ID: 53212
Title: Efficacy of nitric oxide in improving yield potential of chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.) genotypes
Author: Abha Chauhan, Usha Parmar, Jagmeet Kaur and J.S.Sandhu
Editor: Dr. R.K. Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: EM International, Vol 16, No (1), 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology: Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Cicer arietinum L, Nitric oxide, Sodium nitroprusside, Pod setting, Yield
Abstract: Foliar spray application with SNP (Nitric oxide donor-150 and 300 ?M) was undertaken at the vegetative stage (30 DAS, Days After Sowing) and repeated after 10 days till maturity in two chickpea cvs IC-424234 (chilling tolerant, CT) & PBG-1 (chilling sensitive, CS). SNP (150 ?M) treated plants of PBG-1 recorded increased number of flowers plant-1, total number of pods plant-1, pod setting (%), percent filled pods, 100 seed weight, yield plant-1 & finally the total yield (kg/ha) as compared to those of the control plants, whereas in case of IC-424234 pollen viability (%) was recorded highest with SNP (150 ?M) treatment as compared to PBG-1
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53211
Title: Arbuscular mycorrhizal association in naturally invading plant species in overburden dumps and adjacent natural forest sites of Tikak Colliery, Margherita, Assam, India
Author: P. Hazarika, N.C.Talukdar and Y.P. Singh
Editor: Dr. R.K. Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: EM International, Vol 16, No (1), 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology: Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) status, natural forest, opencast coalmining, overburden dumps (OBDs) and naturally invading plant species
Abstract: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) structures in roots of the naturally invading plant species and spore number in rhizophere soils of four coalmine overburden dumps (OBDs) i.e 1-year, 5-year, 10-year and 15- year old after dumping and three adjacent natural forest (NF) sites i.e. NF-1, NF-2 and NF-3 of Tikak Colliery, Margherita, Assam were studied. The plant rhizoshperes of coalmine overburden dumps and adjacent natural forest contained arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). All thirteen naturally invading plant species on the OBDs investigated were positively mycorrhizal. AM fungal colonization in roots ranged from 15-82 percent and AM fungi spores 100-1g rhizosphere soils ranged between 9-1771 comparatively more. AMF spores were recovered form OBDs compared to natural forest (NF) soils, except 1-year OBD. Coal mining reduces AMF status in younger OBDs. AMF spore number was found to increase with increase in age of the OBD and even more in number in rhizopheres of OBD spoils than natural forest soils. Moreover, number of AMF spore types decreased due to mining and thereafter, increased with the age of OBDs. Spores of Glomus sp. were found to dominate in the sites. The diversity of AMF in natural forest soil was higher than that of the OBD spoils. About nine types of AMF spores were detected in the NF soils, but only 5-7 types were detected in OBD spoils. The genera AMF detected in different natural forest sites and overburden dumps were Glomus sp, Entrophospora sp, Gigaspora sp, Scutellospora sp, Acaulospora sp, Sclerosystis sp and two unidentified AMF (Type-Margherita).
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53210
Title: Soil fertility status and fertilizer recommendations for major crops of Udaipur and Rajsamand districts of Rajasthan, India
Author: K.K.Yadav, Arvind Verma and P.C.Kanthaliya
Editor: Dr. R.K. Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: EM International, Vol 16, No (1), 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology: Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Nutrient Indices, Soil Fertility Status, Fertilizer Recommendations
Abstract: Soil test values of the analyzed soil samples during the period 1990-2000 were collected from the state Soil Testing Laboratories and were compiled at Panchayat Samities level and soil nutrient indices for N, P and K were prepared. On the basis of nutrient indices the fertility status were predicted and fertilizer recommendations for maize, sorghum, paddy, groundnut, soybean, kharif pulses, wheat, barley, gram and mustard were made.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53209
Title: Strength study on fly ash based eco friendly geopolymer concrete
Author: R. Anuradha, V. Sreevidya and R. Venkatasubramani
Editor: Dr. R.K. Trivedy
Year: 2010
Publisher: EM International, Vol 16, No (1), 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Ecology: Environment & Conservation
Keywords: Fly ash, Sodium silicate, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide Eco friendly Geopolymer Concrete, Compressive Strength, Split Tensile Strength
Abstract: Ordinary Portland cement is a major construction material worldwide. The net cement production is expected to reach 2 billion tonnes in 2010. The major increases will take place in China and India. The global cement industry contributes about 7% of the total man made green house gas emissions to the earth ' s atmosphere, more than the airline industries. This Research is aimed to give awareness about the green house gas emissions from the cement manufacturing industries and the methods of reducing this by the fully using fly ash in concrete. On the other hand, the climate change due to global warming, one of the greatest environmental issues has become a major concern during th elast one decade. The global warming is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases, such as CO2, to the atmosphere by human activities. Among the greenhous gases, CO2 contributes about 65% of global warming. The cement industry is responsible for about 7% of all CO2 emissions, because the production of one ton of Portland cement emits approximately one ton of CO2 into the atmosphere Although the use of Portland cement is still unavoidable until the foreseable future, many efforts are being made in order to reduce the use of Portland cement in concrete. In terms of reducing the global warming, the geopolymer technology could reduce the CO2 emission to the atmosphere caused by cement and aggregates industries by about 80%. Inspired by the Geopolymer technology and the fact that fly ash is a waste material abundantly available. This study is aimed to achieve M20 grade of concrete using the basic materials like Fine Aggregate, Coarse Aggregate and the binder material as fly ash. Various properties like Workability, Initial setting time, compressive strength and Split tensile Strength has been studied and compared with conventional concrete.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53208
