The Journal of Research ANGRAU

The Journal of Research ANGRAU
(Published quarterly in March, June, September and December)
Dr. L.G. Giri Rao
Director of Extension
ANGRAU - Rajendranagar
Hyderabad
EDITORIAL BOARD
Dr. M. Pochaiah
Dean of Post Graduate Studies
ANGRAU - Rajendranagar - Hyderabad
Dr. P. Raghava Reddy
Director of Research
ANGRAU - Rajendranagar
Dr. G. Bhupal Raju
Principal Scientist
ARCRP Micro Nutrients
Agricultural Research Institute
Rajendranagar - Hyderabad
EDITORIAL
COMMITTEE
Dr. T. Narsi Reddy
Professor and Head
Department of Plant Pathology
College of Agriculture - Rajendranagar
Hyderabad
Dr. A. Sharada Devi
Professor & University Head
Dept. of Apparel & Textiles,
College of Home Science
Hyderabad - 30
EDITOR
Dr. Shaik Mohammad
Principal Scientist (Agro) and Head
AICRP on Cropping Systems - E- Block -Room No. 307
College of Agriculture - Rajendranagar - Hyderabad - 500 030
MANAGING EDITOR
Dr. D. Ramachandra Reddy
Principal Agricultural Information Officer
Agricultural Information & Communication Centre and Press,
Rajendranagar - Hyderabad - 500 030
RESEARCH EDITOR
Dr. A. Sailaja
Agricultural Information Officer, AI&CC and Press, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030
Annual
Individual : Rs. 250/- author
Istitution : Rs. 1000/-
SUBSCRIPTION TARIFF
Dr. Azeezuddin Mehmood
Associate Professor
Department of English
College of Agriculture - Rajendranagar
Hyderabad
Life
Individual : Rs. 1000/-
(till Retirement)
Reprints Charges : Rs. 50/-
DDs may be sent to Managing Editor - Journal of Research ANGRAU - Agricultural Information & Communication
Centre and Press - Agricultural Research Institute -Rajendranagar - Hyderabad - 500 030

CONTENTS
PART I : PLANT SCIENCES
Evaluation of Design Characteristics to Install Subsurface Drainage 1
System at Kalipatnam Pilot Area of Godavari Western Delta
P. SREEDEVI, R. GANESH BABU , and CH.SREENIVAS
Development of Leaching Curves for Soils of Drainage Pilot area, 6
Kalipatnam, West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh : Field Study
CH. SREENIVAS, M. RATNAM, CH. KONDA REDDY and P. SREEDEVI
Bio-efficacy of certain Insecticides against Thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis 11
Hood) and Mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks) Infesting Chillies
(Capsicum annuum L.)
P. B. MAHALINGAPPA, K. DHARMA REDDY, K. NARASIMHA REDDY
and G.V. SUBBARATNAM
Character Association and Path Analysis in Twenty One F 3
Progenies 16
of Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)*
M. SHANTI PRIYA and K.H.P.REDDY
Combining Ability Studies for Grain Quality Traits in Tropical japonica/indica 21
Hybrids of Rice (Oryza sativa.L) *
D.SHIVANI, B.C. VIRAKTAMATH and S. SUDHEER KUMAR
Genetic Analysis of Number of Sympodia in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)* 24
S. LAXMAN
Effect of Pinching at Different Days After Planting on Flowering behaviour 30
in Three Cultivars of Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus Linn)*
K. UMA MAHESWARA RAO, R. CHANDRA SEKHAR,
J. DILIP BABU and M. RAJ KUMAR
Fertility Status of Soils in Vizianagaram District 36
P. JAMUNA, Y. NOOKA RAJU and K. RAMALINGA SWAMY
PART – II
RESEARCH NOTES
Page No.
Learning and Teaching Styles of Students and Faculty of Home Science 42
in Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University*
V. SELVIYA and CH. VENU GOPAL REDDY

Profile of Faculty of Home Science in Acharya N.G. 46
Ranga Agricultural University*
V. SELVIYA and CH. VENU GOPAL REDDY
Role of Morpho-physiological and Biochemical Characters of Sorghum 49
Genotypes on the incidence of Aphid (Melanphis sacchari, (Zehntner)
(Homoptera:Aphididae)
IBRAHIM FITIWY, T V K SINGH and J SATYANARAYANA
Effect of Chemicals and Plant Growth Substances on Breaking of 54
Seed Dormancy in Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina (Linn.) Benth. Ex Kurz)*
P. PONKUMAR, M. PADMA, M. RAJ KUMAR and T.Y. MADULETY
Abstracts

4

J.Res. ANGRAU 36(1) 1 - 5, 2008
EVALUATION OF DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS TO INSTALL
SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE SYSTEM AT KALIPATNAM PILOT AREA
OF GODAVARI WESTERN DELTA
The introduction of irrigation in India has resulted in rise in water table and consequent
degradation of soils through waterlogging and salinity. In Andhra Pradesh, water logged and
salt affected soils are estimated to be 0.344 and 0.81 M ha respectively. The soils of Godavari
western delta nearer to Sea are experiencing a problem of salinity and waterlogging due to
the intrusion of water. The technology of subsurface drainage is most appropriate under
saline and waterlogged conditions to leach out the excess and harmful salts from crop root
zone and provide a better environment for the plants to grow.
To address the problem of salinity and water logging, the tail end of the Godavari Western
Delta nearer to Bay of Bengal was selected as pilot area to conduct operational research for
drainage investigations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
P. SREEDEVI, R. GANESH BABU , and CH.SREENIVAS
A.P. Water Management Project, Network Centre, Undi.
Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030
ABSTRACT
The soils of Kalipatnam pilot area of Godavari Western Delta of Andhra Pradesh are highly saline in
nature. These soils can be reclaimed by installation of subsurface drainage system, as the water table is high
throughout the year. The installation of subsurface drainage mainly depends on design characteristics like
design discharge, drain spacing, drain depth, diameter of laterals and collector. Hence, the present study was
carried out at Kalipatnam pilot area (18 ha) of Godavari Western delta under operational pilot project to
evaluate these parameters. Based on this study a parallel single grid type composite pumped subsurface
drainage system was designed with lateral spacing of 50 m. The drainage coefficient for leaching requirement
was estimated to be 1 mm day -1
The study area Kalipatnam village of West Godavari District is located at 16 0 23 1 N
latitude and 81 0 32 1 E longitude with an altitude of 0.3 MSL at a distance of 15 km from Bay
of Bengal. The pilot area is spread over 18 ha and almost flat with a gentle slope. It is bound
by irrigation canal in the North and West and drain in the East. Adjacent to pilot area, there
is salt stream called Upputeru through which the excess rainwater, drain water, industrial
waste and agricultural waste from upstream merges into the Sea. Hence, there is a problem
of Sea water intrusion into pilot area from the Sea through Upputeru during high tide period.
The mean annual, summer and winter temperatures are 26.90, 30.1 and 23.8 0 C
respectively and the mean annual rainfall is 853 mm. The soils of the pilot area are saline
sodic with EC 4.03 to 16 dS m -1 . The pH is 6.86 and ESP is 15 to 60 %. The main crop at
5

SREEDEVI et. al.
the pilot area is paddy followed by paddy with a fallow period of two months. The pilot area
receives irrigation water from Kalipatnam main channel of Godavari Western Delta with an
average EC of 0.4 dS m -1 . Flooding method of irrigation is adopted and water is allowed to
flow from field to field. The water from the fields is drained to Upputeru through a separate
drain called Magaleru drain. The ground water quality is poor with EC 4.8 to 43 dS m -1. .The
water table of pilot area is at the surface during crop period and decline up to 0.9 m during
summer. Hence waterlogging conditions exist in the pilot area.
For the design of subsurface drainage system, it is essential to estimate drain
discharge i.e the amount of leaching water required to reduce the soil salinity to a desired
level. Hence drain discharge is calculated based on salt water balance equation.
The leaching requirement of the soils of pilot area was calculated using the formula
(Ritzema, 1994)
Eci
L.R = (E-P)
f(2Ece-Eci)
Where,
L.R. = Leaching requirement, mm
E
P
f
= Evapotranspiration, mm
= Effective Precipitation, mm
= Leaching efficiency coefficient
Eci = mean salinity of irrigation water, dS m -1
Ece = desired salinity of soil saturation water, dS m -1
Assuming the flow of groundwater to the drains under steady state, Hooghout’s equation
was used to design the lateral drain spacing (Ritzema, 1994).
R = q =
8kd e
h + 4kh 2
L 2
Where,
R = Recharge rate per unit surface area , m day -1
q= Drain discharge rate per unit surface area , m day -1
k= Hydraulic conductivity , m day -1
6

EVALUATION OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM AT GODAVARI WESTERN DELTA
h= Water table height above drains at midpoint between drain, m
d e=
Equivalent depth of drains corresponding to L,D and diameter of the pipe drain
D= Height of the water level in drains above the impervious layer ,m
L= Drain spacing, m
The goal of drainage system layout and design is to provide adequate and uniform drainage
of a field. A detailed survey of the pilot area was carried out on 1: 10,000 scale with a grid
size of 50x50 m and land elevations were taken. Contour map was prepared for the pilot area
with a contour interval of 0.01 m.
The required diameter of field drains was calculated using manning formula
Q= Cx38xS 0.5 xd 2.67
Where
Q=discharge capacity in m 3 s -1
S= Field drain slope in mm -1
d=Field drain pipe diameter in m
C= Safety Coefficient due to sedimentation.
The required diameter of collector was calculated using the formula
Q= Cx22xS 0.5 xd 2.67
Where
C= Safety coefficient due to sedimentation
S= Collector slope, mm -1
d= collector diameter in m
Q= Discharge capacity in m 3 s -1
Based on topography of pilot area, groundwater situations, hydraulic conductivity
and infiltration characteristics of the soil etc, suitable layout of the subsurface drainage
system was designed. As the pilot area is facing problem of Seawater intrusion from Upputeru,
a permanent staff gauge was installed at Upputeru to record tidal fluctuations during the year
to evaluate whether a pumped drainage system can be installed or gravity drainage can be
possible.
7

SREEDEVI et. al.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Drain discharge
The leaching requirement of water was 141 mm per annum for the existing annual
evaporation of 1382 mm, annual effective rainfall of 853 mm and the average salinity of
irrigation water from canals as 0.4 dS m -1 . Assuming that the leaching takes place in 150
days during two crop periods, the drainage discharge per day was calculated as 1 mmday -1 .
Hence a design discharge of 1 mmday -1 has to be planned for installation of subsurface
drainage system.
Lateral spacing
The water table height above the drains at midway of the drains was taken as 0.35 m.
Taking Hydraulic conductivity, equivalent depth and drainage coefficient as 0.33 m day -1 , 2.60
m and 1 mm day -1 respectively, lateral spacing was calculated as 50.8 m. The nearest value
of 50 m was adopted for design.
Topography and System Lay out
The topography of the pilot area is even and flat with 0.01% slope towards South
East corner (Fig. 1). The pilot area is flat and due to tidal influence of Upputeru, gravity flow
is not an option. Therefore pumped outlet was designed. Based on topography of the pilot
area and pre drainage investigations, parallel grid drainage system of composite type with
pumped outlet was designed. The layout is designed with a collector in the middle of the pilot
area and total of 14 laterals on either side (Fig. 2). At the end of Collector, a sump is
proposed to collect the drain water from which water is pumped into Upputeru.
Design of Laterals and Collector pipe
Size of lateral and collector pipe required to carry the design flow rate are based on
a design discharge and slope. As the available slope in the area is very limited, design slope
of 0.0003 mm -1 was taken for collector and slope of 0.001 mm -1 for lateral drains. Taking
discharge rate as 1 mm day -1 , C =0.6 and drainable area as 1.25 ha, the diameter of the field
drain was calculated to be 80 mm. Based on drain flow for every field drain, the total drainable
area to the collector was determined as 18 ha and the diameter of collector pipe was calculated
as 160mm.
Tidal fluctuations in Upputeru stream
The pilot area is prone to tidal influence of Upputeru stream merging into the Bay of
Bengal at a distance of 15 km from pilot area. Hence a staff gauge was installed. It was
observed that tidal range varied from 0 to 0.9 m above MSL. Water levels in the Upputeru
(salt steram) were measured four times daily (Fig.3). It was observed that the lowest water
8

EVALUATION OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM AT GODAVARI WESTERN DELTA
level in Upputeru was above the minimum land elevation through out the year except during
rabi season. Hence gravity drainage is impossible and pumped drainage system is
recommended for the pilot area. The water electrical conductivity of Upputeru stream near
by pilot area was very high (44.2 dS/m) during the summer and low (0.36 dS/m) during the
monsoon season.
Drain depth
As the elevation of the pilot area is low compared to the tidal range i.e between
mean and high tide, the drain depth should be as shallow as possible to avoid increase in the
seepage of saline water from the Upputeru. Hence a drain depth of 0.8 m was proposed for
installation of subsurface drainage system.
Based on the study, the design characteristics were evaluated with drain discharge
of 1 mm day -1 and lateral spacing of 50 m with drain depth at 0.8 m. The diameter of lateral
and collector was estimated as 80 mm and 160 mm. A composite subsurface drainage
system with pumped outlet was proposed to install at Kalipatnam pilot area to reduce salinity
and there by to increase crop yields.
REFERENCES
RITZEMA H P 1994. Drainage principles and applications. ILRI Publication No. 16 (Second
Edition). ILRI, Wageningen, The Netherlands, pp : 263-283 and 457-460.
9

J.Res. ANGRAU 36(1) 6 - 10, 2008
DEVELOPMENT OF LEACHING CURVES FOR SOILS OF DRAINAGE
PILOT AREA, KALIPATNAM, WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT OF
ANDHRA PRADESH : FIELD STUDY
CH. SREENIVAS, M. RATNAM, CH. KONDA REDDY and P. SREEDEVI
A.P.Water Management Project, Net work Centre, Undi-534 199
Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030
The principle of desalinization is downward washing of salts at least from the upper
soil layers by means of flooding and irrigation. The saline percolated water must be removed
by means of a sub-surface drainage system under conditions of high water table and insufficient
natural drainage. The tolerance of rice to salinity is 12 dS m -1 and yet 50% reduction in grain
yield was recorded at 7.2 dS m -1 by Ayres and Westcot (1976). The amount of irrigation
water required to drain the salts depends on the initial salt content of the soil, desired level of
soil salinity after leaching, soil depth to which reclamation is desired and soil characteristics.
A useful thumb rule is, a unit depth of water will remove 80 per cent of the salts from a unit
soil depth. Prediction models though used to estimate the water requirement for one time
leaching are useful to a limited extent only. However, for more reliable estimates, it is desirable
to conduct salt leaching tests on a limited area and prepare leaching curves before installation
of drainage system. Leaching curves relate the ratio of actual salt content to initial salt
content in the soil (ECo/ECi) to the depth of leaching water per unit depth of soil. Hence, an
attempt was made to estimate the leaching requirement by different methods and to develop
leaching curves for soils of Kalipatnam drainage pilot area.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
ABSTRACT
Leaching curves were developed and water requirement for leaching of saline soils of Kalipatnam
drainage pilot area were estimated under field conditions. The addition of 30 cm water at two different salinity
levels of soil ECe of 14.1 and 32.6 dS m -1 leached 36 and 51 % of salts respectively. Dieleman’s and Reeve’s
leaching curves were prepared and compared. This study also provided a useful tool in the form of a leaching
curve to know the desalinization pattern of these soils. Continuous ponding and pumping of drained water with
lower discharge of 1 mm day -1 is recommended for soil reclamation programme and design of subsurface
drainage system.
Kalipatnam operational pilot area is located in the Mogaltur mandal of West Godavari
District of Andhra Pradesh at 16 0 15’ Northern latitude and 80 0 55 ‘ Eastern longitude covering
an area of 18 ha. Two locations were selected for the estimation of leaching requirement
E-mail: csvasu@yahoo.com
10

DEVELOPMENT OF LEACHING CURVES FOR SOILS
under field condition. In first location, the soil had an initial ECe of 14.1 dS m -1 and in second
location it had ECe of 32.6 dS m -1 .
The leaching study procedure involved the following. A main plot of 5 x 2 m was
taken to carry out the experiment (Figure 2) in summer, 2005. Sub plots of size 30 x 30 cm
were taken. Sub plots were demarcated with nylon rope. In the main plot, 5 cm of water was
applied uniformly. After leaching of water duplicate soil samples from 0 to 15 cm were
collected from each sub plot from two replications. After that another 5 cm of water was
applied to the entire main plot and after leaching of water, soil sample from 10 cm demarcated
sub plot was collected. The procedure was continued up to 30 cm depth to add graded
Table 1 Physico - chemical characteristics of soils of Kalipatnam pilot area
S.No Parameter Range
1. pH 6.1 - 8.33
2. ECe (dSm - 1 ) 5.9 - 44.8
3. Mg/Ca 0.14 - 4.0
4. SAR 17.2 - 89.2
5. ESP (SAR) 19.0 - 56.6
Table 2
Saturated soil extract salinity (dS m -1 ) for incremental application of irrigation
water
Depth of water ECe dS m -1
applied (cm) Location1 Location2
0 14.1 32.6
5 11.6 26.6
10 10.7 23.9
15 10.0 22.6
20 9.35 20.4
25 9.25 19.6
30 9.1 16.0
levels of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 cm water to the main plot. Bund of 15 cm was formed
around the main plot to curtail seepage losses.
Soil samples were processed and analysed for EC (dS m -1 ) in soil saturated extract
(Richards,1968). Leaching curves were developed by plotting the amount of salts retained
11

SREENIVAS et al.
to the amount of water applied (Fig. 3) as studied by Dieleman (1963), which takes into
consideration the amount of water applied and not the depth of soil. Plots were also developed
(Fig. 4) for the relationship between the fraction of salts retained and the depth of water per
unit depth of soil (Dw/Ds) as given by Reeve (1957). This method considers both the amount
of water applied and depth of soil to be leached.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Soil saturated extract salinity levels for each incremental addition of 5 cm depth of
water in the top 15 cm soil depth are presented in table 2. Increase in the depth of water
decreased the salinity progressively.
The electrical conductivity of the soil reduced by 36% of the initial 14.1 dS m -1 by
the addition of 30 cm depth of water at location I. It reduced by 51% of the initial ECe of 32.6
at location II. This low fraction of salts leached can be attributed to higher water table (Fig.
1). During the summer fallow period, capillary rise of saline ground water or sea water intrusion
through salt stream (Upputeru) is a common phenomenon. Hence, proper leaching with copious
water for flushing of salts from the soil is recommended in the leaching programme.
Both leaching curves developed by two methods as outlined by Dieleman (1963)
and Reeve (1957) indicate similar leaching pattern of the soil. Dieleman’s leaching curve
2 m
30 cm 25 cm
20 cm 15 cm
5 m
5 cm 10 cm
(Fig. 3) relatively gives a better picture of leaching pattern under field condition and depends
mainly on evaporation, drainage conditions and salinity of irrigation water. This graph does
not give information about the depth of soil under study, which is an important parameter for
development of leaching schedule. Reeve’s leaching curve (Fig. 4) is based on the empirical
hyperbolic relationship as follows :
Dlw/DS = (ECi/5ECf)+ 0.15
12

DEVELOPMENT OF LEACHING CURVES FOR SOILS
in which Dlw is the depth of leaching water (cm, or m), DS is the depth of soil (cm, m), ECi
is the soil salinity (ECe, dS m -1 or salt %) before leaching and ECf is the soil salinity (ECe,
dS m -1 or salt %) after leaching.
In the present study, both leaching curves gave similar pattern of desalinization.
Hence both leaching curves are equally useful to know the desalinization pattern of these
soils. In these situations, development of leaching curves to apply the irrigation water to
reduce the soil salinity and pumping of sub surface drain water through sub surface drainage
system to maintain water table at lower depth are recommended. For sub surface drainage
system installation of lower design discharge of 1 mm day -1 was recommended. Empirical
equations are not much useful for these conditions for explaining the plateau after 50% salt
reduction in both locations.
The quantity of salts removed per unit quantity of water leached can be increased
appreciably by leaching the soil at low moisture conditions i.e. under unsaturated conditions.
The use of leaching curves will enable us to arrange the steps for accurate planning in
relation to water requirement as well as the time needed for completion of reclamation
procedure. Leaching curve is only valid for the soil and salt conditions under which the
relationship was established. Hence, it is necessary to determine the leaching curves
applicable to the specific conditions of each reclamation project.
Figure 1 Depth to water level (cm) in pilot area
13

