e Journal

Mysore J. Agric.Sci., 48 (3) : 2014 ABSTRACT 487AGRICULTURAL MICROBIOLOGYEffect of Polymer Coating on Survivability and Field Performance of Bradyrhizobium in Groundnut [Arachis hypogaea L.] PREMANAND HIREMATHA field experiment to study the “effect of polymer coating on survivability and field performance of Bradyrhizobium NC 92on groundnut” was conducted during Kharif 2012 at GKVK, Bangalore. The field experiment was laid out in RandomizedComplete Block Design with eleven treatments and three replications.The polymers used for coating Bradyrhizobium ongroundnut seeds were sodium alginate, polyvinyl pyrollidone, Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and Xanthan at 2 per centconcentration. The treatment having seeds coated with Bradyrhizobium in CMC +75 per cent N + 100 per cent PK showedhighest plant height at harvest (45.33 cm) pod yield per ha (25.84 q / ha), 100 seed weight (36.33 g) microbial population aftercrop harvest viz., Bacteria (32.33 × 106 cfu / g soil), fungi (24.89 × 103 cfu / g soil) and actinomycetes(19.45 ×104 cfu / g soil)including Bradyrhizobium (19.59 × 106 cfu / g soil). The storage studies conducted on survivability of Bradyrhizobium in seed coated with polymers and fungicidesshowed that the treatment having 2 per cent carboxy methyl cellulose + Bradyrhizobium+Bavistin showed more survivabilityof Bradyrhizobium (39.03 × 107 cfu / g soil) (more than six months). The results of this study showed that the technology is more beneficial to farmers who can directly sow the pretreatedBradyrhizobium seeds of groundnut without any pretreatment and can avoid searching for crop specific Bradyrhizobiumduring the cropping season. 2013 K. R. SREERAMULUDepartment of Agricultural Microbiology, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major AdvisorEffect of Spent Mushroom Substrates on Growth of Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata, L. MANOJ, R.MUSHROOMS are the fruiting bodies of fungi belonging to basidiomycetes and ascomycetes. The preliminary test to know theeffect of substrates (floriculture and vegetable wastes) on growth of mushroom fungi based on weight loss in differentcombination with paddy straw was tested. The best combinations were further studied for mushroom production by bagmethod. Paddy straw (75 % ) with chrysanthemum flower waste, (25 %) as substrate showed higher mushroom (Hypsozygousulmarius) yield (641.33 g / bag) and bio efficiency (128.26 %). Paddy straw alone as substrate showed higher mushroom(Pleurotus florida ) yield (546.67 g / bag) and bio efficiency (109.33 %). Spent mushroom substrate serves as source of nutrients to plants in the soil. The spent substrates application to soilwith NPK was evaluated for the growth of cowpea and its rhizosphere microorganisms. The pot culture experiment showed higher microbial population (bacteria, fungi, phosphate solubilizers, diazotrophsand VAM spores) in the rhizosphere soil with mushroom spent substrate. Enzyme activity (dehydrogenase) and growthattributes of cowpea such as higher plant height (49.90 cm and 42.40 cm), total fresh biomass (54.10 g / plant and 47.60 g /plant) and total dry biomass (13.30 g / plant and 12.80 g/ plant) were recorded highest with the use of Hypsozygousulmarius mushroom spent substrate (Paddy straw,75 % + chrysanthemum flower waste,25 %) and Pleurotus florida mushroomspent substrate (paddy straw,75 % + onion waste,25 %).Use of spent mushroom substrate influences the microbial populationin the rhizosphere of cowpea and enhanced the growth of plant. 2013 B. C. MALLESHADepartment of Agricultural Microbiology, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor

488 ABSTRACT Mysore J. Agric.Sci., 48 (3) : 2014 Microbial Composting of Silk Worm Pupae and its Effect on Growth and Yield of Chilli (Capsicum Annuum L.) SANTHOSH KUMARA, G. T.THE efficiency of protein degrading microorganism’s viz., Bacillus subtitles, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Aspergillusniger on degradation of silkworm pupal waste was studied in the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, UAS, GKVK,Bangalore. The highest EC (4.48 dsm–1), Organic Carbon (22.37 %), Nitrogen (1.60 %), Phosphorous (1.25 %), Potassium(1.15 %), Calcium (1.88 ppm), Magnesium (1.25 ppm) and narrow C:N ratio (13.40) was recorded in the treatment of T6(Silkworm Pupae waste + Bacilllus subtillis + 10 % cow dung slurry). Further, comparative efficiency of Silkworm PupalManure (SWPM) with organic manures like vermicompost and FYM with biofertilizers at graded levels of N and P wasevaluated under field condition during kharif 2012 on Chilli. Highest plant height (69.2 cm), number of branches (17 / plant),fruit length (9.80 cm), fruit weight (4.67g), green fruit yield (4.5 kg/plot and 43.70 q / ha respectively) were recorded in thetreatment of T1 which was found statistically on par with T7 which recorded highest growth and yield parameters. Themaximum bacteria (52x106cfu / g soil), fungi (19.10 ×103cfu/g soil), actinomycetes (14 ×104cfu / g soil), Azotobacter spp(20×105cfu / g soil) and Bacillus spp (18.27×106cfu/g soil) were observed in treatment (T1) having 75 % NP +100 per cent K+ A.chroococum + B.megaterium + SWPM. The field study revealed SWPM was found superior than vermi compost andFYM. The study revealed that microbial inoculation with SWPM is advantageous to crop growth and to obtain high yielda possible saving of 25 per cent N and P fertilizers by using these microbial inoculants was elucidated from the study. 2013 M. SRIKANTHAIAHDepartment of Agricultural Microbiology, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor Vermicompost- A Carrier for Microbial Consortia MANIKANTA, D. SAN experiment was conducted to determine the effect of vermicompost and lignite as a carrier based inoculant formulationcontaining microbial consortia. The per cent survival of Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megaterium and Trichodermaviride in single inoculant formulation in vermicompost was recorded to be 79.24, 75.28 and 80.39 per cent respectively.Among dual inoculants B. megaterium + T. viride showed highest per cent survival (81.19 and 99.24 per cent) followed byA. chroococcum + T. viride (75.93 and 99.56 per cent) and A. chroococcum + B. megaterium (73.22 and 91.47 per centrespectively). In triple inoculant formulation containing A. chroococcum + B. megaterium + T. viride recorded a highest percent survival of 87.39, 93.02 and 101.87 respectively among all other inoculant combinations. It was observed thatvermicompost based formulation was found to support greater survival of bioinoculantsup to six months of storage periodat required population compared to lignite based formulation. Effectiveness of these inoculant formulations was tested in chilli (Capsicum annuum) in a green house experiment. Inthis study higher nitrogen uptake [root (66.68 mg/plant) and shoot (88.72 mg/plant)], phosphorus uptake [root (7.83 mg/plant) and shoot (11.28 mg/plant)], chlorophyll content [chl-a (2.14) and chl-b (1.24 mg/g FWT of leaf)], plant height (53.78cm), number of branches (11/plant) and total biomass (9.21 g/plant) was recorded in plants receiving triple inoculantconsortium irrespective of its formulation. However, the plants receiving vermicompost based formulation have shownhigher plant growth parameters as compared to the plants receiving lignite based formulation. 