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Brevicoryne brassicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae), known as cabbage aphid, is cosmopolitan in distribution that infests cruciferous crops such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and mustard. Brevicoryne brassicae is suppressed by various species of natural enemies, the most important and abundant being Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). The present study was carried out at Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni Solan, Himachal Pradesh, on the seasonal abundance and mutual interference of the parasitoid, D. rapae during the years 2020-2021. The study showed the peak population of both host (221.36 aphids/plant) and parasitoid (27.28 mummified aphids/plant) with 12.32 per cent parasitization on the 10th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW). On the 14th SMW of 2021, the aphid population was lowest (2.72 aphids/plant) and parasitization by D. rapae was highest (47.05%). The D. rapae when foraged at densities of 2, 4, 6 and 8 parasitoids per 30 and 50 constant host nymphs, the third-instar host nymphs had a higher mutual interference coefficient than fourth instar host nymphs. Therefore, D. rapae can be utilized as an important biocontrol agent in the management programme of a cabbage aphid (B. brassicae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fermented foods are the results of metabolic activities of various microorganisms. People have traditionally known how to culture desirable microorganisms, primarily lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous molds, for the manufacture of edible foods. Yeast isolated from home-made mango pickle from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, was assessed for probiotic properties and their enzymatic profiling. Results: Four yeast isolates were isolated out of which P. kudriavzevii Y33 was selected on the basis of high acid tolerance as well as broadest antimicrobial activity. The selected isolate was observed to have high acid tolerance at pH 2 and show strong antimicrobial activity against all the pathogens examined. P. kudriavzevii Y33 can also withstand high bile concentration and showed high viability index, i.e., 95% at concentration of 2% of bile. The isolate was able to demonstrate high cholesterol assimilation in medium containing ox bile and taurocholate, at 88.58 and 86.83%, respectively. The autoaggregation ability of isolate increases with increasing the time of incubation and showed 87% of autoaggregation after 24 h of incubation. P. kudriavzevii Y33 exhibited resistance towards different antibiotics, found to be positive for exopolysaccharide production and showed no hemolytic activity. The isolate was observed to produce several enzymes such as β-galactosidase, protease, amylase, phytase, and lipase. Conclusions: The results of the current study revealed that P. kudriavzevii Y33 has various beneficial qualities that suggest it could be used as probiotics. Enzymes produced by yeast isolate help in improving flavor and mineral availability in the fermented products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was conducted at a constant temperature of 25 ± 0.5 °C, 70 ± 5 per cent relative humidity and 14L: 10D photoperiod on French bean, Phaseolus vulgaris cv. contender plants in the Biocontrol Laboratory of the Department of Entomology, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. The study revealed that Encarsia formosa exhibited a Type II functional response both on the bases of parasitism and host kill with third and fourth nymphal instars of greenhouse whitefly. The functional response parameters i.e. handling time (Th), attack rate (a), effectiveness of parasitoid (a/Th) and the maximum parasitization rate (K) on total host kill by the parasitoid on third nymphal instar was 0.575 h, 0.037 h−1, 0.064 and 41.684, respectively whereas with fourth nymphal instar, handling time (Th), attack rate (a), effectiveness of parasitoid (a/Th) and the maximum parasitization rate (K) was 0.518 h, 0.044 h−1, 0.086 and 46.317, respectively. The area of discovery of the parasitoid with third nymphal instars decreased from 0.12 to 0.09 and with fourth instar it decreased from 0.14 to 0.09 with the increase in the density of the parasitoid from 2 to 8 for both the nymphal instars (third and fourth), respectively. The mutual interference coefficient with fourth instar was highest (m = 0.285) as compared to third instar nymphs (m = 0.166). It shows its effectiveness against the greenhouse whitefly. Hence, it can be utilized as one of the component of an integrated pest management programme of greenhouse whitefly, T. vaporariorum under protected cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development and economic growth, coupled with climate change and other environmental shifts, have made the unique and pristine mountainous regions vulnerable to plant invasions. While the effects of exotic plant invasions on community structure have been extensively studied in the lowlands, there is a dearth of such research in the altitudinal ecosystems. The objective of the present study was to investigate the ecological impact of Bidens pilosa (blackjack, Beggars tick; Asteraceae) on vegetation and soil dynamics across the north-western Himalayan landscape. Vegetation