Titles of research papers/articles alongwith their abstracts.
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1. V. P. Singh, R. K. Maiti, K. Kalpana and J. Hernandez-Pinero[Research advances in okra or bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) –A review].Res. on Crops8(2): 261-291 (2007).Department of Agronomy CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

Okra or bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), being an important fruit vegetable of high commercial and food values, researches have been undertaken throughout the world. Salient outlines of some researches are given on various aspects such as medicinal values, economic importance, physiology, agronomy, insect-diseases, food chemistry and food values, etc. Okra retains many insecticides which are beyond tolerance limits. Therefore, care should be taken to protect the crops with non-risky control measures

 

 

2. S. SIVA KUMAR, V. VELU, V. BALASUBRAMANIANAND S. RAMANATHAN [Impact of integrated crop management practices (ICM) on input use efficiencies of rice in different rice soils of Tamil Nadu].Res. on Crops8(2): 292-295 (2007). Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2006 to study the impact of integrated crop management practices (ICM) on input use efficiencies of rice at Aduthurai, Kattuthottam and Bhavanisagar rice soils of Tamil Nadu. The study involved two genotypes, two establishment methods, three manuring practices and two weeding practices. The leaf colour chart (LCC) based nitrogen (N) management positively enhanced the partial factor productivity (PFP) for N uptake at Aduthurai and Kattuthottam and the mechanical weeding positively influenced the nitrogen uptake at Bhavanisagar. The combined adoptions of the ICM components registered higher partial factor productivity for grain yield at Aduthurai and Bhavanisagar over the individual practices. The planting of younger seedlings by conventional irrigation practice increased the water productivity at Aduthurai. The inclusion of mechanical weeding resulted in higher labour productivity index at all the three centres.

 

 

3. S. siva kumar, v. velu, v. balasubramanian and s. ramanathan [Effect of integrated crop management practices (ICM) on yield and yield attributes of rice at different rice soils of Tamil Nadu].Res. on Crops8(2): 296-300 (2007). Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : agrisiva17@yahoo.co.in).

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2006 to study the impact of integrated crop management practices (ICM) on yield and yield attributes of rice at different rice soils of Tamil Nadu. The study involved two genotypes, two establishment methods, three manuring practices and two weeding practices. The variety ADT 47 recorded higher yield when compared to the hybrid ADTRH 1. The ICM strategies viz., planting younger (14 days old) seedlings, one seedling per hill, wider spacing (22.5 x 22.5 cm), mechanical weeding, intermittent irrigation, recommended inorganic fertilizers (N application by leaf colour chart method) and INM practice registered higher yield for the variety ADT 47 compared to that of the hybrid ADTRH 1.

 

 

4. P. n. dongre and b. p. yadav[Allelopathic inhibition of growth and productivity of rice by some noxious weeds in pot culture].Res. on Crops8(2): 301-304 (2007). Department of Botany K. N. Govt. P. G. College, Gyanpur-221 304 (U. P.), India.

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A pot culture experiment was performed to visualize the allelopathic effects of aqueous leachates of selected weeds on growth and productivity of rice during its entire growth period (Chapter IV). Four weeds viz., Amaranthus viridis, Eclipta alba, Parthenium hysterophorus and Phyllanthus niruri were selected to study the effect of their leaf leachates on growth and productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) var. Nati Mansuri. The results indicated that the leaf leachates of all the four weed species had significant concentration dependent retarding effect on rice during its entire growth period. Significant reduction in all the test parameters viz., root and shoot length, leaf area, root and shoot biomass was observed at all sampling dates (30, 60 and 90 days after treatment). Higher leachate concentration (20%) was found to be more inhibitory in nature as compared to lower (10%). Net primary productivity and relative growth rate values of treated plants also exhibited lower values as compared to control plants.

 

 

5. a. upendra rao, b. bucha reddy and m. devender reddy [Economics of N management practices, age of seedlings in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and fertilizers to greengram (Vigna radiata L.) in rice-greengram system].Res. on Crops 8(2): 305-308 (2007). Department of Agronomy Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad-500 030 (A. P.), India.

