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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 PHYSIOLOGICAL, BEHAVIOURAL AND MOLECULAR CHANGES IN PIGLETS IN RESPONSE TO WEANING STRESS(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2018-07) TIGGA, GLORIA; Dutta, ArupThe present experiment was conducted to study the effect of weaning stress on various physiological, biochemical, hormonal, hematological response including behavioural changes and pattern of gene expression profile of HSP27, HSP70 and HSP 90 in piglets weaned at different age. The present investigation was carried out in Hampshire x Ghungroo cross-bred piglets of instructional farm of NRC on pig, Rani. Three litters of six piglets were taken for the study and were weaned at different age of 28 days (Gr-I), 35 days (Gr-II) and at 42 days (Gr-III). Blood collection was scheduled from the day of weaning (0d) , 7th day, 15day followed by subsequent collections at 15 days interval up to six months of age. Physiological and behavioural studies were done at the piggery farm and molecular studies were done in the laboratory of NRC on pig, Rani whereas biochemical, hormonal and hematological studies were conducted in the laboratory of the department of Biochemistry, Nuclear research laboratory of the department of Physiology and in the laboratory of Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex of C.V.Sc., Khanapara, Guwahati respectively. No significant difference was found in average growth rate and body weight at maturity among the groups. There was significant difference in rectal temperature (day 30, 45 and 60) and respiration rate (day 0 and 15) found between Gr-I and Gr-II. The mean heart rate (beats/ minute) was found towards decreasing trend in all the groups. The level of biochemical indices were found to be varied within normal range on day 15 post-weaning and the variations in the level in later part were found to be associated with hormonal level and age related. Higher level of phosphorus was found in piglets of Gr-III as compared to Gr-I and Gr-II. During the initial phase of experimental period significantly lower level of iron was found in piglets of Gr-I as compared to Gr-II (day 15 and 30) and Gr-III (day 0 and 15). Significantly higher level (P<0.001) of zinc was found in Gr-III as compared to Gr-I and Gr-II from day 75 onwards. Significantly lower level of copper was found in Gr-II as compared to Gr-I and Gr-III on day 15 and 30 which may be the cause of subnormal hemoglobin level (%) in this group during this period. The range of cortisol level was comparatively higher throughout the experimental period. Significant differences (p<0.001) were found in the level of hematological parameters viz TEC, Hb% and PCV between younger and older pigs on day 0 to 45. Significantly higher level of neutrophils and cortisol were observed in younger piglets. Initially, there was increase in neutrophil (%) and decrease in lymphocyte (%) indicating a stress response on day 15 post-weaning in all the groups, with significantly higher level in Gr-I. The mean values of DLC viz. neutrophil (%) (day 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90) and lymphocyte (%) (day 30, 45, 60, 75, 90) were found to be significantly higher and lower respectively in Gr-I as compared to Gr-II. Significantly higher number of feeding bouts (P<0.05) and higher level of aggression (P<0.05) on d+2 and d+7 was observed in Gr-III compared to Gr-I and Gr- II The level of mRNA expression of HSPs viz; HSP27, HSP70 and HSP90 were found to be increased significantly (P<0.001) on day 7 in piglets of Gr-I. Significantly higher level of mRNA of HSP90 was expressed in Gr-I on day 15 as compared to piglets of Gr-II and Gr-III` indicating that adaptive process were slower in younger piglets.ThesisItem Open Access TECHNOLOGY UPSCALING OF CERTAIN TRADITIONAL PORK PRODUCTS OF NAGALAND(College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, 2018-12) SANGTAM, H. MOAAKUM; Laskar, S. K.Traditional pork products of Nagaland prepared with locally available plant based ingredients viz. Anishi, Silam and FDS (Fermented dried soya) were evaluated in the present study. Based on the popularity, a purposive survey was conducted in field level to evaluate the level of ingredients used and with an aim to refine and upscale the processing steps and to extend the shelf life of the products. Three formulations were prepared using pork with Anishi, Silam and FDS along with a control, prepared without adding the above ingredients. On the basis of pilot study, the level of incorporation for Anishi, Silam and FDS were selected as 5, 10 and 5 percent, respectively. The cooked products were packaged under two different systems viz. retort pouch and vacuum packaging. The retort pouched products were subjected to physicochemical, microbiological and sensory evaluation at ambient temperature (25-32oC) for 6 months whereas, the vacuum packaged products were evaluated at refrigeration temperature (4±1oC) for 15 days. The economics of products were also calculated. Under retort processing, the total heating time (min) was recorded to be highest in pork with FDS compared to control, pork with Anishi and Silam. The proximate composition i.e. percent moisture, crude protein, ether extract and total ash in retort pouch and vacuum packaging revealed highly significant (p<0.01) differences in control and the treated products. The pork with FDS revealed highest protein content in both retort and vacuum packaging. However, no significant differences were observed for different storage periods. For mean scores of pH, TBARS and tyrosine values highly significant (p<0.01) differences were observed among control and different product formulations and also during different storage periods. The TPC, coliform and yeast and mould were absent under retort pouch packaging during the entire storage period, conversely under vacuum packaging highly significant differences (p<0.01) were recorded in respect of TPC and psychrophilic count among control and all the treated products and at different storage periods. Coliform count was <3 and yeast and mould were absent in vacuum packaged products. The amino acid content in control and treated products were decreased with the increase in storage period. Highly significant (p<0.01) differences were observed in texture profile among control and the treated products as well as during different storage periods under retort pouch packaging. In respect of vacuum packaging significant (p<0.05) differences were observed during different storage periods among control and the treated products. Highly significant (p<0.01) differences were observed in colour profile under retort pouch and vacuum packaging in control and among the treated products and during storage period. The sensory evaluation showed highly significant (p<0.01) differences in appearance, flavour, juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability in control and treated products and during storage period under retort pouch and vacuum packaging and revealed higher scores in pork with Silam and FDS compared to Anishi and control. The costs of productions were lower in all treated products compared to control under retort pouch and vacuum packaging. Based on the results obtained in the study it might be concluded that traditional pork products could be prepared economically by incorporating traditional ingredients like Anishi, Silam and FDS at 5, 10 and 5 percent levels using vacuum and retort packaging without any appreciable depreciation in nutritive values and sensory qualities till 15 days for vacuum packaging with refrigeration storage and for retort packaging till 180 days under ambient temperature.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF TWILL WEAVE FABRICS MADE OF BLENDED ERI-MODAL AND ERIACRYLIC YARNS SUITABLE FOR DIFFERENT DRESS DESIGNS(AAU, Jorhat, 2018-06) Boruah, Sunita; Kalita, Binita BaishyaDress designing has always been an important art and a well- designed garment has beauty and appropriateness, which makes it right for the wearer. To achieve a good fit, it is necessary to give attention to finer details such as fabric structure, individual proportion and contours. In textiles, fabrics are manufactured in wide varieties and designs which are produced by different weaving techniques that enhance the look of aesthetic value of the apparels. Union fabrics are those, where fabrics are created with warp of one kind of yarn and weft of another yarn or blended yarn in one direction or both warp and weft direction of different blended yarn. Weaving of such fabrics has opened a new era with limitless possibilities in the field of textile, as well as in fashion world. The review of the literature suggested that there is an increased interest in blending of silk with other fibres but limited work has been done regarding blending of eri silk with modal and acrylic on commercial spinning system. Therefore, the investigation was carried out to “Evaluation of twill weaves fabrics made of blended eri-modal and eri-acrylic yarns suitable for different dress designs” with the objectives to blend the yarns in different proportions using selected fibres, to analyse the physical properties of selected fibres and yarns, to construct the union fabrics of different twill weaves using selected yarns, to assess the mechanical, comfort and tactile properties of woven fabrics, to design and construct different dresses based on the fabric properties and to take opinion on constructed dresses. The study was limited in three different types of fibres- eri silk, modal and acrylic and three blend proportions were selected, 30:70, 50:50 and70:30.The weaves were limited to only twill weave and derivatives of twill i.e. herringbone and diamond. The present study was conducted to analyze the physical and mechanical characteristics of fibre. The count and diameter of eri silk fiber were higher than modal and acrylic fiber. Whiteness index and the