Volume 29, Number 1(January, 2005)

1. U. F. CHIEZEY, I. M. HARUNA¹ AND E. C. ODION [ Growth and development of sorghum /soybean mixture with nitrogen, phosphorus and plant arrangement in the northern Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria ]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 1-14 (2005). Department of Agronomy Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
   

   ABSTRACT

   Field experiments were conducted for two years (1997 and 1998) in Samaru, Nigeria. The objective was to determine the yield and economic implications of growing sorghum and soybean in mixture at 100% population of each (additive mixture). Four levels of N (0, 25, 50 and 100 kg N/ha), three levels of P (0, 13.2 and 26.4 kg P/ha) and two planting arrangements (alternate stand and alternate row) were tested. The treatments were combined in all possible factorial combinations and laid out as randomised complete block design with three replications. The mixture responded positively to N and P applications. Application of 100 kg N/ha and 26.4 kg P/ha maximised the yields of sorghum and soybean, respectively. Application of N and P increased land equivalent ratio to more than one, and sorghum coefficient of aggressivity increased with both the nutrients. Economic analyses indicate that sole crop of soybean was more profitable but where both crops are normally grown in mixtures, application of 50 kg N and 13.2 kg P/ha was optimal. Plant arrangement had slight influence on the economic prospects of the mixture. Alternate row arrangement was slightly better economically than alternate stand arrangement.

2. M. P. YADAV, R. N. VERMA, RAM PYARE, S. P. KUSHWAHA AND G. K. SINGH [Studies on residual effect of phosphorus on yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in G. M.-rice-wheat system]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 15-18 (2005). Department of Agronomy C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur (U. P.). India.
   

ABSTRACT

The results of two years’ study revealed that among two green manure crops, greengram could enhance significantly the grain yield of wheat in second year and straw yields in both the years but it did not differ from sesbania in first year grain yield and harvest index during both the years of experimentation. Applied dose of 60 kg P2O5/ha to green manure crops significantly the grain and straw yields of wheat in both the years and in pooled results in which 7.4% increase in grain and 2.58% increase in straw yields was observed. The harvest index of wheat improved significantly in first year only. Though numerical increase was noted in its pooled results and also in gross income, net income and cost : benefit ratio. Directly applied phosphorus dose of 90 kg P2O5/ha to rice brought about significant enhancement of grain and straw yields of wheat as residual effect separately in two years and in pooled results over 60 kg P2O5/ha numerically. Increase in gross and net incomes and in cost : benefit ratio was also noted in wheat crop.

1. KEDAR PRASAD, C. P. VERMA, R. N. VERMA AND RAM PYARE [Effect of soil conditioners and fertilizer doses on nutrient uptake by maize crop in maize-wheat sequence]. Crop Res. 28 (1) : 19-22 (2005). Department of Agronomy C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur-208 002 (U. P.), India.
   

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive years (2000-01 and 2001-02) to evaluate the effect of soil conditioners and fertility levels on N, P, K uptake by maize crop in maize-wheat sequence. Three soil conditioners (Control, FYM @ 5 t/ha and gypsum @ 1 t/ha) and three fertility levels (100, 75 and 50% of the recommended dose of both the crops) were tested. Results indicated on pooled basis that the uptake of N, P, K in seed, stover and whole plant was significantly maximum with FYM application followed by gypsum. Total uptake with FYM was maximum of 90.51 kg N, 40.75 kg P2O5 and 143.29 kg P2O/ha against 78.50 kg N, 34.22 kg P2O5 and 132.88 kg K2O/ha with gypsum and 70.81 kg N, 28.13 kg P2O5 and 121.98 kg K2O/ha in control treatment. Among fertilizers, recommended dose showed significantly maximum values of N, P, K uptake in grain, stover and whole plant. Total uptake at recommended fertilizer was recorded by 87.12 kg N, 40.50 kg P2O5 and 142.86 kg K2O/ha which reduced to 80.80 kg N, 34.55 kg P2O5 and 133.15 kg K2O/ha at 75% fertilizer and 71.91 kg N, 28.05 kg P2O5 and 122.24 kg K2O/ha at 50% recommended dose.

1. C. P. VERMA, KEDAR PRASAD AND R. N. VERMA [Production potential and economics of maize-wheat cropping system under different soil conditioners and fertility levels]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 23-27 (2005). Department of Agronomy C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur-208 002 (U. P.), India.

