textiles. The solutions of disinfectant used are generally active in vitro, but, it is also necessary to know the effectiveness of disinfected cloths while in use. In the current study, eco-friendly natural antimicrobial finishes have been prepared from the plant extracts for textile application. Out of 35 plants having antimicrobial properties ten (10) nos. of plants have been selected on the basis of availability as well as knowing its antimicrobial function. The different parts of the plants such as root and leaf were extracted using different solvents like ethanol, methanol, acetone and aqueous solution. These extracts were tested by diffusion method against three isolated bacteria associated with cotton fabrics to confirm the antimicrobial activity. The durability of the fresh and aged extract up to 6 month with their effectiveness against all isolated bacteria were also examined. Finally five herbal extracts from Achyranthes aspera, Adhatoca vasica, Ageratum conyzoides, Bambusa tulda and Chromolaena odorata with methanol have been applied on cotton fabrics by direct application method. Different concentrations of herbal extracts (100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25% and 3.125%) were applied to 100% cotton material for developing antimicrobial finish on the material. All tests done on organisms showed results up to 25% concentration except Adhatoca vasica, which showed results up to 3.125% concentration (Isolate II) and Ageratum conyzoides showed results only at 100% concentration in case of isolate I. All the treatments with methanol extracts showed good antimicrobial properties. The wash durability of the fabrics up to 10(ten) wash cycles against bacteria were done to evaluate the durability of the finished fabrics. The results of the present study showed that the most susceptible bacteria were Bacillus clausii bacteria in all standard test methods. It has been observed that there is a decreasing trend on the antibacterial activity of the finish material with every wash cycle. The treated fabrics were then analyzed for physical properties such as stiffness, crease recovery angle, tensile strength, elongation, wicking height etc. Decrease in tensile strength was observed in both warp and weft direction which could be due to the various treatment given to the material. Results showed that the effect of Adhatoca vasica extract was stronger than other herbal extract used in the study. It was also observed from the research findings carried out by other research workers that the antimicrobial effect of plant extract varies from one plant to another and also from place to place. This may be due to many factors such as the effect of climate, soil composition, age and vegetation cycle of plant, quality, quantity and composition of extracted product and different bacterial strains.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF STRUCTURAL DESIGN ON THE PERFORMANCE OF ERI-UNION FABRICS(AAU, Jorhat, 2017-07) Duarah, Pomima; Kaur, SatvinderThis study on “Effect of structural design on the performance of eri-union fabrics” was carried out with the following objectives: 1. To construct eri union fabrics of different structure using selected yarns. 2. To study the physical and comfort properties of the constructed fabrics. 3. To study the effect of laundering on the constructed fabrics. 4. To study the suitability of the fabrics for different garments. For the purpose of the study eri, red eri, cotton, polyester, acrylic and rayon yarns were used to construct the eri union fabrics on the fly shuttle handloom to create plain eri union fabrics and using jacquard attachment with jacquard accessories like lingoes, mail eye etc. to create patterned eri union fabrics. Eri was used as warp and red eri, cotton, polyester, acrylic and rayon yarns were used as weft. Five plain weave eri union fabrics and five patterned eri union fabrics were woven. The constructed eri union fabrics were tested with standard test methods for mechanical properties (weight, thickness, thread count, cover factor), physical properties (strength, elongation, pilling, abrasion, tearing, and stiffness) and comfort properties (absorption, wicking, air permeability, and thermal conductivity), drapability test done and analysed using suitable statistical techniques. Visual assessment was also done for the woven eri union fabrics with the help of a structured questionnaire. Opinion of the respondents was taken regarding the general appearance, lustre, and handle, texture of the woven eri union fabrics and also the effect of laundering on the fabrics. Findings revealed that the patterned eri union fabrics highly suitable for garments. Laundering did not show noticeable change in the fabric samples. Further, garments were designed and