SREENIVAS et al.
Figure 2 Relationship between the percent of salts retained and
depth of water applied
Figure 3
Relationship between percent of salts retained and depth of water applied for unit depth
of soil (Dw/Ds)
REFERENCES
AYRES R S and D W WESTCOT 1976. Water Quality for Agriculture. Irrigation and Drainage
Paper No.29 Food and Agricultural organization of the United Nations, Rome.
DIELEMAN P J 1963. Reclamation of salt affected soils in Iraq. I.L.R.I., No.11, Wageningen,
The Netherlands.
RICHARDS L A 1968. Agricultural Hand book. United States Department of Agriculture 60,
Indian Reprint, Oxford and IBH Publishing co., New Delhi.
REEVE R C 1957. The relation of salinity to irrigation and drainage requirement. 3rd Cong.
on Irrigation and Drainage. Tra.5 :175-187.
14

J.Res. ANGRAU 36(1) 11 - 15, 2008
BIO-EFFICACY OF CERTAIN INSECTICIDES AGAINST THRIPS
(Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) and MITE (Polyphagotarsonemus latus
Banks) INFESTING CHILLIES (Capsicum annuum L.)
P. B. MAHALINGAPPA, K. DHARMA REDDY, K. NARASIMHA REDDY and
G.V. SUBBARATNAM
Department of Entomology,
Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University,
College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-30
Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the leading spice and commercial crop. India
contributes about one-fourth of world’s production of chillies. Andhra Pradesh alone accounts
for 45 to 50 per cent production of chillies and meet 1/3 demand of the country need. The use
of chilli world wide as a major spice is on account of its pungency, pleasant flavour and also
to offer colour to various food items. It is a rich source of vitamin A, C and E. Oleoresin is
used in pain balm, vapours, lineaments etc., (Pruthi, 1979).
Thrips and mites cause severe damage and reduce the yield of chillies to the extent
of 34 per cent (Ahmed et al., 1987). But, Patel and Gupta (1998) reported 60 to 74 per cent
loss in yield of green chillies due to thrips infestation. Hence there is a need to select
effective and economic insecticide for successful chemical control programme. Keeping
this in view this study was contemplated to test the bio efficacy of insecticides against
thrips and mite infesting chillies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present investigations were under taken to study the field bio efficacy of six
insecticides against thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) and yellow mite (Polyphagotarsonemus
latus Banks) infesting Chillies, during kharif 2004-05 at the Students Farm, College of
Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block
design with seven treatments (including control) and three replications. The variety Bhaskar
was planted on 04.08.2004 with a spacing of 60X45 cm in plot size of 25 m². Fertilizer doses
and other package of practices were followed as per recommendations.
Mail ID: kdharmareddy_6@yahoo.co
ABSTRACT
Bio-efficacy of certain insecticides were studied against chilli thrips and mite at Students Farm,
College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The results indicated that fipronil 0.01 and triazophos 0.08
per cent were most effective against thrips in chillies, which were followed by profenofos 0.10, ethion 0.10 and
cypermethrin 0.0012 per cent. Chlorpyriphos 0.0012 per cent was least effective against thrips. Profenofos
0.10 per cent was most effective against mite. The next best treatments were triazophos 0.08 and ethion 0.1
per cent. Cypermethrin 0.0012 was least effective against mite.
15

MAHALINGAPPA et. al
The test insecticides were diluted to the required strength (Table 1) with the addition
of water and applied as foliar sprays with a hand compression sprayer. Care was taken to
prevent drift of chemical on to adjacent plots. The first spray was given at 45 days after
transplanting and thereafter repeated at fifteen days interval and total of four sprays were
given.
The population of thrips and mite were recorded from top, middle and bottom leaf of
the five randomly selected plants per plot and mean number per plant was calculated. Pretreatment
counts were taken one day prior to spraying and post treatment counts were taken
at one, three, five and ten days after each spraying. The per cent reduction of pest population
in different treatments over control was calculated by modified Abbott’s formula (Fleming
and Retnakaran, 1985). The overall effect of the treatment by combining four observations
was assessed by analyzing the data through ANOVA.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Bio efficacy of insecticides on thrips
The data in Table 1 indicated that the spray of fipronil 0.01% or triazophos 0.08%
was most effective in reducing the population of thrips in chillies. The per cent reduction of
thrips was maximum due to these insecticides consistently at 1, 3, 5 and 10 days after
spraying. The overall efficacy showed that the thrips population was reduced by 71.06% due
to fipronil and 67.38% due to triazophos. This effect was significantly superior compared to
the other insecticides. The bio efficacy of fipronyl in reducing the thrips on chillies was also
reported by Imura and Nishi Kawa (2004) and Joubert et al.(2004) and that of triazophos by
Panichakra and Patel (2001) and Rajasri et al. (1991). The spray of chlorpyriphos 0.05% was
ineffective. It reduced the thrips population by an average of only 14.48%.
Bioefficacy of insecticides on mite
Profenofos 0.10% was the best insecticide against the population build up of mite
on chillies (Table 2). Maximum reduction of mite population to the extent of 84.76, 76.89,
69.20 and 48.38% was recorded at 1, 3, 5 and 10 days after spraying. The overall efficacy
was 69.80%. Chakroborthi (2004) and also reported that this insecticide is highly effective
against the mite. The per cent reduction of mite population on chillies was also on par by
spraying the crop with triazophos 0.08%. The overall bio-efficacy was 64.22%. The potential
of triazophos to check the population build up of mite was also ascertained in earlier
investigations of Rangel et al. (1990), Rajasri et al. (1991) Venkatesh et al. (1998) and
Scarpellins (1999). Ethion 0.10% was the next best option. It reduced the population of
insect by a mean of 62.36%. This was on par with the bio efficacy of triazophos 0.08%.
16

BIO-EFFICACY OF CERTAIN INSECTICIDES AGAINST THRIPS
Table 1 Bio-efficacy of insecticides against thrips on chillies
Treatment Concentration Reduction in thrips population (%)*
(%)
1 DAS 3 DAS 5 DAS 10 DAS Overall
efficacy
Fipronil 0.01 78.15 76.75 70.54 58.79 71.06
(62.47) (61.24) (57.25) (50.08) (57.45)
Profenofos 0.10 67.51 56.76 50.56 34.77 52.40
(55.34) (48.92) (45.32) (36.11) (46.38)
Triazophos 0.08 87.79 69.85 60.79 51.10 67.38
(70.88) (56.85) (51.28) (45.63) (55.26)
Chlorpyriphos 0.05 31.70 17.65 5.43 3.14 14.48
(34.18) (24.68) (13.46) (10.21) (22.36)
Ethion 0.10 47.65 44.92 42.06 26.63 40.32
(43.64) (42.06) (40.41) (31.03) (39.39)
Cypermethrin 0.0012 52.14 35.11 20.60 10.10 29.49
(46.24) (36.33) (26.95) (18.42) (32.85)
SE + ….. 4.49 3.39 3.19 1.84 2.55
CD (5%) ….. 9.80 7.40 6.96 4.02 5.57
* Per cent reduction over control
DAS= Days after spraying
Figures in parentheses are Arc sin values
Mallapur et al. (2001) and Misra (2003) also observed that Ethion had a high bio efficacy
against mite on chillies.
The observations in this investigation indicated that the spray of triazophos 0.08%
could be considered to reduce the population of the two prominent pests-thrips and mite than
the selection of fipronel 0.01% only for thrips and profenofos 0.10% for mite on chillies.
17

MAHALINGAPPA et. al
Table 2 Bio-efficacy of insecticides against mite on chillies
Treatment Concentration Reduction in thrips population (%)*
(%)
1 DAS 3 DAS 5 DAS 10 DAS Overall
efficacy
Fipronil 0.01 64.41 53.19 42.75 31.33 47.92
(53.44) (46.85) (40.79) (33.85) (43.56)
Profenofos 0.10 84.76 76.89 69.20 48.38 69.80
(67.34) (61.47) (56.42) (44.05) (56.70)
Triazophos 0.08 77.47 70.90 65.88 51.17 64.22
(61.89) (57.44) (54.28) (45.67) (53.28)
Chlorpyriphos 0.05 62.75 57.17 48.17 36.17 51.06
(52.46) (49.14) (43.94) (36.94) (45.85)
Ethion 0.10 72.50 63.58 57.36 47.48 62.36
(58.43) (52.93) (49.24) (43.55) (52.16)
Cypermethrin 0.0012 36.88 31.01 21.56 10.88 25.08
(37.37) (33.83) (27.62) (19.14) (30.05)
SE + ….. 3.62 3.41 2.87 3.45 2.00
CD (5%) ….. 7.89 7.43 6.26 7.53 4.36
* Per cent reduction over control
DAS= Days after spraying
Figures in parentheses are Arc sin values
REFERENCES
AHMED, K, MOHAMMED, M G and MURTHY, N S R 1987. Yield losses due to various
pests in hot pepper. Capsicum Newsletter: 83-84.
Chakraborti S 2004. Sustainable management of apical leaf curling in chilli. Journal of
Applied Zoological Researchers 15 (1): 34-36.
FLEMING, R and RETNAKARAN, A 1985. Evaluating single treatment data using Abbott’s
Formula with reference to insecticides. Journal of Economic Entomology 78 (5):
1179-1186.
IMURA, T and NISHIKAWA, M 2004. Control of white swelling spot of tomato by the
flower application of hormone added insecticide. Annual Report of the Kansai Plant
Protection Society 46: 1-6.
18

BIO-EFFICACY OF CERTAIN INSECTICIDES AGAINST THRIPS
JOUBERT, P H, GROVE, T, BEER, M S and STEYN, W P 2004. Evaluation of kaolin (Surround
Reg. WP) in an IPM programs on mangoes in South Africa. Acta Horticultura 645:493-
499.
MALLAPUR, C P, KUBSAD, V S and HULIHALLI, U K 2001. Effect of ethion on chilli mites
and thrips causing chilli leaf curl virus. Karnataka Journal of Agriculture Science
14 (3): 668-670.
MISRA, H P 2003. Efficacy of newer insecticides in chilli leaf curl management. Indian
Journal of Agriculture Sciences 73 (6): 358-360.
PANICHAKRA, B K and PATEL, J R 2001. Leaf curl chilli protected against thrips S.
dorsalis with synthetic insecticides. Indian Journal of Entomology 63 (1): 104-107.
PATEL, V N and GUPTA, H C L 1998. Estimation of losses and management of thrips
infesting chillies. In National Seminar on Entomology in 21 st century. Biodiversty,
sustainability, environmental safety and human health held at Udaipur, pp.99.
PRUTHI, J S 1979. Spices and condiments. National Book trust of India, New Delhi (2nd
Edu.), pp: 40-47.
RAJASRI, M, REDDY, G P V, KRISHNA MURTHY, M M and DEVAPRASAD, V 1991. Bioefficacy
of certain newer insecticides including neem products against chilli pest
complex. Indian cocoa, Arecanut and Spices Journal 15 (2): 42-44.
RANGEL, R C, HAMAMURA, R, REGITANO, E B, ARASHIRO, F Y, RANGEL, M C, CLAIRI,
A I and MARICONI, F A M 1990. The cotton white mite P. latus (Bank, 1904)
(Acari: Tarsonemidae) and assay of chemical control. Anai-da-Escola, Superior de
Agricultura, Luiz de Queiroz 47 (2): 261-272.
SCARPELLINI, J R 1999. Evaluation of acaricides against the white P.latus (Banks, 1904)
and influence of production of beans Phaseolus vulgaris L. Arquivos do instituto
Biologica Sao Paulo 66 (1): 43-46.
VENKATESH, H M, MANIYAPPA, V, RAVI, K S, KRISHNAPRASAD, P R, REDDY, P P,
KUMAR, N K K and VERGHESE, A 1998. Management of chilli leaf curl complex.
Advance in IPM for horticultural crops- Proceedings of the first National Symposium
on Pest Management in horticultural Crops: Environment implication and thrusts,
Bangalore, India, 15-17 October 1997: 111-117.
19

J.Res. ANGRAU 36(1) 16 - 20, 2008
CHARACTER ASSOCIATION AND PATH ANALYSIS IN TWENTY
ONE F 3
PROGENIES OF MUNGBEAN (Vigna Radiata (L.) Wilczek)
M. SHANTI PRIYA and K.H.P.REDDY
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding
Sri Venkateswara Veterinary Agricultural College,
Tirupati 517502, A.P.
ABSTRACT
The investigation was undertaken with an objective to study character association and path analysis
in 21 F 3
progenies of greengram during rabi 1996 at S.V. Agricultural College Farm, Tirupati. Character
associations revealed the strong positive correlation of seed yield with pods per plant, clusters per plant, pods
per cluster and plant height and among themselves. However, path coefficient analysis showed that the
characters pods per plant, pods per cluster and seeds per pod had high positive direct effects on grain yield
in F 3
progenies. Moreover, the indirect effects of most of the characters through pods per plant, pods per
cluster and seeds per pod were high and positive.
Yield is a complex character and it is influenced by several genetic factors interacting
with environment. A clear understanding of the association of plant characters with yield is
necessary for successful crop improvement programme. Correlation coefficients reveal the
magnitude and the direction of association of yield components among themselves and with
yield. Path coefficient analysis helps in partitioning of the correlation coefficient into direct
and indirect effects of yield components on yield. Moreover, correlation in conjunction with
path analysis gives a clear idea of nature of association and their relative contribution to
yield. This information is of prime importance in formulating selection criteria.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The experimental material consisted of 21 F 3
progenies of mung bean derived from
diallel analysis without reciprocals. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design
with three replications at S.V. Agricultural College Farm, Tirupati in rabi, 1996. Each plot
consisted of 3 rows of 5m length. A uniform spacing of 30 cm between the rows and 15 cm
within the row was adopted. Thirty plants were tagged randomly in each replication for each
entry for recording the observations on 11 characters. The plant means obtained for each
character were used for statistical analysis. Phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficients
were calculated using the method given by Johnson et al. (1955). Path analysis was carried
out as suggested by Wright (1934) and as illustrated by Dewey and Lu (1959).
20

CHARACTER ASSOCIATION AND PATH ANALYSIS
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Generally, the genotypic correlations were higher than the corresponding phenotypic
correlations (Table 1) indicating that strong inherent associations were somewhat masked at
phenotypic level due to environmental effects. Khorgade et al. (1990) also reported similar
results. Pods per plant, clusters per plant, pods per cluster, seeds per pod, plant height, pod
length, days to 50 per cent flowering and days to maturity had highly significant positive
association with yield. Prasannarajesh (1995) reported significant positive association of
pods per cluster and pod length with yield while Patil and Deshmukh (1988) observed significant
positive association of days to 50 per cent flowering with grain yield.
The character 100-seed weight was negatively correlated with seed yield. This is in
agreement with the results of Vijayabharathi (1993). Positive association of 100-seed weight
with pod length revealed that the varieties having bold seeds tend to possess long pods.
However, 100-seed weight had negative association with all other component characters
suggesting the antagonistic association of 100-seed weight with these traits. This is in
consonance with the reports of Reddisekhar (1992). It would be difficult to exercise
simultaneous selection for these characters which showed negative association among
themselves. The characters 100- seed weight and protein content showed non-significant
negative association with yield indicating that these are not the important yield contributing
traits.
The characters, pods per plant, clusters per plant, pods per cluster, and plant
height showed strong and positive correlation with seed yield and also among themselves.
Therefore, these are considered to be the most important characters on which selection
pressure can be exercised to improve the yield potential of greengram.
Though correlation coefficients are important in determining the yield components,
the extent of contribution of a particular trait to a dependable variable like yield may hardly be
judged from them. In such cases, path coefficient analysis helps in partitioning the association
into direct and indirect effects.
Path analysis (Table 2) revealed that the characters viz., seeds per pod and l00-
seed weight had high positive direct effects on grain yield in F 3
progenies at phenotypic and
genotypic levels whereas pods per plant showed high negative direct effect at genotypic
level. Moreover, most of the characters exhibited their positive indirect contributions to yield
via pods per plant, pods per cluster and seeds per pod. Days to 50 per cent flowering, plant
height, clusters per plant and pods per cluster exhibited low positive direct effects at
phenotypic and genotypic levels.
21

SHANTI PRIYA and REDDY
22

CHARACTER ASSOCIATION AND PATH ANALYSIS
23

SHANTI PRIYA and REDDY
Further, days to maturity and protein content showed negative direct effects at
genotypic and phenotypic levels, while pods per plant and pod length exhibited negative
direct effect, only at genotypic level. Inspite of negative direct effect of days to maturity on
yield, it had highly significant positive correlation with grain yield. This might be due to high
positive indirect effects of days to maturity via seeds per pod and pods per plant. Though
pods per plant recorded high negative direct effect on yield at genotypic level, the positive
indirect effects via pods per cluster, cluster per plant and days to 50% flowering nullified the
negative effect and finally contributed to significant positive correlation with yield. The
character clusters per plant exhibited low direct effect but its association was highly
significant and positive with grain yield due to its indirect effects via pods per plant at phenotypic
level. Khorgade et al. (1990) reported positive indirect effect of days to maturity and clusters
per plant via pods per plant on grain yield.
The characters pods per plant, pods per cluster and seeds per pod had high positive
direct effect and significant positive correlation with grain yield. Most of the other component
characters also exhibited positive indirect influence on grain yield via these characters.
Therefore, selection for these characters will be fruitful in increasing the yield potential in
greengram.
REFERENCES
DEWEY, D R and Lu, K H 1959. Correlation and path coefficient analysis in components of crested wheat
grass seed production. Agronomy Journal. 51:515-518.
JOHNSON, H W, ROBINSON, H F and COMSTOCK, R E 1955. Estimates of genetic and environmental
variability in soybean. Agronomy Journal 47 : 314-318.
KHORGADE, P W, NAFADE, A H, NARKEDE, M N and RAUT, S K 1990. Some selection criteria in greengram.
Journal of Maharashtra Agricultural Universities 15 : 179-181
PATIL H, S and DESHMUKH, R B 1988. Correlation and Path coefficient analysis in mungbean. Journal of
Maharashtra Agricultural Universities 13 : 183-185.
PRASANNARAJESH, A 1995. Studies on genetic divergence in greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. M.Sc
Thesis submitted to Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, Hyderabad.
REDDISEKHAR, M. 1992. Heterosis and Combining ability studies in greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek).
M.Sc Thesis submitted to Andhra Pradesh Agricultural Univesity, Hyderabad.
VIJAYABHARATHI, G 1993. Genetic analysis of certain quantitative characters in a 8 x 8 diallel set of
greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) in F 2
generation. M.Sc.Thesis submitted to Andhra Pradesh
Agricultural University, Hyderabad.
WRIGHT, S 1934. The method of path coefficients. Annals of Mathematics and Statistics 5 : 161-215.
24