and soil sampling were conducted in paired invaded and control quadrats along an altitudinal gradient (300–1500 m asl) in the outer Himalayan region of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India. The presence of B. pilosa has a notable impact on reducing alpha diversity, with a more pronounced effect observed above 600 m asl. Pairwise beta diversity indices indicate that the invasion of B. pilosa has changed the natural species composition above 700 m asl, likely due to species turnover (i.e., species replacement). The results of NMDS and PERMANOVA analyses further support the notion that the invasion of B. pilosa has considerably homogenized the species composition along the selected elevational gradient. Further, significant variations in most of the soil parameters between the two invasion classes were observed within the elevation range of 600–1200 m asl. Overall, the results indicate that invasion by B. pilosa reshaped the patterns of floristic composition and soil properties in the north-western Himalayan landscape, leading to biotic and edaphic homogenization across an altitudinal gradient. The most substantial impact was noticed above the altitudinal range of 600 m asl, indicating that B. pilosa prefers mildly temperate climates over tropical ones in the studied area. It is pertinent to monitor and control the spread of B. pilosa in the Himalayan ecosystem to ensure the conservation of its unique biodiversity. [Display omitted] • Alpha diversity was altered by the invasion of Bidens pilosa in northwestern Himalayas. • Invasion by B. pilosa leads to biotic homogenization across an altitudinal gradient. • Soil physiochemical properties were affected in B. pilosa –infested areas. • Most substantial impact was noticed within the altitudinal range of 600–1200 m asl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is one of the important cereal crops in the north western Himalayan region of India. The present investigation was carried out to briefly compile the natural enemies associated with maize insect pests in Zone-I (sub-tropical low hills) and Zone-II (sub-humid mid-hills) of Himachal Pradesh, India. A total of 11 natural enemies were found to be associated with maize insect pests during different stages of crop growth viz., coccinellids (adults and grubs), larvae of syrphids and lacewings, parasitoid wasps, i.e., Anastatus sp., Cotesia ruficrus and Dinocampus sp. The maximum population of coccinellid adults and grubs was recorded at Bhareri i.e., 10.25 adult beetles per 30 plants and 8.25 grubs per 30 plants during September in Zone-I. In Zone-II, the maximum population of coccinellid adults (12.00 beetles / 30 plants) and grubs (10.75 grubs/30 plants) was recorded at Chamba during the maturity stage of the crop. At Palampur, the population of predators was maximum when the population of its host i.e., aphids was maximum and the activity of parasitoids (Diaeretiella sp.) was observed to be maximum in the fourth week of September . This study will boost up farmer's and researcher's knowledge about the status of natural enemy fauna associated with maize pests at major maize cultivating locations in the state and moreover, it will encourage farmers to go for any of the available biocontrol agents, rather than relying on harmful and synthetic chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh is inhabited by the tribal communities who believe in Amchi system of medicine which is being practiced in this region from a long time. The Amchi system of medicine is similar to the Ayurvedic medicine as this system involves the use of plants as the main source of drug or treatment strategy. Considering the importance of this system of medicine, an extensive field work was conducted in 8 different villages of Lahaul valley to explore the information on usage of ethnomedicinal plants by tribal communities and traditional healers. Questionnaire based interviews of 150 informants were conducted. The data generated were analysed using quantitative tools, i.e., use-value (UV), factor informant consensus (Fic) and fidelity level (Fl). Information related to 64 plants was collected which possess effectiveness against 35 ailment categories. The maximum number of medicinal plants were recorded from the family Compositae followed by Lamiaceae, Apiaceae and Rosaceae. On the basis of use value, the most important medicinal plants were Arnebia euchroma, Artemisia maritima, Asparagus filicinus, Picrorhiza kurrooa, Podophyllum hexandrum, Taraxacum officinale and Thymus linearis. On the basis of factor informant consensus, important ailment categories of this region were related to respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. This research involves the documentation of medicinal and aromatic plants used by tribal communities and traditional healers of the Lahaul valley. However, further phytochemical and pharmacological research is required for scientific validation of this information so as to determine the efficacy and safety of these ethnomedicinal plants for curing various ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was conducted to study the prostigmatid predatory mites in different agro climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh. Plant samples collected from agriculturally important crops showed presence of predatory mites belonging to five families and six genera. Eight species, viz., Agistemus sp. nr. edulis, A. industani Gonzalez-Rodriguez, A. javanicum Gupta, A. lakoocha Gupta, Pronematus sextoni Baker, Paraerythraeus delhiensis Khot, Tydeus gossabaensis Gupta and T. ornamentalicus Gupta was reported for the first time from Himachal Pradesh. Distribution of prostigmatid predatory mites revealed that they were more diverse in Zone-I and Zone-II, whereas in Zone-III and IV unrelated species were recorded. P. sextoni established as dominant (15.90) species in the entire collection followed by eleven species, which were sub-dominant, and Pronematus delhiensis was recorded as sub-recident (0.75). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goat husbandry is an important component of the agrarian society of Himachal Pradesh, India. Adult, healthy, non-pregnant, Gaddi does (7), aged 4.52±0.39 years, weighing 27.07±1.03 kg were investigated during breeding season (January-February 2017) at University Farm for follicular wave characterstics. Cyclic Gaddi goats during breeding season mainly manifested four wave pattern of follicular growth (5; 71.4%), while the remaining animals had either 3 or 5 wave pattern (1 each; 14.3%). The last wave in all these animals was ovulatory, with interovulatory and interoestrus interval of 20.85±0.63 and 21.0±0.53 days, respectively. Average (Mean±SEM) diameter of ovulatory follicle was 6.85±0.24 mm. The average progesterone concentration peaked to 11.89±1.55 ng/ml at day 14 of estrus cycle. Mean luteal and follicular phase durations were 17.57±0.36 and 3.14±0.26 days, respectively. Overall daily total number of follicles during the breeding season were 5.50±0.55 which suggests pronounced ovarian activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations were carried out during two consecutive Rabi seasons of 2014 and 2015 at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India to study the spatial distribution of Brevicoryne brassicae in cabbage. One month old cabbage seedlings were planted in the field in the month of November during both the years. Distribution pattern of any insect population is an important aspect as it represents the interaction between individuals of the species and their habitat. Spatial distribution is useful for designing efficient sampling programmes for population estimation and development of population models. Spatial distribution is also important to understand the bioecology of the pest and to determine the sampling protocol for that species. In the present study variance to mean ratio (s2/ X),mean crowding (X*), ratio of mean crowding to mean (X*/X), 'k' of negative binomial, Taylor's power equation (s2 = 0.9099X1.55 during 2014 and s2 = 2.9861X1.1949 during 2015), Iwao's patchiness regression and optimum number of samples (Nopt) required to achieve the desired precision were calculated for different densities. Cabbage aphid, B. brassicae appeared in the fourth standard week i.e last week of January( 26.2 aphids/ plant during 2014 and 0.30 aphids/ plant during 2015) and persisted upto thirteenth standard week i.e last week of April ( 18.4 aphids/ plant during 2014 and 18.2 aphids/ plant during 2015) and followed a negative binomial distribution during both years. Optimum number of samples (Nopt) required varied with mean density as well as precision level. The present study will serve as basic information to develop a sampling plan of B. Brassicae in cabbage for its monitoring and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted at Pandah farm and Khaltoo farm of seed technology and production centre, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan Himachal Pradesh, India during 2012-2013 to find out the impact of habitat on insect pollinator diversity on coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) bloom. The survey was conducted at two different habitats, in habitat 1, field was surrounded by cultivable crops while, in habitat 2, field was surrounded by natural vegetation. Insect pollinators were identified and the Shannon-Weiner diversity index was used to measure their diversity. The diversity of insects by different sampling methods (fluorescent pan traps, scan sampling and sweep net capture) showed that more insects were observed in coriander field surrounded by natural vegetation (habitat 2) as compared to field surrounded by cultivable crop (habitat 1). Thirty nine insects belonging to 31 genera under 18 families and 8 orders were observed in the experimental habitats surrounding coriander crop. Pollinator diversity indices compared for different sampling methods in both the habitats showed different trends. The pollinator diversity indices and eveness amongst the various groups was higher in habitat 1. Richness (H max) was same in both the habitats in all sampling methods indicating that the insect visitors groups were homogenous in the two habitats for individual sampling method. Different Shannon Weiner pollinator diversity indices for different sampling methods indicated that for sampling pollinator diversity all the methods have to be collectively employed as no single method is fully reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the concept of leadership in context to politics and brief political history of Himachal Pradesh, India with focused on leadership and woman leadership in the state.