constructed using the woven patterned eri union fabrics and opinion of the respondents was taken on the suitability of the patterned fabrics for the garments which revealed that the patterned eri union fabrics are suitable for different garments.ThesisItem Open Access DESIGNING AND CREATING OF APPARELS INSPIRED FROM TRADITIONAL MOTIFS OF MISHING COMMUNITY OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2017-01) Chungkrang, Lizamoni; Phukan, Ava RaniDesigns are of great importance when it comes to give an enchanting and intriguing look to the textile products. Textile designing is full of creativity and scope with vast horizon, and is a demanding and emerging field. With the changing world of fashion, the field of textile demands for unique, different and fresh designs which give us the opportunity to use the adapted traditional motifs. Escalating demands of consumers requires modification in the fashion industry with respect to design, colour, style and technique. So, an attempt was made to designing apparels inspired from traditional motifs Mishing community of the Assam with following objectives- 1. To study and document the traditional motifs and designs of Mishing Community of Assam 2. To develop and create patterns for apparel using the existing motifs in a diversified way 3. To construct selected apparels for adolescents 4. To assess the consumer acceptability of the products. Through this study the investigator attempts to popularize the traditional textile motifs of Mishing community and its value addition to different apparels. To carry out the study, wide range of Mishing traditional textile motifs were documented and collected from six selected districts of Assam- Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Sibasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat through personal visit to common textile weavers. A preliminary study was conducted on the selection of the motifs. A set of fifty two numbers of ladies and gents apparels suitable for adolescents were designed and sketched with different colour combination and placed the chosen motifs for their opinion. Out of fifty two, fourteen designs were selected based on the results of the survey conducted. The selected designs were: 1(W), 2(W), 3(F), 4(W), 5(E), 6(W), 6(F), 7(E), 8(B), 9(B), 10(W), 11(W), 12(W), and 13(W). For woven techniques, peg plans were prepared in REACH Tax Software for each and every motif and carried out the weaving process. For other three techniques, the patterns of motifs were developed in Coral Draw Software. The basic blocks were prepared and drafted based on the standardized body measurements. The cost of each constructed garments were calculated by considering the cost of material, cost of accessories used, labour cost and the profit. The constructed apparels with different techniques were: Tunic (woven), Short summer dress (woven), Long gown (fabric painting), Top and Capri (woven), Palazzo (embroidery), Kurti (woven), Kurti (fabric painting), Fitted skirt and top (embroidery), Stole (block printing), Mekhela chadar (block printing), Neck tie (woven), Gent’s formal shirt (woven), Nehru jacket (woven) and Gent’s waist jacket (woven). The constructed apparels were displayed at the Department of Textiles and Apparel Designing, Faculty of Home Science, AAU, Jorhat and systematically evaluated by a panel of 50 judges including staff members and Ph.D scholars based on criteria’s like proper placement of the motifs, forms of existing motifs, colour combination, fitness and overall appearance of the apparel. The constructed apparels were again evaluated by 50 consumers from different fields of textiles, to assess the consumer’s acceptability in terms of general appearance, design of the apparel, colour combination of the apparels, selection of the traditional motif, arrangement of the motif, colour combination of the motifs. The evaluation was carried out in Faculty of Home Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Department of Fashion Technology, Women’s University, Jorhat and Jorhat market, including faculty members; Post graduate students, Ph.D scholars and Fashion designers. The evaluation was carried out with the help of a structured questionnaire. From the results of the survey, majority of the respondents rated as excellent in terms of general appearance, design of apparels, colour combination, selection of the motifs, techniques used for developing the motifs, arrangement of the motifs and overall appearance of the constructed apparel. They also stated that all selected motifs were nicely incorporated in the respective apparels with exclusive colour combinations. Among all the 14 numbers of constructed apparel, the Design No. 1(W) was rated 1st rank whereas Design No. 6(F), 12(W), 10(W), 11(W), 