J.Res. ANGRAU 36(1) 21 - 23, 2008
COMBINING ABILITY STUDIES FOR GRAIN QUALITY TRAITS IN
TROPICAL JAPONICA/INDICA HYBRIDS OF RICE
(Oryza Sativa.L)
D.SHIVANI, B.C. VIRAKTAMATH and S. SUDHEER KUMAR
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding
College of Agriculture, Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030
ABSTRACT
Three wide compatible tropical japonicas were crossed with six indica restorers to give 18 inter subspecific
hybrids. For head rice recovery, Norin PL9 x IR 29723 registered highest sca effect indicating the
corresponding line and tester to be better parents for obtaining hybrids with good head rice recovery. For
kernel dimensions like kernel length, L/B ratio and KLAC, the cross Norin PL9 x IR 10198 showed highest
positive sca effect involving parents with high x high combining ability indicating them to be good general
combiners to get hybrids with longer kernels. The tropical japonica/ indica cross combination involving Norin
PL9 with IR 29723, IR 215567 and IR 13419, IR 65598-112 with KMR 3, NDR 3026 and IR 10198 and IR 64446-
7-3-2 with KMR 3, NDR 3026 and IR 10198 showed positive significant sca effects indicating their utility to get
hybrids with soft gel consistency. However, parents with average combining ability for physico-chemical traits
are desirable which would yield hybrids with average sca effects for better consumer acceptability.
Rice, the second most important cereal crop after wheat accounts for 43 % of the
total national food grain production and 55% of cereal production thus holding the key to
sustained food supply in the country. The development of semi-dwarf, high tillering, photoperiod
insensitive, nitrogen responsive and high yielding rice varieties led to increased production
with average annual growth rate of 2.3 per cent during the past three decades. However, the
yields of rice varieties have reached to a plateau and in this aspect, hybrid rice technology
proved to be one of the most feasible and readily adaptable approaches to break the yield
barrier. Commercial exploitation of heterosis in rice helped China to increase yield by 20 to
30 per cent beyond the level of semi dwarf varieties (Lin and Yuan, 1980).
The inter sub-specific hybrids have shown to possess still higher level of heterosis
and can out yield the existing inter varietal hybrids by 20-30 per cent (Yuan, 1992). Efforts
are being made to develop inter sub-specific hybrids especially the tropical japonica/indica
crosses by overcoming the problem of semi-sterility through the utilization of wide compatible
genes. These inter sub-specific hybrids are also to be studied from the quality point of view
because it is the consumer preference that ultimately decides the acceptability and utility of
these hybrids. This requires the identification of parents and crosses with desirable gca and
sca effects, respectively for their utilization in inter sub-specific hybridization programme for
yield and quality improvement.
25

SHIVANI et al.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Three wide compatible tropical japonicas were crossed with six indica restorers
during October 2000 to develop inter-sub-specific hybrids. The F1s were grown during
December-April, 2001 and the produce was used for quality analysis for hulling percentage,
milling percentage, head rice recovery, kernel length, kernel breadth, L/B ratio, kernel length
after cooking, elongation ratio, water uptake, volume expansion ratio, alkali spreading value,
gel consistency and amylose content during July-September, 2001 and data was used for
working out combining ability following Line x Tester design given by Kempthorne (1957).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The character wise estimates of gca effects of parents and sca effects of crosses
are presented on Tables 1 and 2, respectively. The results indicated that IR 65598-112
among lines and KMR 3 among testers to be good general combiners for hulling percentage
with positive gca effects of 1.28 and 3.14, respectively. The cross Norin PL 9 x IR 29723
registered highest sca effect of 10.00 for head rice recovery. This is an important milling
trait. Hence, these indicating the corresponding line and tester are the better parents to
obtain hybrids with good head rice recovery. The highest magnitude of significant negative
sca effect was recorded by IR 64446-7-3-2 x IR 29723 which involved parents with low x low
combining ability. Hence, that these parents are not good combiners for head rice recovery.
The cross Norin PL9 x IR 10198 showed the highest positive sca effect (0.61) for
kernel length involving parents with high x high combining ability effects. For L/B ratio and
kernel length after cooking also, the same cross showed highest positive significant sca
effects of 0.40 and 0.77, respectively indicating these parents to be good general combiners
to get hybrids with longer kernels. The predominance of non-additive component for most of
the quality characters of economic importance offers considerable scope for exploitation of
hybrid vigour through heterosis or hybridization and selection. The results are in accordance
with those reported by Kaw and Cruz (1990), Pooni et al. (1993) Singh and Singh (1993) and
Xu et al. (1997). However, for grain quality traits like kernel length, kernel breadth, L/B ratio
and kernel length after cooking, the choice of parents for developing specific hybrids depends
on regional preference. For northern parts of the country where long kernels are preferred,
the parents having good gca and heterotic crosses showing high sca effect for kernel length,
L/B ratio and kernel length after cooking are preferred. In other parts of the country where
medium slender and short slender grain types are preferred, the parents with average gca
are desirable.
26

COMBINING ABILITY STUDIES FOR GRAIN QUALITY
For cooking quality traits like water uptake, the gca status of only Norin PL 9 was
significantly positive while among testers, KMR 3 and IR 10198 showed significant negative
gca effects. However, for volume expansion ratio, the gca and sca estimates were not
significant. For these cooking traits, the consumers prefer the hybrids with intermediate
values and therefore parents with average or moderate combining ability with average sca
effects are to be crossed to obtain desirable hybrids.
For physico-chemical traits like gelatinization temperature, eight tropical japonica/
indica crosses showed positive significant sca estimates. The tropical japonica/indica cross
combinations involving Norin PL9 with IR 29723, IR 21567 and IR 13419; IR 65598-112 with
KMR 3, NDR 3026 and IR 10198 and IR 64446-7-3-2 with KMR 3, NDR 3026 and IR 10198
registered significant positive sca effects indicating their utility to get hybrids with higher gel
consistency values i.e, soft gel consistency. Among the lines Norin PL 9 and IR 65598-112
and among the testers IR 21567, NDR 3026 and IR 10198 recorded significant positive gca
effects for amylose content. However, those parents showing average gca effects with average
sca effects for the hybrids are desirable for obtaining intermediate amylose content. The
crosses involving IR 65598-112 with IR 29723 and KMR 3 recorded average effects of sca
for this trait. As intermediate values for physico-chemical traits like gelatinization temperature,
gel consistency and amylose content are preferred, the selection of parents with average
combining ability for these traits is desirable as it would yield crosses with average sca
effects.
REFERENCES
KAW, R M and CRUZ D N M 1990. Genetic analysis of amylose content, gelatinization
temperature and gel consistency in rice. Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding 44 :
103-111.
KEMPTHORNE, O 1957. An introduction to Genetic Statistics. John Wiley and Sons, Inc
New York, pp : 458-471.
LIN, S C and YUAN, L P 1980. Hybrid rice breeding in China. Innovative approaches to rice
breeding. International Rice Research Institute, Manila, Philippines. pp: 35-51.
POONI, H S, KUMAR, I and KHUSH, G S 1993. Genetic control of amylose content in
selected crosses of indica rice. Heredity 70 : 269-280.
SINGH, R P and SINGH, C B 1993. Genetic analysis in rainfed rice. Journal of Dryland
Agricultural Research and Development 8 : 40-46.
XU C W, ZHANG A, HONG AY and ZHU, Q S 1997. Genetic analysis of quality traits in inter
subspecies crosses of rice. Chinese Rice Research Newsletter 5:3-4.
YUAN, L P 1992. Increasing yield potential in rice by exploitation of heterosis. Proceedings
of the 1992 International Rice Conference, International Rice Research Institute,
Philippines pp: 21-25.
27

J.Res. ANGRAU 36(1) 24 - 29, 2008
GENETIC ANALYSIS OF NUMBER OF SYMPODIA IN COTTON
(Gossypium Hirsutum L.)
S. LAXMAN
Agricultural Research Station, Mudhol
Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030
ABSTRACT
Number of sympodia per plant is an important yield component in cotton. Six parents were crossed
in a triallel mating design to obtain 60 three-way cross hybrids. Triallel analysis was done for number of
sympodia per plant. Preponderance of epistatic component i.e. dominance x dominance was observed.
However, dominance and dominance x dominance exhibited opposite sign with each other. Parent order
effects in three-way crosses were clearly elucidated.
Cotton is one of the major fibre crops for textile industry. Number of sympodia per
plant is one of the important yield component characters in cotton. Information on gene
action governing the inheritance of such quantitative traits is essential for planning and
execution of breeding programme successfully. Number of biometrical approaches have
been used for estimating different types of gene actions in crop plants. In most of the mating
designs used, it was assumed that non-allelic interactions were absent, where as the fact is
often contrary to this assumption. In the presence of non-allelic interactions, the estimates
of additive and dominance components are biased leading to the inappropriate use of breeding
procedure. The triallel analysis is potent enough to get information on epistatic components
of variance in addition to additive and dominance variances. Triallel analysis also gives
information on order of parents in three-way cross combinations for obtaining superior
transgressive segregants (Ponnuswamy et al., 1974 and Singh and Narayanan, 2000). A
three-way cross symbolized by (AB) C has been defined as a cross between line C and the
unrelated F 1
hybrid (AB), lines A and B being called grand parental lines and line C as full
parental or immediate parental line (Rawlings and Cockerham, 1962). But studies on threeway
cross hybrids are scarce in cotton literature (Basu and Paroda, 1995). In the present
study, an attempt has been made to obtain information on gene action controlling an important
yield component trait, namely number of sympodia per plant in cotton by using triallel
analysis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The material comprised of 60 three-way cross hybrids derived from crossing six
diverse varieties of upland cotton viz., (1) Narasimha, (2) Renuka, (3) DHY 286, (4) MCU 5,
28

GENETIC ANALYSIS OF NUMBER OF SYMPODIA IN COTTON
(5) LRA 5166 and (6) ADB 39 in a triallel mating design (Singh and Narayanan, 2000).
In triplet combinations parents are denoted by their respective serial numbers. During kharif
1998, the six parents were mated in half diallel fashion and 15 single cross hybrids were
synthesized. During rabi 1998, these 15 single crosses were mated with six parents in triallel
model and 60 three-way cross hybrids were obtained. They were evaluated under rainfed
conditions during kharif 1999 in a randomized block design with 3 replications at Agricultural
Research Station, Mudhol of Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh.
Plot size was 2.7 m x 7.2 m containing three rows each with eight hills. Spacing adopted was
90 cm between rows and 90 cm within the row. Fifteen competitive plants were randomly
taken from each plot for recording number of sympodia per plant in cotton. The mean data
were subjected to triallel analysis (Singh and Chaudhary, 1985).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The analysis of variance is presented in Table 1. The analysis shows that general
line effects of both first and second kind, two line specific effects of first and second kind as
well as three line specific effects were significant, thus suggesting the major role of all three
types of epistatic components viz., additive x additive, additive x dominance, dominance x
dominance, besides additive and dominance gene action in expression number of sympodia
per plant.
Table 1 Analysis of variance for number of sympodia per plant in cotton (mean squares)
Source df Mean squares
Replications 2 0.02
General line effect of the first kind (hi) 5 68.03**
General line effect of the second kind (gi) 5 130.83**
Two line specific effects of the first kind (dij) 9 62.03**
Two line specific effects of the second kind (Sij) 19 62.47**
Three line specific effect (Tijk) 21 23.09**
Crosses 59 57.17**
Error 118 0.08
29

LAXMAN
General line effects
General line effects of both first and second kind were positively significant i.e.,
1.898 and 1.043 respectively for LRA 5166. While in Narasimha and Renuka second kind
effect was significant with gi value of 1.411 and 1.663 respectively. However, first kind
effect was positively significant (1.732) for DHY 286 (Table 2). The parents DHY 286 and
LRA 5166 were significantly superior to rest of the parents in their average performance as
grand parents while parents Narasimha, Renuka and LRA 5166 were significantly superior to
other parents in their performance as immediate parents. The parent LRA 5166 was good
both as parent and grand parent while DHY 286 as grand parent only and Narasimha and
Renuka as immediate parents only in three-way crosses. LRA 5166 performed better as
grand parent than as parent. When DHY 286 and LRA 5166 were compared for grand parental
performance, LRA 5166 was better than DHY 286. Among the three parents, Renuka was
comparatively superior to both Narasimha and LRA 5166 as parent in three-way crosses.
Two line specific effects
Two line specific effect of first kind was positively significant in seven combinations
among which the maximum effect was in Renuka x LRA 5166 (2.657) thus substantiating the
better grand parental performance of LRA 5166. The other combinations had highly significant
two line specific effects viz., Narasimha x ADB 39, MCU 5 x ADB 39, Narasimha x DHY
286, Renuka x MCU 5 and DHY 286 x LRA 5166 suggesting their superiority as grand
parents in three-way crosses (Table 2).
Reciprocal effects of two line specific effects of second kind (S ij
and S ji
) for the
crosses Narasimha x ADB 39, Renuka x MCU 5, Renuka x ADB 39, DHY 286 x LRA 5166,
MCU 5 x ADB 39, and LRA 5166 x ADB 39 had invariably reciprocal differences and were
associated with order effects in the three-way hybrids.
Three-line specific effects
The estimates of three line specific effects (Tijk) were found to be highly positive
and significant in 13 combinations. In the best performing triplet of 2 x 3 x 5 (Renuka x DHY
286 x LRA 5166), all the three parents were good combiners, two line specific effect of the
first kind was highly significant in cross Renuka x DHY 286 because of Renuka and DHY
286 as grand parents, LRA-5166 as immediate parent, the specific effects of crosses Renuka
x DHY 286 and DHY 286 x LRA 5166 and the interaction of parents in that particular order.
Hence one can conclude the superiority of the triplets is due to (i) either or all the three
parents showing better general line effects (ii) either cross showing better two line specific
effect and / or (iii) the interaction among the three lines used in making the triplet (Joshi and
Sharma, 1984).
30

GENETIC ANALYSIS OF NUMBER OF SYMPODIA IN COTTON
31

LAXMAN
32

GENETIC ANALYSIS OF NUMBER OF SYMPODIA IN COTTON
Parent order
The order effect was clearly elucidated in the three-way cross 2 x 3 x 5 (Renuka x
DHY 286 x LRA 5166) which exhibited the highest three line specific effect, whereas the
other forms of this triplet i.e. 2 x 5 x 3 (Renuka x LRA 5166 x DHY 286) and 3 x 5 x 2 (DHY
286 x LRA 5166 x Renuka) had negative three line specific effects. (Table 3).
Components of genetic variance
Components of genetic variance indicated that dominance x dominance component
(53.55) was the highest followed by additive x additive (16.78) and additive x dominance
(13.04) components. The additive (-7.15) and dominance (-2.34) components were negative.
Thus predominance of epistatic components of genetic variance for number of sympodia
has to be kept in mind while formulating breeding procedures for improvement of this character.
Ramalingam (1996) reported preponderance of additive x dominance component followed by
dominance x dominance component for this character in cotton which is in partial agreement
with the present results.
Thus, triallel analysis had clearly elucidated its advantages over diallel analysis by
giving additional information on magnitude of all types of epistatic components and also on
order of parents to be crossed in three way crosses for obtaining superior transgressive
segregants.
REFERENCES
BASU A K and PARODA R S 1995. Hybrid cotton in India – A success story. Asia Pacific
Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), Bangkok, pp : 38.
JOSHI A K and SHARMA G S 1984. Genetics of flag leaf area in wheat triallel analysis.
Indian J. Genet. 44 (3) : 399-405.
PONNUSWAMY K N, DAS M N and HANDOO M I 1974 Combining ability analysis for triallel
cross in maize (Zea mays L.) Theoretical and Applied Genetics 45 : 170-175.
RAMALINGAM A 1996. Genetics of seed cotton yield and its components in upland cotton
(Gossypium hirsutum L.) diallel and triallel analysis. Unpublished Ph.D. (Genetics and
Plant Breeding) Thesis submitted to - Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Agricultural
College and Research Institute, Madurai.
RAWLINGS J O and COCKERHAM C C 1962. Triallel analysis. Crop Science, 2 : 228-231.
SINGH P and NARAYANAN S S 2000. Biometrical techniques in plant breeding. Revised
edition. Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana, pp : 114.
SINGH R K and CHAUDHARY B D 1985. Biometrical methods in quantitative genetics analysis.
Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi, pp: 167-185.
33

J.Res. ANGRAU 36(1) 30 - 35, 2008
EFFECT OF PINCHING AT DIFFERENT DAYS AFTER PLANTING ON
FLOWERING BEHAVIOUR IN THREE CULTIVARS OF CARNATION
(Dianthus Caryophyllus Linn)
K. UMA MAHESWARA RAO, R. CHANDRA SEKHAR,
J. DILIP BABU and M. RAJ KUMAR
Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture,
Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030
ABSTRACT
The present study was under taken in a commercial floriculture farm under captive cultivation with
three cultivars of carnation during July 2005 to January 2006. The experiment was laid out in randomized
block design. Pinched plants recorded significantly minimum time from first flower bud appearance to flower
harvesting. Pinching at 20 days after planting was most promising. The duration for first flower bud appearance
was reduced by 10.6, 12.0 and 15.6 days in Domingo, Angelica and Golden boy respectively compared to
unpinched plants. The time for 50 % flower bud appearance was also reduced by 39.0, 44.2 and 57.0 days by
the pinching treatment at 20 days after planting compared to control. The color break stage was reduced by
36.1, 64.0 and 58.3 days when pinched at 20 days after planting compared to unpinched cultivars. Longest
flowers were noticed with pinching at 20 days after planting in cv. Domingo. Diameter of the flower was
maximum in Cv. Domingo with pinching at 25 days after planting compared to other intervals. The number of
flowers were maximum with pinching at 20 days after planting compared to pinching at other intervals.
Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus Linn., Fy: Caryophyllaceae) is extensively cultivated
for cut flowers in Columbia, Japan, Israel, Netherlands etc. Staby etal. (1978) reported that
about 34% of the total flower consumers, in their survey had a liking for carnation compared
to only 20 percent of the people who favoured roses. The maximum cultivation of carnation
on an area of 2500 ha is in Columbia (Bhattacharjee, 2006). In India, carnations are grown in
Nasik, Pune, Srinagar Valley, Jammu, Solan, Kufri, Nauni, Palampur, and surrounding areas
of Hyderabad (Mukherjee, 1996).
Carnation exhibits apical dominance which influences the development of axillary
shoots and flower production (Cline, 1997). Generally, carnation produces one main shoot
which terminates into a flower bud. After the cessation of terminal growth, lateral shoots
develop. They also bear flower buds. Pinching of apical portion of the shoot result in early
production of large number of axillary shoots resulting in more number of flowers. To get
maximum number of quality flowers, time of pinching is very important which will also regulate
the time of harvest. Research works in this aspect on commercial cultivars of carnation is
meagre and hence, the present study was designed.
34

EFFECT OF PINCHING ON CARNATION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The experiment was conducted on three cultivars of carnation i.e., Domingo, Angelica
and Goldenboy during July, 2005 to January, 2006 in a commercial floriculture farm,
Ibrahimpatnam, Ranga Reddy district of Andhra Pradesh.
In this experiment, terminal pair of leaves in selected plants of carnation were
pinched at 15, 20 and 25 days after planting. Plants were not pinched in control. After
pinching, systemic fungicide - Benomyl @ 2g/l was sprayed to prevent fungal infection.
The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with four replications. The size of
the bed was 70 cm width, 45 cm height and 28 m length.
Observations were recorded on the time taken for first flower bud appearance, 50%
flower bud appearance, colour break stage, harvesting, length and diameter of the flower
stalk and number of flower stalks harvested per plant.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results showed that the time of pinching the terminal pair of leaves had a
significant influence on the flowering behavior of 3 cultivars of carnation. Pinching at 20 days
after planting was most promising. The first flower bud appearance was recorded in 94.6,
110.1 and 141.5 days in the cultivars Domingo, Angelica and Golden boy respectively (Table
1). The duration for this character was reduced to 59.5, 67.1 and 87.6 days by pinching the
terminal pair of leaves at 20 days after planting. This practice, thereby shortened the time
needed for the appearance of first flower bud by 10.6, 12.0 and 15.6 days in Domingo,
Angelica and Golden boy respectively. It may be due to early physiological maturity of
shoots after pinching. These results are in conformity with Arora and Khanna (1986) in
marigold cv. African Gaint double orange. Ubukata (1999) reported that the shoots of early
raised carnation took lesser time to become physiologically mature which in turn borne the
flowers. Consequently, the time for 50 % flower bud appearance was also reduced to 67.1,
73.6 and 98.5 days by the pinching treatment at 20 days after planting compared to 106.1,
117.4 and 155.3 days by the corresponding cultivars without pinching.
The color break stage was reduced to 79.5, 81.4 and 116.4 days when pinched at 20
days after planting compared to 115.6, 145.4 and 172.7 days in the unpinched cultivars.
These results are in confirmity with Srivastava etal. (2002) in marigold cv. Pusa Narangi
Gainda. The time taken for harvesting was also considerably reduced. Domingo was harvested
in 88.4 days by pinching at 20 days after planting compared to 130.5 days in control. Angelica
was harvested in 104.3 days and Golden boy in 129.5 days by pinching the first terminal
leaves 20 days after planting. The flowers were ready for harvest by 162.2 and 179.9 days
35

