Volume 33, Number 1,2 & 3 (January, March & May, 2007)
V. P. SINGH*, R. K. MAITI, CH. ARUNA KUMARI AND K. KALPANA [Physiology of fibre cell development and growth in cotton : A review]. Crop Res. 33 (1, 2 & 3) : 1- 20 (2007). Department of Agronomy CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India. ABSTRACT Cotton fibre being of high commercial value concerted research activities have been directed on different aspects of fibres starting from origin, development to the maturity of fibre cells. The development of fibres starting from its origin from ovule cell outgrowth follows four sequential distinct developmental phases : initiation, elongation, secondary wall thickening and maturation. Research has been directed to follow up all these phases involving different aspects such as developmental sequences, ultrastructural, biphysical-biochemical, physiological, biotechnological to molecular levels. Several genes have been identified which are responsible for fibre elongation and development. Attempts have been made to incorporate these genes for enhancing fibre cell elongation and quality of fibre. Longer fibre cells offer fibre strength, besides several factors, environments, such as drought, salinity and cultural practices. ABSTRACT A field experiment conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during rabi 2002-03 revealed that application of 75% RDFN (Recommended dose of fertilizer nitrogen) or 50% RDFN alongwith 25% N as organic manures [poultry manure (PoM)/goat manure (GoM)/Farmyard manure (FYM)] and 100% RDFN to wet seeded rice increased the yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake of rice. However, application of 75% RDFN alongwith 25% N as organic manures to preceding wet seeded rice had significant residual effect on yield and nutrient uptake of succeeding greengram. Application of 75% RDFN+organic manures resulted in higher soil available organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. There was no remarkable change in available soil potassium after harvest of rice and greengram. A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2004-05 to study the performance of dry seeded irrigated rice under different seed densities and nitrogen levels. Higher seed density resulted in taller plants at 45 and 65 days after sowing (DAS). Number of tillers at different growth stages of rice was influenced significantly by different seed densities. Dry matter production at 45 DAS increased with increase in seed density, whereas at 65 DAS, flowering and harvest, it remained the same in seed densities of more than 300 seeds/m2. In general, plant height, tiller production and dry matter production recorded at different growth stages increased with increase in nitrogen level from 0 to 150 kg N/ha. In general, nutrient uptake at different growth stages was more in 300, 400 or 500 seeds/m2 than lower seed density (200 seeds/m2). In general, nutrient uptake increased significantly with successive increment of nitrogen level from 0 to 150 kg N/ha. Yield components did not vary among different seed densities but effective tillers increased by 13.4% in 300 seeds/m2 and 200 seeds/m2. Nitrogen application increased all the yield components. Sowing of 300 seeds/m2 produced higher grain (4050 kg/ha) and traw (5735 kg/ha) yield than 200 seeds/m2. However, 400 and 500 seeds/m2 densities did not increase the yield over 300 seeds/m2. Application of 150 kg/ha produced grain yield of 4893 kg/ha, an increase of 57% over no N application (3079 kg/ha). Similarly, straw yield increased by 88% over control (3715 kg/ha) ABSTRACT A study was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, to standardize the LCC indices and SPAD values for N requirement for yield maximization, to find out the response of rice for N application through LCC and SPAD meter and to find out the N uptake of rice at various LCC indices and SPAD values during late Pishanam, 2001 (Nov.-Jan.). The experiment was conducted in RBD with four levels of LCC indices and three SPAD values for precise N management, a check with recommended NPK application and a control treatment with three replications in a typical Alfisol, belonging to the sub-group of Typic Rhodustalfs. Among the treatments, LCC 4 produced 6.36 t/ha grain yield followed by LCC 5 and CM 40 producing 5.78 and 5.64 t/ha. This stresses the need for careful designing of top dressing doses. The treatments, which did not receive nitrogen top dressing at flowering stage (from 52 to 59 DAT) effected inferior grain yields. Nitrogen top dressing at 59 DAT is a must for optimum grain yield. The split application of N at higher doses effected higher N uptake of rice. Increasing N doses increased total P and K uptakes of rice. The SPAD threshold value of 37 is fixed to optimize grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency. The highly significant correlation values of LCC indices and SPAD values observed from 31 to 59 DAT indicated that the top dressings of nitrogen could be practised based on the LCC values. When compared to chlorophyll meter, the LCC is cheap, easy to handle and available easily.
ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive seasons of kharif 2003 and 2004 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jagtial to identify suitable variety and date of sowing for kharif season rice. Results indicated that grain yield was significantly higher with early sowing (5612 and 5461 kg/ha during 2003 and 2004, respectively) followed by normal sowing. Among varieties, JGL 1798, which is a short duration variety, recorded the highest grain yield (5141 and 4369 kg/ha during 2003 and 2004, respectively) followed by JGL 384. The long duration variety BPT 5204 resulted in significantly higher yield (5670 and 5361 kg/ha) during early sowing and the grain yield progressively declined as the sowing delayed, whereas yield reduction was not that much in medium (JGL 384) and short duration varieties (JGL 1798) as compared to BPT 5204 under late sown conditions due to escape of these varieties from low temperatures during flowering.