8(B), 6(W), 3(D), 13(W), 5(E), 9(B), 2(W), 4(W) and 7(E) were rated rank from 2nd to 14th respectively. From the above findings it can be concluded that it is possible to develop new and interesting designs from the existing Mishing traditional motifs to meet the excessive demands of contemporary designs in the fashion and apparel fields and also increase the variety of designs in the field of textiles. This study will help the fashion designers for creating more innovative ideas in the field of fashion designing and also it will help the motivates people to come up with an ingenious work, which indirectly help in upgrading the art and craft of Assam as well as India’s.ThesisItem Open Access Hydroponic systems for growth, development and quality flower production(AAU, Jorhat, 2017-07) Sarmah, Ruby; Bora, SunilAn investigation was carried out at Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during the year 2016 to 2017 to find out the best hydroponic system, EC of hydroponic nutrient solution and growing media for quality flower production in Tuberose, Gladiolus and Marigold. The experiment was laid out in two factor completely randomized design with 15 treatment combinations and with three replications comprising of five different levels of hydroponic systems viz. S1 (NFT or Nutrient Film technique), S2 (Water culture system) , S3 ( Aggregate or drip system with coco peat ), S4 (Aggregate or drip system with sand ), S5 (Aggregate or drip system with sawdust) and three different levels of hydroponic nutrient solution concentration viz. N1 (EC 1.0 dS/m), N2 (EC 1.5 dS/m), N3 (EC 2.0 dS/m) and one control (soil and water). Statistical analysis of the data revealed that most of the growth, flowering, root, bulb characters and physiological parameters were significantly influenced due to differences in systems of cultivation, media and nutrient concentrations (EC). Among the various levels of hydroponic systems, S2 (water culture) has shown the best results for most of the growth characters including root, bulb characters and physiological parameters in Tuberose. While, S1 (NFT) was significantly superior in most of the flower characters. The nutrient treatment N3 (EC 2.0 dS/m) has significantly improved all growth parameters except leaf length and plant height which were best in N1 (EC 1.0 dS/m). N3 treatment (EC 2.0 dS/m) was found to be the best in terms of flower and bulb characters including physiological parameters under study. However, the results of root characters were significantly superior in N1 (EC 1.0 dS/m). Hence, S1N3 (NFT + EC 2.0 dS/m) was found to be the best for Tuberose in terms of growth and flowering. In case of Gladiolus, most of the growth characters were found to be significantly superior in S2 (water culture). This treatment was also found to be effective in terms of root, corm and physiological parameters under study. In Gladiolus, a remarkable growth, flowering and corm production was observed in the nutrient treatment N2 (EC 1.5 dS/m). It can be concluded that, the treatment combination S2N3 (water culture + EC 2.0 dS/m) was the most suitable treatment for Gladiolus. In case of marigold, experimental data revealed that the growth and flower characters have shown significant superiority in S1 (NFT). Whereas, S2 (water culture) has shown the best results in root and physiological characters. Among the nutrient treatments, N2 (EC 1.5 dS/m) has shown the best response in marigold in most of the growth characters. Early emergence of bud and flower was noticed in N3 (EC 2.0 dS/m), whereas other flower characters were found to be significantly better in N2 (EC 1.5 dS/m). The root characters of marigold were expressed at its best in N1 (EC 1.0 dS/m) whereas, the physiological characters were found to be significantly improved in N3 (EC 2.0 dS/m). Thus, from the floriculture perspective conclusion can be drawn that treatment combination of S2N2 (NFT + EC 1.5 dS/m) is optimum for quality flower production of marigold. The experimental findings also deduced that for all crops under experiment, S3 (coco-peat) and S4 (sand) are the best media. However, S5 (sawdust) has shown the inferior result among media under study and it was at par with control in most of the observations. The statistical analysis of control vs. rest was shown to be highly significant in most of the observations under study. Thus, it can be concluded that different hydroponic systems, potting media along with their combinations among them exert effect on overall growth, flowering, root, bulb & other physiological parameters in different flowering crops.ThesisItem Open Access PHYSICO-BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISATION AND VALUE ADDITION TO SELECTED MINOR FRUITS OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2016-07) Firdusi, Syeda