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A two-year field investigation showed that under late planted conditions in Telangana region, among three ages of seedlings, transplanting of 45 days old seedlings recorded significantly higher gross returns as well as net returns as compared to 30 and 60 days old seedlings in rice and rice-greengram system. Application of 75% RDFN+25 kg GM N+25 kg PM N to rice recorded the highest gross returns among all N management practices in rice and rice-greengram system, which was significantly superior to application of 100% RDF irrespective of source of N in rice as well as rice-greengram system. Application of 125% RDN exclusively through mineral fertilizers to rice resulted in highest net returns and B : C ratio in rice and rice-greengram system, which were significantly higher over that of all N management practices which supply 100% RDN regardless of source of N and 125% RDN partly substituted through vermicompost. On the other hand, significantly lower net returns were obtained with application of vermicompost compared to other sources at both 100 and 125% RDN levels in rice and rice-greengram system. Application of 50% RDF to greengram resulted in significantly higher net returns over that of 100% RDF in greengram only.

 

 

6. A. S. channabasavanna, shivakumar and nagappa [Productivity and economics of different intercropping systems in maize (Zea mays L.)].Res. on Crops8(2): 309-311 (2007). Agricultural Research Station, Siruguppa-583 121 (Karnataka), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A field experiment was conducted during wet seasons of 2001 and 2002 at Agricultural Research Station, Siruguppa, Karnataka to study the productivity and economics of different intercropping systems in paired row sowing of maize. There were nine treatments consisting of normal and paired sowing. In paired sowing, three rows of intercrops like coriander, onion, garlic, soybean, greengram, cowpea and sesame were taken. The data revealed that normal sowing of maize (75 x 20 cm) recorded higher grain yield of maize over paired row (50/100 x 20 cm) sowing. Among different intercrops, maize+sesame produced the highest maize equivalent yield (8115 kg/ha), net returns (Rs. 15657/ha) and B : C ratio (2.36). This was followed by maize+soybean. Intercropping maize with onion and garlic was not profitable.

 

 

7. h. k. sumeriya, pushpendra singh, v. nepalia, vithal sharma and b. upadhyay[Response of elite sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genotypes to plant geometry and fertility levels].Res. on Crops8(2): 312-315 (2007). Department of Agronomy Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur-313 001 (Rajasthan), India.

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A field investigation was conducted at Udaipur, Rajasthan during kharif seasons of 2003 and 2004 to study the pattern of growth and yield by sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genotypes to varying plant geometry and fertility levels. CSV 15 proved superior in producing higher plant height and dry matter accumulation than SPV 1430 and CSH 14. However, CSH 14 recorded maximum grain and CSV 15 recorded maximum fodder and biological yields. Plant geometry 45 x 15 cm significantly recorded higher plant height, dry matter accumulation and grain yield over narrow plant geometries. Application of 100% RDF (80 kg N+40 kg P₂O₅/ha) not only increased the growth but also increased grain yield and harvest index. The corresponding increases were 38.96 and 14.97% over 50 and 75% RDF, respectively.

 

 

8. pushpendra singh, h. k. sumeriya, vithal sharma and r. k. meena[Response of various promising forage sorghum genotypes to different nitrogen levels].Res. on Crops8(2): 316-318 (2007). Department of Agronomy Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur-313 001 (Rajasthan), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2005 at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur to study the effect of nitrogen levels on forage sorghum genotypes. Results revealed that genotypes HC 308 and SU 1080 recorded significantly higher plant height, green and dry fodder yield and their per day production, nitrogen and protein uptake, gross returns, net returns and B : C ratio over UTFS 45. The per cent increases with green and dry fodder yield, net returns and B : C ratio were 12.13 & 10.00, 12.13 & 10.10, 14.51 & 11.96 and 14.42 & 11.89, respectively, over UTFS-45. Among nitrogen levels, 75 kg N/ha recorded significantly higher in abovementioned parameters over control and 50 kg N/ha. The corresponding increases of green and dry fodder, nitrogen and protein uptake and net returns were 28.03 & 11.11, 28.02 & 11.77, 44.17 & 15.81, 44.16 & 15.65 and 28.41 & 11.05, respectively, over control and 50 kg N/ha.