ABSTRACT The field experiment conducted on integrated nutrient management on Agronomy Research Farm, C. C. S. S. D. S. (P. G.) College, Iglas, Aligarh (U. P.) during 2004-05 revealed that the N, P and K contents of both grain and straw were significantly higher with the application of different nutrient combinations and were maximum with vermi compost at the rate of 10 t/ha+120 kg N/ha. The uptake of N, P and K in grain and straw and total uptake were also recorded significantly higher with this treatment. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive late kharif seasons of 2003 and 2004, to asses the effect of plant stand, levels and time of application of nitrogen on hybrid maize. Grain yield and total N uptake of maize increased significantly with increase in plant population upto 66,666 plants/ha (P2), beyond which the yield was not statistically traceable. Seed yield and total N uptake of maize increased with increasing levels of nitrogen upto 240 (N3) kg/ha but the statistical disparity was not observed beyond 180 (N2) kg/ha. Higher grain and total NPK uptake were obtained with 1/4 basal +1/4 knee high+1/4 flag leaf emergence+1/4 silking (T3), which was comparable with 1/3 basal+1/3 knee high+1/3 tasselling (T2). The highest seed yield was obtained with P1N3, which was, however, comparable with P2N3, P1N2 and P2N2. Net returns and B : C ratio were the highest with P1 (83,333 plants/ha) which were, however, on par with P2. Regarding levels of nitrogen, N3 recorded significantly higher net returns and B : C ratio, which were, however, comparable with N2. Higher net returns and B : C ratio were recorded with T3, which were comparable with T2 but significantly superior to T1. Higher net returns and B : C ratios were recorded with P1N3, which were, however, comparable with P2N2. The lowest net returns and B : C ratio were recorded with P3N1. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive late kharif seasons of 2003 and 2004 to study the response of hybrid maize to micronutrient management practices. The tallest plants with largest LAI and greater dry matter were produced with foliar application of Zn and Fe (T7), which were, however, comparable with soil application of Zn and Fe (T4) and foliar application of Zn (T5) during both the years of study. Foliar application of Zn and Fe (T7) resulted in highest yield attributes and seed yield which were, however, comparable with T4 and T5. The protein content of maize grain was highest with foliar application of Zn and Fe (T7), which was, however, comparable with T4 and T5. The highest tryptophan content of grain and crude protein content of the stover were recorded with T7, which were, however, comparable with T4, T5 and soil application of Zn (T2). The highest net returns and B : C ratio were obtained with T7, which were, however, comparable with T5 during both the years of study. ABSTRACT The results of field experiment conducted during rainy season of 2004 in sandy loam soil a New Delhi revealed that assured irrigations recorded higher grain and stover yields with more economic returns and benefit : cost ratio than life saving irrigation. Increasing nitrogen levels also improved the yields, economic returns and benefit : cost ratio than lower nitrogen levels. Application of 80 kg N/ha with 5 t farmyard manure/ha and Azospirillum performed similar to 120 kg N/ha in respect of productivity but net return/rupee invested and benefit : cost ratio were maximum with the application of 120 kg N/ha.
ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted on medium calcareous soil of the Instructional Farm, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat) during the season of 2005-06 to study the response of rabi maize (Zea mays L.) to vermicompost and nitrogen levels. The 16 treatment combinations consisting of four levels of nitrogen viz., 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N/ha and four levels of vermicompost viz., 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 t/ha were tested in a factorial randomized block design. An application of 120 kg N/ha resulted in significantly more grain and stover yield, nutrient content, uptake and protein content compared with 80, 40 and 0 kg N/ha. Significantly higher grain and stover yield, nutrient content, uptake and protein content of maize were obtained with application of 1.5 t vermicompost/ha than 1.0, 0.5 t/ha and control. A field experiment was conducted on black calcareous soil to study the influence of iron application alone as basal or foliar spray either singly or in combination with farmyard manure in sorghum (Co. 26) on the utilization of nutrients. The results revealed that N, K and Fe contents and uptake were significantly influenced by iron either as basal or foliar spray. While P content and uptake were altered with the presence of farmyard manure. Calcium content declined with Fe due to dilution effect. ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to study the influence of Fe on growth and yield of sorghum (Co. 26) during summer season. The results revealed that application of FeSO4 25 kg/ha+2% FeSO4 foliar spray recorded the highest grain yield of 4.41 t and it was comparable with basal application of 50 kg FeSO4 and 2% foliar spray alone. All the growth and yield attributes showed the similar trend.
ABSTRACT A field experiment was carried out to find out the influence of Fe on metabolically active iron and chlorophyll content of sorghum leaves under sole and intercropping system. The results revealed that active iron and chlorophyll content were significantly increased by Fe addition either through foliar or soil; however, it was well pronounced for foliar spray. Intercropping had a synergistic influence on iron availability.
ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted on black soils of Anantapur district to study the yield and yield attributes of bengalgram as influenced by time of sowing and irrigation with Annegiri cultivar during rabi 2002-04 (i. e. three seasons) at farmers’ fields. By taking three dates of sowing i. e. first fortnight of October, second fortnight of October and first fortnight of November and three irrigations (I0, I1 and I2) i. e. rainfed (I0), irrigation at 35 DAS (I1) and 55 DAS (I2). The results indicated that highest plant height, number of pods/plant, number of branches/plant, dry matter production and seed yield (kg/ha) were observed in first fortnight of October sown crop over the other two dates and irrigation twice at 35 and 55 DAS, respectively. ABSTRACT Field experiment comprising three levels of phosphorus (recommended P, 1.5 times recommended P and 2 times recommended P) and two methods of sowing (flat and bed planting) for summer moong conducted during 2001 and 2002 at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana revealed marked improvement in seed yield and water use efficiency under bed planting over those under flat planting, irrespective of level of phsophorus application. Bed planting system using 33.54 cm water against 51.41 cm used by flat planting system (34.7% saving) recorded 10.48 q/ha seed yield against 9.91 q/ha under flat planting. Bed planting exhibited better utilization of phosphorus in terms of significantly higher seed yield under recommended and double the recommended phosphorus level. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of Rhizobium inoculation, nitrogen and phosphorus levels on growth, yield and quality of kharif cowpea. Rhizobium inoculation, 30 kg N and 60 kg P2O5/ha produced significantly higher number of pods/plant, length/pod, seed index, seed and straw yield of cowpea over control. Protein content of seed was also influenced by Rhizobium, nitrogen and phosphorus. The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of zinc and sulphur on yield and yield attributing characters of Indian mustard on sandy loam soil of medium fertility. The highest yield attributing character grain yield (15.36 and 17.72 q/ha) was obtained at 6 kg zinc, which was 23.89 and 21.84% higher than control, in the years 2002-03 and 2003-04, respectively. Application of 60 kg sulphur recorded the highest yield and yield attributing characters during both the years. However, it was at par with 40 kg sulphur/ha. ABSTRACT Groundnut, an important oil seed crop, is subjected to moisture stress during different phenophases of the crop in kharif season. Advance information as on the occurrence of different phenophases helps to get increased seed yield of groundnut. By utilizing the data collected from the experiment conducted in the crop weather relationship in groundnut at Agricultural Research Station, Anantapur during kharif seasons of 1990-2004, models were developed for prediction of different phenophases for normal and late sown crop, based on the growing degree days with base temperature as 10°C. The test variety was TMV-2. Models for predicting flowering, pod initiation and maturity for different dates of sowing are presented in this paper. Further, verification of the models developed during 2004 indicated that the deviation between predicted and actual data was very less. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during the kharif 2003 at Agricultural College Farm, Raichur to study the nutrient uptake pattern in groudnut and sunflower intercropping system. The sole groundnut and sole sunflower showed significantly higher uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium when compared to the intercropped treatments. Whereas total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was significantly higher in all the intercropping treatments compared to both the sole crops except unfertilized control (T1). T8 recorded significantly higher uptake of nitrogen (171.15 kg/ha), phosphorus (24.06 kg/ha) and potassium (159.18 kg/ha). In order to calculate the effects of using treated municipal wastewater on quantity of yield in sunflower, this experiment was conducted in 2002-03 at experimental farm in south treatment plant in Isfahan. The experiment was randomized complete block design with five treatments and tree replications were used. Treatments were : Furrow irrigation with normal water (T1), surface drip irrigation with wastewater (T2), sub-surface drip irrigation with wastewater in 15 cm depth (T3), sub-surface drip irrigation with wastewater in 30 cm depth (T4) and furrow irrigation with wastewater (T5). Results indicated that sub-surface drip irrigation with wastewater in 30 cm depth as compared to other treatments had higher growth parameters and had seen significant difference. Thus, drip irrigation with wastewater and furrow irrigation with wastewater had lower growth parameters as compared to another treatments. In T4, plants absorbed water and essential elements better than other treatments because irrigation source was near the root zone.
ABSTRACT Berseem based cropping systems recorded the highest net returns and B : C ratio over ryegrass and wheat based cropping systems. The highest net returns of Rs. 80451 and B : C ratio of 2.79 were obtained with berseem (seed-cum-fodder)-pearl millet fodder (with 100 kg N/ha). The second most remunerative cropping system was berseem (seed-cum-fodder)-maize fodder (with 125 kg N/ha), which gave net returns of Rs. 72442 and B : C ratio of 2.33. Ryegrass based systems recorded higher net returns than the wheat based systems but B : C ratio in both the systems was equal due to higher cost of cultivation of ryegrass than the wheat based but both had almost equal B : C ratios because of higher cost of cultivation of ryegrass crop. Pearl millet succeeding ryegrass and wheat (grain) responded upto 100 and 125 kg N/ha, respectively, but highest net returns were obtained with 125 kg N/ha. Among the rabi crops berseem (seed-cum-fodder) recorded highest net returns of Rs. 60900 followed by ryegrass (seed-cum-fodder) with Rs. 40304 and wheat with Rs. 33045. Pearl millet fodder recorded high net returns and B : C ratio than maize fodder irrespective of preceding crops. ABSTRACT Sesbania aculeata has shown great promise as a green manure in tropical climates due to its fast growth rate, high N-fixing capacity and tolerance to flooding as well as conserving post-harvest soil fertility status. Keeping this in view, a field experiment conducted on “Pant Dhan 4” on a Mollisol, revealed that Sesbania incorporation alongwith 100 kg N/ha improved wet soil NH4+ -N, total N, available N, P and K as organic C in the post-harvest soil. The results assume great importance considering integrated nutrient management, which in turn, may prove highly beneficial in conserving fertility status of soil on a long term basis.. ABSTRACT The pH values of waters from openwell and borewell ranged from 7.0 to 8.7 and electrical conductivity (ECe) values varied from 0.1 to 1.0 dS/m. Among the different sources of irrigation, the mean values of electrical conductivity of openwell were more than those of borewell. Residual