2013 G. P. BRAHMAPRAKASHDepartment of Agricultural Microbilogy, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor Agriculture College, Navile, Shimoga

Mysore J. Agric.Sci., 48 (3) : 2014 ABSTRACT 489Microbial Processing of Jackfruit Waste as Animal Feed AJEY, G.THE study on microbial processing of jackfruit waste with different nitrogen sources for enriched animal feed was carried outat Department of Agricultural Microbiology and PHT scheme during the year 2011-2013. Different yeast strains viz.,Saccharomyces cereviciae, S. boulardii, Candida utilis, isolate JFW Scereviceae and LAB strains viz., Lactobacillusplantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, isolate JFW Lactobacillus spp were evaluated for solid statefermentation of jackfruit waste. The results revealed that the jackfruit waste fermented by yeast strain Saccharomycesboulardii and LAB strain Lactobacillus acidophilus recorded lowest pH (4.05 & 3.98), highest titrable acidity (0.80, 0.81%),crude fat (6.53% & 7.12%), crude protein (9.59% & 9.32%), carbohydrate (75.31 & 74.66%) respectively. Jackfruit wastesupplemented with organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen and fermented with yeast (S boulardii) and LAB (L acidophilus)was studied for the nutrient enrichment of the animal feed. The results revealed that jackfruit waste supplemented with 2 percent ammonium sulphate and fermented by combined yeast and LAB recorded highest crude protein (22.34%), crude fibre(23.37%). The developed enriched animal feed from jackfruit waste in the form of dried powder contained with moisture(5.42%), protein (23.81%), crude fibre (22.63%), crude fat (6.37%), carbohydrates (71.40%), ash (6.5%) and had yeast andlactic acid bacterial population of 1.1x106 cfu and 1.8x106 cfu/g respectively. From the results it is concluded that by microbialprocessing of jackfruit waste can be converted into enriched animal feed which help in effective utilization of Jackfruit wastewhich otherwise being discarded. 2013 K. B. MUNISHAMANNADepartment of Agricultural Microbiology, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS Statistical Methods for Studying the Effects of Multiple Outliers in Designed Experiments DINESH S. INAMDARDESIGN of experiments is the backbone of agricultural research experiments. Adopting RCBD, with an aim to statistically testthe significance of several treatments, a given treatment is replicated ‘r’ times to assess its power of repeatability for a trait.However, it so happens that replicated values may not follow a normal pattern but have some outliers/aberrant data, leadingto non-significant results in ANOVA. It is also not advised to delete them as the basic principle of randomization will beviolated and every observation may carry some useful information for crop scientists to exploit. This calls for employing arobust analysis approach, which gives suitable weights to those outliers based on observed pattern of replications, extractssome information and ensures statistical adequacy. Foregoing thoughts were elucidated by adopting robust ANOVAtechniques for comparing various pollination methods (treatments) on seed yield and related traits of Brinjal crop. Cook’sdistance measure was computed to identify the outliers in the experimental data. Robust analysis, across eight traits, based on Huber’s and Andrew’s M-estimation methods resulted decreasederror mean square as high as 90.03 per cent coupled with 97.17 per cent decrease in Probability of Type 1 error and 85.02 percent decrease in error mean square coupled with 86.01 per cent decrease in Probability of Type 1 error, respectively. It wasobserved that by adopting suitable M-estimation procedure, a researcher, without removing an outlier could arrive atrequired inference about the treatmental differences without violating basic principles of experimental designs. 2013 R. VENUGOPALANDepartment of Agricultural Statistics, IIHR, Hessarghatta, Bangalore Major Advisor

490 ABSTRACT Mysore J. Agric.Sci., 48 (3) : 2014 Supply Demand Projections for Food Grains in Karnataka LAKSHMI NARSIMHAIAHTHE present study was undertaken to project the supply and demand for foodgrains in Karnataka during XII and XIII fiveyear plan period by making use of district level data of 64th round consumer expenditure survey published by National-Sample-Survey-Organization during 2007-08 which facilitated to capture the regional variation in composition of foodbasket while carrying out supply-demand projections. The demand estimates are derived based on growth of population,per capita income and income elasticity of demand. Log–inverse, Double–log, Log-log–inverse, Linear, Quadratic and Semi-log models were used for computing expenditure elasticities. Best functional form was chosen based on high R2. Supply offoodgrains in the state was projected by projecting area and productivity of major food crops using time series data from1990-91 to 2009-10. The log-linear regression model was fitted to estimate area. Productivity of food crops were projectedconsidering the weather cycle of the state. Production was obtained by multiplying the projected area by productivity.Supply estimates were derived by adjusting the production to seed, feed and other industrial requirements. The estimate ofsupply-demand gaps with respect to rice, wheat, Jowar, ragi, gram, tur and total foodgrains was –5.35, -9.15, 3.80, 3.48, 6.86,0.35 and -3.87 lakh tons respectively by 2016 and by the end of 2021 it is expected to be -21.25, -12.87, 4.64, 3.02, 10.46, -0.78and -38.14 lakh tons respectively. The study indicates supply-demand gap for total foodgrains would be widening at the endof XIII five year plan period. 