   ABSTRACT

           A field experiment was carried out for two consecutive years (2000-01 and 2001-02) at Students’ Instructional Farm of C. S. A. U. A. & T., Kanpur to find out the effect of soil conditioners and fertility levels on productivity and economics of maize-wheat cropping system. Treatments were three soil conditioners (control, gypsum @ 100 kg/ha and FYM @ 5 t/ha) and three fertility levels (100, 75 and 50% fertility levels recommended to maize and wheat crop). Results revealed that wheat grain equivalent yield was significantly maximum of 81.13 q/ha with FYM application, while gypsum produced 74.37 q/ha. Minimum equivalent yield of 70.51 q/ha was recorded in control treatment. In case of fertilizers, significantly maximum equivalent yield of 80.28 q/ha was obtained at recommended dose which reduced to 75.47 and 70.26 q/ha at 75 and 50% dose of fertilizers, respectively. Gross income and net profit obtained from maize-wheat system were significantly maximum of Rs. 58909 and 22687/ha, respectively, with FYM application. It was followed by gypsum with Rs. 54141/ha gross income and Rs. 21257/ha net profit. Recommended dose earned significantly maximum of Rs. 58207 gross income and Rs. 23016/ha net profit. In reduced doses of 75 and 50% fertilizer gross income values obtained were Rs. 54944 and of Rs. 51480/ha, while net profit values remained Rs. 21081 and 19145/ha, respectively.

2. KEDAR PRASAD, C. P. VERMA, R. N. VERMA AND RAM PYARE [Effect of FYM, gypsum and fertility levels on nutrient uptake by wheat crop in maize-wheat system]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 28-33 (2005). Department of Agronomy C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur-208 002 (U. P.), India.

   
   ABSTRACT

   An investigation was made for two years (2001-02 and 2002-03) to find out the effect of FYM, gypsum and fertilizer doses on nutrient uptake by wheat crop. Results showed that on pooled basis maximum nitrogen uptake of 128.40 kg/ha was recorded with FYM followed by gypsum (118.70 kg N/ha) which was 12.1 and 3.7% higher than control, respectively. Total uptake of phosphorus was maximum of 20.67 kg P2O5/ha with FYM which was higher by 2.17 (11.8%) and 1.41 kg/ha (7.3%) than control and gypsum, respectively. Total potassium uptake was maximum of 141.08 kg/ha with FYM which was 15.67 (12.50%) and 11.73 kg/ha (9.07%) higher than control and gypsum, respectively. Recommended dose of fertilizer (N120P60K40 kg/ha) caused significantly maximum uptake of 125.92 kg N/ha which was reduced by 4.03 and 8.83% at 75 and 50% doses of fertilizers. Maximum total uptake of 20.37 kg P2O5/ha was recorded at recommended fertilizer dose which was reduced by 0.92 (4.52%) and 1.97 kg/ha (9.67%) at 75 and 50% fertilizer, respectively. Significantly maximum total potassium uptake of 135.50 kg/ha was noted in recommended dose of fertilizer which was reduced by 3.38 (2.5%) and 7.23 kg/ha (5.3%) at 75 and 50% doses of fertilizer, respectively.

3. GHODRATOLLAH FATHI* [Dry matter accumulation and partitioning as affected by thinning in corn (Zea mays)]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 34-39 (2005). Ramin Agricultural Research and Education Center Shahid Chamran University, Ahwaz, Iran *(e-mail : fathi2000ir@yahoo.com).
   

1. GHODRATOLLAH FATHI* [Integrated weed management in corn (Zea mays L.)]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 40-46 (2005). Ramin Agricultural Research and Education Center Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran *(e-mail : fathi2000ir@yahoo.com).
   

ABSTRACT

Use of efficient methods for weed control with respect to environmental stability and increased crop yield is essential. In order to study different methods of weed control, an experiment was conducted in 2002 and 2003 at the experimental field of Ramin College of Shahid Chamran University. Treatments included atrazine+lasso, atrazine+lasso+one cultivation+2, 4-D, atrazine+lasso+two cultivations, eradicane, eradicane+one cultivation+2, 4-D, eradicane+two cultivations, one cultivation+2, 4-D and two cultivations+2, 4-D and weed-free and weed infested control. Treatments were replicated four times, and were compared in a complete randomized block design. Echinochloa crusgalli, Cyperus spp. and Convolvulus arvensis were the predominant weeds. Amaranthus retroflexus, Malva montana and Alhaji camelerum were of lower importance. Combining pre-emergence application of herbicides with two cultivations effectively controlled weed. However, pre-emergence application of atrazine and lasso was the more effective treatment on wide range of weeds than eradicane application during the entire growing season. This treatment effectively controlled E. crusgalli, C. rotundus, C. arvensis and other weeds by 93, 78.83 and 99%, respectively, and it was the best treatment for weed control in corn under conditions similar to this experiment.