 

 

9. pushpendra singh, h. k. sumeriya and vithal sharma[Productivity and profitability of forage sorghum genotypes as influenced by various nitrogen levels].Res. on Crops8(2): 319-322 (2007). All India Co-ordinated Sorghum Improvement Project Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur (Rajasthan), India.

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2006 at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur to study the effect of nitrogen levels on forage sorghum genotypes. Genotype UTFS-43 recorded significantly higher plant height, green and dry fodder yield and their per day production, gross returns, net returns and B : C ratio over S-540. The per cent increases of green and dry fodder yield, gross and net returns were 37.63 & 37.90, 37.63 & 47.40, respectively, over S-540. Among nitrogen levels, 75 kg N/ha recorded significantly higher in above mentioned parameters over control, and 50 kg N/ha. The corresponding increases of green and dry fodder, gross and net returns were 18.65 & 11.12, 20.48 & 11.20, 18.65 & 11.13 and 17.29 & 11.06 over control and 50 kg N/ha, respectively.

 

 

10. h. k. sumeriya, pushpendra singh and vithal sharma [Effect of various nitrogen levels on promising forage sorghum genotypes].Res. on Crops8(2): 323-324 (2007). All India Co-ordinated Sorghum Improvement Project Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur (Rajasthan), India.

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2001 at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur to study the effect of nitrogen levels on forage sorghum genotypes. Results revealed that genotype UPFS-36 recorded significantly higher green and dry fodder yield, gross returns, net returns and B : C ratio over HC-308. The per cent increases of green and dry fodder yield, gross returns, net returns and B : C ratio were 54.9, 55.0, 54.7, 64.9 and 64.9, respectively, over HC-308. Application of 80 kg N/ha recorded significantly higher in above mentioned parameters over control and 40 kg N/ha. The corresponding increases of plant height, green and dry fodder, gross and net returns were 9.5 & 7.4, 20.7 & 13.6, 21.7 & 14.8, 20.7 & 13.6 and 20.8 & 14.3 over control and 40 kg N/ha, respectively.

 

 

11. N. Senthil Kumar, A. Palchamy and S. Santha[Effect of INM practices on productivity and economics of castor under irrigated condition]. Res. On Crops8(2): 325-330 (2007). Department of Agronomy TNAU Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai-625 104 (Tamil Nadu), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

Field experiments were carried out at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai during summer (Feb.-June) and rabi (Aug.-Dec.) seasons of 2004 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management practices on growth, yield and economics of castor. Among the organic nutrients, application of FYM @ 12.5 t/ha+Azospirillum+ phosphobacteria recorded significantly higher plant height, number of branches/plant, LAI, dry matter production, length of primary spike, number of spikes/plant, capsules/spike, seed and oil yield as compared to pressmud @ 2 t/ha+Azospirillum+phosphobacteria and sugarcane biocompost @ 1 t/ha. Higher plant height, number of branches/plant, LAI, dry matter production, length of primary spike, number of spikes/plant, capsules/spike, seed and oil yield were recorded in application of 75% RDF NPK+ZnSO₄ @ 12.5 kg/ha as basal+ZnSO₄ 0.25% foliar spray twice at 30 and 45 DAS as compared to other inorganic nutrients. The similar organic and inorganic nutrient treatment proved to be more economical in view of its higher net returns and benefit : cost ratio in both the seasons of summer and rabi.