Nishat; Bhattacharyya, RumaThe present investigation entitled “Physico-Biochemical Characterisation and Value Addition to selected Minor Fruits of Assam” was carried out in order to study the physico-chemical properties of the selected minor fruits namely Rhus semialata (Local name- Nagatenga), Baccaurea sapida (Local name- Leteku), Flacourtia gangomos (Local name - Poniol) and Garcinia cowa (Local name – Kujithekera) and products were developed from these selected fruits. The qualities of the developed products were also evaluated. The entire study was sectioned in four well defined separate parts i.e. 1) Evaluation of the physico-chemical composition of the selected minor fruits. 2) Development of products from the selected fruits and their quality evaluation, 3) Quality evaluation of the developed products across storage, 4) Microbial load of the developed products was studied to determine the shelf life of the products. The physical parameter of the minor fruits was studied and found that all the fruits possess good amount of edible portion except Leteku. The shelf-life of Nagatenga (Rhus semialata), Leteku (Baccaurea sapida), Poniol (Flacourtia gangomas) and Kujithekera (Garcinia cowa ) was recorded as 1.83±0.28, 6.00±1.00, 4.00±1.00 and 2.33±0.57 days respectively under ambient temperature. The shelf life of fruits can be extended by processing it to different food products like jam, jelly and squash. In case of value addition to Leteku (Baccaurea sapida) only those products should be considered which required juice of fruits such as beverages as the pulp content (26.16±1.25 g/100g) of the fruit is very low with high juice content (40.00±2.64 ml/100g). The acid content of Nagatenga (Rhus semialata) (3.46±0.25%) and Kujithekera (Garcinia cowa) (4.87±0.19%) are high with good amount of pulp content and so can be consider for pickle, chutney and sauce making. The juice content of Poniol (Flacourtia gangomas) was found to be low (20.33±4.04 ml/100g) but the TSS content of the fruit was highest (21.33±3.21°Brix) and thus can be preferred to develop beverages products from the fruit. A considerable amount of pectin was present 0.94±0.10%, 0.64±0.07%, 1.55±0.05% and 0.43±0.07% in the selected minor fruits - Nagatenga (Rhus semialata), Leteku (Baccaurea sapida), Poniol (Flacourtia gangomas) and Kujithekera (Garcinia cowa) respectively which are enough to develop jelly but due to pH below 3.0, fruits other than Poniol (pH -3.28±0.15) do not produce good jelly. The selected minor fruits are lauded for their pleasing flavor and colour as well as therapeutic properties and encompassed with most of the nutritional qualities. All the selected minor fruits Nagatenga (Rhus semialata), Leteku (Baccaurea sapida), Poniol (Flacourtia gangomas) and Kujithekera (Garcinia cowa) can be considered as good source of fibers (3.51±0.21 g/100g, 2.37±0.31 g/100g, 8.40±0.33 g/100g and 10.34±0.44 g/100g respectively), minerals (iron -26.33±1.15 mg, 7.16±1.44 mg, 29.83±1.44 mg and 15.16±2.25 mg per 100g respectively, calcium - 250.44±5.05 mg/100g, 143.24±4.00 mg/100g, 65.83±3.52 mg/100g and 192.81±2.44 mg/100g respectively and potassium - 111.0±7.0 mg/100g, 59.00±4.00 mg/100g, 44.00±3.00 mg/100g and 33.33±4.04 mg/100g, respectively), vitamins (ascorbic acid -216.66±14.40 mg, 24.16±7.21 mg, 43.33±7.21 mg and 67.78±3.40 mg per 100g of fruits respectively and carotenoids - 126.60±0.06 μg/100g, 50.76±0.99 μg/100g, 190.16±0.33 μg/100g and 890.33±0.94 μg/100g respectively) and phytochemicals (the total phenolic content-538.83±5.01 mg, 149.5±2.17 mg, 261.16±1.04 mg and 347.00±3.04 mg per 100g respectively, flavonoid - 246.45±21.55 mg, 44.64±5.61 mg, 87.17±2.70 mg and 98.03±2.01 mg respectively and total alkaloid - 104.00±13.52 mg, 170.33±5.77 mg, 143.33±7.09 mg and 156.33±1.52 mg respectively) as well as low in fat (1.02±0.05 g/100g, 0.66±0.09 g/100g, 0.88±0.10 g/100g and 0.25±0.02 g/100g, respectively). Based on the quality characteristics of the selected minor fruits, following products were developed namely – squash, spicy squash and sauce from Nagatenga (Rhus semialata), squash and RTS from Leteku (Baccaurea sapida), squash and jelly from Poniol (Flacourtia gangomas) and squash, candy and pickle from Kujithekera (Garcinia cowa). The acceptability of the products was determined through organoleptic evaluation using 9 point Hedonic scale by 10 panel judges and found highly acceptable, except the colour and appearancee of Nagatenga sauce was scored low (7 point). The chemical parameters namely TSS, acidity and pH of the products was evaluated and was within the range of FSSAI specification (squash TSS- ≥40 and acidity - ≤3.5, sauce TSS- ≥15 and acidity – ≥1, RTS TSS- ≥10 and acidity - ≥0.3, jelly TSS- ≥65 and