• D. MUSAMBASI, O. A. CHIVINGE, D. R. BUNYA AND S. MABASA1 [The role of different component crops grown in association with maize and their residues in controlling Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze in Zimbabwe]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 47-55 (2005). Crop Science Department University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP 167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.

  ABSTRACT

  Two pot experiments were carried out at Henderson Research Station, Zimbabwe to assess the effects of growing maize in association with live or crop residues of cowpea, soybean, field bean, groundnut and sweet potato during 2000-01 summer season. Generally more Striga asiatica plants emerged in sole maize, while maize sweet potato had the least number of oat 5 and 7 weeks after crop emergence (WACE), and maize grown in association with groundnut, bambaranut and cowpea had the least at 7 WACE. Growing maize in pots with residues of soybean, sweet potato, field beans and cowpea resulted in the least number of emerged S. asiatica plants at 5 WACE. Soybean residues consistently suppressed S. asiatica plants at 5, 7 and 9 WACE, while the residues of field beans and cowpea supported the highest number of emerged S. asiatica plants at 9 WACE. Maize plants were taller in sole pots with sole maize, while in the intercrops the maize plants were shorter. Shortest maize plants were recorded where soybean residues were incorporated. Maize grown in pots incorporated with residues of cowpea and field bean had 75 and 59% more DM yield than when it was grown in pots incorporated with residues of groundnut and soybean and where no residues were incorporated.
  

• D. MUSAMBASI*, S. RIMAWU, O. A. CHIVINGE AND I. K. MARIGA [The residual effects of multi-purpose trees and cowpea cultivars on witchweed [Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze] density and maize grain yield under dryland crop production system in Zimbabwe]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 56-62 (2005). Crop Science Department University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe *(e-mail : musa@agric.uz.ac.zw).

ABSTRACT

An on-farm field trial was conducted to assess the residual effects of two multi-purpose trees (Sesbania sesban and Sesbania macrantha) and three cowpea varieties (IT 90K-59, IT 18 and Kavara) grown in Striga asiatica-infested fields for two consecutive seasons, 1998-99 and 1999-2000 summer seasons on maize grain yield and Striga asiatica density. A three-way maize hybrid, SC 501, was used as a test crop. At two of the sites there were no significant differences in the number of emerged S. asiatica plants, while plots previously planted to maize/Kavara and S. sesban supported the least number of emerged S. asiatica plants at 8 and 10 weeks after crop emergence. Maize grain yield was statistically the same at Mungoriwo, while grain yield for the other two sites was lost because farmers bulked the trials before the researchers could take the records.

• X. M. WANG*, X. L. JIE1 AND Y. L. HOU [Effect of applications of two kinds of controlled-released nitrogen fertilizer on yield, yield components, apparent N recovery and water productive efficiency in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under two irrigation regimes]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 63-72 (2005). Department of Soil Environmental Science Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China *(e-mail : wangxinmindr@sina.com.cn).
  ABSTRACT

  Barrel and field experiments were carried out to investigate the efficiency of two types of controlled-released nitrogen fertilizers (CRNF) with winter wheat. The results showed that, compared to urea, the winter wheat yield, yield components and apparent nitrogen recovery (ANR) were all improved under two irrigation regimes and the same quantity of nitrogen (N) condition on calcareous loess soil derived from alluvial deposit of Yellow River. In the field experiment, the highest grain yield was 6571 kg ha-1 for F3 (LUXECOTE-2 treatment) under I1 (one times irrigation) and 8822 kg ha-1 under I2 (two times irrigation) and the highest ANR was 27.5% for F3 under I1 and was 44.2% for F3 under I2. The chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate were also affected significantly during flag leaf natural aging process, and they were in the order of F1 (urea treatment) < F2 (LUXECOTE-1 treatment) < F3 under the same irrigation. In the barrel experiment, there was still with the same order of F1 < F2 < F3 within an irrigation regime for the winter wheat yield, yield components and ANR. The highest grain yield was 53.1 g per barrel for F3 under I1 and 66.4 g per barrel under I2, and the highest ANR was 35.1% for F3 under I1 and was 66.7% for F3 under I2. Water productive efficiency (WPE) was lower under I2 than that under I1 for all the three kinds of fertilizers, however, it was also with the same order as that of yield and ANR within one irrigation regime.