sodium carbonate (RSC) values ranged from 0.2 to 2.8 meq/L. The RSC values from openwell and borewell waters were less than 2.5 except few water samples indicating suitability of water for irrigation purpose. In first experiment, four popular hybrids viz., bhendi-101, chilli-101, tomato-402 and bhendi-7001 were evaluated for their saline tolerance. Brinjal-101, chilli-101 and tomato-402 were more vigorous. Brinjal-101 had a higher mean emergence (23.75) at 0.05M NaCl. The lowest mean emergence was observed in bhendi-7001 (15.0). Though bhendi-7001 had the lowest mean emergence (15.0) at 0.05M NaCl, its mean emergence was on par with that of 0.1M NaCl and was the one with the highest mean emergence of 14.0 at 0.1M NaCl, compared to other vegetable hybrids. Tomato-402 was found to record the lowest mean emergence among these four vegetable hybrids. In the second experiment, 21 different vegetable seeds were evaluated for salinity tolerance at two different concentrations viz., 0.1M and 0.15M NaCl. Among the 21 different vegetables, bitter gourd-1201, brinjal-003, chilli-9002, chilli-101, tomato-401, tomato-402 and bhendi-777 were more vigorous than other vegetables. The mean per cent emergence at 0.1M NaCl was highest in green gram (84.0) followed by cowpea-444 (68.80) among the grams. However, among the vegetables, brinjal-103 (81.33) and brinjal-102 (76.0) had the highest mean per cent of emergence at 0.1M NaCl. None of the vegetable seeds tested, except brinjal-103 and brinjal-102 could withstand a higher concentration of 0.15M NaCl. Bhendi-867 (8.67), chilli-9002 (6.0) and chilli-101 (8.0) were found to be susceptible to saline concentration of 0.1M NaCl and have recorded the lowest mean per cent of emergence. For osmotic stress, 13 different vegetable varieties have been evaluated to different levels of osmotic stress. Among the different vegetables, tomato-angel, tomato-403, tomato-402, SCH-902, SCH-9002, brinjal-003, bhendi-777 and bhendi-7001 were more vigorous than others. Brinjal sharma and Brinjal royal-101 were found to be highly tolerant at higher levels of moisture stress/more negative water potentials (-8Mpa). At moderate level of moisture stress (-5Mpa), 100% germination was observed in two vegetables viz., chilli-SCH-902 and brinjal-003. Angel hybrid of tomato had 93.3% germination at -5Mpa. Bottle gourd was found to be highly susceptible to be moisture stress. An experiment was carried out at the seed research laboratory in 17 tomato hybrids to study the effect of salinity on the emergence. STH-811 and STH-812 were more vigorous than other hybrids. Only one hybrid STH-801 recorded the highest mean emergence (9.3) at 0.1M NaCl and was found to be highly tolerant. STH-807 was found to be highly susceptible to saline concentrations of 0.05M and 0.1M NaCl. The highest mean emergence in the hybrids was in the range of STH-801 (20.3) >STH Local check Lakshmi (17.0)>STH-802 (16.0)>STH-813 (15.3) at 0.05 M NaCl. Seventeen different tomato hyrbrids have been evaluted to different levels of osmotic stress. Four tomato hybrids viz., STH-802, STH-813, STH-816 and STH-95 were more vigorous than rest of the hybrids. STH-813 and STH-802 could withstand more negative water potential of -8Mpa and had put forth around 40-45% germination. Very low (10%) germination was observed in STH-801 and STH-816 at -8Mpa. STH-806 was highly susceptible even to low levels of moisture stress (-2Mpa). STH-813 was found to be tolerant and has recorded 95-100% germination at -2 and -5Mpa, respectively. ABSTRACT The study focused on post-harvest practices of tomato farmers in Oyo and Ogun states of Nigeria. Multistage random sampling was used in selecting 280 respondents for the study who had participated in past training programmes of Agricultural Development Projects. Results of analysis showed that majority of the respondents from the two states were male, between the age of 30 and 50 years, had no formal education and had a farming experience of more than 16 years. Respondents were still using local methods in handling, sorting, packaging, storing, preserving and transporting their tomato products. These local methods caused loss to farmers due to damage, injuries and infestation by bacteria. Majority of the respondents had low level of knowledge on improved methods on post-harvest practices of tomato production, but had a favourable perception towards training on post-harvest practices.Therefore, horticultural extension in Nigeria should develop packages on post-harvest practices taking into consideration gender, generational issues, farmers’ labour capacity and educational status. Shivashankaragouda B. Patil, M. N. Merwade and B. S. Vyakaranahal [Effect of pollination behaviour and crossing ratio on seed yield and quality of brinjal hybrid under Dharwad region of Karnataka]. Crop Res. 33 (1, 2 & 3) : 119-123 (2007). Department of Seed Science and Technology College of Agriculture, Dharwad-580 005 (Karnataka), India . ABSTRACT The results revealed that pollination at 9.00 a. m. recorded significantly highest germination, root length, shoot length, vigour index and seedling dry weight (83.23%, 8.56 cm, 8.34 cm, 1406 and 15.19 mg, respectively) compared to 1.00 p. m. pollination time (70.21%, 7.73 cm, 7.31 cm, 1091 and 12.72 mg, respectively). In the 4 : 1 crossing ratio, significantly maximum germination percentage, root length, shoot length, vigour index and seedling dry weight (78.23%, 8.51 cm, 8.12 cm, 1321 and 15.10 mg, respectively) were noticed as compared to the 10 : 1 crossing ratio (75.28%, 7.99 cm, 7.69 cm, 1203 and 13.44 mg, respectively).
ABSTRACT The results revealed that pollens stored in refrigerator condition recorded significantly highest seed yield, germination percentage, root length, shoot length, seedling vigour index and seedling dry weight (57.49 g, 84.75%, 8.11 cm, 7.32 cm, 1301 and 14.12 mg, respectively) compared to farmers’ method (50.57 g, 81.85%, 8.02 cm, 6.97 cm, 1238 and 12.85 mg, respectively) in brinjal hybrid seed production. In the period of pollen storage, fresh pollens recorded significantly maximum seed yield, germination percentage, root length, shoot length, seedling vigour index and seedling dry weight (67.12 g, 86.33%, 8.41 cm, 7.50 cm, 1387 and 15.61 mg, respectively) it was followed by P2 and P3 and significantly lowest was recorded in three-day old pollen (46.84 g, 79.58%, 7.61 cm, 6.86 cm, 1146 and 11.89 mg, respectively) over the method of pollen storage.
