Development,acceptability and nutritional value of weaning mixtures

Low cost weaning mixtures were prepared by mixing (i) malted pearl millet (Penicitum typhidium L), roasted amaranth (Amaranthus sp.); roasted green gram (Vigna radiata); jaggery and (ii) malted barley (Dehusked barley); roasted amaranth grain; roasted green gram; jaggery in proportion 60204045 wt/wt and were nutritionally evaluated. Both the blends had a nutrient composition within the range prescribed by the Indian Standard Institute (ISI) for processed weaning foods. The processing of grains resulted in lower levels of phytic acid, polyphenols and saponins and higher in vitro protein digestibility than those of the raw grains used for preparing mixtures. Both the mixtures were acceptable to trained panelists and children.     

Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Sprengel): a home garden species or a commercial crop in India

Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Sprengel) is a less known cultivated vegetable in western and eastern Himalayan regions of India. This species is reported here for its potential for commercialization to supplement the onion and garlic production in different parts of India especially under the present unpredictable climatic conditions. Due to multipurpose use and wider adaptability of the species future thrust is laid on collection and conservation programmes in India.     

Comparative analysis of mechanical properties of size film. I. Performance of individual size materials

Starch has been the most popular and economic size material. Synthetic binders have also been developed to be used as size material to improve weaving loom efficiency. Some synthetic size materials have got restrictions in use mainly because of ecological reasons. In the recent years, many modifications have come up in the starch as a sizing agent. Different modification can give different properties, which can be suited for a particular application. In the present study, for comparative analysis of different varieties of natural starch, modified starch and synthetic size material have been evaluated and mechanical properties like cohesion power, adhesion power, abrasion resistance, bending rigidity etc. were studied. PVA shows best properties among all size material. Among modified starch, starch ester shows better properties.     

Influence, optimization, energy budgeting and monetary considerations of different time intervals between fungicidal seed treatment and sowing on Sclerotium blight of soybean

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is susceptible to the fungal pathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii from seedling emergence to pod fill. A few systemic and non-systemic fungicides have been recommended as pre-sowing seed treatment (ST) for the management of Sclerotium blight of soybean worldwide. But farmers, especially in developing countries do not utilize ST mainly on account of preoccupation in other practices considered by them essential for sowing. The possibility of ST applied well in advance of sowing was therefore investigated. Results indicated that ST on average increased field emergence by 26.19%, reduced post-emergence mortality (POM) by 49.03% and enhanced seed yield by 23.00%. Seed treatment with carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5% @ 0.2% was the best. Seed treatment 50 days prior to sowing was superior by increasing emergence, reducing POM and enhancing seed yield with high monetary returns and energy output.     

Reproductive stage tolerance to salinity and alkalinity stresses in rice genotypes

Salinity and alkalinity (sodicity) seriously threaten rice production in south Asia. Improving screening methodologies for identifying sources of tolerance is crucial for breeding salt tolerant rices. Rice genotypes of varying tolerance (tolerant, semi‐tolerant and sensitive) were screened in saline soil of electrical conductivity, ECe 4 and 8 dS/m and alkali soil of pH 9.5 and 9.8 in lysimeters. Vegetative growth events were less affected by both the stresses in comparison to reproductive stage. Grain yield was reduced by 26.7%, 45.7% and 50.3% at ECe 8 dS/m in three tolerance groups respectively. At pH 9.8 the reduction was 25.1%, 37.2% and 67.6% in the three groups respectively. Higher floret fertility contributed to higher seed set and grain yields in tolerant genotypes whereas higher spikelet sterility led to poor seed set and lower grain yields in sensitive genotypes. The 1000 grains weight was also significantly reduced at ECe 4 or pH 9.8. Screening at reproductive stage for morphological traits like floret fertility is thus more useful to identify rice genotypes tolerant to both salinity and alkalinity stress. Genotypic (G) and environmental (E) effects and GE interactions were highly significant for the growth attributes and grain yield. Based on analysis of variance, genotypes tolerant to salinity and alkalinity as well to both the stresses were identified.     