• A. K. SINHA, C. S. SINGH, R. K. SINGH AND R. P. SINGH [Effect of levels and times of isoproturon alone and in combination with 2, 4-D Na salt in late sown wheat]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 73-76 (2005). Department of Agronomy Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005 (U. P.), India.

  ABSTRACT
  

  The effect of levels and times of isoproturon alone and in combination with 2, 4-D Na salt was evaluated for weed management in late sown wheat at Agricultural Research Farm of Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi during winter seasons of 1997-98 and 1998-99. Two levels of isoproturon 1.00 and 1.25 kg were applied alone and in combination with 2, 4-D Na salt 0.5 kg as pre-emergence, one week before first irrigation and one week after first irrigation. The dominant weeds were Anagallis arvensis, Chenopodium album, Melilotus alba, Spergula arvensis, Phalaris minor, Cyperus rotundus and Cynodon dactylon. All the treatments were effective in reducing weed dry matter and enhancing wheat yield irrespective of levels and application times over weedy check. The efficiency of herbicides was maximum when applied one week after first irrigation. The maximum reduction in dry weight of weeds was observed in the treatment with isoproturon 1.00+2,4-D Na salt 0.5 kg applied after first irrigation. This treatment recorded maximum grain yield as compared to other treatments. In single applications, isoproturon before and after first irrigation was more effective than pre-emergence.
  

• H. M. SAOUB1, M. K. J. EL-SHATNAWI*, I. M. MAKHADMEH, N. I. HADDAD1 AND FAKHER J. AUKOUR [Clipping of Avena sterilis under sub-humid Mediterranean condition]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 77-86 (2005). Faculty of Agriculture Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan *(e-mail : mkhair@just.edu.jo).
  

  ABSTRACT

              Wild oat (Avena sterilis) is a winter annual, and native to southern Mediterranean region. It can be used to establish permanent pasture in northern Jordan. The crude protein and fiber content and response of wall barley to time of clipping were studied during two growing seasons in the northern mountains of Jordan. Field trials were conducted in 1999-2000 and 2000-01 growing seasons in Samta (32023’N, 35050’E) at an elevation of 1043 m. The highest crude protein content (P<0.05) of 22 and 26% was recorded in February and hereafter declined gradually to reach the lowest values at maturity. The fiber content gradually increased and peaked (62 and 64%) when the plant reached maturity. Clipping plants in February and March produced shorter plants but encouraged tillering. Oven-dry shoot weights of both individual plants and the population showed similar responses to time of defoliation. Clipping individual plants in February (9.8 and 5.9 g plant-1, respective years) and March (9.7 and 6 g plant-1, respective years) did not reduce plant shoot weight. Forage yield produced when plants were clipped in February and March was similar to the amount of forage produced from unclipped plants. Clipping plants in April inhibited seed production. Defoliation during the early vegetative stage optimized seed yield and forage quantity and quality.

• VIKRANT1, HARBIR SINGH, C. V. S. MALIK AND B. P. SINGH [Influence of farm yard manure and phosphorus application on grain yield and economics of cowpea]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 87-90 (2005). Department of Agronomy CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India.

  ABSTRACT

  Biennial (2000-01 and 2001-02) field experiment was conducted with cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.). Walp.] to study the effect of four levels of farm yard manure (0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1) and four phosphorus levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1) on grain yield and economics of its cultivation. Increasing levels of FYM improved the grain yield of cowpea. Among various levels of phosphorus, 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 being at par with 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 gave significantly higher grain yield than 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and no phosphorus (control). Highest net returns and per cent increase in net returns over control were recorded with 10 t FYM and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 with benefit : cost ratio of 0.60 and 0.78, respectively.
  

• VIKRANT1, VISHWAS RAJ2 AND B. P. SINGH [Response of FYM and phosphorus level in nutrient content and uptake of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 91-94 (2005). Department of Agronomy CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India.
  ABSTRACT

  
  A field experiment was conducted on cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] to study the effect of four levels of farm yard manure (0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1) and four levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1) on nutrient uptake. Application of 60 kg P2O5/ha increased the NPK content by 7.53, 8.18, 9.62 and 12.78, 6.03, 6.03% in seed and stover, respectively. The NPK content was increased by 5.34, 8.68, 8.02 and 11.85, 7.03, 7.03% in seed and stover, respectively by 15 t ha-1 FYM. At 60 kg P2O5 ha-1, the nutrient uptake in seed, stover and total uptake was increased by 95.27, 97.14, 93.27, 44.14, 40.63, 35.27 and 54.47, 81.09, 38.54%, respectively. Application of 15 t ha-1 FYM resulted in 37.16, 38.25, 35.83; 31.06, 29.86, 27.94 and 33.98, 36.19, 28.48%, respectively, more uptake of NPK over control.