UMA MAHESWARA RAO et.al.
36

EFFECT OF PINCHING ON CARNATION
37

UMA MAHESWARA RAO et.al.
when these cultivars were not pinched. The cultivar Domingo, is vigorous growing in nature.
Hence, it resulted in early sprouting of buds which might have been encouraged to reach
flowering stage early over other cultivars studied. These results are in confirmity with Ferrato
etal. (1996) in chrysanthemum cv. Alba. Pinching the first pair of terminal leaves at other
intervals was also promising as considerable time was reduced for the appearance of first
flower bud, 50% flowering, colour break and harvesting stage compared to control. But these
treatments were significantly inferior to 20 days after planting.
The data in Table 2 indicated that different intervals of pinching the terminal pairs of
leaves had significant influence on flower size and yield of flowers in three cultivars of
carnation. Pinching at 20 days after planting was promising. Longest flowers were noticed by
pinching at 20 days after planting in cv. Domingo (93.3 cm), followed by Angelica (90.7 cm)
and Golden boy (85.9 cm). This might be due to the maximum utilization of photosynthates
with pinching at 20 days after planting. Similar observation were made by Singh and Baboo
(2003) in chrysanthemum. They reported that the maximum diameter of flower stalk was
observed with pinching at 20 days after planting than at 10 and 30 days after planting.
Diameter of the flower has increased to 0.55 cm in Cv. Domingo with pinching at 25 days
after planting compared to 0.54 cm in 20 days after planting and 0.49 cm in 15 days after
planting.
In Cv. Angelica and Golden boy, highest diameter of the flower was observed with
pinching at 20 days after planting (0.47 cm and 0.46 cm respectively). Unpinching resulted in
lowest diameter of the flower in all the cultivars. The size of the flowers i.e., length and
diameter of the flowers increased significantly with pinching of terminal pair of leaves at 20
and 25 days after planting in all the cultivars.
The yield of the flowers per plant increased significantly by pinching at 20 days after
planting (4.1) as against 25 days (3.5) and 15 days (3.3) in cv. Domingo. Pinching at 20 days
after planting could be the optimum time for sprouting of axillary buds which become the
flowers at later stages of growth. This increase in number of flowers per plant and yield of
flowers might be attributed to the development of large number of axillary shoots as a result
of cessation of terminal growth by pinching (Narayana Gowda and Jayanthi, 1991). These
results are in confirmity with Yassin and Pappiah (1990) and Singh and Baboo (2003) in
chrysanthemum.
The results indicated that in carnation, pinching at 20 days after planting induced
early flowering and maximum number of flowers per plant.
38

EFFECT OF PINCHING ON CARNATION
REFERENCES
ARORA J S and KHANNA K 1986 Effect of nitrogen and pinching on growth and production
of marigold cv. African Gaint double orange. Indian Journal of Horticulture 43 (1-2):
291-294.
BHATTACHARJEE S K 2006 Advances in ornamental horticulture. Vol I. Pointer Publishers,
Jaipur.
CLINE M 1997 Concepts and terminology of apical dominance. American Journal of Botany
84 (8) : 1064 – 1069.
FERRATO J, ROTONDO R and BENEDETTO A D 1996 Effect of plant density and pinching
on production of chrysanthemums for cut flowers (Dendranthema grandiflora).
Horticultura Argentina 15 (38) : 71-74.
MUKHERJEE D 1996 Greenhouse cultivation of carnation. Floriculture Today 1: 46-48
NARAYANA GOWDA J V and JAYANTHI R 1991 Effect of cycocel and maleic hydrazide on
growth and flowering of African marigold (Tagetes erecta). Progressive Horticulture
23 (1-4): 114-118.
SINGH M K and BABOO R 2003 Response of nitrogen, potassium and pinching levels on
growth and flowering in chrysanthemum cv. Jayanthi. Journal of Ornamental
Horticulture New Series 6 (4): 390-393.
SRIVASTAVA S K, SINGH H K and SRIVASTAVA A K 2002 Effect of spacing and pinching
on growth and flowering of ‘Pusa Narangi Gainda’ marigold (Tagetes erecta). Indian
Journal of Agricultural Sciences 72(10): 611-612.
STABY G L, ROBERTSON J L, KIPLINGER D C and CONOVER C A 1978 Chain of life,
Ohio Florists Associations, Ohio State University, Columbus
UBUKATA M 1999 Evaluation of one half pinch method of spray carnation cultivation in
Hokkaido. Bulletin of Hokkaido Prefectural Agricultural Experiment Stations
77 : 39-43.
YASSIN G Md and PAPPIAH C M 1990 Effect of pinching and manuring on growth and
flowering of chrysanthemum cv. MDU-1. South Indian Horticulture 38 (4) : 232-233.
39

J.Res. ANGRAU 36(1) 36 - 41, 2008
FERTILITY STATUS OF SOILS IN VIZIANAGARAM DISTRICT
P. JAMUNA, Y. NOOKA RAJU and K. RAMALINGA SWAMY
Regional Agricultural Research Station,
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University,
Anakapalle - 531 001
ABSTRACT
Representative soil samples were collected from different farmers’ fields in nine mandals of
Vizianagaram district and assessed for their nutrient status. Majority of soils in the district are red sandy loams
and few are of clay loams. Mostly ground nut and mesta are cultivated under dry land and paddy under wet
land situation. The soils ranged from acidic to neutral in reaction and normal in conductivity. Soil available
nitrogen (N) was found to be low in majority of the samples in all the mandals. The district on an average had
61.1% of the soil samples in the low category. Soil available phosphorus (P 2
O 5
) varied wide from very low of
2.5kg/ha to as high as 178.2kg/ha, indicating non or over adoption of P fertilizers. Soil available potassium
content (K 2
O) was high in majority of samples in all the mandals except in Garividi mandal which on an average
had 82.7% of the soil samples in the high category.
The process of assessing the level of nutrients in the soil in a form that is available
to crops is known as ‘Soil testing’. It is a pre-requisite to know the nutrient content in the soil
and apply required amount of nutrients to correct imbalances and optimize crop nutrition.
Balanced fertilization does not mean a certain proportion of N, P and K or other
nutrients to be added in the form of fertilizers, but it takes into account the availability of
nutrients already present in the soil, crop requirement and other factors. It should take into
account the crop removal of nutrients, the economics of fertilizer use, farmers’ investment
ability, agro-techniques, soil moisture regime, soil salinity, alkalinity, physical environment,
microbiological condition of soil and cropping sequences etc. (Subba Rao and Sanjay
Srivastava, 2001).
Soil testing is not static, but a dynamic concept. It does not mean that every time a
crop is grown, all the nutrients should be applied in a particular proportion, rather fertilizer
application should be tailored to the crop needs, keeping in view the capacity of soils (Won
vexkule and Mutert, 1992). It was further elaborated by Tandon and Kinno (1993) that balanced
fertilizer use or rather balanced crop nutrition ensures an optimum supply of all essential
nutrients. It promotes synergetic interactions and keeps antagonistic interactions out of crop
production system. It discourages lopsided applications of any nutrient or over fertilization.
In view of the importance of soil tsting, the samples collected from farmers fields
during ‘Rythu Chaitanya yatra’ in pre-kharif season of May 2005 in Vizianagaram district
were analysed for giving agro-advisories based upon the soil testing results.
40

FERTILITY STATUS OF SOILS IN VIZIANAGARAM DISTRICT
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 504 soil samples were collected from farmers’ fields in nine mandals viz.,
Denkada, Vizianagaram, Gajapathinagaram, Garividi, Badangi, Nellimarla, Cheepurupalli,
Meraka Modidam, and Mentada of Vizinagaram district.
The soil samples were analysed for pH, EC, available N, P 2
O 5
and K 2
O (Jackson,
1967). Based on soil test values, Fertility Index (F.I.) was calculated (Gilbert etal ., 1965) for
each nutrient to indicate overall fertility status of the respective nutrient in different mandals
in the district.
Fertility Index (F.I.) = (1 x L) + (2 x M) + (3 x H)
Total No. of samples
Where, L = No. of samples under Low category
M = No. of samples under Medium category
H = No. of samples under High category
Based on Fertility Index (F.I.), the nutrient status of each mandal in the district was
categorized into low, medium and high when the F.I. values are 2.50,
respectively.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Majority of soils collected from the nine mandals in the district are red sandy loams
and few are clay loams. The crops mostly grown are ground nut and mesta under dry land
situation and paddy in the wet land. The soils mostly ranged from acidic to neutral in reaction
and only few samples showed alkaline soil pH (>8.5) found at different mandals. The soil, in
general, showed normal conductivity (EC 60% of the samples were low in the district (Table
2). The fertility Index (F.I.) had recorded low in many mandals indicating low available N
status. The average F.I. value in the district is low (1.43). Hence, good response is obtained
to the application of the nutrient (Annual Reports of North-Coastal zone of A.P.). However,
caution should be taken to avoid indiscriminate use of N fertilizers which other-wise will
encourage excessive vegetative growth in ground nut and expose to more pests and disease
41

JAMUNA etal.
42

Fertility Status of Soils in Vizianagaram
43

JAMUNA etal.
incidence and cause lodging in crops like paddy which often observed in soils of North-
Coastal zone (Diagnostic survey reports of North-Coastal zone of A.P.). It is suggested that
the recommended dose of N fertilizer for the respective crops may be applied when the soil
test value is medium. The recommended N fertilizer dose may be reduced by 25% if the soil
testing is recorded as high. Similarly, if the soil test value is recorded low, the recommended
dose of fertilizer of that particular crop may be increased by 25%.
Soil available P 2
O 5
varied from very low of 2.5kg ha -1 to as high as 178.2kg ha -1 and
the fertility status as indicated through fertility index (F.I.) showed medium available P 2
O 5
status. The average F.I. value for available P 2
O 5
in the district is medium (2.02). The soil
was graded low with 50 kg ha -1 of available P 2
O 5
. These results indicate the
cautious recommendation of phosphorus based on soli test values instead of following general
agronomic recommendations suggested for different crops. The non or over adoption of P
fertilizer, ignoring the native nutrient status in soil, lead to imbalance of nutrients in low P 2
O 5
status soils or induces other nutrient deficiencies like zinc in high P 2
O 5
status soils.
The following empirical formula given by Krishna Moorthy etal. (1963) may be followed
for scheduling P fertilizers to crops.
For Red soils :
Amount of P 2
O 5
to be added through fertilizer =
(Made up level of soil available P 2
O 5
– Initial soil test value of available P 2
O 5
) x 100
For Black soils :
(100- 2 x Clay %)
Amount of P 2
O 5
to be added through fertilizer =
(Made up level of soil available P 2
O 5
– Initial soil test value of available P 2
O 5
) x 100
(100- Clay %)
The available K 2
O content was high in >80% samples in the district, which showed
1.0%, 16.3% and 82.7% samples under low (250 kg K 2
O ha -1 ) category, respectively. The fertility status as indicated through
fertility index (F.I.) showed high available K 2
O status in all the mandals except in Garividi
mandal. The average F.I. value in the district for available K 2
O is high (2.82). However,
potash application is recommended to different crops in spite of having high available K 2
O
44

Fertility Status of Soils in Vizianagaram
content in soils in the district. This is due to high K fixation capacity (70 %) of the soils.
Luxurious consumption of K by different crops, balanced nutrition of K with other major
nutrients of N and P and helping in mitigation of drought as rainfed is situation is mostly
prevailed in the district (Status report of N.C. zone).
REFERENCES
GILBERT R Muhr, N P DATTA H, SANKARA SUBRAMANI V K LELY and R Y L DONAHUE
1965 Soil test summaries, soil fertility map and their use. In: Soil testing in India. 2 nd
Edition, published in United States Agency for International Development Mission to
India. New Delhi.
LACKSON M L 1967 Soil chemical analysis. PP 111-204 Asia publishing house, Bombay.
KRISHNA MOORTHY C H, NAIR K and JAYARAMAN N S 1963 J. Indian Soc. Soil Sci.
11 : 159-164.
SUBBA RAO A and SANJAY SRIVASTAVA 2001 Proceedings of National seminar on soil
testing for balanced and integrated use of fertilizers and manures. PP 2-10.
TANDON H L S and KINNO I J 1993 Balanced fertilizer use – its practical importance and
guidelines for agriculture. In the Asia Region FADINP, UN, New york.
WON VEXKULA and MUTERT 1992 Proc. Regional FADINAP seminar on fertilization and
environment, Chiang mai, Thailand.
45

Research Note
J.Res. ANGRAU 36(1) 42-45, 2008
LEARNING AND TEACHING STYLES OF STUDENTS AND FACULTY
OF HOME SCIENCE IN ANG RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
V. SELVIYA AND CH. VENU GOPAL REDDY
Department of Agricultural Extension
Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030
The learning and teaching have strong implication on each other. The narrower the
gap between teachers intention and learners interpretation, the greater the chances of achieving
desired learning out comes. Further, the studies have indicated that bridging the gap between
teachers and learners perceptions will maximize the class room experience (Waman, Girase
and Desai, 2000). Effective matching between teaching and learning styles can only be
achieved when teachers are aware of their students needs, capacities, potentials and learning
style preferences. Keeping this in view, a study was conducted to analyze the learning and
teaching styles of the students and faculty of Home science in ANG Ranga Agricultural
University.
Ex-post facto research design was adopted. The state of Andhra Pradesh, ANGRAU
and Home Science faculty were selected purposively. A total of 106 respondents i.e. 56 UG
Students , 18 PG students and 32 Faculty were selected as the sample of investigation.
Interview schedule was prepared to measure the learning style. It consists of four learning
styles i.e. active and reflective, sensing and initiative, visual and verbal and sequential and
global. The schedule consisted of 44 questions. A set of eleven questions represent each
style. For each question two options were computed i.e., a and b. The learner chose one
from the available options.
The learning style of the respondents was decided based on the maximum number
of selected options from the concerned set. In case of teaching style, instrument contains
25 items. A set of five items represent each style. The items were rated on a five point
continuum of agreement starting from strongly agree and ending with strongly disagree. The
teachers were placed in the appropriate style based on the average scores obtained in the
respective sets of statements. The maximum and minimum possible scores were 25 and
05. A maximum score of 25 and a minimum score of 06 was obtained in the study. The
respondents were divided into low, moderate and high categories. Frequnecies and
percentages were calculated and tabulated.
It was evident from table 1 that 75.00 per cent of the UG students were sequential
learners and 72.22 were visual learners. The percentage of sensing learners was 67.85 and
46

LEARNING AND TEACHING STYLES OF STUDENTS
62.50 per cent were active learners. Similarly, cent per cent of the PG students were visual
learners followed by sequential learners (94.44%), sensing learners (61.12%) and active
learners (72.23%). On the whole 79.73 per cent of the students were visual and sequential
learners while 66.21 per cent were sensing learners and 64.86 per cent were active learners
It is apparent from the table 2 that 40.62 per cent of the teachers had adopted expert
style while 25.00 per cent had formal authority style. A low proportion of 15.63 per cent
adopted the facilitator style and 12.50 per cent adopted the personal model style. Only 6.25
per cent of the teachers adopted the delegator style to teach the UG students. In case of PG
teaching, 43.75 per cent of the teachers had adopted expert style of teaching and 21.87 per
cent had formal authority style. The facilitator style was followed by 15.63 per cent of the
teachers and personal model style by 12.50 per cent while delegator style by 6.25 per cent.
It is revealed that majority of the students were visual learners followed by sequential
learners, sensing learners and active learners. Different cultures will facilitate development
of different learning styles. Right from the childhood, the students are given an opportunity to
learn things through strong visuals and feeling related stimuli. The teaching pattern is also
responsible for development of a typical learning preference. As the learners are stabilized in
this type of learning, the instruction should be designed to match this learning mode.
Table 1 Distribution of home science students according to their learning styles
Sl. No. Learning styles U G students P G students Total students
(n=56) (n=18) (N=74)
F % F % F %
1 Visual learners 41 73.22 18 100.00 59 79.73
2 Verbal learners 15 26.78 00 00.00 15 20.27
3 Sequential learners 42 75.00 17 94.44 59 79.73
4 Global learners 14 25.00 01 05.56 15 20.27
5 Sensing learners 38 67.85 11 61.12 49 66.21
6 Intuitive learners 18 32.15 07 38.88 25 33.79
7 Active learners 35 62.50 13 72.23 48 64.86
8 Reflective learners 21 37.50 05 27.77 26 35.14
47

SELVIYA and REDDY
Table 2 Teaching styles adopted by the home science teachers
S. No. Teaching Style UG classes PG classes
F % F %
1. Expert style 13 40.62 14 43.75
2. Formal authority style 08 25.00 07 21.87
3. Facilitator style 05 15.63 05 15.63
4. Personal model style 04 12.50 04 12.50
5. Delegator style 02 6.25 02 6.25
Total 32 100.00 32 100.00
An examination of results in table 3 indicated that 78.13 per cent of the teachers had
adopted high expert style of teaching and 21.87 per cent the moderate expert style in dealing
UG classes. Similarly, 75.00 per cent of the teachers had followed high expert style of teaching
and 25.00 per cent had moderate expert style in dealing PG classes.
Nearly sixty per cent (59.37%) teachers had followed moderate formal authority style
and 37.50 had high and low (03.13%) formal authority style in dealing UG classes. Similarly,
59.37 per cent of the teachers had adopted moderate formal authority style and 37.50 had
high and low (03.13%) formal authority style in dealing PG classes.
Equal per cent (50.00%) of the teachers had adopted high and moderate of personal
model style in dealing PG classes. Similarly, 53.13 per cent of the teachers had high personal
model style and 46.87 per cent had moderate personal model style in dealing UG classes.
Around fifty four per cent (53.13%) of the teachers had adopted moderate facilitator
style and high (43.74%) and low (03.13%) facilitator style in dealing UG classes. Similarly,
53.13 per cent of the teachers had followed moderate facilitator style followed by high (43.74%)
and low (03.13%) facilitator styles in dealing PG classes.
Three fourth (75.00%) of the teachers had adopted moderate delegator style followed
by high (15.62%) and low (09.38%) delegator styles in dealing UG classes. Similarly, 78.13
per cent of the teachers had followed moderate delegator style followed by high (15.62 %) and
low (06.25%) delegator styles in dealing PG classes.
It is inferred that forty three per cent of the teachers had expert style followed by
formal authority style, facilitator style, personal model style and delegator style. The probable
reason for this might be that the expert style might have the mastery of the subject, high
qualification, experience, large class size, course content and heavy work load and the facilitator
48

LEARNING AND TEACHING STYLES OF STUDENTS
Table 3 Distribution of home science teachers according to their teaching style
S. No. Teaching Style UG classes PG classes
F % F %
1. Expert style
High (19 - 25) 25 78.13 24 75.00
Moderate (12 - 18) 07 21.87 08 25.00
Low (5 - 11) 00 00.00 00 00.00
2. Formal authority style
High (19 - 25) 12 37.50 12 37.50
Moderate (12 - 18) 19 59.37 19 59.37
Low (5 - 11) 01 03.13 01 03.13
3. Personal model style
High (19 - 25) 16 50.00 17 53.13
Moderate (12 - 18) 16 50.00 15 46.87
Low (5 - 11) 00 00.00 00 00.00
4. Facilitator style
High (19 - 25) 14 43.74 14 43.74
Moderate (12 - 18) 17 53.13 17 53.13
Low (5 - 11) 01 03.13 01 03.13
5. Delegator style
High (19 - 25) 05 15.62 05 15.62
Moderate (12 - 18) 24 75.00 25 78.13
Low (5 - 11) 03 09.38 02 06.25
style might be due to their exposure to trainings and seminars and differences in their social
settings, back ground, parental occupation and average workload.
REFERENCES
WAMAN G K, GIRASE K A and DESAI B R 2000. Aspiration and Employment of agricultural
graduates. Maharastra Journal of Extension Education 19 : 141-144.
49