Initial Modulus were found to be highest in modal and lowest in eri-silk. Fibre density and moisture content observed maximum in eri silk followed by modal and acrylic. The tenacity and specific work of rupture of acrylic fibre was greater than modal and eri silk fibre. The results indicated that elongation per cent for eri silk is higher as compared to modal and acrylic fibre. Six developed yarns with varying proportions and one definite count (1/30s) with Z twist were prepared. From the study it was found that the physical and mechanical properties of yarn samples of both the controlled and blended were significant at 5% level of significance and all the samples were found to be different with each other. The developed twill, herringbone and diamond weaves woven fabrics were analyzed for physical, mechanical and comfort properties. Interaction among all the tested samples, the highest fabric count and cloth cover factor were observed in EA 30:70 with diamond weave in both direction. The fabric weight and thickness of all the controlled samples were in increasing trend as compared to union fabrics. Regarding the interaction between all the test fabrics in both the way i.e. warp and weft way controlled eri silk with diamond fabrics was exhibited highest mean value in stiffness, drape co-efficient and dimensional stability. Maximum mean value of flexural rigidity was observed in sample EM 30:70 and the crease recovery angle of all the test samples in both warp and weft direction was seen in sample EA 30:70 with twill weave.The highest wicking height in both the warp and weft direction was observed in controlled modal with diamond weave. Among all the test fabrics, EA 30:70 were exhibited highest values of tensile strength and loss in mass in warp and weft-way. The modal test fabrics with twill weave showing increase trend of air permeability and thermal conductivity. The maximum mean value of thermal insulation was observed in sample controlled acrylic with diamond weave. Subjective evaluations of union fabrics were done by 100 respondents to assess the fabrics visual inspection like appearance, lustre, handle, texture and suitability of products prepared from union fabrics. Respondent opined that all the woven samples have good appearance, soft in hand and smooth in texture. It was observed that cent percent of respondents found eri-modal blended union fabrics with three weaves were high in lustre. The rank order of preferences for the constructed dresses were evaluated by the respondents and it was interesting to note that the rank order of preferences for selection of dress designs and the constructed dresses were found to be similar. The costs of blended yarn were got reduced in comparison to that of 100 per cent eri-silk yarn and it was also observed that the cost of blended union fabrics of different proportion that got reduced in comparison to that of controlled eri silk fabrics.ThesisItem Open Access PERCEPTION OF PARENTS AND ADOLESCENTS ON PARENTING: A SOCIOCULTURAL STUDY(AAU, Jorhat, 2018-03) Begum, Toslima Sultana; Phukan, MinotiParenting is defined as purposeful activities aimed at ensuring the survival and development of children. A better understanding on parenting may be achieved when one can understand how adolescents perceived their parents’ involvement in their upbringing. Children’s perception of parenting are better predictor of their behaviour and psychological development (Buri, 1989 and Paulson, 1994). Again parents and young people can hold quite divergent perception of parenting (Smetena, 1995). Thus a study on “Perception of parents and adolescents on parenting: a sociocultural study” was undertaken in Barpeta district of Lower Assam. Sample comprised of 200 adolescents and their parents. To make the sample representative equal numbers of boys and girls from both rural and urban areas were selected. Adolescents under the age group of 16 to 17 years and who lived with their biological parents were selected for the study. The tools designed was a parenting style questionnaire comprising of 32 items in four parenting styles as subscale .A semi-structured interview schedule consisting of statements pertaining to the objectives of the study was also designed. To collect socioeconomic status and back ground information of the respondent a questionnaire by O.P. Aggrawal was used. Results revealed that Majority of the respondents were follower of Hinduism and belonged to OBC/General category. Majority of the respondents belonged to the nuclear type of family system. Most of the respondent family had their monthly income in the range of Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 9,999 and were belonged to lower middle class families. Rural and urban respondents were not significantly different with respect to their overall socio-economic status. Regarding the perception on parenting style, parents perceived their parenting style as authoritative parenting style with highest mean scores of 33.68 and standard