2013 H. CHANDRASHEKAR Major AdvisorDepartment of Statistics and Co-ordinator Project Planning and Monitoring Cell, UAS(B), GKVK, Bangalore AGRONOMYStudies on Utilization Efficiency of Harvested Water With Integrated Nutrient Management for Maize Production in Alfisols RANJAN HIJAMA field experiment entitled “Studies on utilization efficiency of harvested water with integrated nutrient management formaize production in Alfisols” was conducted at All India Co-ordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture, UAS,GKVK, Bengaluru during the kharif season of 2012 on sandy loam soil to assess the effect of protective irrigation giventhrough harvested water as the irrigation water source along with the effect of weed biomass mulching combined withintegrated nutrient management and to work out the economics of maize production. Significantly higher growth parameters,yield attributes, kernel yield (6498 kg ha–1) and stover yield (11095 kg ha–1) were observed in the plots where three protectiveirrigations along with mulch and recommended dose of fertilizers through inorganic sources were given. Highest net returns(Rs. 73,124 ha–1) and water productivity (65.4 kg ha–1 cm–1) was realized in the same treatment. Lowest growth parameters,kernel yield (3498 kg ha–1), stover yield (6759 kg ha–1),net returns (Rs. 30,435 ha–1) and water productivity (35.2 kg ha–1 cm-1) was observed in plots with no protective irrigation and 50 per cent recommended dose of nitrogen given throughGlyricidia green leaf manuring. 2013 G. N. DHANAPALDepartment of Agronomy, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor

Mysore J. Agric.Sci., 48 (3) : 2014 ABSTRACT 491 FORESTRYAssessment of the Causes for Poor Seed Germination in Melia dubia and Efforts to Overcome SURESH, T.Melia dubia Cav. is a species of high medicinal and industrial value, commonly referred to as Malabar Neem Tree. Recentlyit is gaining more popularity in southern states of India for its fast growth and wide adaptability in diverse edaphic andclimatic conditions. Hence demand for nursery grown seedlings has increased immensely. There is a need to producehealthy and vigorous seedlings in short duration, by enhancing seed germination through appropriate pre-sowing seedtreatments. To achieve this, information on seed biology, viability, and fruit morphological characters, are very essential.With this point in view the present study was carried out in Department of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, UAS,G.K.V.K., Bangalore. In the present study the selected natural population of Melia dubia that starts flowering in the month of January, andsets fruit in the month of April and mature during January in succeeding year. Number of locules and seeds found in largefruits was found to be more compared to small and medium fruits. Seeds from large fruits showed higher viability comparedto medium and small seeds. The viability of seed was found to vary with stages of fruit maturity. Among various treatments, seeds treated with GA 100 ppm, showed maximum germination of 30.0 %, followed by 16.6% in GA 200 ppm, and GA 2000 ppm treatments respectively, while other treatments show little response. Under completeaseptic conditions seeds showed highest germination of 61%. So high rate of germination seen under controlled conditionsclearly indicate the role of light, temperature and nutrients on germination apart from hormones and morphometric characters. 2013 A. S. DEVAKUMARDepartment of Forestry and Environmental Science, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor Assessment of Variability in Seed and Seedling Traits of Simarouba Glauca DC POONAM KHATRIA successful promotion of large scale plantation needs a carefully planned and well directed seed source research. Theinvestigation on the variability present in Simarouba glauca was carried at College of Forestry Ponnampet, Kodagu districtof Karnataka state. The seeds were collected from unpedigreed seedling seed orchards of S. glauca established by theresearch wing of Karnataka Forest Department at Madahalli, Mysore and Ingalagere near Kushalnagar. Existence ofconsiderable variation among location and trees within the location was observed in growth traits. Different seed parameters(length, width, oil content and weight of 100 seeds) were found to be significant for Madahalli location. Akin to seed traits,existence of significant variations in seedling traits was also evident. Application of cluster analysis to study the geneticdiversity among the different seedlots based on oil content resulted in, five distinct clusters which indicates the existenceof diversity among the seedlots. Estimated heritability values for different seed parameters like seed length, seed width andseed weight was 0.94, 0.96 and 0.99 respectively and for seedling parameters like seedling diameter and seedling height wasfound to be 0.63 and 0.78 respectively. The relationship between the seed width, seed thickness and oil content waspositive implying the fact that sound seeds could have good seed weight and such seeds contain high oil per cent. Similarly,significant relationship between height and collar diameter of seedlings was found which implied better height growthwould bring higher collar diameter. These assessed variations can be used for tree improvement programme. 2013 RAMAKRISHNA HEGDEDepartment of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Ponnampet Major Advisor