Research Note
J.Res. ANGRAU 36(1) 46 - 48, 2008
PROFILE OF FACULTY OF HOME SCIENCE IN ACHARYA N.G.
RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
V. SELVIYA and CH. VENU GOPAL REDDY
Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030
The teachers are expert in their field of specialization. When they go to classroom
and begin to teach the students, it is necessary for them to know not only what material they
are going to present but also how to deal with students. Teachers may be specialists in their
fields, but they may not be experts in delivery system. The instructional delivery itself is a
highly developed field of specialization. It is a field, which has to be seriously looked into for
building competence among teachers and yielding positive results in learning quality.
Unfortunately, for many years, many things were taken for granted. They assumed that students
were passive beings in the class room and they are expected to listen patiently, carefully and
reverentially to what ever is being taught.
Home Science is concerned with subjects most intimately connected with daily
activities of the home maker such as food, clothing, shelter, finance, health, child care, home
decoration, family relationship, community service, fine arts including culture and religion. It
depicts the importance of home science education in making future home makers who are
going to build the society, with the changing needs in relation with advances in modern
technology (Bharathi, 1994). But the products from the home science colleges were unable to
cope up with the changes in modern technologies. Teachers of home science play an important
role in imparting latest knowledge and skills to the students. Keeping this in view, a study was
conducted to analyze the selected profile of the faculty of home science.
Ex-post facto research design was followed. The Home Science faculty in ANGR
Agricultural University was selected purposively. The data pertaining to the different variables
were collected from 32 faculty members with the help of interview schedule which was prepared
after a thorough review of the available literature, in consultation with experts in the field and
advisory committee. The characteristics of faculty such as cadre, working experience, work
load, level of training, scientific communication, job satisfaction, attitude towards profession,
attitude towards students were studied. In case of cadre, the respondents were categorized
into three groups viz; Professor, Associate and Assistant Professors. With reference to working
experience, work load, level of training, scientific communication and job satisfaction the
respondents were categorized into three groups viz; low, medium and high with score ranges.
Similarly, for attitude towards profession and students, the respondents were grouped into
favourable, neutral and unfavourable categories.
50

PROFILE OF FACULTY OF HOME SCIENCE
Table 1 Distribution of home science teachers according to their cadre
Sl. No. Cadre Frequency %
1. Professor 13 40.62
2. Associate Professor 13 40.62
3. Assistant Professor 06 18.76
Total 32 100.00
The distribution of the teachers showed that 40.62 per cent of the teachers were
Professors and Associate Professors where as 18.76 per cent of them were Assistant
Professors. (Table1).
The effective implementation of merit promotion and career advancement schemes
in the university resulted in more of Associate Professors and Professors.
Table 2 Distribution of Home science teachers based on selected characteristics
S.No. Selected L o w Medium High Total
F % F % F % F %
1 Working experience 4 12.50 12 37.50 16 50.00 32 100
2 work load 9 28.12 14 43.76 9 28.12 32 100
3 Level of training 20 62.50 7 21.87 5 15.63 32 100
4 Scientific communication 2 06.25 27 84.32 3 09.38 32 100
5 Job satisfaction 1 03.13 26 81.25 5 15.62 32 100
It was apparent from Table 2 that 50.00 per cent of the teachers had high working
experience while 37.0 per cent of them had medium and 12.50 per cent had low working
experience.
Majority of the teachers were found to be middle and old aged, total experience
gained by them in teaching, research, extension and others put together could be high as they
were in service for several years.
The work load was medium for 43.76 per cent of the teachers. The work load was low
and high for 28.12 per cent of the teachers. It might be due to allotment of other duties like
assisting the administration in carrying out international, national seminars, conventions, village
adoption, writing reports, participation in other university activities and some clerical work.
Majority of 62.50 per cent the teachers had low level of training and 21.6 per cent had
medium while 15.63 per cent had high level of training. The ultimate cause for this could be
due to lack of sufficient staff and non filling up of the vacant posts, high cost involvement,
less opportunities and inconsistent policy of faculty improvement in the university.
51

SELVIYA and REDDY
Around eighty five per cent of the teachers acquired medium scientific communication
skill and only 9.38 per cent had high scientific communication and low scientific communication
(6.25%).
The demand for latest information is on higher side from the students and hence, the
teachers need to access more learning resources to impart meaningful information / knowledge
to the students or else they will be branded as ineffective teachers. Strengthening of libraries
with more references and regular visits of technical experts to the colleges also helped the
teachers to have better exposure to different sources.
Eighty one per cent of the teachers had medium job satisfaction. A 3.13 per cent had
low job satisfaction and 15.62 per cent had medium satisfaction. The probable reason for this
is due to average organizational climate, praise and recognition for good work, cooperation
from superiors, peers and subordinates.
Table 3
Distribution of home science teachers according to their attitude towards Profession
and Students
S.No. Attitude Favorable Neutral Unfavorable Total
Attitude Attitude Attitude
F % F % F % F %
1. Attitude towards Profession 19 59.37 7 21.87 6 18.76 32 100
2. Attitude towards Students 19 59.37 5 15.63 8 25.00 32 100
It was apparent from Table 3 that more than half of the teachers had favourable
attitude (59.37%) followed by neutral (21.87%) and unfavourable attitude (18.76%) towards
their profession This might be due to that the clerical assistance provided in their jobs as the
teachers are getting more opportunities for a prospective career, highly practical and service
oriented, more challenging one for them. (Sharma and Singh 2001). About 60.0 per cent of the
teachers had favourable attitude followed by unfavourable (25.00%) and neutral attitude
(15.63%) towards students.
The maximum number of students are showing more interest in getting highest marks,
punctual in attending to the classes, utilizing the library facilities and keeping good relations
with the teachers.
REFERENCES
BHARATHI P L V 1994. A study on the teaching effectiveness of teachers of APAU with
special reference to Agriculture Faculty. M.Sc. Thesis submitted to Andhra Pradesh
Agricultural University, Hyderabad.
SHARMA and SINGH 2001. Job performance and job satisfaction of teachers and extension
personnel: A process study. British Journal of Educational Technology. Black well
Publishing 42 : 20.
52

Research Note
J.Res. ANGRAU 36(1) 49 - 53, 2008
ROLE OF MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL
CHARACTERS OF SORGHUM GENOTYPES ON THE INCIDENCE OF
APHID (Melanphis sacchari, (Zehntner) (Homoptera:Aphididae)
IBRAHIM FITIWY, T V K SINGH and J SATYANARAYANA
Department of Entomology
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad- 500 030
As phloem feeders and major vectors of plant viruses, aphids are important pests of
agricultural crops worldwide. They are a perennial source of frustration to farmers and gardeners.
The pest status of these small insects is related to several features of their biology that
enable them to locate and exploit their host plants (Powell et.al., 2006). The sorghum aphid
(Melanaphis sacchari) (Zehntner) feeds on Poaceae, especially on Sorghum bicolor and is
widely distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics of Africa, South America, Asia, Australia
and the Pacific Islands (Harten et al., 1994 and Commonwealth Institute of Entomology
(Commonwealth Institute of Entomology, 1981). The importance of Melanaphis sacchari as
a pest on sorghum results from its colonization when plants are two to three weeks old and
lowers yield by feeding on plant fluids. The sorghum aphid feeding at the basal leaves have a
strong influence on the mobility of mineral nutrients, amino compounds and carbohydrates in
the phloem. By feeding at these sites, Melanaphis sacchari alters the carbohydrate-partitioning
patterns of sorghum, suggesting that infestation might alter sink-source relationships within
the plant. Balikai et al (2001) reported that the losses due to Melanaphis sacchari on sorghum
varied between 12-26% and 10-13% with an overall loss of 16 and 15 % for grain and fodder
yield, respectively.The aphid further fouls the plant by secreting honeydew on leaves and
stems which serves as a substrate for sooty mold which hinders in photosynthetic activities
of the plant. An investigation was conducted to evaluate morpho-physiological characters of
sorghum involving biochemical analysis with direct or indirect effect on the incidence of aphid.
A field study was conducted during 2005/2006 rabi season at the College of Agriculture,
Rajendranagar 500 030 Hyderabad, India. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block
Design, with three replications. The plot size consisted of single rows of 4 m length with a
spacing of 60 cm between the rows and 10 cm between the plants for each genotype, in a
total area of 2197m 2 . Different morphological characters of 60 sorghum genotypes viz., days
to 50% flowering, number of leaves per plant and plant height; N P K and chlorophyll content
* E-mail: ibrahimfi@yahoo.com
53

IBRAHIM FITIWY et. al.
analysis were included in the screening for the direct or indirect effect towards yield reduction
by the sorghum aphid. The total number of days to 50% flowering of the genotypes were
recorded from sowing to the time when 50 % of the plants in the plot were at 50% anthesis
and the plant height was measured in cm from base of the plant to the tip of panicle at
maturity stage. The nitrogen content was estimated by Macro Kjeldhal method describ by the
AOAC (1970) using pelicans KELPLUS apparatus. Vanadomolybdo phosphoric yellow colour
method were used for estimating Phosphorus content in plant samples. The Potassium was
determined using the flame photometer (Muhr etal., 1963) The aphid population density was
recorded based on 1-9 ratings, from randomly selected five plant samples per plot. The scale
consists of 1 = no aphid; 9 = more than 500 aphids and heavy infestation (Balikai and Biradar,
2004).
The seed yield of sorghum genotypes recorded a significant and negative correlation
with the aphid score, plant damaging rate, chlorosis, days to 50 % flowering, chlorophyll and
nitrogen content (Table 1). This implies that these parameters are the predisposing variables
for the crop damage to produce low yield. Sorghum plants growing tall, producing more number
of leaves per plant and accumulating larger quantity of potassium were beneficial for the crop
to produce more seed yield since they established that these 3 variables had positive and
highly significant correlation coefficients. Mote and Shahane (1994) also referred that the
sorghum genotypes which grow tall in height and posses higher content of potassium had a
highly significant and negative correlation with aphid score with reduced susceptibility to the
sorghum aphid. The inter se correlations further established that these 3 variables had a
negative and highly significant correlation with aphid score, damaging rate, chlorosis and
days to 50% flowering.
Perusal of results indicated that the negative and highly significant cause of
improvement in seed yield by plant height of sorghum owes to its relatively low direct effect
(Table 2). However, the indirect influence of plant height with 50% days to flowering, chlorophyll
and nitrogen content together exerted positive influence of higher magnitude in improving the
seed yield. In line to this investigation, Mote and Jadhav (1993) and Mote and Shahane
(1994) reported that the development of aphid population and leaf sugary exudation was more
pronounced in sorghum genotypes having higher nitrogen, sugar, and chlorophyll content in
leaves.
The number of leaves per plant had a negative contribution (- 0.570) on the seed
yield. But this effect was counteracted and largely over compensated through the indirect
influence of improvement in days to 50% flowering, potassium and chlorophyll content in the
leaves and to a lesser extent through the plant height. The positive and highly significant
54

ROLE OF MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL INCIDENCE OF APHID
55

IBRAHIM FITIWY et. al.
56

ROLE OF MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL INCIDENCE OF APHID
contribution of potassium on yield was largely through its direct and positive contribution of a
high magnitude (0.488) in addition to the indirect contribution via days to 50% flowering,
chlorophyll and nitrogen content. These results indicated that the selection of genotypes with
tall plant height, more number of leaves per plant and potassium content subdue the damaging
effect of aphids substantially and thereby reduce the yield losses.
REFERENCES
AOAC 1970. Official methods of analysis Edn. 11. Association of official Agricultural
Chemists. Washington DC, USA P 174.
BALIKAI R A 2001. Bioecology and management of the sorghum aphid, Melanaphis sacchari:
P h.D. Thesis, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Kamataka, India, 203 pp.
BALIKAI R A and BIRADAR B D 2004. Field evaluation of sorghum parental lines for resistance
to shootfly and aphid. Journal of Aphidology 17: 393-394.
CIE (Commonwealth Institute of Entomology) 1981. Sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari:
Zehntner). Distribution Maps of Pests. Series A (Agriculture). Map No. 420, Farnham
Royal, UK.
HARTEN A VAN L L HARCO F A and PRINSON J D 1994. A general guide to the aphids
(Homoptera, Aphidoidea) of Yemen. German plant protection project, Sana’a. 73 pp
MOTE U N and JADHAV S S 1993 Seasonal occurrence of flea beetles, delphacids leaf
sugary exudation and aphids on rabi sorghum. Journal of Maharashtra Agncultural
Universities. 18: 133-134.
MOTE U N and KADAM J R 1984. Incidence of (Aphis sacchari, Zent) in relation to sorghum
plant characters Sorghum Newsletter, 27,86.
MOTE U N and SHAHANE A K 1994. Biophysical and biochemical characters of sorghum
variety contributing resistance to delphacid, aphid, and leaf sugary exudation. Indian
Journal Entomology 56 : 113-122.
MUHR G R, DATTA N P, SANKARA S N, DEVER F, LALEY V K, and DOMAHUE R R 1963.
Soil testing in India, United States Agency for International Development Mission in
India, New Delhi.
POWELL G, TOSH C R and HARDIE J 2006. Host plant selection by aphids: Behavioral,
Evolutionary, and Applied Perspectives. Annual Review of Entomology 51:309-330.
SHARMA H C and NWANZE K F 1997. Mechanisms of resistance to insects in sorghum and
their usefulness in Crop improvement. Information Bulletin no. 45. ICRISAT. 56pp.
57

Research Note
J.Res. ANGRAU 36(1) 54 - 56, 2008
EFFECT OF CHEMICALS AND PLANT GROWTH SUBSTANCES ON
BREAKING OF SEED DORMANCY IN SARPAGANDHA (Rauvolfia
Serpentina (Linn.) Benth. Ex Kurz)
P. PONKUMAR, M. PADMA, M. RAJ KUMAR and T.Y. MADULETY
Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture,
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-30
Rauvolfia serpentina (2n = 22, Fam : Apocynaceae) is one of the important medicinal
plants. It is commonly referred as sarpagandha and is native of India. The usefulness of roots
of sarpagandha for the treatment of snake bite, insect stings, nervous disorders, interactable
skin disorders, etc has a history of 400 years in the country. The attention of western countries
was drawn after the isolation and identification of its most active alkaloid ‘reserpine’ which
has hypertensive properties. The other important alkaloids in sarpagandha roots are ajmalicine,
ajmalinine, rauvolfinine and yohimbine.
The seeds of sarpagandha have poor and slow germination due to stony endocarp
and abortive embryo. Hence, the present study was undertaken to study the effect of chemicals
and growth regulators on breaking the seed dormancy in sarpagandha. The experiment was
conducted on freshly collected sarpagandha seeds during July 2005 to October, 2005 in
Herbal Garden, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. There
were 12 treatments and three replication. Five hundred seeds were taken for each treatment
and soaked for 12 hours in the solutions of KNO 3
@ 0.25% and 0.50%; GA 3
@ 50 ppm , 100
ppm and 150 ppm; NaCl @ 1% and 2%; scarification with concentrated sulphuric acid for 10
& 20 minutes, hot water (seeds were placed in boiling water and left as such for over night),
tap water and a control.
These seeds were sown in seed beds in randomized block design. The germination
count was recorded starting from the day of initiation till there was no fresh seed germination
continuously for two weeks. The seedlings were transplanted at the age of 45 days and
survival percentage was recorded one month after transplanting. The data were statistically
analyzed (Panse and Sukhatme, 1989) and presented in Table-1.
The results revealed that the best treatment was to soak the seeds for 12 hours in
GA 3
100 ppm. Maximum germination of 42.66 % and survivability of 41.52 % seedlings were
recorded by this treatment. The germination commenced earliest in 17.00 days but took
63.00 days for completion.
58

EFFECT OF CHEMICALS IN SARPAGANDHA
However, scarification of sarpagandha seed with concentrated sulphuric acid for 10
minutes also significantly improved the germination to 31 % compared to 9% in untreated
control. This treatment also hastened the germination process. Germination initiated early by
mean 17.33 days and completed by 59 days in contrast to 22.66 and 72.00 days in control.
The survival of seedlings so germinated was 30.06 % against 7.22 % in control.
The major obstacle in sarpagandha seeds for germination might be hormonal imbalance
and hard seed coat. Relatively low concentration of 50 or high of 100 ppm GA 3
significantly
reduced the percentage of germination and survival of seedlings after transplanting. Since,
GA 3
treated seeds performed well, it is sure that the increased ABA : GA ratio prevailed in
untreated sarpagandha seeds (Ho and Varmer, 1978). The earliness of GA 3
treated seeds
might be due to early induction of protein a - amylase (which is the enzyme responsible for
Table 1
Effect of chemicals and growth regulators on seed germination and survival
of seedlings of sarpagandha
Treatments Number of Number of Germination Survival
days for days for percentage percentage
initiation of completion of after
germination germination transplanting
T 1
- KNO 3
0.25% 18.66 58.00 22.33 (28.19) 18.38 (24.62)
T 2
- KNO 3
0.50% 19.00 60.00 24.30 (29.54) 10.82 (18.32)
T 3
- GA 3
50 ppm 17.33 64.00 26.00 (30.64) 24.52(28.48)
T 4
- GA 3
100 ppm 17.00 63.00 42.66 (40.78) 41.52(40.12)
T 5
- GA 3
150 ppm 18.33 58.00 27.00 (31.29) 24.88 (29.54)
T 6
- NaCl 1% 21.33 60.00 20.00 (26.54) 19.46 (26.15)
T 7
- NaCl 2% 21.33 62.00 21.33 (27.50) 20.26 (26.82)
T 8
- Scarification with 17.33 59.00 31.00 (33.82) 30.06 (32.82)
H 2
SO 4
for 10 minutes
T 9
- Scarification with 18.00 60.00 11.00 (19.35) 10.81 (19.02)
H 2
SO 4
for 20 minutes
T 10
- Hot water treatment 21.66 71.00 15.66 (23.60) 13.80 (20.91)
T 11
- Presoaking in tap water 21.33 70.00 9.03 (17.52) 8.85 (17.21)
T 12
- Absolute control 22.66 72.00 9.00 (17.44) 7.22 (16.33)
S E + 0.42 1.70 0.84 0.88
C D (5%) 0.88 3.52 1.74 1.78
Values in the parenthesis are arcsin transformed values
59

PONKUMAR et.al.
breakdown of complex starch into simple sugar and ATP for seed germination process) in
aleurone layer by forming m-RNA for protein (a - amylase) synthesis (Bewley and Black,
1994). Improved germination of acid scarified seeds revealed that seed coat has acted as a
barrier for germination. It was supported by Bhuse etal. (2001) and Moorthy etal. (2005).
It can be concluded that treating sarpagandha seeds with GA 3
100 ppm and scarification
with concentrated sulphuric acid for 10 minutes were effective by recording early germination,
maximum germination and survival per cent.
REFERENCES
BEWLEY J D and BLACK M 1994. Control of the Mobilization of stored reserves. Seed
physiology of development and germination, Plenum Press, New York 346-351.
BHUSE V H, LAD B L and GHULE S T 2001. Effect of various seed treatments for enhancement
of seed germination and seedling vigour in senna (Cassia angustifolia). Research on
Crops 2 (3) : 359-363.
HO D T and VARNER J E 1978. Response of barley aleurone layers of abscisic acid. Plant
Physiology 57 : 168-178.
MOORTHY K R, RAJENDRAN C and SIVASUBRAMANIAN S 2005 Seed treatment for
alleviation of hard seeded ness in senna (Cassia angustifolia L.) Advances in Plant
Sciences 18 (1) : 429-430.
PANSE V G and SUKHATME P V 1989. Statistical methods for Agricultural workers. Indian
Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.
60