Molecular genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci associated with loaf volume in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Major efforts in wheat research are being made to improve the yield and quality of wheat. Loaf volume (Lv) is the main quality parameter deciding the bread making potential of wheat. To genetically dissect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for Lv, a Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) population (F₈) was developed from a cross between two Indian wheat varieties “HI 977” and “HD 2329”. A total of 914 SSR and 100 ISSR primers were used for molecular analysis and the genetic map comprising 19 chromosomes was constructed with 202 SSR markers and 2 HMW glutenin subunit loci: Glu-B1 and Glu-D1. The phenotypic data were collected from six environments including three different agro-climatic zones for 2 consecutive years. Dissection of Lv through AMMI model revealed significant G×E variance for the trait. QTL analysis was performed using composite interval mapping. A total of 30 QTLs for Lv were detected and significant QTLs were identified on 6B and 6D chromosomes; 1B, 1D, 2A, 3A, 5B and 5D also contributed genetically to Lv. Association between 6B and 6D QTLs and variable expression of gliadins on group 6 chromosomes were discussed. QTLs detected in this study were compared with other QTL analysis in wheat.     

Subsurface drainage for reversing degradation of waterlogged saline lands

In irrigated agriculture of arid and semiarid regions waterlogging coupled with salinity is a serious problem. Experimental evidence at several locations has led to the realization that subsurface drainage is an essential intervention to reverse the processes of land degradation responsible for the formation of waterlogged saline lands. This paper presents the results of a study conducted from 1995 to 2000 to evaluate the impacts of subsurface drainage on soil properties, groundwater‐table behaviour and crop productivity in a waterlogged saline area of 2200 ha. A subsurface drainage system was installed at 1·6 m depth with 60 m drain spacing covering an area of 1200 ha (23 blocks) during 1997–99 and compared with an undrained block of 1000 ha. Subsurface drainage facilitated the reclamation of waterlogged saline lands and a decrease in the soil salinity (EC_e, dS m⁻¹) that ranged from 16·0 to 66·3 per cent in different blocks. On average, 35·7 per cent decrease in salt content was observed when compared with the initial value. Provision of subsurface drainage controlled the water‐table below the root zone during the monsoon season and helped in bringing the soil to optimum moisture content for the sowing of winter crops. In the drained area, the increase in yields of different crops ranged from 18·8 to 27·6 per cent. However, in the undrained area the yield of different crops decreased due to the increased waterlogging and soil salinity problems. Overall the results indicated that investment in subsurface drainage is a viable option for reversing the land degradation of waterlogged saline lands in a monsoon climate. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of grass mulching on growth and yield of legumes

Field trials were conducted during the wet seasons of 1980 and 1981 to find out the response of legumes to mulch induced soil environment in the arid area of western Rajasthan, India. With increasing amounts of grass mulch there was a decrease in maximum soil temperature and an increase in root growth, nodulation, shoot growth and plant water status, particularly during periods of moisture stress. Mulching reduced weed population and weed growth. At 9 t ha^?1 of mulch there was an increase of 200% in the average production of green gram (Vigna radiata), dew gram (Phaseolus aconitifolius) and cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). Though there were no significant differences in water use by the crop, water use efficiency was generally higher in mulched plots. Waste grass therefore can be used favourably as mulching material for increasing crop production.     

Physical Properties Affecting Water Entry in some Humid Tropical Soil

Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to study the effect of physical properties on water entry in three soils, differing appreciably in texture. The results indicate that the saturated hydraulic conductivity (K) of lateritic soil was manifold higher than the alluvial soil. In lateritic soil the value of K was 10⁻¹ cm/hr and it ranged from 10⁻² to 10⁻³ cm/hr in alluvial soil. In general, the conductivity decreases in the sub surface layers and may be attributed high bulk density resulting from compact blocky structure of the soil. The infiltration rate of lateritic soil was found to be 4 times more as compared to the alluvial soils.     

Peroxidase Activity in Relation to Plant Height and Seed Yield in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Coss)

Peroxidase levels were assayed in 12 genotypes and in 36 F₁cross progenies of Indian mustard ( Brassica juncea L. Coss) at twelve stages of development, starting from seed germination till seed formation. The levels of peroxidase activity and the coefficient of variation emphasized the role of differential enzyme activity at different stages of development. Genotypes were also evaluated for plant height and seed yield. The correlations of peroxidase activity in 24 h soaked seeds with plant height and seed yield were significantly positive while those of enzyme activity in 45 days old plants with these traits were significantly negative. The study suggests the changing role of enzyme at two critical stages of plant development.