492 ABSTRACT Mysore J. Agric.Sci., 48 (3) : 2014 GENETICS AND PLANT BREEDING Identification Of Stable High Yielding Single Cross Hybrids In Maize (Zea Mays L.) SANDEEP M.AN investigation was undertaken on nine single cross hybrids of maize to identify high yielding and stable hybrids, toassess the relationship between the trait mean and regression coefficient, trait mean and deviation from regression, tounravel the influence of rainfall and temperature on G × E interaction and to estimate the standard heterosis. The stabilityperformance of test hybrids was estimated at three levels viz., (a) based on seven different dates of sowings (b) based onfive different dates of sowing at a single location, by raising the crop at bimonthly interval corresponding to early kharif(June, 2012), kharif season (August, 2012), early rabi season (October, 2012), winter season (December, 2012) and summer(February, 2013) at UAS, GKVK, Bangalore and (c) based on the data on three different locations (GKVK, Bangalore, ZARS,Mandya and Chikkaballapur). The results revealed significant hybrid × environment interaction indicating differentialperformance of maize hybrids across different locations/environments. The hybrid CML326×DMR-N-21 was stable forearliness, plant height, ear height and shelling percentage. The hybrids CML338×CML139, CML139×HKI-26-2-4(1-2) andHKI-26-2-4(1-2)×CML358 fared relatively better for grain yield with stability. Sowing during February, August and Decemberappeared ideal to comprehend higher grain yield at Bangalore. Significant association was noticed between the mean of 50%silking and 100 grain weight with regression coefficient. No relationship was noticed between the trait means and deviationfrom regression in the present study. Significant positive heterosis for grain yield was observed in the hybridsCML338×CML139 and HKI-26-2-4(1-2)×CML411 over Hema and Nityashree. 2013 E. GANGAPPADepartment of Genetics and Plant Breeding, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor Assessment of Genetic Diversity for Grain Yield and it's Components in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes under Submergence BASAVARAJ KODIHALLIRICE (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the staple food crops of our country and it is the most important cereal crop of Karnataka.The present study was undertaken to evaluate 49 local rice genotypes for genetic diversity using simple lattice design undersubmergence. The investigation was carried out in Kharif season of 2012 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS),Mudigere. Genotypes were also evaluated for extent of variability, character association, path analysis and genetic divergencefor 16 traits. ANOVA revealed highly significant difference among the genotypes for all the quantitative traits studied.Moderate to high PCV and GCV estimates for panicle weight, panicle exsertion, number of spikelets per panicle, test weight,per cent mortality, grain yield per plant and straw yield per plant were recorded. High heritability and GAM were recorded bypanicle exsertion, number of spikelets per panicle, grain yield/plant and straw yield/plant. Yield component characters viz.,plant height, internodal length and straw yield per plant exhibited highly significant positive association with grain yield.Genotypic path coefficient analysis revealed that straw yield per plant had the highest positive direct effect, whereas plantheight had the highest negative direct effect on grain yield per plant under submergence condition. Using Mahalanobis’ D2statistic, 49 rice genotypes were grouped into six divergent clusters. Wide genetic variability was indicated by the intra andinter-cluster distances. Based on cluster means, cluster II ranked first. It was also found that among all the characters,harvest index had highest contribution towards the genetic diversity. 2013 B. M. DUSHYANTHAKUMAR Major AdvisorDepartment of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agriculture College, Navile, Shimoga

Mysore J. Agric.Sci., 48 (3) : 2014 ABSTRACT 493 HORTICULTURE Effect of Pre-treatments and Packaging on Storage Stability of Aonia (Emblica officinalis Gaertn) NANDA, B. K.A study on the effect of pre-treatments and packaging on storage stability of aonla was carried out by conducting twoexperiments at the Department of Horticulture, Gandhi KrishiVignana Kendra, Bengaluru during 2012-13. In the first experiment,the best gauge of polypropylene for packaging to extend shelf life of fruits, was studied with twelve treatments replicatedthrice using Complete Randomised Design. The second experiment was on the effect of best gauge polypropylene anddifferent treatments on quality and shelf life of aonla stored in refrigerated condition and the design followed was CompleteRandomised Design with six treatments replicated thrice. The aonla fruits treated with different pre-treatments packed in 160 gauge polypropylene bag maintained maximumascorbic acid, acidity, fruit firmness and minimum Physiological loss in weight and also maximum shelf life. Among differenttreatments Aloe vera gel 15 per cent and calcium nitrate 1.5 per cent treated fruits showed maximum shelf life both in ambientand refrigerated condition. The results revealed that, aonla fruits treated with Aloe vera gel 15 per cent and calcium nitrate1.5 per cent packed in 160 gauge polyprophylene bag were best in extending the shelf life up to 19 days under ambientcondition compared to refrigerated condition, but fruits treated with calcium nitrate showed black spots on surface of fruitswhereas fruits treated with Aloe vera gel showed better appearance. 2013 K. N. SRINIVASDepartment of Post Harvest Technology, College Horticulture, Major Advisor PG Centre, UHS, GKVK, Campus, Bangalore.Vase Life Studies on Cut Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii hook.) Cultivars Using Essential Oils ROOPA BASAVARAJ NASHIA study on vase life studies on cut gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Hook.) cultivars using essential oils was carried out byconducting two experiments at the Department of Horticulture, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bengaluru during2012-13. Inthe first experiment the vase life of cultivar Shangria, was studied by keeping AgNO3 at20ppmwith sucrose 4percent asstandard. Three essential oils viz., patchouli, rosemary and lemongrass oil of 25and50ppm in order to know the best amongstthem. Eight treatments replicated thrice were taken using CRD. In the first experiment 50ppm proved to be the best amongstthe essential oils tried. The second experiment was on effect of best concentration of essential oils from experiment I on vaselife of gerbera on four different cultivars Esmera, Damallen, Salvador and Dune. The design was CRD with five treatmentsreplicated thrice. The gerbera cut flowers were harvested when outer ray florets were completely elongated or when the outer two rowsof disc florets were perpendicular to the flower stalk and treated with different essential oils at 50ppm concentration. Amongthe cultivars, cultivar Damallen showed better cumulative uptake of water(43.32g/cut flower),cumulative water loss(31.67g/cut flower),cumulative water uptake: cumulative water loss(1.36g/cut flower),fresh weight(33.02g/cut flower)in treatmentcontaining rosemary oil at 50ppm and 4 per cent sucrose showed better vase life of7.80days. The results revealed that thegerbera cut flowers, treated with 50ppm rosemary oil and sucrose at 4percent showedgood vase life in all the cultivarsstudied. Hence rosemary oil being natural, eco-friendly and cost effective can replace other chemical floral preservatives. 2013 B. M. RAMAKRISHNADepartment of Horticulture, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor

494 ABSTRACT Mysore J. Agric.Sci., 48 (3) : 2014 PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY Direct Shoot Refeneration and transformation of Cucumber (Cucumber sativus L.) with Gus Gene RINI PAKARLACUCUMBER (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the major vegetable crops of India occupying second position in the globalproduction. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cv. Green Long was tested for direct shoot induction and regeneration on MSmedium treated with different concentrations of Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) using cotyledonary explants from ten dayold in-vitro grown seedlings. Shoots and roots were obtained in the shooting media. Number of days taken for shootinitiation was significantly less (7.0) in 2.0 mg / L kinetin and the average length of roots was significantly high (13.4 cm) ina combination of kinetin and IBA at 2.5 and 2.0 mg/L. Kinetin at 2.0 mg/L gave the best results for other parameters, namelymaximum numbers of shoots (2.6) and maximum number of roots (2.0) among all treatments. Rooting was enhanced in all thetreatments with IBA at 2.0 mg / L. Maximum number of roots (5.6) was recorded with kinetin at 2.0 mg/L and IBA at 2.0 mg/L. Cotyledonary explants were transformed with Gus gene and confirmation was done with X-gluc substrate which gaveblue color for transformed cotyledons. In recent years, the production of cucumber is greatly affected by a number of pestsand diseases which seriously limit crop production. Genetic transformation is one of the ways to manage this issue. Thisstudy is an initial attempt towards this end. 2013 G. N. DHANAPALDepartment of Plant Biotechnology, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor PLANT PATHOLOGY Molecular Characterization Of Begomovirus Associated With Pole Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) Yellow Mosaic Disease KULDEEP KUMARYELLOW mosaic disease, caused by a Begomovirus is important disease of pole bean. A survey carried out in pole beangrowing areas of selected districts viz., Bengaluru rural, Ramanagara, Chikkabalapur and Kolar districts to assess diseaseincidence revealed occurrence of the disease at the locations surveyed and differences in incidence of disease due tovariation in the source of inoculum, vector population and intercrop. The incidence of the disease varied from 31.3 to 81 percent in different villages. Among the districts, the highest mean disease incidence was recorded in Chikkabalapur (71.8%)followed Bangalore Rural (65.9%), Kolar (63.7%) and Ramanagar (62.1%). The complete DNA-A sequences have beendetermined and are comprised of 2.7kb, the characterization of DNA-A showed that the Pole bean yellow mosaic virusshowed highest sequence identity (92%) with horse gram yellow mosaic virus french bean isolate India, (91.9%)with HYMVfrench bean isolate Bangalore and HYMV lima bean isolate India. Phylogenetic analysis of full length DNA-A sequencesand its 6 ORFs showed that pole bean yellow mosaic virus GKVK, isolate clustered together with HYMV french bean isolateIndia, HYMV french bean isolate Bangalore, HYMV lima bean isolate India, HYMV french bean isolates of India and SriLanka rather to cluster with MYMV and MYMIV. The results obtained in the present study clearly indicate that YMVinfecting pole bean at Bangalore is closely related to HYMV French bean isolate India and HYMV lima bean isolate India.Strain of HYMV infecting pole bean is also threat to legume cultivation. 2013 K. T. RANGASWAMYDepartment of Plant Pathology, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor

Mysore J. Agric.Sci., 48 (3) : 2014 ABSTRACT 495 Studies on Biochemical Basis and Resistance Sources of Maize to Turcicum Leaf Blight caused by Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.) Leonard and Suggs. JAGADEESH, E.MAIZE has become one of the important cereal crop in Karnataka. In recent years its cultivation is threatened due to theattack of many disease. Among several foliar diseases affecting maize cultivation, Turcicum leaf blight (Exserohilumturcicum) is most destructive causing heavy loss in grain yield. Thus the present investigation was carried out withdifferent objectives aiming at the control of the disease. Screening maize genotypes for resistance to Turcicum leaf blightrevealed that, among 109 late maturing genotypes of maize, resistant reaction was expressed by 20 genotype. Out of 113Medium maturing genotypes only 15 expressed moderately resistant reaction. Four among 49 early maturing genotypesexhibited resistant reaction. Only one showed resistant reaction among 29 extra early genotypes. During biochemicalanalysis resistant genotypes recorded higher total phenols, total proteins, total sugar and tannin content compared tosusceptible genotypes which are possible factors for imparting disease resistance .Different fungicides were used alongwith check tested on the control of Turcicum leaf blight severity and grain yield, the combiproducts Azoxystrobin 18.2% +Difenconazole 11.4 % SC @ 0.250 ml/litre was found most effective in reduction of disease severity followed by Azoxystrobin18.2% + Difenconazole 11.4 % SC @ 0.125 ml/litre and also significantly contributed towards the grain yield. 