ABSTRACTS
Abstracts of Theses Accepted for the Award of Post-Graduate and
Doctorate Degrees in the Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - 500 030
Genetic Characterization and Evaluation of Diverse Cytoplasmic Male Sterile and
Restorer Lines in Sunflower
Student : E. Pavani
Major Advisor : Dr. M. Bharathi
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding
In sulflower (Helianthus annuus L.), the present investigation was carried out during Kharif, 2003 to
Summr, 2004 at Directorate of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad. The four diverse CMS lines (CMS 234,
DCMS 5, DCMS 41 and DCMS 42) were crossed with 25 inbred lines (100 crosses) in one set, to study
restorer maintainer reaction and inheritance pattern of fertility restoration in fertile F 1
s. In another set 14
common restorers were crossed with 4 diverse CMS lines (CMS 335, CMS 7-1, DCMS 41 and DCMS 42) to
study Heterosis, combining ability, correlation and path analysis.
Nine inbreds were proved to be effective restorers for PET-1 while 15 inbreds behaved as maintainers
and only one inbred showed partial restoration.
Fifty six F 1
s obtained from 4 lines and 14 testers were evaluated for along with their parents and
three standard checks. Significant heterotic effects were exhibited by majority of the hybrids.
The results of combining ability revealed the importance of non-additive gene action for seed yield
and yield contributing traits. The magnitude of average degree of dominance revealed over dominance was
the cause of Heterosis for all the traits.
The traits stem diameter, head diameter, number of filled seed per head, oil yield/plant registered
high positive correlations with seed yield. The highest direct effect on seed yield were observed for the traits
oil yield per plant, oil content and 100-seed weight. M.Sc. (Ag.) (2005)
Studies on The Effect of Plant Density, Type of Cutting and Method of
Planting on Growth and Yield of Medicinal Coleus
Student : Ch. Chandrasekhara Rao
Major Advisor : S. Nagi Reddy
Department of Horticulture
The present experiment on “Studies on the effect of plant density, type of cutting and method of
planting on growth and yield of medicinal coleus Coleus forskohlii (Willd) Briq]” was conducted during July
2004 to January 2005 at Herbal garden, Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad. The
treatments consisted of different plant densities, type of cutting and method of planting in two coleus lines. The
experiment was laid in factorial randomized block design.
In the field experiment percentage of establishment was maximum in rooted cuttings of Chintapalli
local over unrooted cuttings of K-8 variety. And the tallest plants were observed with closer spacing of 60 x
20 cm compared to wider spacings. Tallest plants were observed in rooted cuttings on ridge & furrow method
of planting over unrooted cuttings on flat bed method respectively.
Similarly, number of laterals per plant was highest in unrooted cuttings planted at wider spacing (60
x 45 cm) in flat bed method of planting compared to rooted cuttings planted at closer spacings (60 x 20 and 60
x 30 cm) on ridge & furrow method of planting respectively.
61

ABSTRACTS
Leaf area was maximum in Chintapalli local over K-8 variety till 60 DAP, but later K-8 variety
recorded maximum leaf area.
Root to shoot ratio was maximum with rooted cuttings at a spacing of 60 x 30 cm on flat bed method
of planting. Similarly fresh weight of roots was highest at wider spacing. Dry root yield per acre was highest
in rooted cuttings of K-8 variety planted in closer spacing on ridge & furrow method of planting. M.Sc(Ag) 2005.
Studies on the Effect of Post-harvest Application of Chemicals and Growth
Regulators in Extending Shelf Life of Mango
Student : N. Prasanna Lakshmi
Major Advisor : Dr. D. Srihari
Department of Horticulture
A set of three experiments on the effect of post harvest application of calcium compounds, growth
regulators and combined effect of hot water dip + polyethylene bags on shelf-life and biochemical composition
of mango fruits stored at ambient temperature was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, ANGRAU,
Rajendranagar. The shelf-life was increased in the fruits treated with calcium nitrate, benzyl adenine, GA 3
200
ppm and hot water dip at 50 o C + polyethylene bags (100 or 200 gauge) due to delayed ripening when compared
to control at ambient temperature. The data on quality parameters like physiological loss in weight, total
sugars, titrable acidity, TSS also confirm the inhibitory effect on ripening with above treatments.
Post harvest dip treatment of mango fruits with Ca (NO 3
) 2
1 per cent, both concentrations of BA (25
and 50 ppm), GA 3
200 ppm and hot water dip at 50 o C + 100 or 200 gauge polyethylene delayed the ripening
through retared activities of amylase, catalase and polyphenol oxidase which delay the startch breakdown,
respiration, browning respectively.
Mango fruits treated with BA 50 ppm as post-harvest dip recorded the highest shelf-life (18.59 days)
at ambient temperature. M.Sc (Ag.) 2005
Integrated Nutrient Management with Nitrogenous Fertilizer and Castor
Cake in Onion Cv. Nasik Red N-53
Student : D. Saritha
Major Advisor : Dr. P. Veeranna Goud
Department of Horticulture
A field experiment entitled “Integrated nutrient management with nitrogen fertilizer and castor cake
in onion cv Nasik Red N-53” was conducted during kharif 2002-2003 at Student Farm, College of Agriculture,
Rajendranagar. The treatment consisted of 4 levels of castor cake (0,4,6 and 8 t/ha) and 4 levels of nitrogen
0, 50, 75 and 100 per cent recommended dose. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design
with factorial concept replicated thrice.
The result revealed that the growth parameter viz., plant height, number of leaves plant -1 , leaf area
plant -1 , leaf and bulb dry matter increased with increase in castor cake levels of castor cake and nitrogen,
castor cake at 8 t ha; 100 per cent recommended dose of nitrogen (150 kg N/ha). Among the different levels
of castor cake and nitrogen, castor cake at 8 t ha -1 ; 100 per cent recommended dose of nitrogen (150 kg/ha)
recorded the highest plant height, more number of leaves plant -1 , higher leaf area plant -1 , higher leaf and bulb
dry matter over rest of the treatments.
The organic carbon content in soil increased with the decrease in the level of castor cake from 4 to
8 t ha -1 but increases with the increase in the level of nitrogen.
62

ABSTRACTS
The higher net returns were recorded with castor cake at 4 t ha -1 combined with 100 per cent
recommended dose of nitrogen.
The results of this experiment revealed that the castor cake at 6 t ha -1 combined with 75 per cent
recommended dose of nitrogen was found to be optimum for obtaining higher bulb yield and quality onions with
higher TSS and sulphur content. M.Sc(Ag.) 2005
Environmental Impact of Biogas Generation from Poultry Litter
Student : R. Anuradha
Major Advisor : Dr. (Mrs).P. Prabhu Prasadini
Department of P.G. Programme on Environmental Science and Technology
Poultry dropping are available in India to the extent of 3.6 million tonnes per annum. Poultry droppings
contain high moisture, rich in organic matter and nitrogen. Poultry litter is associated with fly menace,
offensive odour in and around the farm particularly during high humid conditions. Use of poultry droppings as
manure for crops, feed for poultry birds and fish may result in air, water and land pollution and also spread
diseases because of the presence of microorganisms like Salmonella sps and E. coli. But, for its high organic
matter and nutrient content processing it for utilization is a better option than disposal.
One of the options of utilization is biogas generation by digesting the droppings anaerobically. A
KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission) model biogas plant of 6 m 3 capacity with 50 hydraulic
retention time was commissioned under the MNES R & D Project at Poultry Experimental Station of Livestock
Research Institute, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad.
Moisture content was highest in biogas slurry (90.5%) and lowest in the dried biogas slurry (6.2%)
and in poultry droppings it ranged between 60.9 to 70.3% with in the time interval of 48 hours. In poultry
droppings and biogas slurry the pH was neutral and in the dried biogas slurry it was moderately alkaline.
The microbial assay indicated the presence of pathogens such as Salmonella sps and E. coil in
poultry droppings.
Air quality analysis was done for CO, CO 2
, NH 3
,H 2
S and CH 4
gases in the poultry shed and near the
biogas plant. Concentrations of CO 2
and NH 3
gases were observed in higher levels in side the poultry shed
compared to the biogas plant.
Direct benefits of biogas generation from poultry manure include biogas production and biogas
slurry as manure. Indirect benefits such as odour control, absence of fly/maggots menace, absence of
pathogens viz., Salmonella sps and E. coli, low methane and ammonia emissions , make the technique ecofriendly.
M.Sc(Ag.) 2005
Effect of Sewage and Effluent Water on Paragrass in Musi River Bed-problem
Analysis Using G Tools
Student : B. Urmila Devi
Major Advisor : Dr. T. Ramesh
Department of Bioresources Management
The present study titled “Effect of sewage and effluent water on paragrass in Musi river bed -
problem analysis using GIS tools” was undertaken to assess the impact of disposed sewage on water, soil
and uptake of pollutants and heavy metals by paragrass.
Soil, water and paragrass samples were collected from eleven locations from the Musi river bed and
analysed for physico-chemical and chemical characteristics viz., micronutrients and heavy metals.
63

ABSTRACTS
The sewage water was neutral to slightly alkaline with pH ranging from 6.11 to 7.62. Soils studied
were slightly alkaline in reaction with pH ranging from 7.05 to 7.84. Electrical conductivity ranged from 1.36 to
1.74 dS m -1 and 0.25 to 1.56 dS m -1 in sewage water and soils, respectively. Though the pH of the water was
within the permissible range for irrigation purpose its EC values indicate that the water belonged to C 3
category
and could be used for irrigation with restrictions.
Nutrient status was assessed with respect to micro nutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn) and heavy metals
(Pb, Ni, Cd, Cr). Zn content in sewage water was below the detectable limit at all the locations. Soil samples
analysed for Zn showed concentrations above permissible limits in nine locations. Fe content of the samples
was above the permissible limit and these values were spatially represented on map Mn content in sewage
water, soil and paragrass were 1.5, 21.61 and 203.49 mg 1 -1 . The values recorded were above the permissible
limits.
Four heavy metals Pb, Ni, Cd and Cr were estimated in the collected samples. Pb contents of
sewage water, soils and paragrass were 0.27, 6.14 and 60.33 mg 1 -1 respectively. Pb contents in sewage
water were above the recommended level (0.05 mg/1) for use of sewage water for irrigation. The lead content
was high at the upstream locations i.e., from Sangham to Puranapul both in water and soil. However, it was
high in paragrass at all locations, indicating its potential extraction of Pb from polluted soils when soil Pb was
more than 1.86 mg 1 -1 . Ni content recorded in sewage water was above the permissible limit at only two
locations. However, it was above the permissible limit in soil and paragrass at nine locations. Mean Cd
content in sewage water (0.02 mg/1), soil (0.65 mg/1) and paragrass (3.93 mg/1) in all the locations studied
were above the normal average values of 0.005, 0.1 and 3.2 mg1 -1 , respectively. Cadmium in water was
relatively high at upstream location over others reflecting the same trend in associated soils.
In general, Karvan and Jiyaguda were found to be the most polluted locations studied.
The dissolved salt content of the Musi river water indicated that it can be used for irrigation with
restrictions. Nutrient concentration in most of the locations studied was above the permissible limit which
predisposes the sewage water and soil for biomagnifications in the cultivated paragrass samples. Paragrass
can be used as a component of phytoremediation of soils polluted with lead and cadmium. The sewage water
from drains needs to be treated in sewage plants and then let out into the river for use. M.Sc (Ag.) 2005
Quality and Storage Stability of Rts Beverage from Bael and Citrus Fruit Blends
Student : Shilpa Nagpal Major Advisor : Dr. (Mrs) P. Rajyalakshmi
Department of Food Science and Technology
Many tropical fruits, which are rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre, are under utilized and lack
popularity. For most of them there is no organized orcharding and little is known about their uses. These fruits
can play an important role in satisfying the demand for variety of products with attractive organoleptic qualities
and high therapeautic value. A number of processed products can be developed from them, which will add to
the existing product range.
Beal (Aegle marmelos Correa) is one such fruit, which is highly accredited in our country since prehistoric
times for its medicinal importance. However, it lacks popularity and is not consumed freely in the fresh
from due to the presence of mucilage and oil glands and also owing to its astringent taste. The pulp if
processed can be better utilized in the preparation of products of commercial importance. As there is a
growing demand for health drinks based on indigenous fruits, the pulp may be used for the preparation of RTS
beverages through blending with seasonal citrus fruit juices.
In the present study, bael fruits were collected from the trees available in ARI campus, Rajendranagar,
Hyderabad during the peak season from March - June 2005 and their physical characteristics were examined.
The pulp was extracted by mixing the edible portion with an equal amount of water (w/v), blending in
a mixie and straining through 20 mesh stainless steel sieve to obtain thick pulp free from seeds and fibre.
64

ABSTRACTS
The extracted pulp was blended with the juice of seasonal fruits like lime, mandarin orange, sweet
orange and pineapple in varied proportions for formulation of RTS beverages. A total of 12 blends were
prepared and evaluated for sensory attributes viz. colour/appearance, consistency, taste, flavour and overall
acceptability.
Based on their organolepetic quality and the acceptable level of incorporation of bael pulp, two
blends of bael : lime (40 : 60 and 50 : 50 proportions) and one each of bael : mandarin orange (30 : 70) and bael
: sweet orange : pineapple (20 : 40 : 40) were selected for further study.
The physico-chemical parameters of all the beverages showed a significant change during storage.
Organopletic evaluation of the blends showed that bael : sweet orange : pineapple was adjudged as the best
blend due to its high scores for taste, flavour and overall acceptability followed by bael : lime blends of 40 : 60
and 50 : 50 proportions and bael : mandarin orange blend.
No significant change was observed in the colour and consistency of the beverages on storage
whereas the taste, flavour and overall acceptability showed a gradual decrease by the end of storage.
However, all the samples scored as acceptable even after storage for two months.
The microbial analysis of the samples revealed a low microbial count in all the samples indicating that
they were safe for consumption.
The study reveals that bael fruit, valued for its medicinal and health benefits can be suitably processed
for making acceptable RTS fruit juice blends with various seasonal fruits.
Agricultural Weather Forecasting, Impact and Analysis in Andhra Pradesh
Student : K. Ravi Shankar
Major Advisor : Dr. Pochaiah Maraty
Department of Extension Education
The present study was undertaken with the main objectives of understanding the profile of
respondents, analyse and document the traditional means of weather forecasting, sources of information on
weather forecasting, impact of weather forecasting in terms of decision making and extent of adoption and
problems and suggestions experienced by the respondents in adopting the weather forecasting.
An ex-post facto research was followed to conduct the study in Ananthapur, Rangareddy and
Visakhapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 180 farmers (respondents) were drawn using random
numbers technique. Sixteen independent variables i.e., age, education, farming experience, extension contact,
mass media exposure, farm size, market orientation, Knowledge of weather, innovativeness, scientific orientation,
economic motivation, attitude towards forecast information, achievement orientation, value orientation, level of
aspiration and risk orientation and two dependent variables i.e., decision making behaviour and extent of
adoption of agricultural weather forecasting were included in the study. Secondary data regarding rainfall,
occurrence of drought was considered in the study. Statistical procedures like frequency and percentages,
mean standard deviation, correlation and multiple linear regression were employed to analyze and interpret
the data.
Majority of the respondents were old, with no education, having 21-30 years farming experience,
with medium extension contact, mass media exposure, small holdings, high market orientation, medium
knowledge of weather, innovativeness, high scientific orientation, medium economic motivation, neutral attitude
towards weather forecast, medium achievement orientation, high value orientation, medium level of aspiration
and high risk orientation.
About 66 bio and non-bio indicators for rain forecasting were documented from the respondents and
were detailed with scientific explanation. The common bio indicators for rain prediction in the selected districts
were movement of dragon flies, jumping cattle, poultry inserting feathers in the soil, flocking of sheep and goats
and singing by black cuckoo bird.
65

ABSTRACTS
Majority of the respondents possessed medium decision making behaviour and extent of adoption
of agricultural weather forecasting.
There was no significant difference among all the four panchangs in predicting rain for Ananthapur
district. Rainfall prediction by panchang P 4
was found to be reliable for Rangareddy and Visakhapatnam
districts. Drought prediction by panchang P 1
was accurate nine out of ten years for Ananthapur district. P 4
was accurate all ten years for Rangareddy district and six years for Visakhapatnam district respectively.
Correlation analysis revealed that weather knowledge, innovativeness, scientific orientation, attitude,
value orientation and risk orientation had positive and significant relationship with both decision making
behaviour and extent of adoption.
Majority of the respondents considered ‘absence of location specific weather forecasts’ as the
major problem in adopting weather forecasting followed by ‘poor reliability of weather forecasts’, ‘failure of
majority of weather forecasts’, and ‘no proper extension service in weather forecasting’.
‘Require location specific weather forecasts by improving infrastructure like installing rain gauges at
village level’, ‘improve credibility / trustworthiness of weather forecasts with proper accountability’, ‘improve
accuracy of weather forecasts by updating frequently’ and ‘improve extension service ice in weather forecasting
like frequent visits by extension personnel along with use of different teaching materials and methods’ were the
major suggestions given by the respondents in adopting weather forecasting.
Assessment and Value Addition to Maize Husk Fibre
Student : P. Usha Joythi
Major Advisor : Dr. (Mrs.) A. Sarada Devi
Department of Textiles & Clothing
Maize (Zea Mays Linn.) belongs to the family Graminae and sub family Panicoideae, tribe Maydeae.
The “husk” portion of the maize fruit which contains fibre is thrown as agricultural waste after the harvest.
The structure was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope. Fibre length was measured in
the form of linear density using Mettler Balance. Instron tensile tester was used for determining the strength
of single fibres. A simple torsional pendulum was used to measure the modulus.
The fabric sample were tested for the fabric parameters like fabric count which was measured by
Pick glass: fabric thickness by Shirley thickness gauge; fabric weight by Quadrant balance. Tensile strength
was measured using STATIMAT - 4 tensile tester and tear strength was tested using Martindale abrasion
tester. The stiffness of the fabric was determined using Shirley’s cantilever tester and the crease recovery
angle was determined using Crease recovery tester. The drapability of the fabric was determined using
Drapemeter.
The fibres showed longitudinal striations, which were the ultimate fibrils. Each fibril was multi cellular
and showed amorphous and oriented molecular arrangement. The length of the fibre was shorter when
compared to other monor vegetable fibres. Initial modulus was lower when compared to cotton, but had
greater extensibility.
The blended yarn Y 2
was more even when compared to yarn Y 1
. The number of thin places, thick
places and neps were more in yarn Y 1
when compared to Y 2
.
The blended fabric F1 was thick and heavier than the fabric F2. Tensile load taken up by both the
fabrics was similar. But the tenacity of Fabric F1 was less than fabric F2 due to the heaviness of the fabric.
It was concluded that maize husk fibre with medium tenacity, good extensibility, required flexibility
etc. is suitable for textile purpose.
66