• RAM PYARE AND D. P. DWIVEDI1 [Yield, economics and quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as affected by row spacings and phosphorus doses under limited irrigation] Crop Res. 29 (1) : 95-100 (2005). Department of Agronomy C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur-208 002 (U. P.), India.
  ABSTRACT

  A field experiment was conducted for two years (1996-98) to find out the optimum row spacing and optimum dose of phosphorus on productivity of chickpea. Three row spacings (30, 45 and 60 cm) and five doses of phosphorus (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg P2O5/ha) were evaluated. On mean basis, sowing of chickpea at 45 cm spacing enhanced grain yield by 1.8 and 0.8 q/ha, gross income by Rs. 2615 and 1165/ha, net income by Rs. 2613 and 1167/ha, test weight by 1.7 and 0.7 g and protein yield by 0.3 and 0.1 q/ha than 30 and 60 cm spacing, respectively. The application of 50 kg P2O5/ha significantly increased the grain yield, harvest index, gross and net income and return per rupee investment in both the years of study. On an average, 50 kg P2O5 enhanced grain yield by 6.21 q/ha, gross income by Rs. 86.05/ha and net profit by Rs. 7738/ha over control. Application of 75 kg P2O5/ha maximized the protein content (21.1 and 21.0%) and protein yield (4.6 and 4.3 q/ha) during both the years but test weight responded upto 25 kg P2O5/ha.
  

• MANPREET SINGH, H. S. SEKHON1 AND JAGRUP SINGH [Growth and nodulation characteristics of mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] genotypes in response to phosphorus application]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 101-105 (2005). Department of Agronomy and Agrometeorology Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India.

  ABSTRACT

  A field experiment was conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to assess the response of different mungbean genotypes (SML 134, SML 357 and SML 668) in terms of growth, nodulation and grain yield to incremental doses of phosphorus application (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5/ha.) Amongst genotypes, SML 134 showed significantly higher plant height and SML 357 showed significantly higher leaf area which resulted in more dry matter accumulation in SML 134 and SML 357. Also, SML 357 had significantly more number of nodules/plant and nodule dry weight as compared to other genotypes. However, SML 668 produced maximum grain yield which was at par with SML 357 but significantly higher than SML 134. Phosphorus application showed significant influence on plant height, dry matter production, leaf area, number of nodules and their dry weight and ultimately the grain yield with increasing levels of phosphorus application from 0 to 40 kg P2O5/ha during the later stages of plant growth.
  

• K. M. SELLAMUTHU AND M. GOVINDASWAMY [Effect of humic acid on the mitigation of iron chlorosis of groundnut in red calcareous soil]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 106-110 (2005). Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India.
  

  ABSTRACT

  A pot culture experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of humic acid on the mitigation of iron chlorosis of groundnut (CO 3) in red calcareous soil. The chlorophyll content, active iron content and total iron content in plants were recorded on 30, 45, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS). The results indicated that the chlorophyll ‘a’ content was increased upto 45 DAS and then decreased. The maximum chlorophyll ‘a’ content was realized at 30 kg HA ha-1+0.1% HA (F. S.)+25 kg FeSO4 ha-1 (SA) followed by 30 kg HA ha-1+25 kg FeSO4 ha-1 (SA). The content of chlorophyll ‘b’ decreased from 30 DAS and the highest was noticed in 30 kg HA ha-1 followed by 30 kg HA ha-1 +0.1% HA (F. S.)+25 kg FeSO4 ha-1 (SA). The content of total chlorophyll increased due to application of 30 kg HA ha-1+25 kg FeSO4 ha-1 (SA)+0.1% HA foliar spray. The results indicated that the active iron content was the highest at 60 kg HA ha-1+25 kg FeSO4 ha-1 (SA) and 30 kg HA ha-1 +0.1% HA (F. S.)+50% FeSO4 on 30 and 45 DAS, respectively. The active Fe content increased upto 45 DAS and decreased thereafter.

