Bandan thapa | Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (original) (raw)

Papers by Bandan thapa

Research paper thumbnail of Malaxis acuminata: An Important Ingredient of Ashtavarga

Apple Academic Press eBooks, May 16, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Phytochemical screening and ionomic analysis of selected RET medicinal plants of eastern Himalayan region

Pharma innovation, Nov 30, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Aerides multiflora Roxb.: An Important Ornamental and Medicinal Orchid

Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine

Aerides multiflora Roxb. belonging to the family Orchidaceae is known for its multi-utility. It i... more Aerides multiflora Roxb. belonging to the family Orchidaceae is known for its multi-utility. It is being used in the preparation and for cuts and wounds traditionally and traded for its fragrance and as a cut flower. Among the isolates studied, emerged as the most potent inhibitor, suggesting that it be a candidate structure for inhibitor drug development in the management of type 2 DM. As a result, an attempt has been undertaken to analyze the species therapeutic potential in both traditional and modern medicine systems. The high demand, this species has attracted a lot of attention for conservation and domestication. It is subjected to indiscriminate and unsustainable harvesting, habitat degradation, road construction, and other anthropogenic activity in the wild, resulting in decreased natural populations. This review throws light on the relevant information about the properties of the high-value medicinal orchid and immediate corrective efforts required for the conservation of t...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment Studies on Genetic Variability Traits in Different Lines of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, Sep 10, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Exploration, collection and conservation of genetic resources of Swertia Chirayita in Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas

Medicinal Plants - International Journal of Phytomedicines and Related Industries

Chirayita (Swertia chirayita) is a medicinal herb from the Himalaya region, classified as critica... more Chirayita (Swertia chirayita) is a medicinal herb from the Himalaya region, classified as critically endangered by the IUCN. Both formal and traditional medical systems have traditionally employed the use of the entire plant to cure a variety of ailments. Six exploration and collections trips were carried out from four districts of Sikkim and two districts of West Bengal in between the years 2016 to 2019 to explore the natural population and to conserve the variability in the field and seed gene bank. The collections were divided into three elevation strata: 1200-1700m, 1800-2300m and above 2400m mean sea level. Among the collected accession, the highest plant height (125.50 cm), number of branches per plant (8.0), number of infloresences per plant (203.6), number of flowers per plant (671.67), fresh weight (113.80 g) and dry weight (57. 28 g) was observed in accession KSC-8 and lowest plant height (62.67cm) was recorded in accession KSC-10. The accession KSC-4 recorded the highest number of leaves per plant (190). However, the lowest number of leaves per plant (92) was recorded for KSC-22 and number of branches per plant (3.33) for KSC-24. The number of inflorescences per plant, root length and diameter significantly varied with altitude among all the collected accessions. The array of accessions that has been identified will act as a base for future breeding programmes, genetic improvement, and commercial cultivation as well as prospective sources of high-quality germplasm to raise the standards of herbal products and ease pressure on threatened wild populations.

Research paper thumbnail of Introduction of Avocado (Persia americana) Fruits in Eastern Himalaya of India: A Review

International Journal of Economic Plants

Avocado (Persia americana) or locally called Phamfal is a subtropical, dicotyledonous, evergreen ... more Avocado (Persia americana) or locally called Phamfal is a subtropical, dicotyledonous, evergreen tree belonging to the family Lauraceae. The avocado tree is originated from a broad geographical area stretching from the eastern and central highlands of Mexico through Guatemala to the Pacific coast of Central America. Avocado is a fruit, produced from tropical trees characterized by a pear shape and blackish green in colour with high nutritional value and creamy texture. Avocado crop can be used in several ways i.e for processed products, exportation and oil extraction, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as a raw material thereby generating high value added products.High demand for information on avocado indicates that there is considerable interest in this crop in various parts of India as well as Eastern India. Moreover, avocado can be grown in Darjeeling hilly region and adjoining states of India as the soil and climatic condition is favourable for their growth and development....