ABSTRACTS
The data on thickness, weight, abrasion resistance, drape coefficient and crease recovery etc. of
the blended fabrics ensure that maize husk fibre is much suitable for textiles. Good crease recovery and
better drape were observed in these fabrics, which contribute more for better hand of the fabrics.
Molecular Polymorphism in Parents of Interspecific Hybrids Between
Oryza Sativa and Oryza Nivara
Student : G. Deva Prasad
Major Advisor : Dr. N. Sarala
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
As part of a study to map yield enhancing QTLs from O.nivara and introgress them into varieties,
hybrids were obtained using Swarna (O.sativa) as female and two O. nivara accessions as male parents.
IRGC 81832 (SL - 11) from Bihar and IRGC 81842 (SL - 12) from Uttar Pradesh were selected based on their
molecular diversity and vigour.
10 RAPD primers were screened and 3 showed polymorphism. 10 ISSR, primers were screened
and two showed polymorphism. 44 of the 48 F1 plants were identified as true hybrids using molecular markers
which were specific to the male parent (O. nivara). These were 4 and 3 bands amplified by ISSR primers UBC
811 and UBC 834, respectively and one band each amplified by the three RAPD primers OPA 7, OPA 10 and
OPB2. These can be used as diagnostic markers for hybrid confirmation. The polymorphic markers between
O. sativa and O. nivara will be useful in studies on QTL mapping and assessing gene flow wild rice to cultivated
and vice versa.
Large Sclae Production of Cry 1aa Plants in Sorghum
Student : Kavitha, A.
Major Advisor : Dr. G. Anuradha
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
Sorghum is an important dryland crop used as food, feed and fodder. The increasing shift in the
demand for sorghum from staple food to industrially preferred commodity in poultry, bakery and brewing
industries requires large scale production according to the needs of different sectors. Therefore, it is important
to develop and deploy novel technologies such as genetic transformation to increase the grain quality and
resistance to pests that are difficult to breed by conventional means. Two principal methods viz., Agrobacterium
infection and particle bombardment were used for genetic transformation. In vitro response of sorghum was
low, monocalcitrant and was highly genotype dependent. AgNO 3
and CuSO 4
were effective in controlling the
bacterial growth. Gus expression was studied in cotransformation experiments using two individual genes
viz., pDM805 and pCAMBIA 3300 cry 1Aa. Gus results revealed that they were independeltly transformed
without influencing each other. A non tissue culture approach was done to produce transformants at large
scale. Though transient gus expression was present in the immature embryos, mature seeds were not
selected in basta screening. Putative transformants were evaluated through basta spray tests and PCR
analysis using bar and Cry 1B primers. Results of basta swab test were in agreement with PCR results.
Isolation and Characterization of Microsatellites in Mango (Mangifera Indica L.)
Student : Mohd. Azeemuddin
Major Advisor : Dr. J. Nagaraju
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
This study represents the first Indian effort in isolation of microsatellites from Mango (Mangifera
indica L.) Microsatellites were isolated by the selective hybridization method in which DNA fragments containing
repeat motifs specific to repeat probe used in hybridization were captured.
67

ABSTRACTS
Genomic DNA was isolated from flushing tender leaves and digested with Sau3A restriction enzyme.
Digested DNA was dephosphorylated, size selected from 300-1000 bp to which Sau3A ds linkers were ligated.
The linker ligated genomic digest was hybridized against biotinylated repeat oligo and eluted microsatellite
enriched DNA fragments were enriched by PCR using sau3A primer. Enriched fragments were cloned in pCR
2.1 TA cloning vector and transformed into INV∝F competent cells. Totally 120 white colonies were screened
and the clones having insert size above 300 bp were selected and sequenced. Of the 75 clones sequenced,
25 were found to be positive for microsatellites.
Of the 25 microsatellites 16 were dinucleotide repeats, 6 were trinucleotide repeats, only one tetra
nucleotide repeat and 2 imperfect was captured. To the captured microsatellites primers were designed and
standardized. M.Sc. (Ag.) (2005)
Combined Effect of Dietary Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin on Serum Biochemical Profile
in Broilers and Their Amelioration Using Adsorbents
Student : Jayasri A.
Major advisor : Dr. G.V. Narasa Reddy
Department of Veterinary Science
Aflatoxin and ochratoxin A were produced from A. parasiticus and A. ochraceus respectively and
quantified using TLC method. Aflatoxin and ochratoxin A were mixed with the broiler diet to attain a concentration
of 1 ppm and 2 ppm, respectively. Activated charcoal at 0.4 per cent level and / or lyophilized yeast culture at
0.2 per cent level were selected for testing their efficacy in ameliorating the combined toxicosis in broiler
chicks.
Four diets for broilers were prepared – 1) toxin free basal diet (control), 2) basal diet + aflatoxin (1
ppm) + ochratoxin A (2 ppm), 3) basal diet + aflatoxin (1 ppm) + ochratoxin A (2 ppm) + activated charcoal
(0.4%) and 4) basal diet + aflatoxin (1 ppm) + ochratoxin A (2 ppm) + activated charcoal (0.4%) + lyophilized
yeast culture (0.2%). Each of these diets were fed to 4 groups of broiler chicks with 4 replicates of eight birds
each in a completely randomized design for 6 weeks to study their effect on growth, biochemical profile and
vital organs.
The birds fed with diet 2 recorded significantly (P < 0.01) lower weight gains and feed consumption
as well as low levels of serum proteins, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, BUN, calcium and phosphorous.
Significantly (P < 0.01) higher F.C.R, serum bilirubin, uric acid, creatinine, AST, ALT, ALP and GGT were
observed on diet 2 compared to control diet.
Degenerative changes in liver and kidney, germinal center depletion in spleen, cystic space in
bursa of Fabricius and disruption of cardiac muscle fibers in heart were observed on histopathology in birds
fed with diet 2 supporting the biochemical study.
The birds on diet 3 containing aflatoxin, ochratosin A and activated charcoal recorded significant (P
< 0.01) improvement in biochemical parameters as compared to diet 2 but significantly (P < 0.01) much
different from diets 4 and 1.
The birds fed on diet 4 containing aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, activated charcoal and yeast culture have
shown significant (P < 0.01) improvement in the body weights, feed consumption, serum proteins, glucose,
cholesterol, triglycerides, bilirubin, BUN, calcium and phosphorous and reduced levels of uric acid, creatinine,
AST, ALT, ALP and GGT as compared to diets 2 and 3 but significantly (P < 0.01) different from control diet.
Mild dilatation of sinusoidal spaces in liver, very mild degenerative changes in tubular epithelium, lymphoid
follicles with regeneration in bursa of Fabricius and no lesions of pathological significance in spleen and heart
were observed in birds fed with diet 4 reflecting the biochemical study.
The results of this study revealed that inclusion of activated charcoal at 0.4 per cent has partial
protective effect against combined toxicity in broilers whereas activated charcoal at 0.4 per cent and yeast
68

ABSTRACTS
culture at 0.2 per cent in combination has complementary effect in ameliorating the combined toxicity in
broilers. Though, the combination of activated charcoal and yeast culture is more effective in ameliorating the
combined toxicity as compared to activated charcoal alone, they also could not completely ameliorate the
combined toxicity in broilers.
A Study on the Antioxidant Actions of Fish Oil & Vit.e + Selenium in Broilers
Student : Susmita Rout Major advisor : Dr. A. Gopala Reddy
Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology
The antioxidant potentials of fish oil and vitamin E + selenium was assessed for prophylactic and
therapeautic management of free radical induced damage in an experimental model of oxidative stress
induced by an ionophorous coccidiostat, maduramicin, at a toxic level of 8 ppm in feed.
Antioxidant enzyme levels and biochemical parameters were significantly altered, and the
histopathological studies revealed separation of muscle fibre bundles in the myocardium and areas of necrosis
in the liver in the maduramicin toxic control. These parameters were normal in the controls (groups 1,3 and
4), and other groups that were given fish oil and vit E + Se either prophylactically or therapeutically (groups
5,6,7, and 8).
Thus, it is concluded that fish oil and vit E + Se were effective as antiosicants in preventing and
countering oxidative stress by facilitating restoration of antioxidant defence mechanism. Hence, their
supplementation would reduce the incidence of economic losses due to stress. Beneficial effect of fish oil may
be attributed to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids. (M.Sc) 2005
Effect of Processed Paddy Straw Based Complete Diets on Performance and
Nutrient Utilization in Growing Lambs
Student : Panch Ratan Singh Nagi
Major Advisor : Dr. D. Narasimha Reddy
Department of Animal Nutrition
Paddy straw ground with different sieves (8 mm, 12 mm and 16 mm) was incorporated in complete
diet (35%) as a sole roughage source and was compared with conventional feeding (Concentrate mixture and
chopped jowar straw fed separately). These three complete diets and conventional diet were randomly
allotted to 32 growing lambs (3-4 month of age, 12.37 + 0.11 kg) with eight lambs in each group in a growth trial
(180 days) to assess the growth performance, efficiency of nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation pattern,
carcass characteristics and cost economics.
The digestibility of OM, CP, CF and EE were significantly (P < 0.01) higher on complete diets
compared to conventional diet. The digestibility of DM, NFE was similar among all the diets. No significant (P
> 0.05) difference was observed in DM, CF, NFE and EE digestibility among the complete diets whereas CP
digestibility was highest (79.75%) when fed complete diet 8PS compared to 12PS (75.09%) and 16PS (75.54%).
The Ca and P retention was similar on all the diets, whereas nitrogen retention was significantly (P < 0.01)
higher on complete diets than conventional diet. The daily intake of DM, CP, DCP and TDN were significantly
(P

ABSTRACTS
ground with 8mm sieve was optimum for obtaining higher growth rate and nutrient utilization in growing lambs.
(3) The complete diet was economical and resulted in higher performance compared to conventional system
of feeding. (M.Sc) 2005
Development of Suitable Technology to Enhance Keeping Quality of Complete Feed
Student : S. Gobinath
Major Advisor : Dr. D. Narsimha Reddy
Department of Animal Nutrition
The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of storage period, storage material,
preservatives and processing methods on keeping quality of roughage based complete diets using the
nutrient content, aflatoxin level, microbial and insect load as the criteria.
Among the proximate constitutuents, the OM, EE and NFE (%) content were decreased significantly
(P

ABSTRACTS
out using 20 RT-PCR positive plants for DREB 1A gene. Twenty drought stress-responsive partial cDNAs
were initially identified by comparing expression profiles between water stressed transgenic and non-transgenic
plants by means of differential display. Among these 9 were newly expressed (induced), 5 were up-regulated
and 6 were down-regulated.
Interestingly, the sequence analysis of 8 differentially expressed clones identified that the EST
function of 4 cDNA clones was similar to that of stress related genes. Two were similar to that of cold stress,
one to that of water stress and one to abiotic stress. The function of the remaining four clones was not known.
This indicates that many of the abiotic stress responsive pathways may be interlinked. For the clones
identified to be differentially expressed in response to drought, their stress-regulated expression and function
needs to be confirmed and investigated further. The transcripts identified in this study also have great
potential as molecular markers. M.Sc. (Ag.) (2005)
Molecular Analysis of Transgenic Groundnut for Drought Tolerance Genes
Student : Shobha Rani. V
Major Advisor : Dr. K. Manorama
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
Transgenic sorghum plants resistant to stem borer, were evaluated for the expression of bar and
Cry IB genes through Basta spray tests, PCR and southern analysis. Objective of the current study is to
devise Basta spray tests in young plants i.e., before 21d and prior to insect bioassays and, correlate them with
PCR, Southern blots and insect bio-assays using transgenic progeny plants carrying CryIB gene. Thus
0.006% w/v GA was used to evaluate the transgenic (T 1
) progeny at 15d, 25d and 0.01% w/v GA was used
at 35d. Like wise an increased concentration of GA i.e., 0.04% at 45d and 60d was used for screening
transgenic plants. Trangenic plant progeny in genotype CS3541 of event 23-1, were used for evaluation with
Basta spray at five plant growth stages, PCR and insect bioassays under natural infestation. A strong
correlation between PCR and dead hearts was observed. Since sorghum is one of the most difficult plant
species to manipulate through tissue culture and transformation, In planta method of transformation that
excludes all tissue culture works proves to be a promising technology for producing more transgenic plants
in future.
M.Sc. (Ag.) (2005)
Genetic Transformation of Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor L.moench) for
Abiotic Stress Tolerance Using Glyoxalase I Gene
Student : A. Sowjanya Seema
Major Advisor : Dr. M. Maheshwari
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
Sorghum is the major grain crop in semi arid tropics. Until recently the genetic improvement of
sorghum for abiotic stresses has been carried out through traditional plant breeding methods. Non-availability
of efficient transformation techniques is one of the limitations for the application of biotechnology for genetic
improvement of this crop. Present investigation was aimed at developing transgenic sorghum with glyoxalase
I gene through microprojectile mediated gene transfer.
Sorghum shoot apices isolated from 3 days old seedlings were used as explant to induce calli on MS
medium containing 2,4-D and kinetin. Thirteen days old calli were bombarded with gly I gene construct. The
putative Transgenics were selected and maintained till rooting on hygromycin selection pressure. PCR
verification of putative transgenics was done using nptII, hpt and gly I primers. The amplification products
obtained were 1050 bp, 350 and 558 bp respectively, confirming the presence of nptII, hpt and gly I genes.
71

ABSTRACTS
Studies on Genetics and Molecular Markers for Fertility Restorer Gene/S for
Wa-cytoplasm of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)
Student : Sheeba. N.K.
Major Advisor : Dr. S. Sivaramakrishnan
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
Information on the genetics of fertility restoration in a cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) system is
helpful in the selection of restorer lines used in hybrid breeding programs. In the present investigation
genetics of fertility restoration for Wild Abortive (WA) type CMS in rice (Oryza sativa L.) was studied utilizing
two CMS lines (IR58025 and IR62829A), their respective maintainers (B lines) and two restorer lines (KMR3
and IR10198R). Two F 2
populations and five back cross populations were analyzed for their spikelet fertility
percentage to calculate the genetic segregation ratio.
Two unreported SSR markers RM311 and RM474 were also analyzed. Two mapping populations,
one F 2
population from the cross IR58025/KMR3 consisting of 347 individual plants and one back cross
population from the cross IR62829A//F 1
(IR62829A/IR10198R) with 130 individual plants were used in this
study.
Of the eight RAPD markers analyzed, none gave polymorphism between the parents and their
extreme bulks in both the populations studied. One of the primers OPK05 did not show any amplification.
The selection accuracy of RM6100 was checked using 21 restorer lines and 18 maintainer lines.
Except two R lines, IR66 and C-20 R, all the other R lines showed distinct polymorphism between R and B
lines. It showed a selection accuracy of 94.87%. The results indicated that the microsatellite marker RM6100
would facilitate marker-aided selection (MAS) for restorer lines in the CMS-WA system, which will be very
helpful in identifying the restorer lines from large number of genotypes most expeditiously with good accuracy.
This will enhance the efficiency of hybrid rice breeding program.
QTL mapping of Rf trait revealed that the highest phenotypic variance is located between markers
RM311 to RM6100. The position of QTL is located near to RM6100. The results also explained that RM6100-
RM228 is the region containing
Advancing of Ssr Based Marker Assisted Backcrossing of Stay Green Qtls into
Elite Sorghum Lines, 35 And Irat 204
Student : Sripathi Venkateshwararao
Major Advisor : Dr. S. Sivaramakrishnan
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (2n=20) is the most important drought tolerant cereal crop and is the
crop of choice in semi arid tropics. After soil nutrient deficiencies, drought stress is the major constraint
limiting the sorghum production. Drought that effects during post flowering stage is often referred as terminal
drought. The trait associated with terminal drought tolerance is stay green, which is complex and difficult to
score with normal breeding approachs. Using MAS in breeding programs it is possible to introgress drought
tolerant QTLs (stgl, stg2, stg3, stg4, stgA, and stgB) from the donor parent (B35) into the genetic backgrounds
of elite parents like S35, ICSV 111, and IRAT 204. The homozygous QTL introgression lines in the background
of S35 and ICSV 111 were generated as a part of the present investigation by using MAB. The sequencing of
sorghum will definitely help the plant breeders and molecular biologists in tracking out the unknown agronomically
important genes or QTLs. (M.Sc) 2005
72

ABSTRACTS
Development of Trap Markers for Tb1 Gene and Brown Midrib Genes in Pearl Millet
Student : V. Rajaram
Major Advisor : Dr. S. Sivaramakrishnan
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
Gene-specific markers linked to major genes controlling a trait will have a major impact in understanding
and improvement of the respective traits in an efficient manner. Target region amplification polymorphism
(TARP), an efficient PCR-based marker system, offers a great potential to develop markers targeting candidate
gene sequences. Using this marker technique, TRAP markers have been developed for the teosinte branched
1 (tb1) gene (thought to be involved in stress responsive apical dominance in teosinte and pearl millet), and
brown midrib 1 (bm1) and brown midrib 3 (bm3) genes (thought to be involved in lignin biosynthesis and straw
digestibility in maize, sorghum, and in pearl millet) in pearl millet. All 20 TRAP markers were mapped using
‘Mapmaker’ software in a framework linkage map population (ICMB 841-P3 x 863B-P2), which was previously
used to map the targeted drought tolerance and stover yield and quality QTLs. Two out of 10 developed TRAP
markers for the tb1 target mapped to a major drought tolerance QTL on linkage group 2, similarly, 2 out of 10
developed for the two brown midrib gene targets mapped to a consistent stover quality QTL on linkage group
3, finally resulting in high (20% in this case) efficiency in producing triat specific markers associated with
candidate genes.
The TRAP protocol successfully generated trait-specific markers. TRAP markers offer a potentially
inexpensive means for preliminary evaluation of candidate genes during development of near-perfect selectable
markers for species markers for species with limited sequence information. M.Sc. (Ag.) (2005), November
Gene Tagging of Fertility Restorer Gene for ARG Cytoplasm of Sunflower
(Helianthus annuus L.) using RAPDs, ISSRs and Sunflower Specific SRRs
Student : Butta Indumathi
Major Advisor : Dr. B. Srilakshmi
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
Cytoplasmic male sterility is the most viable system for hybrid seed production in sunflower. Till
date, a single source of cytoplasm PET-1 has been used for hybrid seed production in sunflower, which
increases genetic vulnerability to pathogens. To overcome this, there is a need for development of new
ctoplasmic sources and characterization of the restorers for use in hybrid breeding programs.
For the genetic study of fertility restoration, F 2
and BC 1
F 1
populations of ARG x DSI 176 were used.
By phenotypic fertility analysis, typical segregation patterns of 3:1 and 1:1 for fertile: sterile were obtained in
F 2
and BC 1
F 1
populations respectively. Thus it was confirmed that a single dominant gene was responsible for
fertility restoration.
The yellow and white pollen bulks were constituted to identify molecular markers linked to colour of
the pollen. Among three marker systems used to screen bulks, one RAPD marker OPU_1200 was found to
be linked to yellow pollen gene, which was converted to sequence specific SCAR marker, which also confirmed
at individual plant level as well. Analysis by using 120 SSR markers, resulted in identification of 2 markers
ORS468 and ORS331 linked to yellow pollen gene. Interestingly these two markers were located on the same
linkage group (LG) 7. By interval mapping one more marker ORS 966 was found to be linked to yellow colour.
Thus, the SF-19 marker linked to fertility restorer gene can be used for the development of new
restorer lines through MAS. The SCAR marker developed and three SSRs identified linked to colour of the
pollen can be used to map some important traits linked to colour of the pollen. M.Sc. (Ag.) (2005)
73