acidity - 0.5-0.75 and candy TSS- ≥70). The nutrient content of the products was evaluated and found good amount of nutrients, that help to improve nutritional status of the people. The present investigation reveals that the RTS is more susceptible to spoilage due to high moisture content (89.04±1.13%) and low sugar content (11.93±0.28%) followed by the squashes. Whereas sugar based products jelly and candy have low moisture content (40.26±1.37% and 37.59±0.36% respectively) and good amount of sugar (75.01±3.06% and 90.47±5.69% respectively) may be considered to have long shelf life. Again pickle contain good amount of oil (17.56±1.86%) and salt which enhance quality retention thus increasing shelf life. The results as per physico-chemical parameters, sensory evaluation and microbial assay across storage reveals that in case of Nagatenga squash stored in glass bottle, plastic bottle and standing pouch are safe for consumption upto 180 days, 150 days and 60 days respectively. The Nagatenga spicy squash stored in glass bottle, plastic bottle and standing pouch showed a shelf life of 180 days, 150 days and 60 days respectively. The shelf life of Nagatenga sauce was 180 days in all the packaging materials. The shelf life of Leteku squash stored in glass bottle, plastic bottle and standing pouch are 180, 180 and 150 days respectively. The Leteku RTS can be consume safely upto 30 days when stored in glass bottle and get spoiled in other two packaging material on the 30 days of storage. The shelf life of Poniol squash stored in glass bottle and plastic bottle are upto 180 days and when stored in standing pouch the shelf life is till 150 days. The Poniol jelly stored in all the three packaging material showed acceptable shelf life across the entire storage period. The Kujithekera squash stored in glass bottle, plastic bottle and standing pouch are at safe and consumable state upto 180, 180 and 90 days of storage respectively in terms of physic-chemical evaluation. The Kujithekera candy was safe and within acceptable quality during all the storage period (0-180 days) stored in the all the three packaging material. The results depicts that in terms of sensory, physico-chemical (Significant at P < 0.05) and microbial evaluation of the developed products in different packing material across storage it can be concluded that glass bottle packaging is the best packaging materials for storing both liquid and solid products due to its highly inert, durable and chemical resistant properties. Plastic bottle can be considered next to glass bottle in terms of light weight and easy to handle properties and this packaging material also showed less prominent spoilage characters compared to standing pouch.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON Dirofilaria immitis IN DOGS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH Wolbachia SPECIES(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, 2013-06) Borthakur, Sonjoy Kumar; Deka, Dilip Kr.Dirofilaira immitis is an important canine filarial nematode. An epidemiological study was carried out to record the prevalence of D. immitis in dogs in two different geographical locations viz., Guwahati, Assam and Aizawl, Mizoram of North Eastern Region in India, from February, 2011 to July, 2012. The study also included to evaluate the persistence of Wolbachia endosymbiont with D. immitis. In the present study, dogs were grouped into three categories, i.e., stray, pet and working dogs, their respective numbers being 413, 266 and 103 irrespective of the study regions. Three different methods were used for the study, i.e., microscopy (wet film and KCT), immunological (Ag ELISA by SNAP®4Dx kit) and molecular techniques (PCR). The study revealed overall heartworm prevalence in Guwahati to be higher (18.23%) than in Aizawl (17.68%) irrespective of categories of dogs. Sex-wise, the infection was higher in male (18.12%) than in female (17.90%), though the difference was statistically non-significant. The overall efficacy percentage for detection of heartworm by wet film, KCT, Ag ELISA and PCR test revealed 6.26, 11.38, 18.03 and 13.93 percent, respectively. Ag ELISA test was found to be the best amongst the three types of tests compared. Using molecular tools, prevalence of D. immitis in dogs was 13.52 percent in Guwahati and in Aizawl was 14.62 percent. With PCR, 4 cases of D. repens could be diagnosed in stray dogs from Guwahati. The study revealed overall 22.69 percent occult infection, of which, highest cases were recorded in working dogs (60%). Occult infection was calculated by finding the difference between heartworm prevalence based on Ag ELISA and PCR test. Dot ELISA test using monoclonal antibody of D. immitis for detection of heartworm antigen in dog blood samples was standardized. The