 

 

 

12. m. malarkodi, r. krishnasamy and t. chitdeshwari[Mechanism of nickel accumulation by Ricinus communis L. (castor) plant species].Res. on Crops8(2): 331-334 (2007). Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

Green house experiment was carried out to know the mechanism of Ni accumulation by Ricinus communis using the variety TMV 5 and wild castor to tolerate the elevated levels of Ni in the soil. For that, R. communis cultivars such as wild castor and TMV 5 were grown in Alfisols and Vertisols added with 0, 100, 250 and 500 mg Ni/kg soil. The results showed that increasing Ni levels increased the protein and total free amino acid contents in both the cultivars and both the parameters were higher in wild castor than TMV 5. The amino acids like arginine and histidine were detected under Ni contaminated condition and it exhibited distinct dark bands with the presence of proteins in the range of 43-75 kDa in wild castor. The enhanced production of amino acids might be the reason for the increased Ni accumulation by R. communis L.

 

 

 

13. d. a. tank, d. r. delvadia, k. m. gediya, y. m. shukla and m. v. patel[Effect of different spacings and nitrogen levels on seed yield and quality of hybrid castor (Ricinus communis L.)].Res. on Crops8(2): 335-338 (2007). Department of Agronomy Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388 110 (Gujarat), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

With a view to study the effect of different spacings and nitrogen levels on seed yield and quality of hybrid castor cv. GCH-5, a field experiment was conducted during kharif-rabi seasons of 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05 on sandy loam soil at College of Agriculture, Agronomy Farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The treatment comprising four spacings (S₁ : 120 x 60 cm, S₂ : 120 x 75 cm, S₃ : 150 x 60 cm and S₄ : 150 x 75 cm) and four nitrogen levels (N₁ : 60, N₂ : 80, N₃ : 100 and N₄ : 120 kg N/ha) were replicated thrice under factorial randomized block design. Significantly higher seed yield of castor (GCH-5) 12.6 or 14.7% was recorded under wider spacing 150 x 60 cm or 150 x 75 cm over both the narrow spacings. Similar trend was also obtained in oil content and oil yield. Maximum net returns were realized (Rs. 25675/ha) under 150 x 75 cm spacing followed by 150 x 60 cm spacing. The effects of nitrogen were found non-significant on seed yield, oil content as well as on oil yield. Thus, application of nitrogen @ 60 kg/ha and 150 x 75 cm spacing were found economical under irrigated condition of middle Gujarat.

 

 

 

14. P. Amaranatha Reddy and K. S. Sandhu[Influence of integrated weed management on weed density in summer planted groundnut].Res. on Crops8(2): 339-342 (2007). Department of Agronomy Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A field experiment on integrated weed control in summer planted groundnut was laid out in split plot design with two varieties (bunch SG 84 and spreading M 522) as main plots and eight weed control treatments pendimethalin 0.5 and 0.75 kg/ha, pendimethalin 0.5 kg/ha+hand weeding at 35 DAS, trifluralin 0.75 and 1.0 kg/ha, trifluralin 0.75 kg/ha+hand weeding at 35 DAS, weed free and unweeded as sub-plot treatments. The results indicated that total density of weeds under both the varieties did not differ significantly upto 75 DAS. After this there was significant reduction in weed population and dry weight of weeds in the spreading variety M 522 as compared to bunch variety SG 84. Among the weed control treatments, herbicide+hand weeding treatments gave better and season long weed control and thereby less weed dry weight compared to other treatments.

 

 

 

15. S. THENMOZHI and C. PAULRAJ [Effect of bananapseudostem and sugarcane trash composts on nutrient release pattern].Res. on Crops8(2): 343-346 (2007). Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

An incubation experiment was conducted to study the nutrient release pattern of raw and composted bananapseudostem and sugarcane trash waste prepared by pit method of composting in garden land soil. Two hundred and fifty gram of soil was taken in polythene containers, to which calculated quantity of raw and composted waste materials alongwith 100% RDF as recommended for amaranthus and 75% RDF, respectively, were added as per the treatment schedule and mixed thoroughly. The moisture content was maintained at field capacity throughout the experimental period. The soil samples were drawn at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of incubation and analyzed for their available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content. With the advancement of incubation period, there was an increase in the available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium status of soil upto the end of incubation period (60 days).