2013 K. T. PANDURANGEGOWDADepartment Dean (Agri.), College of Agriculture,VC Farm Mandya, UAS B. Major Advisor Studies on Plant Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) iwthEmphasis on Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) PAVITHRA, R. S.ROOT-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is a serious pest of vegetable crops and major limiting factor in the commercialproduction of cucumber in many parts of the Karnataka, India. Investigations were carried out on the survey for theoccurrence of plant parasitic nematodes in cucumber growing areas in and around Bengaluru, screening of commerciallyavailable cultivars against Meloidogyne incognita and management of M. incognita infecting cucumber using varioustreatments viz., Trichoderma viride, Pochonia chlamydosporia, Neem cake, Mulching, Cartap hydrochloride and Carbofuranunder sick plot condition. A field survey was carried out in cucumber growing areas of Bengaluru revealed that occurrenceof M. incognita was predominant followed by Helicotylenchus spp., Pratylenchus spp. and Rotylenchulus spp.. Themaximum population of M. incognita (412/200cc soil and 105 / 5g root) was recorded in Peruru of Chikballapur taluk followedby Rajankunte of Doddaballapur taluk. The seven cucumber varieties viz., Green long, Sambar cucumber, Hassan local,Green short, White long, Portobello and Poinsette screened under pot condition revealed that Poinsette was susceptiblewhile Green long was highly susceptible. Maximum plant height, more number of leaves, better root length, dry and freshweight of shoot were recorded in Cartap hydrochloride @ 16.6g / m2treated plants followed by T. viride @ 20g / m². Similarly,lowest nematode population in soil and root with least number of galls were recorded in Cartap hydrochloride treated plantsfollowed by T. viride 2013 B. M. R. REDDYDepartment of Plant Pathology, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor

496 ABSTRACT Mysore J. Agric.Sci., 48 (3) : 2014 SEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Influence of Seed Pelleting on Crop Growth, Seed Yield and Quality in Sunflower Hybrid Kbsh-53(Helianthus Annus L.) KIRAN, S. P.A field experiment was conducted to study the Influence of seed pelleting on crop growth, seed yield and quality insunflower hybrid KBSH-53(Helianthus annus L.) at Department of Seed Science and Technology, UAS, GKVK. Bangaloreduring kharif 2012 with three replication and sixteen treatment combinations. The various observations related to seed yieldand qualities were recorded. Furthermore, the cost of hybrid seed production was also worked out to determine the B: C ratioof each treatment. The results indicated that the growth parameters like plant height at 30, 60, 90 DAS (16.29 cm, 131.74 cm,151.94 cm) and head diameter at harvest (17.78 cm),were significantly higher with seed pelleted with zinc sulphate (2 %) overcontrol and other treatments. The yield parameters like number of filled seed per capitulum (547.55), less number of unfilled seed per capitulum(50.14),seed filling (91.57 %),seed recovery (89.49 %),seed yield per plant (33.55 g),seed yield per plot(487.33 g),graded seedyield per plot (436.15 g) and seed yield (13.53 q/ha) were significantly higher with seed pelleted zinc sulphate (2 %) overcontrol and other treatments. Besides, the seed quality attributes like germination (85.10 %), seedling length (27.15 cm),hundredseed weight(5.80 g),and seedling vigour index-I (2310) and II (5580),seedling dry weight (65.38 mg),lowest pH of seedleachate(5.84),electrical conductivity (387.16 dsm-1),total dehydrogenase activity (0.901),seed density (0.685 g/cc),fieldemergence(88.00 %) and oil content (37.11 %) were significantly higher with seed pelleted with zinc sulphate(2 %) overcontrol and other treatments. The seed pelleted with zinc sulphate without botanicals and bio fertilizers (2 %) recordedhighest benefit cost ratio (2.09) compared to control (1.49). 2013 R. PARAMESHDepartment of Seed Science and Technology, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major AdvisorCharacterization and Identification of Molecular Markers for Seed Genetic Purity Testing in Hybrid Rice (KRH-4) PUSHPA. CTHE ability to distinguish and identify parental lines and its hybrid is fundamental for the operational aspects of seedcertification and seed trade. An experiment was conducted to distinguish rice hybrid (KRH-4) form its parental linesusing seed morphological characters, rapid chemical tests, biochemical and molecular markers during 2012-13. Amongthe rapid chemical tests, modified phenol test with copper sulphate was found effective in differentiating the MSN36(R) from CRMS32A (A) and KRH4 (H). Further, KOH and NaOH tests were found useful in identification of MSN36 butneeds refinement of protocol. However, not much significant response has been noticed due to added chemicals likeGA3, Kinetin, 2, 4-D. The zymogram of total soluble seed proteins revealed that in the regions E (30 to 18 kD), F (18 to14 kD) and G (less than 14kD) KRH-4 hybrid and its parental lines could be distinguished based on relative intensityof bands. Among the tested isozymes, alcohol dehydrogenase banding pattern found little useful in differentiatingparental lines and hybrid based on the intensity of bands. Out of 24 SSR primers, 15 primers revealed polymorphismbetween parental lines and hybrid. RM202 and RM204 are the polymorphic primers which can be multiplexed forhybrid purity assessment. Among the polymorphic markers of KRH-4, most of them were common to KRH-2, DRRH-1,DRRH-2, CORH-1, CORH-2, CORH-3 hybrids. However, RM 1385 and RM21 were found to be very unique markers forKRH-4. SSR primer RM202 can be effectively used for hybrid purity assessment of KRH-4 seed lots. 2013 RAME GOWDANational Seed Project, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor

Mysore J. Agric.Sci., 48 (3) : 2014 ABSTRACT 497Studies on Impact of Packaging Materials and Desiccants on Seed Quality and Storability of Hybrid Paddy (Oryza Sativa L.) PRAMOD R PATILA laboratory experiment was conducted at National Seed Project, UAS, Bengaluru during September 2012 to April 2013 fora period of seven months. The study comprised of two hybrids viz., KRH-2 and KRH-4, three containers viz., poly pouches,super grain bag and airtight container and two desiccant viz., silica gel and zeolite beads with FCRD in three replication. The results revealed that among both the hybrids KRH-4 seeds recorded less moisture (9.48%), maximum germination(77.41%), vigour indices I and II (1211 and 384),TSS (12.78 mg/g), minimum seed insect damage (11.11%) and seed infection(20.72%) and higher TSP (1.45 mg/g), alpha amylase (0.66 cm) were recorded in KRH-2 at the end of seven months of storage.Among containers super grain bag noticed less moisture (9.32%), highest germination (78.44%), vigour indices I and II (1280and 396),TSS (13.05 mg/g), less seed insect damage (10.26%) and seed infection (18.50%) and higher TSP (1.55 mg/g), alphaamylase (0.67 cm) were noticed in KRH-2 at the end of seven months of storage. Among desiccants zeolite beads (30% ofseed weight) observed less moisture (8.39%) highest germination (78.17%), vigour indices I and II (1312 and (395), TSS(13.08 mg/g), less seed insect damage (9.70%) and seed infection 17.44%) and higher TSP (1.56mg/g) alpha amylase (0.67cm)were observed in KRH-2 at the end of seven months of storage. Thus, it can be concluded that KRH-4 seeds packed with zeolite beads (30% of seed weight) in super grain bag can besafely stored for one planting season. 