deviation 5.03 followed by authoritarian parenting style (mean= 29.2, SD =5.681). Same as their parents adolescents perceived their parents parenting style as authoritative parenting style with highest mean scores of 33.22 and standard deviation 4.79 followed by authoritarian parenting style (mean= 28.81, SD =5.4). No significant difference was found between urban and rural adolescents in relation to their perception of four types of parents’ parenting styles i.e. authoritative parenting style, authoritarian parenting style, permissive parenting style and uninvolved parenting style. No significant difference was also observed between rural and urban parents in relation to their perception on all four types of parenting styles i.e. authoritative parenting style, authoritarian parenting style, permissive parenting style and uninvolved parenting style. Family income and occupation had positive relationship with authoritative parenting style as perceived by parents and adolescents and negatively associated with parents’ education, number of siblings and overall socio economic status of the family. Perceived authoritarian parenting style by both parents and adolescents had positive relationship with income, occupation, education of parents and number of siblings and overall socio-economic status of the family. No significant gender difference was observed in adolescents’ perception on their parents’ parenting styles and in-between perception of boy’s parents’ parenting style and girl’s parents’ parenting style. Most of the rural and urban parent’s perceived problems in different aspects of parenting which creates stressed on them. Most of the adolescents also had perception on their parents’ problem in parenting them. Developing a parenting module and creation of awareness programmes on different aspects of parenting adolescents inconsideration with contemporary parenting style adopted by parents is needed for both rural and urban parents.ThesisItem Open Access MORPHO-BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF TEZPUR LITCHI(AAU, Jorhat, 2018-07) GOGOI, SUKANYA; Kotoky), U.A study was conducted on different varieties of litchi (Litchi chinesis Sonn.) at litchi garden, Porua, Tezpur and Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during 2016-2018 to have a “Morpho-biochemical studies of Tezpur litchi”. A total of seven varieties with four replications were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The varieties that were taken for investigation were Bombay, Shahi, Piyaji, China, Bilati and Elaichi from Tezpur and Shahi from Jorhat district. The canopy spread of cultivar T2 (Tezpur Shahi) was the highest (15.80m) and lowest (8.65m) in T7 (Jorhat Shahi). Pyramidal, oblong, spherical and elliptical tree shape was observed among the various cultivars of litchi. During the period of investigation, the cultivar T1 (Bombay) took the lowest duration of flowering (18 days) and the highest was recorded in cultivar T5 (Bilati), i.e., 31.50 days. The duration from flowering to harvesting was highest (92.25 days) in T5 (Bilati) and lowest (81.25 days) in T1 (Bombay). The highest fruit weight of 27.79g was recorded in the cultivar T5 (Bilati) which is followed by T4 (China) cultivar (21.88g) and lowest (13.12g) was recorded in T7 (Jorhat Shahi). The highest fruit length of 3.82cm was recorded in the cultivar T3 (Piyaji) and the lowest fruit length (2.97cm) was in T7 (Jorhat Shahi). Fruit circumference showed significant difference among the cultivars where highest (12.40cm) was recorded in T5 (Bilati) and that of lowest (8.70cm) in T7 (Jorhat Shahi). The highest fruit volume (29cc) was recorded in T5 (Bilati) followed by T4 China (24.50cc). Round, cordate, oblong and oval shapes were noticed among the cultivars. The highest aril weight was observed in case of T5 (18.42g) and the lowest was observed in the cultivar T7 i.e., 9.40g. The highest peel weight (4.98g) was recorded in case of Bilati. The highest (6.42) and the lowest (3.07) aril-peel ratio of were observed in case of the cultivar T2 and T7 respectively. The aril thickness was the highest in case of T5 (0.97cm) and the lowest was recorded in T7 (0.47cm). The highest seed weight (3.69g), length (3cm) and diameter (1.27cm) were recorded in T3 (Piyaji) and the lowest values were recorded in T6 (Elaichi). The highest specific gravity of 1.091 was recorded in the cultivar T5 (Bilati) and the lowest (1.036) in T7 (Jorhat Shahi) though their differences among the varieties were found to be non-significant. The variety T4 (China) recorded the highest yield per hectare (48.47t/ha), whereas, the lowest yield (13.92t/ha) was recorded in T7 (Jorhat Shahi). The data on fruit cracking percentage revealed that, the highest fruit cracking (27.22%) was recorded in cultivars T2 (Tezpur Shahi), followed by T3 (Piyaji) and the lowest (12.56%) was in T5 (Bilati). The highest skin strength of 3.21kgcm-2 was recorded in cultivar T5 (Bilati) and T2 (Tezpur Shahi) was found to have the lowest