CALINE 4 highway dispersion model is extensively used all over the world including India for prediction of vehicular pollution along highway corridors. A few studies have reported its application and suitability under complex/hilly terrain. In the present paper, an attempt has been made to evaluate the performance of CALINE 4 model in hilly terrain for Indian traffic and meteorological conditions. CALINE 4 model predictions have been compared between flat and hilly terrains along two road corridors in Solan District in the state of Himachal Pradesh (India). The statistical indicators of the model performance such as, index of agreement (d), fractional bias (FB), and normalised mean square error (NMSE) reveal that the model performed satisfactorily in the flat terrain. However, model fell short in explaining the complexity of terrain and performed unsatisfactorily in hilly terrain conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, development projects displace people in large numbers. Such involuntarily displacements generally give rise to severe economic, social and environmental problems, when production systems are dismantled, productive assets and income sources are lost, people are shifted to environments where their productive skills may be less useful and the competition for resources greater, kin groups are dispersed, and cultural identity, traditional authority, and the potential for the mutual help are diminished. In fact, involuntary resettlement can cause severe long term hardship, impoverishment, socio-cultural and environmental damage unless appropriate measures are carefully planned and carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis in this article revolves around the effect of religion, caste and political parties on tribal voters of Kinnaur For this three broad spectrum parameters have been selected: religion, caste and political participation of tribal voters. The tribal voter of Kinnaur has a distinct identity than rural and urban masses of the state of Himachal Pradesh. Even three blocks of this district varies culturally. Their political perceptions vary according to these three parameters. Besides it, age, gender, political participation and theirpolitical interests also contribute informing their level ofpolitical awareness and voting behavior of voters. How tribal religion is different from pure Hinduism and Buddhism, thisfactor has also been slightly touched. Secondly, the four caste division of Hindu society is missing in the tribal society as the tribe of Kinnaura is divided into dominant class, Khoshiya and suppressed classes of Chamang, Domang and Ores. Important conclusions have been derivedfrom the whole study which reveals that political party's influence has superseded the religion and caste factor in Kinnaur's grass root level politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of the development strategy for Chuhar Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India. The study is conducted to design production strategies intended to improve income, employment, and socio-economic well-being of the Indian farming community. It concludes that credit institutions, market outlets, and farm or extension services should be strengthened in the remote region in order to realize its potential.

The article highlights the Indian hagiographic texts of the Puranas and focuses on the Western Himalayan Provinces of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. It mentions that Indian texts are connected to the contravention of the earlier Vedic-Upanishadic texts. It gives an emphasis on the local Sanskrit literature and focuses on the Nilamata Purana. It mentions that iconographies of dieties of the river is being used in Nilamata Purana. The article also highlights the rituals and rites of the rivers and the pilgrims used in the worship of river goddesses.

The article grapples with the period of transition from 'native' to colonial rule. It comprehends the crisis of political-economy in transition by contextualising certain civil cases and petitions to understand how people exploited the ambiguity between power and authority--between the ideology of 'tradition' and the 'method' of colonial institutions--to elevate their social and economic status. While the colonial institutions could empower individuals and groups economically, only 'traditional' authority could legitimise their revision in social status. The strategy employed by the Jogis of Chamba in Himachal Pradesh, who petitioned the Raja while simultaneously exploring the legal framework and the land settlement regime of their British masters, indicates their comprehension of the system in transition. The institutional framework of the latter empowered them, while the nominal authority of the Raja was invoked to claim social status. This strategy, of social mobility and empowerment, undergirds the transformation in the agrarianscape, and contextualises the ascendance of religious orders/ leaders who cut across caste and sectarian boundaries at the time when the state was in the process of transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thermostable cellulases are in constant demand for several biotechnological applications. Two thermophilic bacterial strains PW1 and PW2 isolated from Tattapani hot spring were found to have cellulolytic activity. Subsequently, PW1 and PW2 were identified and mined for genes encoding cellulase activity. Results: Sequencing of the 16S rDNA of PW1 and PW2 identified them as Bacillus sp. PW1 (Acc no. KU711837) and Bacillus sp. PW2 (Acc no. KU711838), respectively, which clustered in the clades