2013 S. NARAYANASWAMYDepartment of Seed Science and Technology, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor SOIL SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRYEffect of Different Organic Manure on the Release Pattern of Nitrogen and Productivity of Maize (Zea mays L.) VIRENDRA SINGH TANWARFIELD and laboratory studies on effect of different organic manures on the release pattern of nitrogen and productivity ofmaize were conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Navile, Shimoga during kharif 2012. There were ninetreatment combinations laid in three replications. Treatments comprise of three types of manures viz., FYM, Vermicompostand Poultry manure with fertilizers and Neem coated urea. Laboratory incubation studies revealed that among differenttreatment, NH4+ - N was significantly increased (30 days after incubation) in 100 per cent RD N + 2 times of N-equivalent ofRD- FYM through Poultry manure treated soil. In case of NO3-- N highest value was recorded in 100 per cent RD-N (noorganic manure). As number of incubation days increased, release pattern increased up to 60 days there after it wasdecreased. The highest grain and stover yields were recorded with the application of 100 per cent RD-N through Neem coatedurea (4 ml neem oil / 100 g urea). The macronutrients concentration and uptake in grain and stover of maize were significantlyhigher in the treatment with application of 100 per cent RD-N through Neem coated urea (4 ml neem oil / 100 g urea) over theothers treatments. The highest available N in soil was recorded in 100 per cent RD-N through Neem coated urea (4 ml neemoil / 100 g urea) treatment at 60 days after sowing and harvest. The correlation study revealed that the grain and stover yieldwere significantly correlated with available nitrogen in soil. 2013 Y. VISHWANATH SHETTYDepartment of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor

498 ABSTRACT Mysore J. Agric.Sci., 48 (3) : 2014 Studies on Effect of Graded Levels of Potassium under Irrigated Maize (Zea mays L.) in Southern Dry Zone of Karnataka SRINIVASA, D. K.A field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V.C. farm, Mandya in Kharif 2012 to determine theeffect of graded levels of potassium under irrigated condition on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of maize, NPK balancein soil and soil properties. The experiment had nine treatments, viz. recommended NPK as per UAS (B) package, rec. NPK 15DAS, NP + 75, 100, 125 per cent rec. K in splits, NP only and absolute control, replicated three times and design was RCBD.The results of the experiment indicated that application of RDF at 15 DAS decreased the growth and yield of maize ascompared to application of RDF at the time of sowing. Application of recommended NP with 125 per cent K in two splitsrecorded highest grain and stover yield. It increased the K use efficiency and decreased the P, Ca and Mgby increasing the N, K, S and Zn content in maize. More uptake of nutrients by maize leads to negative balance of N and P.The application of 125 per cent K in two splits recorded higher uptake of N, K, S, Zn and less uptake of P, Ca and Mg, resultedin least positive balance of K and least soil physico-chemical properties after harvest of maize were recorded compared toRDF. Application of recommended NP with 125 per cent of recommended K in two splits resulted in higher gross and netreturns and higher benefit: cost ratio (3.14: 1) compared to RDF. 2013 T. CHIKKARANAPPADepartment of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor Studies on Effect of Long Term Soil Fertility management on Behaviour of Potassium in Rice-Cowpea Cropping System DIVYA, M.AN experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, VC farm, Mandya to study the effect of long term soilfertility management on behavior of potassium with respect to different forms, their distribution pattern, and fixation andrelease characteristics in rice-cowpea cropping system. Soil samples collected at 0-15cm and 15-30cm were analyzed forphysico-chemical properties, major and micro nutrients as well as different forms of K, K fixation capacity and K releasingcharacteristics. The plant samples were analyzed for nutrients composition after harvest of the crop then potassium uptakewas calculated. Results indicated that continuous use of chemical fertilizers along with manures increased the organic carbon, availableprimary, secondary and micronutrients content. Yield and yield attributes were also high in those particular treatments. Thewater soluble, exchangeable and non-exchangeable forms of potassium were relatively higher due to addition of organicmanures continuously for longer period. The K fixation capacity didnot vary much between the treatments. The treatmentshaving more of non-exchangeable K recorded high amounts of cumulative K released. A significant positive relationship was observed between grain yield with physico- chemical properties and availableK which was positively correlated with exchangeable and water soluble K fractions. However, K fixation capacity waspositive with non exchangeable and total K fractions at both depths. From this study it could be concluded that formaintaining the K supplying power of these soils which are sandy loam in texture for longer period needs regular applicationof K through K fertilizers integrated with organic manures. 2013 B. R. JAGADEESHDepartment of Soil Science Hanumanhatti - 581 115 Major Advisor

