NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Community: BVAAP Vol.15 [2007]

Effect of mentha slurry on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in north Indian plains

Tue, 29 May 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Effect of mentha slurry on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in north Indian plains

Authors: Yadav, R B; Singh, H R; Singh, R V; Yadav, H S

Abstract: A Field experiment was conducted at farmer's field in the adopted village of KVK Rampur in north Indian plains during the rabi seasons of 2002-03 and 2003-04 to study the effect of incorporation of mentha slurry on the growth and yield of wheat (TriticulIl aestivIII L.). Study revealed that the maximum grain yield of 59.65 and 61.25 q/ha was obtained with the treatment 150:60:40 kg/ha NPK along with 8.0 t/ha slurry during 2002-03 and 2003-04, respectively, which was statistically at par with 120:60:40 kg/ha, NPK + mentha slurry @ 8.0 t/ha, whereas the grain yield was statistically at par with the treatment where 120:60:40 kg NPK/ha was applied with 8.0 t/ha mentha slurry to the treatment 150:60:40 kg NPK/ha alone. On an average about 14-27% more grain yield was obtained with the use of mentha slurry @ 8.0t/ha to their respective treatments.

Page(s): 71-73

Study of glycemic profile of Cajanus cajan leaves in experimental rats

Tue, 29 May 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Study of glycemic profile of Cajanus cajan leaves in experimental rats

Authors: Jaiswal, Dolly; Rai, Prashant Kumar; Kumar, Amit; Watal, Geeta

Abstract: Cajanus cajan K (Millsp) is commonly known as pigeon pea (or red gram). It is an important pulse crop of the tropical regions. The present study deals with the aqueous extract of Cajanus cajan leaves and evaluation of its glycemic profile in Streptozotocin induced type-2 diabetic rats. Single oral administration of graded doses of aqueous extract of leaves showed significant increase in fasting blood glucose levels (FBG) of normal rats by 14.3%. The mild diabetic and sub-diabetic animals had shown hyperglycemic effect from variable doses of extract. The maximum rise of 17.0, 71.3 and 50.8 % was observed in BGL from a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight after administration in normal, sub and mild diabetic rats, respectively during glucose tolerance test (GTT). The study of leaves was taken into consideration on the basis of earlier reported hypoglycemic activity of Cajanus cajan seeds. However, the results observed were found just opposite and therefore it may be useful in controlling hypoglycemia, occasionally caused due to excess of insulin and other hypoglycemic drugs.

Page(s): 33-36

Indigenous magical tonic to build resistance in vegetables against insect pests and diseases

Tue, 29 May 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Indigenous magical tonic to build resistance in vegetables against insect pests and diseases

Authors: Kanojia, Ashok K; Arora, Sumitra

Abstract: Vegetables are the major constituents ofIndian diet as majority of the Indians are vegetarian. India is the second largest producer of vegetables after China, producing about 75 million tonnes. The existing area under vegetable cultivation in India is around 4.5 million ha. However, there are several factors that limit the productivity of the vegetables, mainly the insect pests and diseases. Traditional knowledge should essentially be a component of integrated pest management to reduce the dependence on chemical pesticides and ecological deterioration. The insect pests inflict crop losses to the tune of 40% in vegetable production. Menace of pests on vegetables is not a hidden phenomenon and the use of more and more insecticides has not solved the purpose. Traditional practices of biological pest control have recently been the subject of increasing scientific interest as ageold location specific farming practices in general and pest management in particular are followed in different regions for managing crop pests. These practices are environmentally sound, nature friendly and economically feasible. One of the interesting indigenous knowledge has been explored from Akoli Tehshil of Ahmadnagar district in Maharashtra by conducting a survey to explore traditional practice in plant protection under one of the institute's research projects. This indigenous knowledge is locally known as magical tonic which is prepared from homely available materials like pure ghee, neem leaves extract, cow urine, butter milk/chhach, jaggery and bajra flour. A formulation is obtained after fermentation of these ingredients. The formulation acts as plant tonic, which builds up resistance to withstand pests and diseases in vegetables, particularly brinjal, beans, and tomatoes. The growth and development of fruits also get enhanced. Plants with severe wilt got rejuvenated after its application and attained strength and vigour. It helps in reducing the application of chemical inputs. Thus, farmers get economical gains besides keeping the environment safe from the hazardous impact of synthetic pesticides.

Page(s): 67-70

Managing plant diseases through milk : an innovative approach

Tue, 29 May 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Managing plant diseases through milk : an innovative approach

Authors: Kumar, Arun

Abstract: Invoking natural defense system of plants at the onset of disease is an appealing concept. Milk is an excellent source of nutrients and offers an exceptional medium for exploration. Milk has been described as natural inhibitor for managing plant viruses and fungal diseases with better sticking and spreading qualities. Cow and Goat milk have amino acids containing potassium phosphate, which boosts the immune system of plants through induced resistance. Endogenous proline encourages cytokinin and auxins to systemically induce resistance in plants. Research has identified milk as potential replacement for synthetic fungicides in the control of plant diseases. Experiments undertaken in Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur have shown positive results. The present paper demonstrates the bio-efficacy of raw cow milk and its environment friendliness to manage the leaf curl disease of Chilli and downy mildew of Pearl Millet with seed and soil application of fungal bio-protectants. This resulted in considerable reduction in the incidence of diseases and improvement in the yield and quality of the produce.

Page(s): 63-66