Research paper thumbnail of Elucidation of Genetics of Fibre Yield and Quality Traits in Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) Using Generation Mean Analysis

International Journal of Bio-resource and Stress Management

The present study was conducted at Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidhyalaiya, Cooch Behar, West Bengal... more The present study was conducted at Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidhyalaiya, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India during Pre-kharif season (premonsoon from April–July) of 2011, 2012 and 2013. It was observed that the six generations, P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2 of all the three crosses, differed significantly for all the traits studied, except fibre percentage in case of all the crosses and basal diameter in case of cross C3 (OIN 580×JRO 128). Scaling tests as per Mather (1949) revealed the presence of epistatic interactions for almost all the traits except basal diameter in OIN 580×JRO 128. Duplicate epistasis was observed for majority of the traits and there was total absence of complementary epistasis. The joint scaling test confirmed the inadequacy of the additive-dominance model in most of the crosses for majority of the traits, indicating the influence of duplicate epistasis in their expression. It also revealed a significant additive ×additive (i) and dominance×dominance (l) types ...

Research paper thumbnail of Phytopharmacological and multi-elemental profiling of potential zingiberaceae species

The Journal of Phytopharmacology

Zingiberaceae family are used in medicine to treat a variety of human maladies, lessen inflammati... more Zingiberaceae family are used in medicine to treat a variety of human maladies, lessen inflammation, relieve motion sickness, and enhance digestion. In the current study seven Zingiberaceae species, including Zingiber zerumbet, Kaempferia rotunda, Kaempferia galanga, Curcuma zedeoaria, Zingiber rubens, Costus speciosus and Hedychium flavescens were assessed for phytochemical and multi-element composition. All seven species showed a considerable variation proving to be superior in many ways when compared to the nutritional worth of near commercial species, such as ginger and turmeric. The outcome emphasizes the phytochemical and elemental value of lesser-known but equally significant plants with strong therapeutic potential, and also indicates the need to encourage cultivation and protect genetic resources.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment studies on genetic variability traits in different genotypes of gerbera in hill zone of West Bengal

Indian Horticulture Journal, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Correlation and path analysis of selected traits under spot blotch infected condition in CIMMYT germplasm of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Ecology, Environment and Conservation

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Character Association and Path Analysis in Rice

Progressive Agriculture, 2016

Thirty one genotypes of rice were evaluated for high grain yield. The results indicated that high... more Thirty one genotypes of rice were evaluated for high grain yield. The results indicated that high estimates of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were recorded for plant height, number of reproductive tillers per plant, panicle length, biological yield per plant, harvest index, test weight, number of grain per panicle and grain yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were revealed for plant height, number of reproductive tillers per plant, panicle length, biological yield per plant, harvest index, test weight, number of grain per panicle and grain yield per plant. Improvement in grain yield can be made by selecting these yield contributed characters having high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. Grain yield per plant showed significant and positive association with number of reproductive tillers per plant, panicle length, days to maturity, number of grain per panicle biological yield per plant and harvest index at both genotypic and phenotypic level. Thus, it can be inferred that selection based on any one of these traits either alone or in combination, will result in identifying high yielding strains. Path coefficient analysis of genotypic and phenotypic exhibited high positive and direct effect of harvest index, number of grains per panicle, test weight, biological yield per plant and plant height on grain yield per plant.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment Studies on Genetic Variability Traits in Different Lines of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, Sep 10, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Variability on Centella JAT 2016

Studies on various genetic parameters were conducted to assess genetic variability, heritability ... more Studies on various genetic parameters were conducted to assess genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in Centella asiatica . Exploration and collection was done from far-flung areas of Darjeeling hills (i.e. Kalimpong, Tukdah, Darjeeling, Lava, Kurseong and Sonada) of an altitudinal range of 4000 to 6800 ft asl. Evaluation of these genotypes from 6 location was conducted for vegetative characters contributing to yield using Minimal descriptors of Agri- horticultural crops Part IV – Medicinal and Aromatic Plants given by NBPGR. All the genotypes exhibited a wide range of variability for traits under consideration. These traits were also found to be highly heritable. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was found to be greater than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied. High heritability was observed for No. of leaves/node followed by No. of veins/leaf lamina while No. of nodes/runner gave lowest heritability results. High heritability combined with high genetic advance was shown by runner Length suggesting, additive gene action plays a major role in governing these traits and these traits can be improved by simple selection.
Keywords: Variability, Heritability, Genetic advance and Inheritance.

