Search

Brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is one of the most dreaded pests of brinal crop worldwide and the annual crop losses are estimated to the extent of around Rs. 2,000 crores. The trials were conducted to manage this pest at Entomological Research Farm, PAU, Ludhiana and at farmers fields of districts Ludhiana and Gurdaspur, Punjab during 2014-17. Different doses of chlorantraniliprole (18.5 SL) and emamectin benzoate (5 SG) were evaluated against brinjal shoot and fruit borer and compared with the existing recommended insecticide, triazophos (40 EC). The tested molecules were found highly effective against brinjal shoot and fruit borer and reduction in fruit infestation ranged from 53.2-84.1% after 10 days of 2nd spray. Similarly, the significant higher yields (313.1-325.5 q ha-1) were recorded in treated plot as compared to untreated control (307.3 q ha-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beneficial response of application of fertilizer enriched press mud @ 15 t ha−1, rice straw compost @ 6 t ha−1, poultry manure @ 6 t ha−1 and farmyard manure @ 15 t ha−1 to rice crop was reported in the field investigation at farm research area, Department of Soil Science, PAU Ludhiana, India. The results of our study reported that rice grain (70.6 q ha−1) and straw (116.7 q ha−1) yield were significantly higher under 100% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizers) + poultry manure and 75% RDF + press mud treatments, respectively, whereas, wheat grain (79.9 q ha−1) and straw (128.8 q ha−1) yield were found to be significantly higher with 100% RDF + farmyard manure treatment. Poultry manure and press mud treatments resulted in higher uptake of macronutrients and micronutrients in rice grain and straw. The maximum uptake of macronutrients and micronutrients in wheat grain and straw were recorded with treatments receiving farmyard manure. Results supported that use of manures either alone or in combination with chemical fertilizers is very important for enrichment of chemical composition of grain and straw of rice and wheat and for sustaining crop productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges faced by the Ludhiana's woolen knitwear industry that got accentuated with the outbreak of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The paper discusses the road map for building capabilities within the industry from the perspective of "system of innovation" approach that would help the industry to comply with the recent call for "AatmaNirbhar BharatAbhiyan". Design Methodology Approach - The woolen knitwear industry from Ludhiana district of North Indian state, Punjab, was taken as a case to examine the impact of COVID-19. Data was collected online through self-structured questionnaire along with telephonic interviews. Stage I was the period of "total lockdown" and Stage II was conducted after the announcement of "stimulus package" and during the unlocking period. Some local industry associations and labor unions were also interviewed to understand the wider perspectives of different stakeholders. Descriptive statistic was applied to analyze the results of the survey. Findings - It is estimated that the industry would lose about INR 2,000 crores approximately US$282.1m with the monetary loss of man-days nearing INR 157 crores approximately US$22.1m for the total lockdown period of 68 days. This amount is feared to increase with the lackluster re-opening of the industry in the unlocking period. The study reveals that there were some concerns, such as infrastructural bottlenecks, obsolete internal and international connectivity and institutional rigiditywith cumbersome rules and regulations that get heightenedwith the outbreak of COVID-19. The entrepreneurs and workers are skeptic regarding the nature of demand revival in the changing world economic order. The paper suggests a dynamic policy intervention with inbuilt feedback mechanismalongwith reviving the organizations to infuse enthusiasmamong various actors of industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birds are exclusively sensitive to alterations both in terms of environmental and ecological. Birds have very close association with trees. There is a complicated connection that is present between birds and their living and non-living components. There are number of variables in a habitat such as vegetation cover, foliage height and these variables influence avian abundance and diversity. Exotics refer to the species carried from outside the country. Occurrence of nonnative plants has been revealed to decline innate plant richness and communal range. Exotic species have been recently found as the most common agent of evolutionary traps, influencing species diversity. Invading species repress growth of native flora and this ultimately results in the reduction of nesting sites for birds. The present study on avian community structure in relation to exotic trees was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Location I) and Gurpal Nagar, Ludhiana (Location II). Five different exotic trees were selected i.e. Safeda (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Poplar (Populus deltoides), Bottle brush (Callistemon viminalis), Monkey Puzzle (Araucaria araucana), The Silver Oak (Grivillea robusta). A total of 23 species belonging to 11 orders of birds were recorded. Highest species richness (14) was observed on Bottle Brush (Callistemon viminalis). Passeriformes was the dominant order of bird species observed. Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri), House Crow (Corvus splendens) and Blue Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) were dominant bird species recorded on selectedexotic trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phalaris minor Retz. is the major grass weed of wheat, which has developed resistance to multiple herbicides working through three modes of action. The identification of suitable herbicides with different modes of action will assist in the control of this weed in resistance affected areas. Keeping this in view, the efficacy of flufenacet, an oxyacetanilide herbicide, was investigated in 2013 and 2014 at Ludhiana, India. Three doses of flufenacet (200, 250 and 300 g ha−1) were tested at three application timings on Zadoks wheat stages (Z00, Z13 and Z21) and compared with clodinafop application and weedy check for the control of resistant P. minor biotype. Flufenacet 250 and 300 g ha−1, applied at Z00 and Z13 wheat stages, had more than 85% mortality and more than 90% growth reduction of P. minor compared to the unsprayed check (76–109 plants m−2; 60–69 g m−2) at 45 days after sowing in both years, whereas clodinafop just provided 26–37% reduction in density and 39–40% reduction in biomass of this weed. Flufenacet 250 g ha−1 at Z00 and Z13 produced better wheat grain yield (4.2–4.5 t ha−1) in both years, while weed competition in the unsprayed check reduced wheat grain yield by 54–67% (1.75–1.97 t ha-1). This study suggests that flufenacet could be used to control multiple herbicide resistant P. minor in northern Indian wheat production systems. • Flufenacet 250 – 300 g ha−1 applied at Z00 and Z13, provided >85% mortality and >90% growth reduction of P. minor. • Clodinafop @ 60 g ha−1 provided only 26–37% reduction in density and 39–40% reduction in biomass of P. minor. • Flufenacet efficacy was higher in 2014 over 2013, owing to higher rainfall events in second year. • Flufenacet 250 g ha−1 applied at Z00 and Z13 produced better wheat grain yield (4.2–4.5 t ha−1) in both years. • Flufenacet provided better control of resistant P. minor population as compared to clodinafop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to assess determinants of perceived risk taking behavior among rural and urban adolescents in rural and urban Ludhiana district of Punjab state. The sample comprised of 300 school going adolescents (16-18 years) selected randomly from Government Senior Secondary Schools. A Personal Information Sheet was used to record data regarding demographic profile of the adolescents. A scale developed by Gullone et al. (2000) was used to assess the perceived risk taking behavior among adolescents. Significant locale differences were found in case of boys from low level of perceived risk taking behaviour category. Significant locale differences were found in rural and urban girls in high level of risk taking behaviour. In total sample non-significant locale differences were found in all the three levels of perceived risk-taking behaviour. Significant gender wise differences were found between rural girls and boys in all the three levels of perceived risk-taking behaviour. In total sample significant gender wise differences were found in low level of risk-taking behavior category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]