containing thermophilic members of Bacillus sp. and Geobacillus species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that despite the morphological and sequence identities, Bacillus sp. PW1 and Bacillus sp. PW2 are different at the genetic level. The cellulase genes (~ 1.1 kb) of the two bacterial strains were amplified using primers designed against related thermophilic cellulases. Sequencing of the cellulase gene amplicons of PW1 and PW2 revealed that they encode proteins of 280 and 206 amino acid residues, respectively. Sequence and domain analysis of the protein products of PW1 and PW2 revealed that they belong to M42 family of aminopeptidase/endoglucanase. The PW2 endoglucanase coding sequence was submitted to Genbank under accession no. MH049504. The structures of putative endoglucanases of PW1 and PW2 were generated using 1VHE.A as template, which showed the presence of vast proportion of random coils. Molecular docking of the modeled endoglucanase proteins with various substrates and products of cellulases showed that carboxymethyl cellulose and maltose exhibit the highest binding affinity, while xylan and glucose the least. Conclusions: The two thermophilic bacteria PW1 and PW2 and their endoglucanase gene can be further utilized for recombinant production of thermostable cellulases for their application in industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several pests and diseases infest apple during production, potentially causing heavy losses. Numerous pesticides are used to control pests and diseases, sprays of which contaminate the environment and result in pesticide residues. Among Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), particle film technology (PFT) is promising for organic fruit production. Now some kaolin-based PFs such as Surround WP®, EclipseT, Anti-stress-500®, Parasol® have been developed which are available worldwide for commercial use. In India, preliminary research work was conducted for observing the effect of one kaolin-based PF (Surround WP®) on 'Delicious' apple. Five sprays of Surround WP® (3%) were applied to 20-randomly selected 'Delicious' apple trees each year during 2015–16 and 2016–17. The sprays were applied, starting on June 15 every year at fortnightly intervals and 20 unsprayed trees served as controls. Surround WP® reduced the incidence of San Jose scale (by ~ 64%), apple scab (by ~ 87%) and powdery mildew (by ~78%) significantly but increased the incidence of woolly apple aphid (by ~ 23%) compared to the control. Surround WP®- treated apples developed a better red color (Hunter 'a' value = 53.42 ± 0.42), increased anthocyanin content and improved appearance score. Surround WP® - treated apples were 35.4% firmer and contained a 49.9% higher Ca content compared to untreated fruit. Surround WP® treatment also showed significant improvement in soluble solids (increased by 10.5%) and ascorbic acid content (increased by 10.8%) with significant reduction in storage disorders such as bitter pit (reduced by 90.8%), brown core (reduced by 73.3%) and water core (reduced by 88.4%). Based on this study, Surround WP® can be recommended for organic production of 'Delicious' apples in Himachal Pradesh, India. • Preliminary trials have been conducted on the effects of Surround WP®, a kaolin-based particle film on apple in India. • Surround WP®, improved peel colour, fruit appearance score and reduced the incidence of major insect-pests and diseases. • Pre-harvest sprays of Surround WP® reduced the incidence of storage disorders of apples such as bitter pit, brown core and water core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Trend analysis of PM 10 over a period of 7 years study is conducted and presented. • Annual averages did not show a clear trend and seasonal analysis displayed maximum concentrations during summer. • Correlations of PM10 with other criteria pollutants were presented. • Correlation of PM 10 with relevant meteorological parameters were presented. • Design and location of additional monitoring stations for Shimla city were determined. The present study aims to evaluate the long-term trends of PM 10 at two monitoring stations (an urban and a background station) in Shimla city, in India during the period 2011–2017. The highest daily mean concentrations were determined to be 176 μg/m3 and 152 μg/m3 respectively at the urban and the background monitoring locations. Similarly, the annual mean concentrations at the monitoring locations were determined to be 59 μg/m3 and 45 μg/m3 respectively for urban and background concentrations. Exceedance factors determined showed that at the urban monitoring location the ranges varied between 'moderate to high' while at the background monitoring station it remained at 'moderate' levels. Seasonal analysis study carried out revealed that higher concentrations were observed during summer in comparison to winter with the least concentrations occurring during the monsoon season. A regression analysis was carried out to test the interdependency of the PM 10 with other pollutants and a positive correlation was observed between PM 10 and NO 2 and SO 2. Similarly, correlation of PM 10 with meteorological parameters such as wind speed and temperature were found to be positive while for parameters like precipitation and relative humidity it was negative. The paper also presents a critical discussion on the outcomes of the trend analysis study. This includes design and location of additional monitoring sites to adequately represent the actual ambient air quality conditions in Himachal Pradesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]