Research paper thumbnail of Role of Growth Regulators in Enhancement of Germination of Swertia chirayita (Roxb. ex fleming) H. Karst

A B S T R A C T Swertia chirayita is a native to temperate Himalaya, found at an altitude of 1200... more A B S T R A C T Swertia chirayita is a native to temperate Himalaya, found at an altitude of 1200-3000m from Kashmir to Bhutan, and in the Khasi hills at 1200-1500m. Its medicinal usage is reported in Indian pharmaceutical codex, the British and the American pharmacopoeias and in different traditional system of medicines. It has an established domestic and international market. It is one of the rare but potent medicinal plants of the Himalaya to increase the economy of the local people and on other hand it has high market demand as raw materials for different pharmaceuticals usages, hence, the species is highly priced. But, the regeneration of this species is possible only through seeds, studies to understand germination behaviors assume great importance. Thus, this present study deals with improvement in seed germination via various hormonal treatments (GA 3 , IAA and KNO 3) among these treatment with GA 3 were found to be the best and also germination mean time reduced up to 8 days. With respect to the germination percentage and mean germination time, a high degree of variation in different populations and treatment is recorded.

Research paper thumbnail of TRAIT ASSOCIATION STUDIES FOR YIELD COMPONENTS IN TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L

Research paper thumbnail of FIRST REPORT OF LEAF SPOT (ALTERNARIA ALTERNATA) ON SWERTIA CHIRAYITA – A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANT OF SUB-HIMALAYAN ZONE

Swertia chirayita (Roxb.ex Flem.) Kart (Family: Gentianaceae), is a high value endangered medicin... more Swertia chirayita (Roxb.ex Flem.) Kart (Family: Gentianaceae), is a high value endangered medicinal plant used in traditional therapies. The species is distributed in temperate Himalayas at an altitude of 1200-1500 m amsl. The dried herbage is the source of raw drug. The species is valued for its bitter principles as hepatic stimulant, blood purifier, tonic etc. The bitterness, antihelmintic, hypoglycemic and antipyretic properties are attributed to amarogentin, swerchirin, swertiamarin and other active principles of the herb (Chassot, 2000). The species is on the verge of extinction due to massive unscientific exploitation from its wild natural areas. Considering the demand and importance of genuine chirayita, work on exploration, domestication and development of cultural practices and chemical profiling of S. chirayita has been initiated. S.chirayita suffers from many diseases like seedling blight, Leaf blight, Leaf spot etc. Among them, leaf spot is an important disease. It becomes severe in major chirata growing area of Darjeeling district. Efforts were made to identify and isolate the harmful pathogen. Hence, laboratory experiments were conducted to detect and identify the causative pathogen on leaves of Swertia chirayita collected from naturally contaminated commercial plants. Identification of the pathogen was done on the basis of morphological parameters. Koch's postulates confirmed the presence of Alternaria alternata.

Research paper thumbnail of Cisgenesis: Genetic engineering introduced spark to traditional breeding methods

Cisgenesis is a novel approach which facilitates transfer of artificial gene or DNA sequence info... more Cisgenesis is a novel approach which facilitates transfer of artificial gene or DNA sequence information from crop plants themselves or crossable species. An innovation, leading to clean transformation without leaving a selectable marker gene behind. It is a one-step linkage-drag-free method which is highly attractive, and embodies the possibility to stack genes from different sources, even if they originate from the same chromosomal position in different species or accessions in contrary to that of introgressive breeding which is a multiple step gene transfer method with linkage drag. Gene transfer through transgenesis has been facing problems with GMO regulations. In reality, it was expected to be a 'one stop solution' for array of problems affecting crop production. However, this concept is firmly refuted by the ardent critiques and sent to a back burner, because of its probable association with health hazards, potential threat to the environment and various safety issues, due to the involvement of expat genetic material. This condition has necessitated inclination towards alternative technology like 'cisgenesis' which came up as quite promising tool, directed towards novel crop improvement techniques, without risking the natural resource base. In totality, cisgenic plants are as safe as, or even safer than traditionally bred plants or plants obtained by means of induced mutation breeding, as it avoids linkage drag therefore, prevents risks from unknown hitch hiking genes. Hence, it can be applied for resistance and quality breeding in most of the important crops.