 

 

 

16. jagdish kumar and m. P. yadav[Effect of integrated nutrient management on yield attributes, yield and economics of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) in Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh].Res. on Crops8(2): 347-349 (2007). Department of Agronomy C. S. A. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur-208 002 (U. P.), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 2003-05 to study the effect of different nutrients on seed cotton yield of hirsutum cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) variety RS-810. Application of 100% RDF+10 t FYM/ha produced significantly highest seed cotton yield (741 kg/ha) compared to control (413 kg/ha). Recommended dose of fertilizer also produced significantly higher seed cotton yield and yield attributes of cotton than control. Net return (Rs. 4354/ha) and benefit : cost ratio (1.27) were found more with the combined application of 100% RDF+10 t FYM/ha, followed by 100% RDF (Rs. 3088 and 1.21), respectively.

 

 

 

17. S. M. Kashefipour, S. Boroomand Nasab and B. Sohrabi¹[Effect of sprinkler irrigation timing programme on the cotton yield].Res. on Crops8(2): 350-354 (2007). Irrigation Department Shahid Chamran University, Ahwaz, Iran.

 

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

Details are given of an intensive research project for investigating the effect of the sprinkler timing irrigation programme on the cotton yield. The research was carried out with four irrigation treatments at three replications for two consecutive years (2004 and 2005). The amount of water application for all treatments was equal and determined based on the 70% of the pan evaporation. In order to investigate the effect of the sprinkler timing irrigation programme during a day on the cotton yield, four irrigation periods were selected as 06 : 00 to 9 : 00 (T₁, morning), 09 : 00 to 13 : 00 (T₂, noon), 14 : 00 to 20 : 00 (T₃, afternoon) and 20 : 00 to 05 : 00 (T₄, night). The results showed that the average maximum yield was obtained for the night time irrigation. However, for the year 2005, there was not significant difference between morning and night time irrigation. The two years’ results also showed that the minimum yield was obtained when the sprinkler was operated in afternoon. Similar results were obtained for the cotton-pod weight, plant height and number of branches. The results showed no significant difference on the cotton pre-maturity for all treatments. It is preferably suggested to operate sprinkler for cotton during night without any warning of shedding.

 

 

 

18. r. c. bairwa and m. k. kaushik[Effect of fertility levels and growth regulators on yield and yield attributes of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) varieties].Res. on Crops8(2): 355-360 (2007). Department of Agronomy Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur-313 001 (Rajasthan), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

Field experiment was conducted for two consecutive rabi seasons of the years 2004-05 and 2005-06, to find out the effect of varieties (Rmt-1 and Rmt-303), fertility levels (0, 10 kg N+20 kg P₂O₅, 20 kg N+40 kg P₂O₅ and 30 kg N+60 kg P₂O₅/ha) and growth regulators [water spray (control), ethephon 100 ppm and NAA 20 ppm] on fenugreek yield and yield attributes. Variety Rmt-303 gave significantly higher number of pods/plant, seeds/pod, test weight, grain and straw yield as compared to Rmt-1. Application of 30 kg N+60 kg P₂O₅/ha resulted in significantly more grain and straw yield, number of pods/plant, seeds/pod and test weight than control and significantly higher grain and straw yield, number of pods/plant, seeds/pod and test weight were recorded when NAA (20 ppm) spray was given at pre-flowering stage as compared with ethephon (100 ppm) during both the years.