fruit skin strength of 2.48kgcm-2. The highest fruit skin calcium (5.29mg/100g DW) and highest boron content (0.123mg/100g DW) were found in case of the variety T5 (Bilati) and lowest values were in T7 (Jorhat Shahi). Regarding juice content, the highest (18.46cc) was recorded in T5 (Bilati). The cultivar T5 (Bilati) was recorded to have the highest TSS content of 19.77oBrix and the lowest TSS was in T7 (Jorhat Tezpur). The highest titratable acidity (1.65%) was recorded in the cultivar T7 (Jorhat Shahi). Highest reducing sugar (9.86%) and total sugar 17.33% were recorded in the cultivar T5 (Bilati). The cultivar T5 (Bilati) exhibited the highest Vitamin C content of 63.38mg/100g. The highest potassium content (1270mg/100g) was recorded in T5 (Bilati) which was followed by T1 (1105.75mg/100g). The highest anthocyanin content (39.93mg/100g) was recorded in the cultivar T5 (Bilati), whereas, the highest anthocyanin degradation index (4.07) was recorded in the cultivar T7 (Jorhat Shahi). The highest POD (4870.93U/mg protein) and PPO (89.17U/mg protein) specific activity were recorded in T7 (Jorhat Shahi) and that of the lowest values was observed in T5 (Bilati). The highest DPPH inhibition percentage (69.62%) and highest flavonoid content (65.93mg/100g) were recorded in T5 (Bilati). Physiological loss in weight (4.46%) and browning index (243.77) were lowest in T5 (Bilati). Correlation coefficient analysis revealed significant positive correlation of yield with fruit weight, volume, aril weight and canopy spread. The available soil nutrient content of Tezpur was found to be better than that of Jorhat and from this investigation, it can be concluded that, all the litchi varieties of Tezpur were found superior both in quantitative and qualitative characters.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 PURIFICATION, ANTISERA PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF DIAGNOSTIC KIT AGAINST POTATO VIRUS Y(AAU, Jorhat, 2018-07) Mishra, Ranima; Nath, P. D.Purified viral protein of Potato virus Y (PVY) was isolated from PVY culture maintained on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants. The average concentration of the purified protein was found to be 153.1 ng/ μl with an average yield of 0.449 mg virus per gram of fresh plant tissue. Presence of flexuous filamentous virus particles with an average length of 590 nm in the purified viral suspension was confirmed by Transmission electron microscopy. PVY purified virus preparation was used for immunizing rabbit for production of polyclonal antisera. Good quality antisera were collected one week post boosters (AS4b, AS5b, AS6b and AS7b). The IgG fractions from these four antisera were tested for the detection of PVY by DAS-ELISA with universal anti- rabbit enzyme conjugate as secondary antibody, resulted high specificity with the known PVY infected samples. The assay was compared with the commercial DAS-ELISA kit (Bio Reba, AG, Switzerland). Among the antisera, AS6b was showing the highest mean absorbance value for all positive samples (2.210) which was at par the value shown by the commercial kit (2.250) and these were followed by AS5b (1.680), AS7b (0.929) and AS4b (0.362), respectively. AS6b was showing the highest mean absorbance values for the leaf extracts of samples which were statistically at par with the values shown by the commercial kit. IgG titres for the four batches were measured using a series of IgG dilutions from 10-3 to 10-6 with conjugate and sample dilutions at 10-3 and 100, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the titres of these four batches of IgG at 10-3 dilution. At that dilution, AS6b showed the highest mean absorbance value (1.272) followed by AS5b (1.009), AS7b (0.806) and AS4b (0.522), respectively. In DAS- ELISA with sap dilutions where IgG and conjugate dilutions were constant at 10-3, no significant differences observed in the mean absorbance values of all IgG batches at each sap dilutions and similar trend was observed, among the antisera batches, in sensitivity of IgG towards diluted samples. The AS6b showing the overall highest mean values followed by AS5b and AS7b, respectively. Finally, IgG batch 6b (AS6b) was selected and tested by a simple and rapid tissue/ dot- print immunoassay against PVY. The AS6b showed a highly specific reaction with dot- prints of PVY infected plants at IgG (AS6b) and IgG conjugate dilutions of 10-3. The test was done with sap dilutions of 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32 and 1:64 (V/V). AS6b could detect presence of PVY by showing the desired purple coloured reaction up to 1:8 sample dilution. Molecular characterization of PVY from PVY infected samples of Jorhat district, Assam was also carried out through reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay resulting in desired 328 bp amplicon. Partial sequencing of RT-PCR product and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the virus is closely related to Potato virus Y worldwide isolates.