Research paper thumbnail of Character association and path analysis in rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm

The present investigation was carried out to study the correlation and path analysis in one hundr... more The present investigation was carried out to study the correlation and path analysis in one hundred and thirty four germplasm of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Character association of the yield attributing traits revealed significant positive association of grain yield per plant with panicle length, number of effective tillers per plant, panicle weight, number of filled grains per panicle, total number of grains per panicle and test weight. Hence, selection for these traits can improve yield. The number of effective tillers per plant, filled grains per panicle, test weight, panicle weight, total number of grains per panicle, days to maturity, panicle length and kernel breadth exhibited positive direct effect on yield. Among these characters, number of effective tillers per plant possessed both positive association and high direct effects. Hence, selection for this character could bring improvement in yield and yield components.

Research paper thumbnail of Correlation and path analysis of selected traits under spot blotch infected condition in CIMMYT germplasm of wheat (Triticum aestivum L

Fifty two CIMMYT germplasm lines of wheat were undertaken to carry out correlation and path analy... more Fifty two CIMMYT germplasm lines of wheat were undertaken to carry out correlation and path analysis for yield and associated traits under the artificial epiphytotic conditions using pure culture of the most aggressive isolate of fungi Bipolaris. sorokiniana causing spot blotch disease at BHU Agricultural Farm, during Rabi season of 2012-13. Yield per plot had significant positive correlation with biomass, 1000-grain weight and plant height while the AUDPC (Area Under Disease Progress Curve) had significant negative correlation with plot yield. The correlation between lesion mimic and AUDPC was found to be highly significant and positive. It was revealed from path coefficient analysis that plant height and 1000-grain weight were among the traits showing maximum direct contribution to plot yield while CT-3 (canopy temperature at 96 DAS) and AUDPC had highest negative effect on plot yield. Thus, positive selection of tall plant and high 1000-grain weight along with lesion mimic free lines in wheat would be effective for improvement in yield potential under spot blotch.

Research paper thumbnail of Malaxis acuminata: An Important Ingredient of Ashtavarga

Apple Academic Press eBooks, May 16, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Phytochemical screening and ionomic analysis of selected RET medicinal plants of eastern Himalayan region

Pharma innovation, Nov 30, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Aerides multiflora Roxb.: An Important Ornamental and Medicinal Orchid

Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine

Aerides multiflora Roxb. belonging to the family Orchidaceae is known for its multi-utility. It i... more Aerides multiflora Roxb. belonging to the family Orchidaceae is known for its multi-utility. It is being used in the preparation and for cuts and wounds traditionally and traded for its fragrance and as a cut flower. Among the isolates studied, emerged as the most potent inhibitor, suggesting that it be a candidate structure for inhibitor drug development in the management of type 2 DM. As a result, an attempt has been undertaken to analyze the species therapeutic potential in both traditional and modern medicine systems. The high demand, this species has attracted a lot of attention for conservation and domestication. It is subjected to indiscriminate and unsustainable harvesting, habitat degradation, road construction, and other anthropogenic activity in the wild, resulting in decreased natural populations. This review throws light on the relevant information about the properties of the high-value medicinal orchid and immediate corrective efforts required for the conservation of t...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment Studies on Genetic Variability Traits in Different Lines of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, Sep 10, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Exploration, collection and conservation of genetic resources of Swertia Chirayita in Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas

Medicinal Plants - International Journal of Phytomedicines and Related Industries