 

 

 

19. S. THENMOZHI and C. PAULRAJ[Efficacy of composts on yield and nutrient uptake by amaranthus (var. CO 2)].Res. on Crops8(2): 361-363 (2007). Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A green house experiment, using amaranthus (var. CO 2) as test crop, was conducted to study the influence of the raw and composted waste materials viz., bananapseudostem/sugarcane trash applied in conjunction with 100 and 75% of the RDF, respectively, on nutrient uptake and green leaf yield of amaranthus, and to compare their influence with the application of 100% RDF alone and the absolute control. The green leaf yield and nutrient uptake by amaranthus were increased significantly due to the application of bananapseudostem/sugarcane trash composts, prepared with different starter/accelerator/accelerator-cum-enricher materials and applied at the rate of 750 kg/ha each with 75% of the RDF. The highest green leaf yield of 68.50 g/pot was associated with poultry manure enriched microbial inoculum bananapseudostem compost applied at 750 kg/ha alongwith 75% of the recommended dose of fertilizer.

 

 

 

20. P. P. mahendran, m. deivanai, a. saravanan, p. balasubramaniam and m. prasanthrajan [Delineation of boron in the soils of southern zone of Tamil Nadu].Res. on Crops8(2): 364-370 (2007). Department of Soil and Environment Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai-625 104 (Tamil Nadu), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

Surface (0-20 cm) soil samples collected from Madurai, Sivagangai, Dindigul, Ramanathapuram and Virudhunagar districts of the southern zone of Tamil Nadu were analyzed for available boron and certain physical and chemical characteristics. The available B content varied from 0.08 to 2.34, 0.05 to 1.41, 0.03 to 1.05, 0.02 to 1.13 and 0.09 to 1.49 mg/kg in soils of Madurai, Sivagangai, Dindigul, Ramanathapuram and Virudhunagar districts, respectively. Considering soils containing less than 0.5 and 0.5 to 1 mg/kg available B as low and medium in B supply, respectively, 45% samples of Madurai district were medium in available boron, while 34% were low in available B. In Sivagangai district, the available B in 58 and 40% of the investigated soils was in the low and medium range, respectively, and 2% samples had high boron supply. Similarly, in Dindigul district, the percentages of low, medium and high B containing soils were 64, 35 and 1, respectively. The per cent low, medium and high available boron content of soils of Ramanathapuram district was 65, 33 and 2, while that of Virudhunagar was 53, 32 and 15, respectively. The correlation studies showed that the available boron content increased with increasing fineness of soil texture, CEC, R₂O₃ and organic carbon.

 

 

 

21. IFEANYI A. OJIAKO, GODWIN N. ASUMUGHA, CHUMA EZEDINMA AND NWAKAEGO E. UZOKWE[Analysis of production trends in the major root and tuber crops in Nigeria, 1961-2005].Res. on Crops8(2): 371-380 (2007). International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, PMB 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria *(e-mail : iojiako2000@yahoo.co.uk).

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

This study investigated the production trends in the principal root and tuber crops in Nigeria during the 1961-2005 periods and contrasted the performance of the crops at certain stages of economic and political reforms in the country. It was found that output of all roots and tubers rose tremendously during the era of the structural adjustment (SAP) introduced in 1986 and remained high during the post-SAP democratic era. Prior to SAP, production was generally low with sweetpotato, yam and cocoyam recording negative growth rates. However, the highest growth was achieved for all products during SAP. Except for cocoyam, growth rates for all other crops that ranged from 4.17% for cassava to 22.89% for ginger exceeded the estimated annual population growth rate of 3.00%. The implication is that the SAP liberalization policy and the introduction and dissemination of high-yielding and disease resistant crops’ varieties impacted positively on output of roots and tubers in Nigeria. The lower growth rates found for all crops during the post-SAP relative to the SAP period resulted because the monies released as democratic dividends for the expansion of the rural economy were misapplied into non-farm livelihood activities for higher returns. The study observed that the low returns to investments in agriculture have made the sector less attractive and suggested introduction of policies capable of promoting marketing and storage of agricultural produce.