Mysore J. Agric.Sci., 48 (3) : 2014 ABSTRACT 499Fractions of Phosphorus, Sulphur and Boron in Soil under Long Term Fertilizer Experiments of Finger Millet-Maize and Rice-Cowpea Cropping Systems of Karnataka ERESHONGOING long term fertilizer experiments under finger millet-maize and rice-cow pea cropping systems at GKVK Bengaluruand VC Farm Mandya were selected to study the different fractions of phosphorus, sulphur and boron in soil. Besides thefractions, their available nutrient status was also studied. The results of the finger millet-maize cropping system indicatedthat application of chemical fertilizer in combination with FYM revealed that all the available nutrients were maintained. Withrespect to P fractions like Al-P, Fe-P, Occl-P and total-P were found to be higher in 150 per cent NPK applied treatment;however Ca-P was higher percent in treatment receiving 100 per cent NPK+FYM+Lime. Higher percent of available sulphurand its fractions were recorded in treatments receiving single super phosphate and lower availability and its fractions werenoticed in T9-100 per cent NPK-S and T7-100 per cent N. Higher boron availability and its fractions were recorded intreatments receiving FYM along with chemical fertilizers. In rice-cow pea cropping system here also available nutrient statusmaintained in inorganic and FYM applied treatments .Higher phosphorus availability was recorded in treatment receivingSTCR based fertilizer recommendation. Higher per cent of Al-P, Fe-P, Occl-P and total-P fractions were recorded in 100 percent NPK+Zn+S treatment. With respect to sulphur availability and its fractions 100 per cent NPK+Zn+S recorded highervalues. Available boron and its fractions were higher in FYM applied treatments compared to other treatments. Hence theapplication of recommended doses fertilizer in combination with FYM helps to better maintenance of soil health as well asavailable nutrient status of soil. 2013 R. C. GOWDADepartment of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore Major Advisor Utilization of Industrial Slag as a Soil Amendment and Source of Nutrients in Acid Soil HEMALATHA, B.THE objectives were to characterize and test rail wheel factory (RWF) slag as an amendment for acid soils. The slag had a pHof 10.28 with EC of 0.45dSm–1 . The calcium and magnesium contents were 30 and 10.8 per cent, respectively. The phytotoxicity, if any of the RWF slag was tested using the water extracts of slag on the germination of seeds ofdifferent crops. The slag: water extracts of 1:1, 1:2.5 and 1:5 dilutions were tried and dilution of 1:5 recorded higher pH(10.86), EC (1.89 dSm–1), calcium and magnesium was 2.21 and 1.9 per cent compared to the lowest recorded in 1:1 dilutionviz., pH (10.28), EC (1.43 dSm–1), calcium and magnesium 1.6 and 0.96 per cent, respectively. The seeds when treated withserial dilution of slag germinated within five days indicating that RWF slag was not phytotoxic. Different lime sources such as calcium carbonate, calcium oxide and RWF slag were tried on acidic soils of differentregions of Karnataka at field capacity and submergence irrespective of situation CaO @ 150% equivalent of exchangeableacidity performed better in neutralizing the acidity. Results indicated that RWF slag @ 150 per cent equivalent of exchangeable acidity increased soil pH (6.65), EC(0.17 dsm–1) and recorded higher Ca (7.61), Mg (4.41 cmol [p+] kg–1) and grain yield (60 Q ha–1) during the entire period ofsampling. Among all the treatments RWF slag @ 150 per cent equivalent of exchangeable acidity was efficient in amendingacid soil and as nutrient source in improving yield of rice. 2013 V. R. RAMAKRISHNA PARAM Major AdvisorDepartment of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry UAS, GKVK, Bangalore

500 ABSTRACT Mysore J. Agric.Sci., 48 (3) : 2014 Study of Micronutrients Status in Soils of Sagar Taluk, Shimoga District SAVITHA, M. S.TO assess the micronutrients status of soils of Sagar taluk, Shimoga district a study was undertaken during 2012-13, inwhich 120 surface soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected and analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters and availablemicronutrients. The texture of the surface soil varied from loamy sand to sandy clay loam. The soils were found to be acidicin reaction where as the EC was found normal range. The organic carbon content of the soils were low to high (2.77-27.81 gkg-1). The CEC of soils were varied from 11.21 to 16.81 cmol(p+)kg-1. Sesquioxide of soils varied from 13.00 to 22.28 per cent. The result of investigation indicated that, most of surface soils were found to be low to high in available nitrogen.Available phosphorus were found to be low to medium and available potassium were found to be medium to high. Theavailable iron, manganese, copper, zinc and boron were found to be 30.43 to 96.15 mg kg-1, 30.84 to 150.09 mg kg-1, 1.24 to 4.24mg kg-1, 0.24 to 1.24 mg kg-1 0.10 to 0.72 mg kg-1 respectively. Available iron, copper and manganese was found sufficient inall soil samples while zinc was sufficient in 31 per cent and deficient in 69 per cent soil samples and available boron wasfound sufficient in 19 per cent and deficient in 81 per cent soil samples. All available micronutrients (Fe,Mn,Cu,Zn and B)significant positive correlation with organic carbon and available boron was significant positive correlation with clay, CECand CaCO3. 2013 K. T. GURUMURTHY Major AdvisorDepartment of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Navile, Shimoga Micronutrients Status in Soils of Krishnarajpet Mandya District, Karnataka BHAVITHA, N. C.A study was conducted at Agricultural College, Shimoga in order to characterize the soils coming under Krishnarajpet talukof Mandya district with respect to available micronutrients status. After selecting four to five villages from each hobli oftaluk, five surface soil samples were collected from each village and analyzed for phsico-chemical properties and micronutrientsstatus. Results indicated that the clay content in these soils varied from 3.80 to 28.70 per cent and 62 percent of the soils hada sandy loam texture. The soils were acidic to alkaline in nature (4.01-8.47), organic carbon status ranged from low to mediumand CEC (3.12-14.80 cmol(p+)kg-1) and CaCO3 equivalent was found to be low. DTPA- extractable copper (0.382-4.634 mgkg-1) was found to be sufficient in these soils. DTPA- extractable zinc was inthe range of 0.066 to 0.85 mgkg-1 and 85 per cent of the soils recorded available zinc status below 0.6 mg kg-1.In respect ofavailable boron status, all soils recorded the values in deficient range (0.007- 0.166 mgkg-1). Available Fe and Mn status werein the range of 1.40 to 87.51 mgkg-1 and 0.124 to 28.44 mgkg-1, respectively. Only about 5 and 8 per cent of the soils weredeficient in iron and manganese, respectively. Further, it was observed that available copper and zinc showed a positive andsignificant correlation with organic carbon and clay contents in soils. But a poor correlation was observed between the soilproperties (pH, OC and Clay) and available Mn, Fe and boron status in soils. 2013 H. M. CHIDANANDAPPADepartment of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Major Advisor Navile, Shimoga