Chirayita (Swertia chirayita) is a medicinal herb from the Himalaya region, classified as critica... more Chirayita (Swertia chirayita) is a medicinal herb from the Himalaya region, classified as critically endangered by the IUCN. Both formal and traditional medical systems have traditionally employed the use of the entire plant to cure a variety of ailments. Six exploration and collections trips were carried out from four districts of Sikkim and two districts of West Bengal in between the years 2016 to 2019 to explore the natural population and to conserve the variability in the field and seed gene bank. The collections were divided into three elevation strata: 1200-1700m, 1800-2300m and above 2400m mean sea level. Among the collected accession, the highest plant height (125.50 cm), number of branches per plant (8.0), number of infloresences per plant (203.6), number of flowers per plant (671.67), fresh weight (113.80 g) and dry weight (57. 28 g) was observed in accession KSC-8 and lowest plant height (62.67cm) was recorded in accession KSC-10. The accession KSC-4 recorded the highest number of leaves per plant (190). However, the lowest number of leaves per plant (92) was recorded for KSC-22 and number of branches per plant (3.33) for KSC-24. The number of inflorescences per plant, root length and diameter significantly varied with altitude among all the collected accessions. The array of accessions that has been identified will act as a base for future breeding programmes, genetic improvement, and commercial cultivation as well as prospective sources of high-quality germplasm to raise the standards of herbal products and ease pressure on threatened wild populations.

Research paper thumbnail of Introduction of Avocado (Persia americana) Fruits in Eastern Himalaya of India: A Review

International Journal of Economic Plants

Avocado (Persia americana) or locally called Phamfal is a subtropical, dicotyledonous, evergreen ... more Avocado (Persia americana) or locally called Phamfal is a subtropical, dicotyledonous, evergreen tree belonging to the family Lauraceae. The avocado tree is originated from a broad geographical area stretching from the eastern and central highlands of Mexico through Guatemala to the Pacific coast of Central America. Avocado is a fruit, produced from tropical trees characterized by a pear shape and blackish green in colour with high nutritional value and creamy texture. Avocado crop can be used in several ways i.e for processed products, exportation and oil extraction, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as a raw material thereby generating high value added products.High demand for information on avocado indicates that there is considerable interest in this crop in various parts of India as well as Eastern India. Moreover, avocado can be grown in Darjeeling hilly region and adjoining states of India as the soil and climatic condition is favourable for their growth and development....

Research paper thumbnail of Elucidation of Genetics of Fibre Yield and Quality Traits in Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) Using Generation Mean Analysis

International Journal of Bio-resource and Stress Management

The present study was conducted at Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidhyalaiya, Cooch Behar, West Bengal... more The present study was conducted at Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidhyalaiya, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India during Pre-kharif season (premonsoon from April–July) of 2011, 2012 and 2013. It was observed that the six generations, P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2 of all the three crosses, differed significantly for all the traits studied, except fibre percentage in case of all the crosses and basal diameter in case of cross C3 (OIN 580×JRO 128). Scaling tests as per Mather (1949) revealed the presence of epistatic interactions for almost all the traits except basal diameter in OIN 580×JRO 128. Duplicate epistasis was observed for majority of the traits and there was total absence of complementary epistasis. The joint scaling test confirmed the inadequacy of the additive-dominance model in most of the crosses for majority of the traits, indicating the influence of duplicate epistasis in their expression. It also revealed a significant additive ×additive (i) and dominance×dominance (l) types ...

Research paper thumbnail of Phytopharmacological and multi-elemental profiling of potential zingiberaceae species

The Journal of Phytopharmacology

Zingiberaceae family are used in medicine to treat a variety of human maladies, lessen inflammati... more Zingiberaceae family are used in medicine to treat a variety of human maladies, lessen inflammation, relieve motion sickness, and enhance digestion. In the current study seven Zingiberaceae species, including Zingiber zerumbet, Kaempferia rotunda, Kaempferia galanga, Curcuma zedeoaria, Zingiber rubens, Costus speciosus and Hedychium flavescens were assessed for phytochemical and multi-element composition. All seven species showed a considerable variation proving to be superior in many ways when compared to the nutritional worth of near commercial species, such as ginger and turmeric. The outcome emphasizes the phytochemical and elemental value of lesser-known but equally significant plants with strong therapeutic potential, and also indicates the need to encourage cultivation and protect genetic resources.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment studies on genetic variability traits in different genotypes of gerbera in hill zone of West Bengal

Indian Horticulture Journal, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Correlation and path analysis of selected traits under spot blotch infected condition in CIMMYT germplasm of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Ecology, Environment and Conservation

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Character Association and Path Analysis in Rice