 

 

 

22. Sushil Kumar, Mamta Bhadauria and A. K. S. Chauhan¹[Effect of physical characters of different pigeonpea varieties on the growth and development of Callosobruchus chinensis Linn.].Res. on Crops8(2): 381-383 (2007). Department of Zoology, Paliwal P. G. College, Shikohabad, Firozabad-205 135 (U. P.), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

The pigeonpea varieties PDA 85-3, MA-2, Pusa 54, T-7, ICPL-366, KWR-1, PDA-9, Bahar, T-21 and Amar were tested in the experimentation. The investigations were conducted in the laboratory to find out the various physical characters including number of grains, moisture content, hardness in relation to important biological aspects of this beetle. The number of grains, moisture content and hardness in different pigeonpea varieties were found to have positive effect on the behaviour and development of the pest. The egg laying was significantly higher on small seeded varieties having more than 11.6% moisture and below 8.25 kg/grain hardness. The total number of egg laying was found to vary from 149.57 to 321.84, maximum egg laying was noticed on PDA-9 and minimum on Amar. The emergence of the beetles was minimum on variety Amar (112.14) and minimum (288.66) was noticed on variety PDA 85-3. The emergence of beetle was found to increase with the increases of moisture content and reduced with hardness of the varieties. The developmental period of the beetle ranged from 29.33 to 30.45 days in various varieties.

 

 

 

23. Anita Kumari, K. Swaraj and Sunita Sheokand[Distribution of Cd in different parts of pea plants : Effect on plant biomass].Res. on Crops8(2): 384-387 (2007). Department of Botany and Plant Physiology CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important vegetable crop grown in peri-urban areas mostly irrigated with sewage water. There is variability in ability of crops to uptake and transport heavy metals in various plant parts.This depends not only on the type of heavy metal, but also the crop species. The present investigations were conducted on Pisum sativum L. (Hisar harit) to study the bioaccumulation of Cd in different plant parts and its effect on plant growth. Pea plants were raised in dune sand treated with 0, 100, 200 and 400 µM CdCl₂ before sowing. The plants were sampled at vegetative, reproductive and maturity stages. A concentration dependent increase in accumulation of Cd in roots was observed. Maximum accumulation of Cd was observed in roots followed by nodules, leaves and stem at the vegetative stage. However, at the reproductive stage, the root content further increased twofold, while at maturity stage a small decline in root Cd content was observed and a simultaneous small increase in shoot Cd content was observed. The Cd in the pods was retained in the pod wall and the Cd in the seeds was not in detectable limits. This pea cultivar could be considered as shoot excluder, as root acts as major accumulator of Cd. Reduction in biomass was found to be stage specific. At the vegetative stage, cadmium resulted in maximum reduction in root dry weight as compared to shoot dry weight. At flowering stage, the shoot biomass was more affected. The decline in shoot biomass further increased at the maturity stage and the reproductive parts and yield components were also significantly affected by cadmium treatments.

 

 

 

24. p. k. yadav, a. h. khan, amar nath and s. k. s. yadav[Effect of herbicides on biochemical and growth parameters of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)].Res. on Crops8(2): 388-390 (2007). Department of Crop Physiology Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad-224 229 (U. P.), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2001-02 at N. D. University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad to study the effect of herbicides on biochemical and growth parameters of chickpea. The results revealed that all the herbicides promoted various biochemical parameters at 1.0 kg/ha at all the doses. Chlorophyll content was found higher as compared to untreated check. These herbicides applied at 1.0 or 1.5 kg/ha increased the nitrate reductase activity except at a dose of 2.0 kg/ha. The protein content of grain was more in various herbicide treatments as compared to untreated check. Application of fluchloralin, pendimethalin and metolachlor each @ 1.0 kg/ha has been found promising to enhance the values of NAR at 45-60 and 60-75 DAS. Application of pendimethalin and metolachlor each @ 2.0 kg/ha proved promising to recorded higher values of LAR at 45-60 and 60-75 DAS but did not have any effect at early stage (30-45 DAS).