Title: Impact of tuna longline fishery on the sea turtles of Indian seas
Author: Sijo P. Varghese, S. Varghese and V.S.Somvanshi
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 10, 25 May 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Arabian Sea, Andaman and Nicobar waters, Bay of Bengal, hooking rate, longline
Abstract: Longline fishery is exerting an impact on the sea turtle populations of the seas around India, as in the case of many longline fisheries operating in other parts of the world. During the tuna longline survey conducted by four research vessels of Fishery Survey of India, 87 sea turtles were caught incidentally from the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar waters of the Indian exclusive economic zone (EEZ) during 2005-08, registering an overall hooking rate of 0.108 turtles per 1000 hooks operated. There were marked differences in the hooking rates of turtles recorded from these three regions of the Indian EEZ, the maximum hooking rate being recorded from the Bay of Bengal (0.302), followed by the Arabian Sea (0.068) and Andaman and Nicobar waters (0.008). The species of sea turtles recorded in the bycatch, in order of abundance, were olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles. This study provides quantitative data on the magnitude of sea turtle incidental catch of the tuna longline fishery in the Indian EEZ.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53207
Title: Changes in honeybee behaviour and biology under the influence of cellphone radiations
Author: Ved Parkash Sharma and Neelima R. Kumar
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 10, 25 May 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Colony strength, electromagnetic field, foraging behaviour, honeybee
Abstract: Increase in the usage of electronic gadgets has led to electropollution of the environment. Honeybee behaviour and biology has been affected by electrosmog since these insects have magnetite in their bodies which helps them in navigation. There are reports of sudden disappearance of bee populations from honeybee colonies. The reason is still not clear. We have compared the performance of honeybees in cellphone radiation exposed and unexposed colonies. A significant (p<0.05) decline in colony strength and in the egg laying rate of the queen was observed. The behaviour of exposed foragers was negatively influenced by the exposure, there was neither honey nor pollen in the colony at the end of the experiment.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53206
Title: Defining optimum spectral narrow bands and bandwidths for agricultural applications
Author: S.S.Ray, Namrata Jain, Anshu Miglani, J.P.Singh, A.K.Singh, Sushma Panigrahy and J.S.Parihar
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 10, 25 May 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Agriculture, bandwidth, hyperspectral, narrow band, stepwise discriminant analysis
Abstract: In this study, an attempt was made to define the optimum set of spectral narrowbands and the required bandwidth for agricultural applications. Spectral observations were collected using ASD handheld spectroradiometer (325-1075 nm) from major kharif (rainy) and rabi (winter) season crops, two different soil types and crops under different agronomic treatments. To identify best bands, a stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA) was carried out for each data set. Aggregating the bands selected from individual SDA, 13 optimum narrow bands were identified for crop and soil assessment. To find optimum bandwidth, the measured reflectance was aggregated to different bandwidths (3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 nm). The reflectance values at different wavelength regions were compared with the original spectra using root mean square error. It was found that the optimum bandwidth required for crop discrimination differed for different wavelength regions.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53205
Title: Arsenic-contaminated groundwater in Holocene sediments from parts of Middle Ganga Plain, Uttar Pradesh, India
Author: Babar Ali Shah
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 10, 25 May 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Arsenic, groundwater, Holocene Newer Alluvium, Pleistocene Older Alluvium, Middle Ganga Plain
Abstract: Groundwater survey in Ghazipur, Varanasi and Mirzapur districts of Uttar Pradesh (UP) in Middle Ganga Plain shows that people in these areas are drinking arsenic-contaminated groundwater. More over, 60% of tubewells have arsenic concentration above the WHO guideline value of 10 ?g/l and 20% is above 50 ?g/l, the Indian standards for arsenic in drinking water. Depth information of 68 tubewells indicates that 85% tubewells are from shallow aquifers (10-42 m). Most of the aresenic-contaminated tubewells have a depth of 25-45m. The iron content in tubewells varies from 0.1 to as much as 7.6 mg/l and 83% tubewells have iron more than 1 mg/l. The correlation between dissolved aresenic and iron in tubewell waters is positive. Arsenic-contaminated tubewells in UP are located in Holocene Newer Alluvium entrenched channels and floodplains which are characterized by grey to black coloured organic-rich argillaceous sediments. Saidpur, Varanasi, Chunar and Mirzapur towns have arsenic-safe groundwater because their positions on the Pleistocene Older Alluvium upland surfaces are made up of oxidized yellowish-brown coloured sediments with calcareous and ferrugenous concretions. However, deeper tubewells (>60 m) in Pleistocene Older Alluvium aquifers in arsenic- contaminated areas would be a better option for arsenic-safe groundwater. Dugwells would be another source for arsenic-safe groundwater in arsenic-affected areas. The arsenic in groundwater in Middle Ganga Plain, UP is getting released from associated sediments which were mainly deposited from the Himalayan hill ranges and minor inputs from peninsular India.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53204