  
  

• MOHAMMED TAHIR LONE, K. HARIPRIYA AND T. UMA MAHESWARI [Influence of plant growth regulators on growth and yield of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) cv. K 2]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 111-113 (2005). Department of Horticulture Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002 (Tamil Nadu), India.
  

  ABSTRACT

  The investigation was carried out in the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar during 2000-02. Variety K 2 was chosen for the study since it is popularly cultivated in every cropping sequence in the tract. Various growth regulators were tried in two different concentrations viz., GA3 (100 and 250 ppm), kinetin (10 and 25 ppm), paclobutrazol (100 and 150 ppm), NAA (20 and 40 ppm) and ethrel (100 and 150 ppm) at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after planting to study the effect on growth and yield parameters of chilli cv. K 2. The experiment was laid out with 11 treatments under randomized block design with three replications. Results of the experiment revealed that GA at 250 ppm concentration increased the plant height followed by GA at 100 ppm. But the yield and yield attributes of chilli were recorded highest in paclobutrazol at 150 ppm treated plants.

• K. IYANAR1, A. GOPALAN AND P. RAMASAMY [Characterization of diverse cytosteriles of sorghum through fertility restoration studies]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 114-117 (2005). Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India.
  ABSTRACT

  
  
  Fertility restoration patterns of 72 hybrids involving nine diverse cytosterile and eight testers were studied. Full restoration was observed in A1, full restoration to no restoration in A2 and partial restoration to complete sterility was observed in A3 hybrids and helped in characterizing diverse cytosterile. The order of hybrid sterility cytoplasms increased from A1—>A2—>A3.
  

• A. TADELE, N. I. HADDAD1, R. MALHOTRA2 AND N. SAMARAH3 [Induced polygenic variability in Kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) lines]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 118-128 (2005). Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

  ABSTRACT

  Genetic variability for several economically important traits of Kabuli chickpea was reported to be limited. Induced mutation is expected to enhance and widen the genetic variability. The nature and magnitude of induced polygenic variability following gamma ray treatment of three Kabuli type chickpea lines is reported in this paper. M2 generation was evaluated at Tel Hadya, ICARDA’s main station, while M3 generation was evaluated at Jordan University of Science & Technology in Northern Jordan. Variability estimate in M2 individual plant indicated that gamma ray treatment induced variants for seed yield, seed size and number of pods plant-1 which are important economic traits in chickpea improvement. Evaluation of M3 generation on the basis of family mean allowed for the isolation of 15 mutant lines that gave significantly higher seed yield compared to the control. The yield advantage estimated for these 15 lines ranged from 35 to 40% over the parents. Genetic analysis (heritability, genetic advance and path-coefficient analysis) was performed on both M2 and M3 generations. High values of broad sense heritability coupled with high-expected genetic advance were observed for seed yield plant-1, pods plant-1 and seeds plant-1. Path analysis revealed that pods per plant had the largest positive direct effect in both the control and mutant populations, while 100-seed weight, only in the mutant population, had the second largest direct positive effect on seed yield.
  

• K. IYANAR1 AND A. K. FAZLLULLAH KHAN [Combining ability analysis in forage sorghum for multicut habit]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 129-133 (2005). Centre for Plant Breeding & Genetics Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India.

  ABSTRACT

  Four lines were crossed with 21 testers and the resultant 84 hybrid combinations and their parents were evaluated for multicut habit for green fodder yield and its component characters. Observations were recorded on seven yield component characters. Additive gene action was predominant for all the characters except number of tillers. Among the lines 2077A and 111A and the testers like 68740, 68786, SS032 and 68724 showed high per se performance and gca effects for green fodder yield. While considering the sca effects and per se value, the crosses 111A x 68726, 111A x SS032, 111A x 68740 and 111A x FS 9604 were identified as the best for green fodder yield and component characters. On the basis of gene action and combining ability, appropriate improvement programme for enhancement of traits associated with fodder yield has been suggested.
  

• K. ELAYARAJA, M. PRAKASH, K. SARAVANAN, B. SUNIL KUMAR AND J. GANESAN [Studies on variability, heritability and genetic advance for certain quantitative characters in mutant population of rice (Oryza sativa L.)]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 134-137 (2005). Department of Agricultural Botany Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002 (Tamil Nadu), India.