ABSTRACTS
Molecular Characterization of Bacillus Thuringiensis Isolates
Student : J. Amarendra
Major Advisor : Dr. S. Sokka Reddy
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a gram-positive, spore producing, soil bacterium. Various strains of
Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner, 1911) produce different insecticidal crystal proteins which are encoded by cry
genes.
The present investigation was undertaken with the aim of characterizing 120 local B. thuringiensis
isolates with respect to the subspecies to which they might belong and also to identify the cry genes present
in these 120 isolates, which were collected and maintained at the Directorate of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad,
along with 23 standrad isolates belonging to 11 subspecies of B. thuringiensis obtained form the Bacillus
Genetic Stock Centre, Ohio, USA and 3 commercial formulations of B. thuringiensis, were used for molecular
characterization in the present study.
Finally, cry gene profiling of all the 120 isolates was done by both universal and gene specific
primers for cry genes. When universal primers were used, it was found that majority of the isolates carried
cry1 and cry2 genes, indicating their effictiveness against lepidopteran pests. Further analysis with gene
specific primers indicated preponderance of cry1A, cry1B and cry11 genes and also of cry2Aa and cry2Ab.
Results with few selected isolates (which were selected based on the bioassay results) indicated the presence
of cry1Aa and cry1Ab genes. All these clearly indicated the specificity of these isolates for lepidopteran insect
pests. The selection of local isolates will be useful in the generation of a transgenic plant with a local cry gene
that offers resistance to the serious local pests. Hence PCR based techniques can effectively be used for
characterization of B. thuringiensis strain collections. M.Sc. (Ag.) (2005)
Marker Assisted Selection for Pyramiding Bacterial Blight Disease Resistance Genes
and Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) By Using Ssrs
Student : Mohan Kumar Varma.C
Major Advisor : Dr. S. Sivaramkrishnan
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
Rice (Oryza sativa. L) is the most important food crop in the world and feeds more than half of the
global population. The productivity of rice is being affected by a number of bacterial, fungal and viral diseases.
Among them bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, is one of the oldest and most
serious diseases of rice. As the pathogen is difficult to manage, the development of host-plant resistance is
considered the most effective and economical means to control BB.
Present investigation was a) Marker assisted selection for bacterial blight resistance genes in two
segregating backcross populations of rice. b) Phenotypic evaluation of O. sativa X O. glaerrima derivatives
for resistance to bacterial blight disease. c) Assessing genetic diversity among O. sativa X O. glaberrima
derivatives and varieties of Oryza sativa L. using molecular markers. After screening all the plants of two
populations for four genes with the help of molecular markers linked to the genes, five plants from one
population and two plants from one population were found to have these genes. These plants will be selected
and tested under field conditions to bacterial blight disease reaction. When these plants show better performance
towards disease resistance to BB in the field will be selected as parents for further backcross generations in
MAS breeding program. In the phenotypic evaluation of O. sativa X O. glaberrima derivatives for resistance
to bacterial blight disease all of them showed susceptibility towards BB disease reaction. Further genetic
diversity among O. sativa X O. glaerrima derivatives and varieties of Oryza sativa L. using molecular markers
were assessed. The 23 selected SSR primers amplified 86 alleles across the 27 genotypes with varying
degree of polymorphism. Considerable genetic similarity between the genotypes as evident from the dice
coefficient value of 0.35-1.00, is also reflected in the clustering pattern of O. sativa X O. glaberrima derivatives
74

ABSTRACTS
and O. sativa varieties. In UPGMA clustering analysis all the O. sativa X O. glaberrima derivatives from one
cluster and O. sativa varieties formed another cluster. Moroberekan, which is a land race and widely
cultivated upland rice of Africa fall close to the O. sativa X O. glaberrima diverivatives indicating that it is having
some of the wild traits of O. glaberrima. Azucena, which is a tropical Japonica variety, formed a separate
cluster. Among the O. sativa varieties all the IRRI varieties formed one group and Co39 and Mahsuri (MRF)
formed another group indicating they were closely related to each other. M.Sc. (2005)
Development of Gene Constructs for Studying Expression Pattern of
TA29 Promoter and coxIV Presequence
Student : Kalyani Kallam
Major Advisor : Dr. G. Anuradha
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
The present work was carried out with the basic idea of developing gene constructs for studying
expression pattern and tissue specificity of tapetum specific promoter TA29 from tobacco and mitochondrial
targeting efficiency of yeast cytochrome C oxidase subunit (COSIV) in safflower with the use of reporter gusA
gene (β-glucuronidase) from E.coli. At Directorate of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad, constructs for inducing
male sterility in safflower by tapetum specific expression of ORFH522 in mitochondria using coxIV presequence
have been developed.
With the above strategy, the present work progressed in four phases, which included molecular as
well as tissue culture studies. In the first phase, development of appropriate gene constructs was taken up.
Three constructs were developed in the generic vector background pCAMBIA1391Z, which had gus and
polyA.
The second phase indluded mobilization of all the three constructs along with pCAMBIA1391Z as
control into Agrobacterium strain for subsequent transfer into safflower. The constructs in Agrobacterium
were further confirmed through PCR and restriction analysis.
The third phase of this work involved transformation of safflower with the confirmed Agrobacterium
clones (containing the recombinant binary vectors) and development of the transgenics. The final phase of
this work involved molecular confirmation of the developed transgenic plants using PCR based techniques.
The future line of work with these transgenics involves studies on mitochondrial targeting efficiency
of coxIV and tapetal tissue specificity of TA29 promoter in safflower, using gus gene expression as the marker
by using appropriate techniques. Results with these studies will give a precise view of the effectiveness of
coxIV and TA29 promoter, which will further strengthen the utility of orfH522 based constructs for induction of
male sterility in safflower. M.Sc. (Ag.) (2005)
Enviromental Study on The Effect of Dust from the Mining Activities of Visaka
Cement Industry on Agricultural Crops and Soils
Student : Mohammed Ajaz Ali Khan Major Advisor : Dr. (Mrs.) P. Prabhu Prasadini
Department of Bioresources Management
The study entitled “Enviromental study on the effect of dust from the mining activities of Visaka
Cement Industry on agricultural crops and soils” was carried out on agricultural crops and soils in kharif
season of 2004 in the surroundings of Visaka Cement Industry, located at Malkapur (village), Tandur mandal,
Ranga Reddy district, Andhra Pradesh.
Soils in both zones i.e. within and beyond 1 km distance from the mining activity were clay loam in
texture without any appreciable difference in sant, silt and clay proportions.
75

ABSTRACTS
Soil nutrient status was estimated throughout the crops growth period. The mean available N
content of soils both close to and away from the mining activity was in medium category. However, a highly
significant reduction of available N content in soil close to the mining activity was noticed. The available P 2
O 5
content of soils was low.
Effect of dust from the mining activities of the cement industry on agricultural crops was assessed
through plant height, number of nodes, chlorophyll content, temperature, diffusive resistance and transpiration
rate of leaves, and content of N,P,K, Ca and Mg in the plants.
Physiological response of crops showed variation. In fields close to the mining activity, the chlorophyll
content in terms of SPAD units increased (37.6 – 50.6 to 32.1 – 52.8) in redgram and (40.1 – 43.5 to 37.2 –
44.1) blackgram. SPAD values were significant at vegetative stage of redgram.
Nutrient content of plants in terms of N,P,K, Ca and Mg was assessed to know the influence of
mining activity dust on crops. Low N content was recorded in crops grown in 1 km zone of the mining activity.
The content decreased by 3.8 to 6.8% in redgram and 3.7 to 6.5% in blackgram. Unlike a decrease in N,
content of P and K increased but not significantly. Other nutrients Ca & Mg showed an increase. Ca content
ranged from 1.66 to 1.90% & 1.54 to 1.86% in redgram & blackgram and Mg content ranged from 0.38 to 0.54%
& 0.50 to 0.53% in redgram & blackgram, respectively.
Grain yields of 17.25 and 17.75 q ha -1 were recorded in redgram and 18.5 and 19.2 q ha -1 in
blackgram within and away from the mining activity zone. The differences were not significant. M.Sc. (Ag.)
(2005).
Bio-ecology of Sugarcane Woolly Aphid Ceratovacuna Lanigera
Zehntner (Hemiptera : Aphididae)
Student : N. Cheralu
Major Advisor : Prof.T.V.K. Singh
Department of Entomology
Sugercane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is commercially grown in Andhra Pradesh for production of
sugar and jaggery. Sugarcane woolly aphid Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner (Hemiptera : Aphididae) is a new
emerging pest on this crop, and has been reported to occur in serious proportions from Western and Southern
India.
The life cycle studies were undertaken at Students Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar,
Hyderabad.
A newly emerged nymph was yellowish/greenish yellow in colour. It was found to be very active and
moved fast on the surface of the leaf, when exposed to sunlight. White woolly filaments were observed on the
dorsal side of the third and fourth instar nymphs.
The features of salient anatomical parameters such as general structure, head, abdomen,
arrangement of antennae, rhinaria wax glands, wax gland plates, spiracles, subanal plate, cauda frontal horns
wing venation of forewing and hind wing were drawn using camera lucida. Different characters of the
apterous, alate adults and four instars were studied through electron microscopy at Ruska Labs, College of
Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad.
The sugarcane woolly aphid followed negative binomial pattern or aggregated nature as the dispersion
parameter ‘k’ calculated for all the weeks was less than8. Within the strata (intra plant distribution), the SWA
was aggregated more on the middle strata compared to upper and lower strata in Adsali and ratoon crop.
Indices of dispersion like Lloyd’s indices of mean crowding, cole index also confirmed the negative binomial
distribution of SWA. The results indicated that maximum temperature and RH-II had a significant negative
relationship, while, minimum temperature, RH-1 and rainfall had a non-significant positive relationship. M.Sc.
(Ag.) (2005)
76

ABSTRACTS
Effect of Molybdenum and Boron Application on their Uptake and Yield of
Cauliflower Grown on Alfisols of Southern Teleangana Zone
Student : T. Kamalakar
Major Advisor : Dr. G. Bhupal Raj
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
A field experiment on the “Effect of molybdenum and boron application on their uptake and yield of
cauliflower grown on Alfisols of Southern Telangana Zone” was initiated at Students Farm, College of Agriculture,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the year 2004-2005 to find out the optimum requirement of boron and
molybdenum for cauliflower crop. The experimental soil was sandy loam, deficient in molybdenum (O.11 mg/
kg) and boron (0.38 mg/kg) having pH 6.4. The thirteen treatments consisted of three molybdenum levels
(0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 kg Mo/ha), two boron levels (1.0 and 2.0 kg B/ha), six combination treatments (three
molybdenum and two boron levels), control (no molybdenum and boron but P supplied through SSP) and in
another treatment no molybdenum and boron but P applied through DAP.
Molybdenum application to the soil up to 0.50 kg ha -1 significantly increased the mean number of
leaves per plant, curd diameter, dry matter yield of plant (leaves + steam), curd and whole plant, curd weight
per plant, curd yields, molybdenum content and up take by plant and this treatment is on par with 0.75 kg Mo
ha -1 application.
Boron application to the soil up to 2.0 kg B ha -1 also significantly increased the number of leaves per
plant, curd diameter, dry matter yield of plant, (leaves + stem), curd and whole plant. The curd yield and boron
uptake by whole plant due to application of 2.0 kg B ha -1 and 120.50 g ha -1 respectively.
The curd yield and the molybdenum and boron uptake by whole plant with combined application of
0.5 kg Mo and 2.0 kg B ha -1 were 19.0 t ha -1 3.55 g ha -1 and 121.19 g ha -1 , respectively and this treatment was
highly significant and best among all the combination treatments.
Sulphur application at 30 kg ha -1 supplied to soil through the application of recommended dose of
phosphorus by SSP also resulted in significant increase in curd diameter, curd weight per plant and curd yield
when compared to no sulphur treatment (Recommended dose of P was applied through DAP). Curd diameter,
curd weight per plant and curd yield recorded due to 30 kg S ha -1 application were 14.10 cm, 482 g and 12.58
t ha -1 respectively when compared to sulphur control (12.80 cm, 465 g and 11.40 t/ha) respectively.
The available molybdenum and boron contents recorded in post harvest soils were comparatively
more with their increased dose of application when compared to control. Available sulphur content recorded
in post harvest soil with respect of S supplied treatment (P through SSP) was also more than sulphur control
plot (P through DAP). Over all, the differences in available molybdenum, boron and sulphur contents in post
harvest soil samples in different treatments were not significant.
The combined application of 0.50 kg Mo ha -1 + 2.0 kg B ha -1 is suggested to get the higher curd weight
per plant and curd yield in cauliflower grown in Alfisols of Southern Telangana zone of Andhra Pradesh.
Application of phophorus through SSP is suggested to get the good curd yields as recommended SSP also
supplies 30 kg S ha -1 to the crop. M.Sc. (Ag.) (2005)
Biology and Bioefficacy of Selected Insecticides Against Safflower Aphid,
Uroleucon Compositae Theobald on Safflower
Student : M. Shirisha
Major Advisor : Prof.T. Raman Goud
Department of Entomology
The field experiments were carried out for safflower aphid, Uroleucon compositae Theobald at
College Farm, College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during rabi season of 2004-
77

ABSTRACTS
2005 to study the instar composition and the efficacy of different selected insecticides, while, laboratory
studies on the biology of safflower aphid was conducted in Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture,
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad.
The biology and morphometric studies indicated that the safflower aphid U. compositae was multiplied
parthenogenetically and there were four nymphal instars. The total nymphal period was completed in 9.68 +
0.69 days. Pre-reproductive, reproductive and post – reproductive periods were 1.34 + 0.41, 7.97 + 0.90 and
0.55 + 0.50 days, respectively. The average fecundity was 31.68 + 12.79 nymphs. Total life cycle was
completed in 15.00 to 25.50 days.
The highest per cent infestation on branches (85.81 + 13.60%) was recorded in fifth standard week
(February first week). Initially the aphids were found on the lower plant parts and as the plant reached
maturity, the infestation was abundant on upper parts like inflorescence and capsules. In the colony, first and
second instars were more in number compared to other instars. Alate aphids were more in early and mature
stages of the plant.
Among different insecticides, dimethoate (0.05%) was more effective than the other treatments
against safflower aphid. The neem oil 1% proved to be best among the plant products. Dimethoate (0.05%)
recorded highest yield and ICBR than other treatments. Border spraying of NSKE (5%) and dimethoate
(0.05%) were least effective in reducing the aphid population. M.Sc. (2005)
Compatibility of Certain Biocontrol Agents with Commonly Used Agrochemicals
Student : M. Ashok
Major Advisor : Dr. D. Raja Ram Reddy
Department of Plant Pathology
A detailed study on compatibility of both native and commercial formulations of biocontrol agents
such as Trichoderma viride, T. harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens with commonly used agrochemicals
which included certain fungicides (copper oxychloride, mancozeb, carbendazim and hexaconazole),
insecticides (thiomethoxam, imidacloprid, chlorphyriphos and carbosulfan), fertilizers (calcium ammonium
nitrate, ciammonium phosphate, single superphosphate and muriate of potash) and herbicides (pendimethalin
and fluchloralin) was carried out during the present investigation with three soil-borne plant pathogens viz.,
Phythium aphanidermatum, Macrophomina phaseolina and Sclerotium rolfsii.
Out of two systemic and two non-systemic fungicides tested in vitro for compatibility with bioagents,
copper oxychloride (COC) and mancozeb at 100 ppm were found to be compatible with commercial and native
isolates of T. viride and T. harzianum. While, carbendazim and hexaconazole were highly incompatible with
all bioagents at all the concentrations tested. Whereas, the bacterial antagonistic isolates of P. fluorescens
were compatible with all the fungicides tested at 100 ppm concentration and incompatible at higher concentrations
of the fungicides.
Pendimethalin and fluchloralin were inhibitory to the growth of all the fungal antagonists tested.
However, these herbicides were highly inhibitory at higher concentrations than at lower concentrations.
Whereas, the commercial isolate of P. fluorescens (Sun Agro Monus Pf) showed tolerance to the test herbicides
at 100 and 500 ppm concentrations. Of the two berbicides, fluchloralin was found superior in inhibiting the
growth of the antagonistic isolates.
All the compatible combinations of agrochemicals (fungicides, insecticides fertilizers and herbicides)
with potential fungal antagonistic isolates reduced the radial growth of the test pathogens at lower concentrations
to at higher concentrations. Of the eight fungal antagonistic isolates tested, native isolate of T. harzianum
(DOR 2 Th) found superior than isolates in inhibiting the growth of P. aphaidermatum in COC and mancozeb
amended medium at 100 ppm concentration.
78

ABSTRACTS
The combined effect of two bacterial biocontrol isolates (sun Agro Monus Pf and Vermigreen Pf) with
various agrochemicals like fungicides, insecticides, fertilizers and herbicides was studied at 100, 500, 1000
and 2000 ppm concentrations against P. aphanidermatum, M. phaseolina and S. rolfssi.
Among all the treatments, a combination of seed treatment with T. harzianum (Sun Agro Derma Th)
and soil drenching with COC (100 ppm) was found to be best in reducing seedling mortality caused by M.
phaseolina. This treatment not only reduced the disease, but also increased the growth parameters of the
seedlings of tomato, brinjal and bhendi. M.Sc. (Ag.) (2005)
Nutritional Status of Elderly Living in Urban and Rural Areas
of Bidar District (Karnataka)
Student : Mahananda Devi
Major Advisor : Dr. (Mrs) V. Vimala
Department of Food and Nutrition
Aged or the elderly people need utmost care to lead a normal life. The inevitable degenerative
changes that occur during the aging process result in their functional decline. A through understanding of the
nutritional status and psychological problems of these post mature adult group of population is necessary to
help them to lead their life normally. The current study is addressing these problems and was taken up to
assess the nutritional status of elderly in urbal and rural areas of Bidar District (Karnataka).
The approach involves selection of elderly citizens above sixty years and diet survey. Socio
demographic data, health and morbidity pattern were collected by oral questionnaire method. Food intake was
assessed by a 24 hour recall method and heamoglobin levels in the blood by cynameth hemaoglobin method.
The UCLA (University of California Loneliness Scale for Adults) was used to measure the loneliness, physical
and psychological problems. All these parameters were assessed by administering an interview schedule to
the total sample of 120 elderly.
The consumption of food intake pattern showed significant differences among rural and urban
elderly. Ti also varied among gender. The urban elderly showed a better nutritional status than rural,
irrespective of living with family or living alone. The urban women showed better nutritional status than their
counterparts.
The health problems faced by the elderly include physical problems, disease and psychological
problems. Majority of the elderly faced physical problems regardless of their gender and living habits.
Irrespective of sex, psychological problems such as loneliness and depression was higher in elderly living
alone in rural areas than their counterparts. This had lead the elderly to adopt certain habits like smoking,
drinking, chewing pan, playing cards etc.
The present study identifies the reasons for most of these problems faced by elderly as poor socioeconomic
conditions, isolation, unsatisfactory family relations, spouse loss, depression and decreased mobility.
These problems that are prevailing among the elderly people need to be taken care of for their healthy and
peaceful life. M.Sc.(H.Sc) 2004
Isolation of Yeast Strains and Screening for Amylosytic, Pectinolytic Activities and
Production of Alcohol from Different Fruits and Vegetable Wasters
Student : P. Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy
Major Advisor : Dr. R. Subhash Reddy
Department of Post Graduate and Research Centre
The present investigation was carried out with the objective of isolating pectionolytic and or amylolytic
yeast cultures and fermentative production of alcohol from over ripened mango and tomato pulp. Seven
79

ABSTRACTS
samples were obtained from different places and isolates were purified which were identified as yeast cultures
based on morphological, cultural and biochemical characters. Some of the isolates AM-113, AM-115 and AM-
117 has slight pectinolytic activity and none of the isolates had amyloltic activity. All the isolates had alcohol
producing ability but highest alcohol production (80.00 g /L) was noticed with S. cerevisiae MTCC 172 and
lowest was with isolate AM-111 (54.00 g /L).
Mango and tomato pulp was subjected to treatments with pectinase and amylase to increase the
flowability of the pulp and also to increase the availability of sugers etc for utilization by yeast culture for
conversion to alcohol. The addition of pectinase to mango and tomato pulp did not show increase in alcohol
content. Treatment of mango pulp with amylase had considerable increase in alcohol production where as
treatment of tomato pulp with amylase did not show improvement. Treating the mango pulp both enzymes did
not show increase in alcohol whereas in tomato considerable increase was observed. The alcohol production
was very low when substract alone is used in both mango and tomato pulp. To observe whether simple
addition of sugar also would help in increasing alcohol production compared to enzyme treatments, sugar was
supplemented to pulp before initiating fermentation. The alcohol content nearly doubled when sugar is added
to the substrate in both mango and tomato pulp compared to substrate alone, but alcohol content was lower in
both cases when compared to enzymes treated pulp.
Based on the present study it is established that over ripened mangoes and tomatoes can be used
effectively for fermentative production of alcohol using pre-treatment with enzymes. M.Sc. (2005)
80