Progressive Agriculture, 2016

Thirty one genotypes of rice were evaluated for high grain yield. The results indicated that high... more Thirty one genotypes of rice were evaluated for high grain yield. The results indicated that high estimates of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were recorded for plant height, number of reproductive tillers per plant, panicle length, biological yield per plant, harvest index, test weight, number of grain per panicle and grain yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were revealed for plant height, number of reproductive tillers per plant, panicle length, biological yield per plant, harvest index, test weight, number of grain per panicle and grain yield per plant. Improvement in grain yield can be made by selecting these yield contributed characters having high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. Grain yield per plant showed significant and positive association with number of reproductive tillers per plant, panicle length, days to maturity, number of grain per panicle biological yield per plant and harvest index at both genotypic and phenotypic level. Thus, it can be inferred that selection based on any one of these traits either alone or in combination, will result in identifying high yielding strains. Path coefficient analysis of genotypic and phenotypic exhibited high positive and direct effect of harvest index, number of grains per panicle, test weight, biological yield per plant and plant height on grain yield per plant.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment Studies on Genetic Variability Traits in Different Lines of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, Sep 10, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Variability on Centella JAT 2016

Studies on various genetic parameters were conducted to assess genetic variability, heritability ... more Studies on various genetic parameters were conducted to assess genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in Centella asiatica . Exploration and collection was done from far-flung areas of Darjeeling hills (i.e. Kalimpong, Tukdah, Darjeeling, Lava, Kurseong and Sonada) of an altitudinal range of 4000 to 6800 ft asl. Evaluation of these genotypes from 6 location was conducted for vegetative characters contributing to yield using Minimal descriptors of Agri- horticultural crops Part IV – Medicinal and Aromatic Plants given by NBPGR. All the genotypes exhibited a wide range of variability for traits under consideration. These traits were also found to be highly heritable. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was found to be greater than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied. High heritability was observed for No. of leaves/node followed by No. of veins/leaf lamina while No. of nodes/runner gave lowest heritability results. High heritability combined with high genetic advance was shown by runner Length suggesting, additive gene action plays a major role in governing these traits and these traits can be improved by simple selection.
Keywords: Variability, Heritability, Genetic advance and Inheritance.

Research paper thumbnail of Role of Growth Regulators in Enhancement of Germination of Swertia chirayita (Roxb. ex fleming) H. Karst

A B S T R A C T Swertia chirayita is a native to temperate Himalaya, found at an altitude of 1200... more A B S T R A C T Swertia chirayita is a native to temperate Himalaya, found at an altitude of 1200-3000m from Kashmir to Bhutan, and in the Khasi hills at 1200-1500m. Its medicinal usage is reported in Indian pharmaceutical codex, the British and the American pharmacopoeias and in different traditional system of medicines. It has an established domestic and international market. It is one of the rare but potent medicinal plants of the Himalaya to increase the economy of the local people and on other hand it has high market demand as raw materials for different pharmaceuticals usages, hence, the species is highly priced. But, the regeneration of this species is possible only through seeds, studies to understand germination behaviors assume great importance. Thus, this present study deals with improvement in seed germination via various hormonal treatments (GA 3 , IAA and KNO 3) among these treatment with GA 3 were found to be the best and also germination mean time reduced up to 8 days. With respect to the germination percentage and mean germination time, a high degree of variation in different populations and treatment is recorded.

Research paper thumbnail of TRAIT ASSOCIATION STUDIES FOR YIELD COMPONENTS IN TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L

Research paper thumbnail of FIRST REPORT OF LEAF SPOT (ALTERNARIA ALTERNATA) ON SWERTIA CHIRAYITA – A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANT OF SUB-HIMALAYAN ZONE