  ABSTRACT

  An investigation was carried out to study the nature and amount of induced genetic variability in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The study consisted of popular rice variety PY 5 treated with physical mutagens viz., gamma rays and in a chemical treatment with 1% EMS mutagen. The variability was observed in characters such as number of productive tillers, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, 100- grain weight and grain yield per plant in M2 generation. A high heritability associated with a moderate to high genetic advance as a per cent of mean was observed for number of productive tillers, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, 100-grain weight and grain yield per plant in M2 generation.
  

• RAMANDEEP KAUR AND G. S. MAVI [Morphometric studies of various stages of Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Fabricius) reared on brinjal in Ludhiana, Punjab]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 138-140 (2005). Department of Entomology Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India.

  ABSTRACT

  The Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Fabricius) was reared on brinjal variety, Punjab Barsati during February 2001 to February 2002 in a screen house of the Department of Entomology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The freshly laid eggs were yellow, elongated oval with mean values of length and width as 1.09±0.04 mm and 0.32±0.03 mm. The grubs were yellow, elongated and oval with branched spines on thoracic and abdominal segments with mean values of length of I, II, III and IV instars of grubs as 1.90±0.04, 2.97±0.13, 4.45±0.27 and 6.80±0.25 mm and mean values of width as 0.71±0.06, 1.01±0.07, 1.79±0.11 and 3.28±0.08 mm, respectively. The ratio of the length and the width of the first and the last nistar grubs was 1 : 3.58 and 1 : 4.61, respectively. The pupae were hemispherical in shape with mean length and width as 7.05±0.44 and 4.00±0.41 mm. The male and female adults were brown having 7-14 spots on each elytron and the mean values of length and width of male and female adults were 5.85±0.32, 6.85±0.23 mm and 4.55±0.42, 5.05±0.15 mm, respectively.
  

• RAMANDEEP KAUR AND G. S. MAVI [Biology of Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Fabricius) (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae) on brinjal in Ludhiana, Punjab]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 141-144 (2005). Department of Entomology Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India.

• B. L. TAKAR AND K. L. JAT [Effect of dates of sowing on the incidence of aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.) on mustard (Brassica juncea Linn.)]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 145-147 (2005). Department of Entomology S. K. N. College of Agriculture, Jobner-303 329 (Rajasthan), India.

  ABSTRACT

  The effect of date of sowing on the incidence of mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi Kalt. on mustard (Brassica juncea Linn.) was least on early sown (10 October, 2000) crop as compared to the late sown (30 October, 2000). Higher yield was obtained in the crop sown on 10 October and the crop sown after this date had drastic reduction in yield. Hence, sowing the crop on 10 October under agroclimatic condition of Jobner may be recommended to protect the crop from mustard aphid.
  

• RANU DE, ARIJIT SINHABABU, ARPITA BANERJEE AND RUP K. KAR* [Effect of water stress on seed germination and seedling growth in mungbean and blackgram]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 148-155 (2005). Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory Department of Botany Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan-731 235 (West Bengal), India *(e-mail : r_kkar@rediffmail.com).

  ABSTRACT

  Effects of PEG-induced water stress on seed germination, seedling growth, water uptake, fresh weight and dry weight and relative water content of seeds of mungbean (Vigna radiata) and blackgram (Vigna mungo) were studied. Water stress reduced germination percentage and average root and shoot growth, the effect being proportional to the level of stress and more pronounced in V. mungo. Water uptake by imbibing seeds was lagged by water stress, which was more marked in V. mungo. Increase in fresh weight of seeds was significantly retarded by water stress, while dry weight was little affected in both the species. RWC declined with decreasing water potential and increasing days of incubation. Such changes were once again more remarkable in case of V. mungo.

• MANJU BAJAJ, MANJEET K. SANGHA AND GIRIDHAR SONI [Purification and characterization of lectins from the pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 156-162 (2005). Department of Biochemistry & Chemistry Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India.

  ABSTRACT

  In the present study, lectins have been purified from two varieties (PG-3 and LFP-48) by affinity chromatography on Sephadex G-50. These purified lectins appeared to consist of two isolectins as determined by PAGE and confirmed by resolving these on DEAE-cellulose column. Lectins from either of the variety resolved into two sub-units on SDS PAGE. Moreover, lectins from both the varieties were identical as evidenced by their similar positions on PAGE, SDS PAGE and immunological studies. These lectins were found to be glycoprotein in nature. Sugar inhibition studies revealed that they fell in mannose/glucose specific group. They showed non-specific haemagglutination against different red blood cells. These lectins were found to be stable upto 700C and showed maximum activity in pH range of 6.0-8.0.
  