test revealed 72% specificity against known positive D. immitis blood samples at SNAP®4Dx commercial kit. Molecular technique using PCR was standardized to detect D. immitis using published primers with slight modification of thermal condition. Two different primers were used viz., specific primers for D. immitis only and another, pan filarial primers for detecting six different canine filariids. Both the primers resulted desired amplification product size against different filarial parasites. Molecular cloning and characterization of D. immitis for ITS-2 region of Guwahati isolates were conducted. The results showed the Guwahati isolates had a close relationship with that of South Asian isolates of D. immitis. Pair-wise homology analysis revealed 98.6 - 98.9% similarity with a few sequences available at NCBI GenBank. Similarly, phylogenetic analysis of D. repens encountered in Guwahati isolate was also done. Endosymbiont Wolbachia association with D. immitis worm as well as in heartworm infected blood was revalidated by PCR method. The findings were substantiated with the presence of the organisms in the worm’s lateral cord by fine structural studies conducted through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Molecular evidence followed by sequence analysis of Wolbachia revealed 99.4 to 99.8% similarities with other sequences available in NCBI GenBank for Wolbachia endosymbiont of D. immitis. Finding of the present studies establish the endemicity of D. immitis in North East India and validates the association of Wolbachia endosymbiont in D. immitis. Record of D. repens warrants further detail studies owing to its zoonotic significance.ThesisItem Open Access FORECASTING MODELS FOR CHARACTERIZING PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTIVITY OF COCONUT AND RUBBER IN KERALA(AAU, Jorhat, 2016-07) Prasad, Arun; Phukan, S. N.India is the third largest country in terms of global area and production of coconut after Philippines and Indonesia. Kerala was traditionally a coconut growing area along with the coastal states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. During 1974-75 Kerala had accounted for about 62 per cent of the coconut production in India and by 2003-04 Kerala’s share had declined to about 49 per cent. Natural Rubber cultivation in India has been traditionally concentrated in Kerala and to some extent in the adjoining states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The agro-climatic conditions in the state were very favourable for rubber cultivation. Kerala accounts for 83 per cent of the area under rubber in the country. The present study has analyzed the production and productivity of coconut and rubber in India with special reference to Kerala. In the case of Kerala, all the fourteen districts have been selected for making a detailed study. The scope of the study is limited to only two places – Coconut Development Board, Kochi for coconut and Rubber Development Board, Kottayam for rubber. For forecasting the production and productivity of coconut and rubber, the study is restricted to fourteen districts in Kerala. In the present investigation of production and productivity behavior for coconut and rubber was analyzed by different forecasting models and their statistical evaluation would provide insight into the reasons for variation with the following objectives: 1. To study the trend for production and productivity of coconut and rubber in Kerala and forecast using time series models. 2. To study the effect of error in forecasting models for coconut and rubber. 3. To validate accuracy of model and suggest suitable forecasting model using time series for production and productivity of coconut and rubber. The major purpose of studies on forecast accuracy is to help the forecasters in selecting best forecasting method. In the present investigation different forecasting models like Trend analysis, ANN model, ARIMA model and Exponential smoothing models are considered to produce forecast and to measure the forecast accuracy among selected different models. In the present study, forecasting excise was conducted to produce yearly production and productivity forecasts for future five years using selected methods for years 2012-2016 in case of rubber and 2015-2019 for coconut. It is hoped that the identification of the best forecasting model would help the producers as well as consumers in taking appropriate decisions. The production and productivity obtained in coconut and rubber found to be increasing for various reasons, notably due to the fluctuations in climate, extent of area, prices etc. The change in life style has also resulted in the increased demand which yields its significant influence on production and productivity of coconut and rubber in Kerala.