ABSTRACT The results revealed that fruits turned to full yellow colour recorded significantly highest germination percentage, root length, shoot length, seedling vigour index and seedling dry weight (82.49%, 7.75 cm, 6.78 cm, 1229 and 15.16 mg, respectively) compared to fruit turning to just yellow colour (75.80%, 8.00 cm, 6.56 cm, 1091 and 12.60 mg, respectively) in brinjal. Extraction of seeds from wet fruits and shade drying recorded highest germination percentage, root length, shoot length, seedling vigour index and seedling dry weight (85.47%, 8.78 cm, 7.51 cm, 1366 and 17.04 mg, respectively) compared to extraction of seeds from rotting stage and drying (73.50%, 7.58 cm, 5.68 cm, 871 and 10.49 mg, respectively). ABSTRACT Field experiments were conducted during the dry seasons of 2002 and 2003 at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria to investigate the interference effects of Tithonia on okra. There were 10 treatments representing various durations of Tithonia/okra competition. These were compared with completely weed-free and completely weedy control plots. These were investigated in a randomized complete block experiment with three replications. Results showed that Tithonia interference significantly affected both growth and yield performance of okra (P=0.05). Better plant growth and yield were obtained when okra plants were exposed to a maximum of two weeks after planting (WAP) weediness or a minimum of initial 4 WAP weed freeness. Highest yield (9.7 and 4.1 t/ha) of fresh okra fruit was obtained from okra plants exposed to eight weeks initial weed freeness for 2002 and 2003, respectively. These were, however, statistically similar to those of plants exposed to a maximum of 2 WAP weediness and those exposed to a minimum of 4 WAP weed freeness (P=0.05). The implications of these findings are fully discussed. ABSTRACT A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the garlic genotypes for growth, yield and quality. Among the 13 genotypes studied, the genotypes G-282 and Call No. 323 produced maximum plant height, stem girth and number of leaves. The local variety Rajalle- gaddi matured early (94 days) compared to all other genotypes. The bulb weight, volume of bulb and yield of bulb per hectare were maximum in genotypes G-282 and Call No. 323 followed by G-50. Maximum TSS (41° brix) and sulphur content (0.96%) were recorded in G-1 and M. P. Laddu, respectively. The lower incidence of leaf blight was noticed in the genotypes G-282 and Call No. 323, while higher incidence of leaf blight was noticed in genotypes M. P. Laddu and M. P. Gold. ABSTRACT A field experiment was carried out at Horticulture Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, G. K. V. K. Campus, Bangalore to study the influence of integrated nutrient management in garlic cv. G-282. Application of 100% NPK+bio-fertilizer+vermicompost (T14) recorded significantly higher plant height, more number of leaves and maximum girth of plant and was on par with the treatment combination of 100% NPK+bio-fertilizer+FYM (T13). Yield attributing parameters also followed the same trend. The maximum bulb yield was recorded from treatment combination of 100% NPK+bio-fertilizer+vermicompost (T14) and was on par with T10, T13 and T9. Similarly, the quality of bulbs was good with same treatment combination. This indicates that integrated nutrient management needs to be followed in order to get maximum yield. ABSTRACT Combining ability studies involving eight diverse lines and their 28 F1s, obtained from diallel mating, were carried out at the Instructional Farm, RCA at Udaipur in summer and kharif seasons. The analysis of variance revealed that both additive and non-additive gene effects played significant role in the expression of all the characters studied. Parents RBG 5 and RS 1 could be identified as most promising in both the environments. Crosses RBG 5 x PSPL and PSPL x RS 1 for total yield in both the seasons, RS 1 x N. R., RS 1 x Gutka and RBG 3 x RBG 4 x Gutka for yield and earliness in kharif were identified as the best combination and can be exploited in breeding programmes in bottle gourd. ABSTRACT The study was conducted in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu in order to assess the impact of drought on mango growers and associated factors. The analysis revealed that majority of the respondents had expressed that the mango yield had decreased due to drought. More than three-fourth of the respondents indicated that there was no change with respect to migration of labour inspite of drought. Maximum knowledge was observed for pitcher irrigation, followed by summer ploughing with chisel plough, cultar application and drip irrigation, intercropping with pulses, contour bunding with vettiver, and providing wind breaks. Majority of the respondents were medium level adopters, followed by one-third who were low level adopters and the rest belonged to high level adoption category. ABSTRACT The main objective of this study was to determine a favourite time of planting date under suitable plant densities for gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) cv. Chloe at the south-west of Khozestan province in Iran. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of three spacings and two planting dates on vegetative growth, flowering and vase life of cut flower. A factorial experiment with three plant densities and two planting dates with four replications were assigned to analyze the data. The field experiment was carried out at Horticulture Research Farm, Chamran University, Ahwaz during 2004-05 growing year. Corms planted at 15 x 12.5 cm spacing on 15 October showed significant increase in plant height, number of leaves per plant, spike diameter, plant leaf area and fresh and dry weight. The results suggested that this range of planting space on 15 October increased the spike length, number of florets per spike, floret diameter, number of open florets and vase life of cut flower. It also showed that spike emergence and blooming would develop early, while the number of wilted florets declined significantly at low density on 15 October planting. ABSTRACT The influence of wide compatible gene source on various biometrical traits was estimated by comparing both direct and reciprocal crosses. The wide compatible source used as male parent had higher mean values for all eight traits including pollen fertility, when compared to the wide compatible gene source used as female parent. The use of WC lines as male source had resulted in significantly higher values for grain yield per plant, grains per panicle, pollen fertility, tillers per plant in cross combinations of IR 36 x Dular, ASD 16 x N 22, ASD 16 x Dular and IR 66167-27-5-1-6 x N 22. However, in other cross combinations, wherein WC source used as female viz., N 22 x IET 16928 and Wcr 6 x ASD 16 exhibited higher mean values for most of the yield contributing characters. ABSTRACT Nutritional analysis was carried out in brown as well as polished rice samples of six genotypes viz., Njvara, Kavuni, Purpule puttu, IC-350441, Kakiri and Manavari to estimate the nutrient content and to assess the loss of nutrients due to milling. The analysis revealed that protein content of the tested traditional cultivars was higher than the check variety (IR 64). The genotype IC-350441 recorded highest protein content of 12.05 and 11.47% in unpolished and polished rice, respectively. Iron, the chief micronutrient, was higher in Purpule puttu (16.42 mg/kg in unpolished rice and 14.72 mg/kg in polished rice). The analysis further revealed that protein content of about 0.35 to 1.05% and iron content of 0.8 to 2.7 mg/kg were lost due to milling among various genotypes. ABSTRACT A total