  

• E. ATTARD AND R. VUJICIC [Physical and phytochemical variations in calluses derived from Ecballium elaterium in tissue culture]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 163-168 (2005). Institute of Agriculture University of Malta, Msida, MSD 06, Malta.

  ABSTRACT

  Tissue culture was initiated and selected callus strains, obtained from shoot explants of Ecballium elaterium treated with 0.1 mg/1 naphthalene acetic acid and 1 mg/1 benzylamino purine, were compared with each other for physical and phytochemical characteristics. The strains differed in texture, colour, cell morphology, moisture, cucurbitacin and chlorophyll contents. For the individual strains, cucurbitacin and chlorophyll contents showed a direct correlation.
  

• D. VEERARAGAVATHATHAM, J. AUXCILIA, N. SHOBA AND VEENA AMARNATH [Studies on natural cross pollination in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 169-170 (2005). Department of Vegetable Crops Horticultural College & Research Institute Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India.

  ABSTRACT

  A study on the occurrence of natural cross pollination in tomato using two morphological marker traits, namely, leaf margin (cut and potato leaf) and pigmentation in hypocotyl region (presence and absence of anthocyanin) revealed the fact that beyond 33 m there was no outcrossing and hence a safe isolation distance would be 40-50 m to prevent cross pollination for maintenance of genetic purity of tomato varieties.
  

• S. Y. JADHAV, M. V. AJOTIKAR AND R. R. KULKARNI [Constraints faced by the farmers from command area in effective water utilization]. Crop Res. 29 (1) : 171-173 (2005). Department of Extension Education Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani-431 402 (M. S. ), India.

  ABSTRACT

  Water is the most vital, valuable and also a scarce resource in a country like India having an agrarian economy. Efficient irrigation water management is necessary for maximizing farm returns. Hence, the constraints faced by farmers from command area in effective utilization of irrigation water were studied. Untimely canal water supply, untimely electricity supply and improper rotation schedule were the important administrative constraints. Important situational constraints reported were scarcity of labour and unavailability of adequate water to canal tail-enders. High cost of inputs was the major economic constraint faced by the respondent farmers. Hence, it is necessary to provide the farmers with timely supply of inputs, electricity and canal water. Canal tail-enders should be provided enough water. Canal water distribution should be followed as per schedules.
  
  
  

ABSTRACT

Field study was conducted in south of Iran during 2001 to evaluate thinning technique as a guide to understand how grain yield of individual plant and its components was affected by high plant population. The environment of maize crop was changed at intervals over the life cycle by removing every other plant of plants that were equispaced in rows 75 cm apart at a population of 13.3 plants m2. The plants were grown with no water or nutrient restrictions. Results showed that earlier thinning was associated with greater stem, leaf, shoot and ear dry weight accumulation, ear kernel weight and kernel number per ear row, so that the greater of these characteristics were obtained in thinning at sowing i. e. 6.7 plants m-2 throughout. Delay in thinning until 12 leaf stage reduced stem dry weight and ear kernel weight significantly. Thinning at tasseling also resulted in significantly lower stem dry weight acumulation compared to thinning at sowing. At final harvest, the stem dry weight of thinned at tasseling plants was 20.5% lower than thinned at sowing. Similar effects were found upon delay in thinning until tasseling on leaf, shoot and ear dry weight accumulation. Delay in thinning until 12 leaf stage or later, also reduced ear kernel weight significantly compared to thinned at sowing. This reduction was attributable to decreased kernel number per ear row and 1000-kernel weight. According to these results, kernel number per ear row and 1000-kernel weight were found to be yield components sensitive to light environment.

The biology of Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Fabricius) was studied on brinjal variety ‘Punjab Barsati’ during February 2001 to February 2002 in a screen house of the Department of Entomology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The mating occurred mostly from 1730 to 2230 h and mean duration of copulation was 91.50±49.60 min. The mean duration of pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition was 8.60±0.80, 11.80±1.54 and 6.90±0.83 days, mean number of eggs laid per female was 114.80±52.85 and percentage hatchability was 85.01±6.29. The eggs were laid mostly between 1000 to 1200 h on the lower side of the leaves in clusters, each with 10-55 eggs, which hatched in 5.20±0.87 days. There were four instars, which successively lasted for 2.20±0.40, 3.60±0.66, 5.70±0.46 and 4.10±0.54 days and the mean percentage survival of grubs was 83.96±4.89. The pupae were glued to the leaves, stems and most commonly at the base of the plant with mean pupal period as 4.10±0.54 days.