Title: Temporal change detection in two watershed areas of Kumaon region and its impact on livelihood of forest fringe communities
Author: Saibal Dasgupta, Rajesh Kumar and Sushila Tripathi
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 10, 25 May 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Dabka watershed, Khulgad watershed, Kumaon region, landscape changes
Abstract: Landscape changes were measured in two watersheds of Western Himalayas over a period of 17 years using satellite images. Whereas the total forest cover was found to have been altered, there was substantial shift among different elements which could be attributed to the increasing populations that live off these watersheds. We have also estimated the livelihood contributions of these watersheds to the dependent populations.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53203
Title: Database management system for Khulgad watershed, Kumaun lesser Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India
Author: J. S. Rawat
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 10, 25 May 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Biodiversity-informatics, Database Management System, geo-informatics, hydro-informatics, socio-informatics, weather-informatics
Abstract: We report here an attempt to develop a Database Management System (DBMS) of bio-geo-hydro-meteorological parameters needs of the stakeholders of local level planning for a representative watershed (viz. the Khulgad in Almora district) of Kumaun, Lesser Himalayan terrain in the Uttarakhand. The Khulgad DBMS is constituted of five Geographic Information System (GIS) modules, i.e. geo-informatics, weather-informatics, hydro-informatics, biodiversity-informatics (flora, agricultural crops, fauna and pests) and socio-informatics. Through these modules, the users can retrieve information and develop thematic maps and action plans suited to their needs related to different bio-geo-hydrometeorlogical parameters by a few clicks on a computer.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53202
Title: Zinc biofortification of food grains in relation to food security and alleviation of zinc malnutrition
Author: Rajendra Prasad
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 10, 25 May 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Biofortification, food security, zinc malnutrition
Abstract: Exemplary agricultural research supported by good governmetn policies has ensured food security in India. It is the right time to focus on micronutrient malnutrition in the country. Recently, Zn deficiency in diet especially of young children below 5 years of age has received global attention. Zn deficiency diseases in infants and children include diarrhoea, pneumonia, stunted growth, weak immune system and retarded mental growth. Zn deficiency in pregnant women can lead to these problems and even mortality in infants. Over 450 thousand infant deaths in the world during 2004 were ascribed to Zn deficiency. Although Zn deficiency to some extent can be cured by Zn supplementation and improvement in dietary composition, it is better to increase the Zn content in cereals, the staple food in India and as a matter of fact in the entire south and southeast Asia. This can be achieved by biofortification of foodgrains either by developing crop cultivars with high concentration of Zn in grains or by adequate Zn fertilization of crops grown on Zn-deficient soils. Animals also suffer from Zn malnutrition.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53201
Title: Kolleru lake revisited: the post ' Operation Kolleru ' scenario
Author: K.Nageswara Rao, K.Ch.V. Naga Kumar, P.Subraelu, G. Demudu, B. Visweswara Reddy, B. Hema Malini
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 10, 25 May 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53200
Title: Disaster management plans in view of recent earthquakes
Author: Arun Bapat
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 10, 25 May 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53199
Title: Bt brinjal: Good or bad?
Author: V. T. Yadugiri
Editor: P.Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 98, No 10, 25 May 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53198
Title: Detecting carbon dioxide emissions in soybeans by aerial thermal infrared imagery
Author: Christopher Stohr, R.G.Darmody, B.Wimmer, I. Krapac, K.Hackley, A. Iranmanesh and Andrew D.B. Leakey
Editor: Russell G. Congalton
Year: 2010
Publisher: ASPRS, Vol 76, No 6, June 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing
Keywords: Pipelines, geologic reservoirs,carbon di oxide, thermal infrared imagery,aerial thermal infrared imagery
Abstract: A remote sensing method is needed to supplement fixed point monitoring of leakage from pipelines and geologic reservoirs used for carbon dioxide (CO2) storage. An experiment tested the effectiveness of thermal infrared imagery to identify plants affected by high concentrations of CO2 released beneath a soybean canopy in east-central Illinois. Carbon dioxide gas was released for four hours at 10 m3/hr through an oscillating sprinkler simulating a point release and a 2 m perforated pipe beneath a mature, closed canopy field. Gorund-based measurements showed a 2.50C increase in radiant temperature of CO2-affected soybeans. Aerial thermal infrared imagery showed distinct plumes of elevated radiant temperatures in the soybean field downwind of the two CO2 point-release sites six to eight hours after gas was released. Field measurements of atmospheric CO2 concentrations taken at three heights (ground, undersite, and mid-canopy) guided by an air-to-ground imagery transmitter, support aerial imagery interpretations.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None