of 21 popular varieties of rice were examined for their callus initiation response. Calli were initiated from seed explants on Murashige & Skoog medium. Results indicated that the rice genotypes differed widely in their ability to develop callus. White varieties of rice were less responsive compared to red rice varieties. Eight cultivars which responded well to in vitro culture could be made useful for transgenics and in vitro selection programmes for tolerance to different stresses. ABSTRACT Additive main-effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) models are being widely used for analyzing main-effects and genotype x environment (GE) interactions in multi environment trials (MET). In this study, AMMI model was used to analyze the grain yield data of 20 bread wheat genotypes selected from Iran/ICARDA joint project grown in 18 environments during 2003-05 in Iran. AMMI analysis showed that contributions to treatment main-effects were : genotype (4.04%), environment (87.96%) and GE (8.0%) and multiplicative interaction revealed decreasing magnitude of contributions to the GE sum of squares in the order : interaction principal component axis 1 (IPCA1)=40.14%, IPCA2=14.86%, IPCA3=10.96% and IPCA4=8.80%. In this study, the IPCA scores presented a disproportionate genotype response, which was the major source of variation for crossover GE interaction. GE interaction patterns revealed by AMMI bi-plot analysis indicated that the bread wheat genotypes were narrowly adapted. No genotype had superior performance in all environments. The genotype G4 (Unknown-11) was the best at combining yield stability and productivity. The genotypes G15 (Khazar/3/Jcam/Emu”s”//Dove”) and G2 (Unknown-2) had the most stability but low yielding. G4 had the highest yield performance and almost widely adapted to across environments. ABSTRACT The studies on combining ability in maize provide information to identify potential parents of hybrids and single cross hybrids. Combining ability studies for grain yield and other yield component characters were conducted using L x T mating design. The results revealed that the existence of specific combining ability variances was higher than general combining ability variances for all the characters studied viz., days to tasselling, days to silking, plant height, leaves above uppermost ear, days to maturity, ear length, ear girth, kernel rows, grains per row, grain weight, grain yield, shelling percentage, crude protein and total sugars. The parents UMI 176, UMI 82, UMI 112, UMI 203, UMI 208 and UMI 213 were the best combiners since they exhibited significant per se performance and gca effects would result in the identification of superior hybrids with favourable genes for grain yield and yield component traits. The hybrids UMI 112 x UMI 203 and UMI 123 x UMI 246 were suited for earliness while considering the days to tasselling, days to silking and days to maturity. The hybrids UMI 154 x UMI 246 and UMI 82 x UMI 208 were the best hybrids based on per se performance, sca effects and standard heterosis and recommended for heterosis breeding and also used for possible commercial exploitation. ABSTRACT In present study, 10 homozygous genotypes of sorghum were evaluated for the estimation of gca and sca effects for yield and its attributing characters. The parents were mated in diallel fashion excluding reciprocals. The trial was conducted at Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. ANOVA revealed that there was sufficient variability among genotypes, parents and hybrids. Parents SR 1571 and SR 1718 were found good general combiners for yield and its attributing traits. In respect of sca effects, cross GMRP 9 x SR 1571 exhibited higher sca effects for all the traits under evaluation. The parents with high gca effects may be used as parents in yield improving oriented breeding programme. The crosses with high sca effects may be exploited to fix high yield in advanced generations. Crosses with higher sca effects possessed both or atleast one parent with high gca effects may be exploited by reciprocal recurrent selection. The gca variances were higher compared to sca variances for all the traits under study which indicated the presence of additive gene action for the traits. ABSTRACT Fifteen hybrids alongwith eight parents of finger millet were evaluated for variability, heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean for eight characters. A close resemblance between the corresponding estimates of PCV and GCV suggested that the environment had little role in the expression of different characters. High heritability with high genetic advance as per cent of mean observed for number of tillers might be due to additive gene effects and phenotypic selection in the segregating generations would likely to be more effective. The traits viz., plant height, number of fingers per ear, finger length and 1000-grain weight indicated the improvement of these characters and had high heritability and moderate genetic advance as per cent of mean. ABSTRACT Thirty cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genotypes of diverse origin were studied for estimating the variability parameters for seed yield and yield attributing characters. Sufficient variability was present in the material for seed yield per plant, number of pods per plant and number of clusters per plant. High heritability values associated with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were obtained for seed yield per plant, number of pods per plant, 100-seed weight and number of clusters per plant. High heritability in conjuction with medium genetic advance was obtained for number of pods per cluster. So, the improvement in these traits was possible by practising simple selection method. ABSTRACT Field studies on seasonal incidence of lepidopteran pest complex in relation to weather parameters in mango were carried out at the mango orchard of S. V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. There were about 12 species of lepidopteran pests attacking the mango crop in different growth stages. The activity of lepidopteran insects viz., shoot borer, Penicillaria jocosatrix Guenae; leaf miner, Acrocercops syngramma Mayrick, leaf eating caterpillars viz., Euthalia garuda garuda Moore, Porthesia scientillans Walker, Lymantria marginata Walker, Latoia lepida Cram, Orgyia postica Walker, Thalassodes quadraria Guenae, flower feeding caterpillar, Euproctis fraderna Moore and leaf folder, Homona permutata Meyrick damaged the new vegetative flush and flowers of mango crop from July to March. However, the leaf webber, Orthaga exvinaceae Hampson and fruit borer, Conogethes punctiferalis Guenae infested mainly old foliage i. e. matured leaves (September-October) and ripen fruits (April-June). Among the insects, bark eating caterpillar, Indarbela tetraonis Moore damaged the mango crop for a larger period (July-January). These pests occurred sufficiently in high number to cause damage. The observations clearly revealed that the lepidopteran pests viz., shoot borer, leaf miner, leaf eating caterpillars, flower feeders and bark eating caterpillars were negative correlation with maximum and minimum temperatures; positive correlation with rainfall and relative humidity. ABSTRACT False sesame (Ceratotheca sesamoides Endl.) is an important indigenous vegetable, which is collected mainly from the wild. Attempts at cultivating this vegetable have been faced with the problem of root knot nematode infection, which needs to be controlled using cheap, safe and environmentally friendly methods. An experiment using potted plants was therefore carried out to compare the effects of 0, 50, 75 and 100% of water extracts of clove (Syzygium