Swertia chirayita (Roxb.ex Flem.) Kart (Family: Gentianaceae), is a high value endangered medicin... more Swertia chirayita (Roxb.ex Flem.) Kart (Family: Gentianaceae), is a high value endangered medicinal plant used in traditional therapies. The species is distributed in temperate Himalayas at an altitude of 1200-1500 m amsl. The dried herbage is the source of raw drug. The species is valued for its bitter principles as hepatic stimulant, blood purifier, tonic etc. The bitterness, antihelmintic, hypoglycemic and antipyretic properties are attributed to amarogentin, swerchirin, swertiamarin and other active principles of the herb (Chassot, 2000). The species is on the verge of extinction due to massive unscientific exploitation from its wild natural areas. Considering the demand and importance of genuine chirayita, work on exploration, domestication and development of cultural practices and chemical profiling of S. chirayita has been initiated. S.chirayita suffers from many diseases like seedling blight, Leaf blight, Leaf spot etc. Among them, leaf spot is an important disease. It becomes severe in major chirata growing area of Darjeeling district. Efforts were made to identify and isolate the harmful pathogen. Hence, laboratory experiments were conducted to detect and identify the causative pathogen on leaves of Swertia chirayita collected from naturally contaminated commercial plants. Identification of the pathogen was done on the basis of morphological parameters. Koch's postulates confirmed the presence of Alternaria alternata.

Research paper thumbnail of Cisgenesis: Genetic engineering introduced spark to traditional breeding methods

Cisgenesis is a novel approach which facilitates transfer of artificial gene or DNA sequence info... more Cisgenesis is a novel approach which facilitates transfer of artificial gene or DNA sequence information from crop plants themselves or crossable species. An innovation, leading to clean transformation without leaving a selectable marker gene behind. It is a one-step linkage-drag-free method which is highly attractive, and embodies the possibility to stack genes from different sources, even if they originate from the same chromosomal position in different species or accessions in contrary to that of introgressive breeding which is a multiple step gene transfer method with linkage drag. Gene transfer through transgenesis has been facing problems with GMO regulations. In reality, it was expected to be a 'one stop solution' for array of problems affecting crop production. However, this concept is firmly refuted by the ardent critiques and sent to a back burner, because of its probable association with health hazards, potential threat to the environment and various safety issues, due to the involvement of expat genetic material. This condition has necessitated inclination towards alternative technology like 'cisgenesis' which came up as quite promising tool, directed towards novel crop improvement techniques, without risking the natural resource base. In totality, cisgenic plants are as safe as, or even safer than traditionally bred plants or plants obtained by means of induced mutation breeding, as it avoids linkage drag therefore, prevents risks from unknown hitch hiking genes. Hence, it can be applied for resistance and quality breeding in most of the important crops.

Research paper thumbnail of Character association and path analysis in rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm

The present investigation was carried out to study the correlation and path analysis in one hundr... more The present investigation was carried out to study the correlation and path analysis in one hundred and thirty four germplasm of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Character association of the yield attributing traits revealed significant positive association of grain yield per plant with panicle length, number of effective tillers per plant, panicle weight, number of filled grains per panicle, total number of grains per panicle and test weight. Hence, selection for these traits can improve yield. The number of effective tillers per plant, filled grains per panicle, test weight, panicle weight, total number of grains per panicle, days to maturity, panicle length and kernel breadth exhibited positive direct effect on yield. Among these characters, number of effective tillers per plant possessed both positive association and high direct effects. Hence, selection for this character could bring improvement in yield and yield components.

Research paper thumbnail of Correlation and path analysis of selected traits under spot blotch infected condition in CIMMYT germplasm of wheat (Triticum aestivum L

Fifty two CIMMYT germplasm lines of wheat were undertaken to carry out correlation and path analy... more Fifty two CIMMYT germplasm lines of wheat were undertaken to carry out correlation and path analysis for yield and associated traits under the artificial epiphytotic conditions using pure culture of the most aggressive isolate of fungi Bipolaris. sorokiniana causing spot blotch disease at BHU Agricultural Farm, during Rabi season of 2012-13. Yield per plot had significant positive correlation with biomass, 1000-grain weight and plant height while the AUDPC (Area Under Disease Progress Curve) had significant negative correlation with plot yield. The correlation between lesion mimic and AUDPC was found to be highly significant and positive. It was revealed from path coefficient analysis that plant height and 1000-grain weight were among the traits showing maximum direct contribution to plot yield while CT-3 (canopy temperature at 96 DAS) and AUDPC had highest negative effect on plot yield. Thus, positive selection of tall plant and high 1000-grain weight along with lesion mimic free lines in wheat would be effective for improvement in yield potential under spot blotch.