guineense Wild DC), bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Del.), siam weed (Chromolaena odorata L. R. M. King and Robinson) and neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) with that of carbofuran (a synthetic nematicide) in the control of root knot nematode infection of false sesame. The results showed that root damage at 8 and 16 weeks after planting (WAP) and nematode population in the soil at 16 WAP were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in all the treated plants than in the untreated control plants. Neem and siam weed treatments at both 8 and 16 WAP were as effective as the carbofuran treatment in preventing root damage of false sesame. As a result of reduction in soil nematode population and root damage, treated plants were observed to be significantly taller with more branches and leaves than the untreated control. Also, leaf area, shoot weight and weight of 100 seeds were significantly higher in the treated plants. The higher concentrations of treatments were more effective than the lower concentrations. S. S. Karwasra, M. S. Beniwal and Rajender Singh [Effect of black point on vigour components and qualitative characters in bold and small seeded varieties of wheat]. Crop Res. 33 (1, 2 & 3) : 210-212 (2007). Department of Plant Pathology CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India ABSTRACT The effect of black point of wheat (bold and small seeded) on its qualitative characters such as total crude proteins, total crude fiber, total dry matter and seed vigour with respect to 1000-grain weight, germination, shoot and root growth was studied in bold seeded variety (Sonalika) having more than 48 g of 1000-seed weight, while small seeded vareity (WH 542) had grain weight of 38 g. The affected seeds were sorted into five different grades (0, I, II, III and IV) on the basis of level of black point infection. All the qualitative parameters except total crude proteins decreased significantly with the increase of black point infection and the decrease was more pronounced in grades III and IV infected seeds of bold seeded variety than small seeded. The amount of total crude proteins increased with the increase of black point infection. However, the increase in protein was more in small seeded variety than bold seeded variety. Maximum protein content was in grade IV level of infection. Germination percentage decreased sharply with the increase in severity of infection which was more pronounced in grades III and IV in both bold and small seeded varieties. Shoot and root growth also decreased as the grade of infection increased. ABSTRACT One hundred and ninety genotypes of advanced Indian wheat breeding material, comprising Triticum aestivum and T. durum and triticale were subjected to seven genetically characterized virulences of Erysiphe graminis f. sp. tritici. Based on the infection type matching technique resistance genes were postulated in the test genotypes. Thirty-eight genotypes showing differential reaction to the cultures were categorized into five resistant groups. Genes Pm 5+8 were postulated in genotypes HP 1733, MP 943, HD 2620 and HS 207. Resistance in 14 genotypes viz., HPW 91, HS 339, HS 341, HS 342, HS 343, HUW 411, HUW 426, K 9000, UP 2385, UP 2376, VL 733, VL 740, VL 744 and WH 593 was controlled by gene Pm 8. Resistance in six genotypes, behaving differentially to the cultures, could not be characterized attributed to any of the known gene(s). Ten triticale genotypes DT 46, HPT 6, JNIT 206, JNIT 208, JNIT 213, TL 2746, TL 2780, TL 2795 and TL 2801 were resistant and rest of the genotypes were susceptible to all the isolates. The postulation of genes Pm 5 and Pm 8 was authenticated through pedigree relationship and identification of closely linked leaf rust and yellow rust resistance genes Lr 26 and Yr 9. Virulences against genes Pm 5 and Pm 8 are quite prevalent in Indian powdery mildew populations. The uncharacterized genes in study will be useful for powdery mildew improvement and to broaden the genetic base. ABSTRACT One hundred and eighty-three entries of barley were screened against covered smut under artificial epiphytotic conditions during 2004-05 and 2005-06 crop seasons. One hundred and six entries were free from the disease (highly resistant) and in remaining 77 entries disease incidence ranged from 0.9-62.8%. The 15 entries were resistant with less than 5% disease; 37 entries moderately resistant with disease incidence between 5.1-10.0%; 10 entries susceptible with disease incidence between 10.1-20.0%, while 15 entries were found highly susceptible with more than 20% disease incidence. ABSTRACT Thirty sunflower hybrids alongwith their parents were screened against Alternaria blight under field conditions. L-101 was used as a susceptible check. The hybrids CMS 234A x RHA 265, DCMS 41 x DSI 83, DCMS 42 x RHA 273, DCMS 42 x RHA 346, DCMS 43 x RHA 271 and DCMS 43 x DSI 218 were resistant to the disease. Moderately resistant reaction was exhibited by the parents DCMS 41, DCMS 42, RHA 346, SF 206 and SF 216. The check L-101 recorded highly susceptible reaction. ABSTRACT Thirty sunflower hybrids alongwith their parents were screened against sunflower necrosis disease under field conditions. Morden was used as a susceptible check. Fourteen hybrids and two parents (CMS 378A and CMS 234A) exhibited resistant reaction. The check Morden had highly susceptible reaction to the disease. ABSTRACT Studies on the effect of time of planting, nitrogen and FYM levels on chemical composition of oriental tobacco conducted in the farmers’ fields of Rompicherla mandal, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh during rabi 1998-99 under rainfed conditions revealed that leaf nicotine per cent was increased with delay in planting from first fortnight of November onwards. Supply of 20 kg N/ha registered higher leaf nicotine content. Total sugar in the leaf was decreased with delay in planting from first fortnight of November onwards and negatively correlated with manurial levels. Leaf chloride content was not influenced by the time of planting, manurial levels and their interaction. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during the period from 2003-04 to evaluate 15 accessions of Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L.), pepper mint (Mentha piperita L.) and spear mint (Mentha spicata L.). Herbage yield and oil content of mint (Mentha spp.) under each shade condition (open, 25 and 50%), among the three species pepper mint recorded the highest fresh herbage yield (5.10,10.10 and 3.81 t/ha, respectively) and dry herbage yield (0.59, 0.99 and 0.54 t/ha, respectively). Among the three different shades, pepper mint recorded highest fresh herbage yield (6.72 t/ha), dry herbage yield (0.72 t/ha) and oil content (0.24%) under 25% shade condition 180 days after planting. Among the three shades, mild shade condition (25%) is ideal for mint cultivation. S2A4 recorded highest fresh and dry herbage yield under 25% shade condition (12.25 and 1.33 t/ha, respectively). ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during the period from 2003-04 to evaluate 15 accessions of Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L.), pepper mint (Mentha piperita L.) and spear mint (Mentha spicata L.) under each shade condition (Open, 25 and 50% shade). Pepper mint recorded highest leaf area index (0.401, 0.627 and 0.366, respectively), net assimilation rate (0.012, 0.025 and 0.024 g/m2/day, respectively), spear mint recorded highest relative growth rate (0.28, 0.031 and 0.027 g/m2/day, respectively) and absolute growth rate (0.023, 0.020 and 0.017 g/day, respectively) under all the shades 180 days after planting. Among the three species, pepper mint was better under all the conditions. Under three different shades, leaf area index (0.405) and relative growth rate (0.032 g/m2/day) were highest under 25% shade condition and absolute growth rate (0.035 g/day) maximum under 50% shade 180 days after planting. Among the three shades, 25% was better for mint cultivation. S3A5 (0.025) recorded highest net assimilation under open condition and S2A5 (0.034) recorded highest value under 25% shade. ABSTRACT To determine the effect of drip fertigation on the growth attributes, yield and quality character of mulberry, a study was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University during 2003-05. Ten irrigation and two fertigation treatments replicated two times were adopted with different drip lay-outs. The results revealed that drip fertigation exerted favourable influence on leaf growth characters, yield and leaf quality parameters of mulberry compared to surface irrigation and soil application of fertilizers. Maximum plant height (192.40 cm), number of branches per plant (9.42), number of leaves per branch (30.78), leaf area (164.55 cm2) and leaf area index (5.8) were observed under single row drip irrigation at 80% of surface irrigation level followed by paired row drip and microtube irrigations at 80% of WR of surface irrigation level. Single row drip at 80% of water requirement (WR) of surface irrigation with 100% of recommended level of fertilizers registered higher leaf yield (46,759 kg/ha/year) followed by paired row drip and microtube at 80% of WR of surface irrigation level than in micro irrigation at 60 and 40% of WR of surface irrigation level. Maximum coarse leaf moisture content (60.09%), tender leaf moisture content (72.76%), leaf nitrogen content (3.97%), leaf potassium content (2.13%), coarse leaf protein content (15.98%) and tender leaf protein content (24.30%) were observed under single row drip irrigation at 80% of WR of surface irrigation level. ABSTRACT Indian system of medicine exploits only 25,000 species of medicinal plants span over 1000 genera. Phyto-pharmaceutical companies require a wealth in knowledge on biological diversity in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere of medicinal plants. Studies on some medicinal plants viz., Ocimum sanctum, Coleus forskholii, Aloe vera and Catharanthus roseus rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere revealed that there was a significant difference in bacterial and fungal diversity and it was evident from their R : S ratio (1.29). The diazotrophic populations such as Azospirillum sp., Azotobacter sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were found in higher number in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere of C. roseus. Hence, the study revealed effective microbial activity found in C. roseus. ABSTRACT Soil organic matter, microbial biomass C , P, dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activities were studied in soils fertilized with different phosphatic fertilizers at two different levels. The amounts of soil organic C, total N and P, increased with the application of different phosphatic fertilizers. The build-up of soil organic C, N and P was more with the application of water soluble P sources and when they were applied @ 60 kg P2O5/ha as compared to 30 kg P2O5/ha. Microbial biomass C and P increased with the application of phosphatic fertilizers and increase was more with 60 kg P2O5/ha as compared to 30 kg P2O5/ha. The dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activities were closely related to microbial biomass C and P. ABSTRACT Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seeds were germinated in a nutrient media supplemented with a range of concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 ppm) of formulated grade of pendimethalin. Shoot-root axis and cotyledon of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 15 days old germinated soybean seedlings were used for bioassay to demonstrate the toxic effects of pendimethalin on the growth and biochemical parameters, during germination and early growth. Germination percentage, length of radicle and plumule were decreased drastically with increase in concentration of herbicide pendimethalin. In treated seedling, total protein, total carbohydrate, starch and reducing sugar content was high in the cotyledons and low in the embryonic axis at all time intervals of seedling during early growth over the period of 15 days. The effect was more pronounced at higher concentration. From our observations, it is evident that mobilization of seed reserve was suppressed by pendimethalin as a result of impaired degradation of food reserve during germination and early growth. These results also indicate that the herbicide pendimethalin may interfere with the synthesis of GA3 and in turn may affect hydrolytic enzymes required for the degradation of seed reserves. ABSTRACT The present study was undertaken during 2005 to develop and standardize a scale to measure the factors contributing for effectiveness of farm magazines. Fifty-two statements/factors/components representing cover page, content, format, illustration and management aspects were selected to assess the effectiveness of farm magazines. The scale developed was found reliable and valid. ABSTRACT Audience research was carried out during 2005 to find out the presence of various format characteristics of two Kannada farm magazines viz., Krishi Munnade and Sujatha Sanchika. A total of 250 subscriber farmer readers and researchers consisting of 125 subscriber farmer readers each from Krishi Munnade and Sujatha Sanchike were interviewed with the help of a pre-structured schedule. The results revealed that the readers preferences towards format characteristics were completely fulfilled by the two farm magazines studied. ABSTRACT The present study was conducted during 2005 to measure the effectiveness of Kannada farm magazines (as perceived by farmer readers) and to find out the relationship between the farmers’ characteristics and effectiveness of farm magazines. A total of 250 subscriber farmer readers (consisting of 125 subscriber farmer readers each from Krishi Munnade and Sujatha Sanchike) were interviewed using a pre-tested schedule. Audience research was carried out in the present study. The study revealed that 88 out of total 250 farmer readers (35.20% of both the farm magazines) had moderate perception about the effectiveness of farm magazines. The regression analysis revealed that 70% of the effectiveness of farm magazines is explained by 20 characteristics of the readers. ABSTRACT The present study was undertaken in three taluks of Mandya district in Karnataka state during 2005-06 to identify the selected factors influencing the productivity of surgarcane. Data were collected from 300 sugarcane growers with the help of a pre-tested interview schedule. It was observed that out of 24 selected independent variables, 19 variables had significant to highly significant relationship with the productivity of sugarcane. Further, all the 24 independent variables together had contributed to the tune of 74.38% to the productivity of sugarcane. Abstract A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Siruguppa during summer season of 2005-06 to study the effect of new post-emergent herbicides (PIH 2023 and PIH 2023 A) on weed parameters and yield of summer transplanted rice (Oryza sativa). The data revealed that application of PIH 2023 or PIH 2023 A @ 25 and 30 g a. i./ha) controlled both monocot and dicot weeds efficiently and recorded significantly higher seed yield over unweeded check. These new herbicides were phytotoxic at 60 g a. i./ha.
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