 

 

 

25. c. seethalakshmi and c. k. padmaja [Effect of Aloe vera (L.) leaf powder in promoting biochemical traits of clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)].Res. on Crops8(2): 391-394 (2007). Department of Botany Avinashilingam Deemed University, Coimbatore-641 043 (Tamil Nadu), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A pot culture experiment was carried out as clusterbean as the test crop to analyse the bio-stimulant efficacy of Aloe vera leaf peeling powder at different concentrations 70 g (T₄) and 140 g (T₅). Its effect was compared as conventional and standard check with farmyard manure (T₃) and chemical fertilizer (T₂) and also an absolute control, T₁. There was a significant increase in biochemical traits like chlorophyll content from 0.07 to 0.22 mg/g tissue (chlorophyll a), 0.06 to 0.21 mg/g tissue (chlorophyll b) and from 0.13 to 0.43 mg/g tissue (total chlorophyll) and at harvest (90 DAS) it decreased gradually to 0.21 mg/g tissue (chlorophyll a), 0.17 mg/g tissue (chlorophyll b) and 39 mg/g tissue (total chlorophyll). Protein content also showed a significant increase from 15.22 to 24.26 mg/g and declined to 23.77 mg/g (at harvest 90 DAS). Carbohydrate content recorded an increase of 0.43 mg/g from 0.20 mg/g compared to a control from 30 to 90 DAS. A significant increase was also noticed in soil enzyme amylase (a and b) from 30 to 60 DAS of 500.17 µg/g/h from 296.10 and 261.30 µg/g/h and 354.33 to 317 and 304.93 and nitrate reductase enzyme from 0.010 to 0.019 mg/g.

 

 

26. c. k. padmaja, b. kowsalya and c. seethalakshmi[Efficacy of Aloe vera (L.) leaf powder, as a biostimulant in enhancing the growth and yield of lady’s finger (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)].Res. on Crops8(2): 395-397 (2007). Department of Botany Avinashilingam Deemed University, Coimbatore-641 043 (Tamil Nadu), India.

 

ABSTRACT

 

A pot culture experiment was carried out to analyse the biostimulant efficacy of Aloe vera leaf peelings powder at different concentrations, 70 g–T₃ and 140 g–T₄. Its effect was compared with a standard check, NPK (T₂) and an absolute control, T₁. The results of the study revealed that A. vera–140 g (T₄) was found to be significant in increasing the biometrical parameters like plant height from 27.17 to 42.30 cm, root volume from 0.97 to 1.23 cu.mm, fresh and dry weight of plant from 12.99 to 22.89 g and from 0.61 to 4.35 g, number of leaves and flowers per plant from 7 to 9 (30 to 60 DAS) and 4 in 30 DAS. The yield parameters like number of pods/plant (7.0), length of pods/plant (114 cm), fresh and dry weight of pod and single seed weight were 12.01, 0.22 and 1.37 g and also showed enhanced effect. There was also significant increase in biochemical traits like chlorophyll and protein content upto 30 DAS and thereafter it declined gradually. The carbohydrate content also increased from 30 to 60 DAS. Thus, A. vera leaf powder, a biostimulant, can be effectively utilized as a botanical activator in improving the growth of agricultural crops.

 

 

 

27. p. n. Rasal, v. n. gavhane, d. v. kusalkar and d. a. gadekar[Variation in heat susceptibility index and thermal requirement of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under high temperature stress conditions].Res. On Crops8(2): 398-400 (2007). MPKV Agricultural Research Station, Niphad-422 303 (M. S.), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

The variations in heat susceptibility index and thermal requirement of 10 bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under high temperature stress conditions were studied during rabi season of 2004-05. The results revealed that the genotypes viz., NIAW 1342, NIAW 1332 and NIAW 1293 with low values of ‘S’ were found to be heat tolerant types. The duration and thermal requirement for physiological maturity of all the genotypes reduced due to heat stress under late sown conditions. The genotypes NIAW 1342 and NIAW 1343 consumed minimum heat units, whereas the genotypes NIAW 1328, NIAW 1314 and NIAW 1332 consumed maximum heat units for attaining the physiological maturity.

 

 

 

28. J. PANDEY and KADAMBARI CHAPLOT[Effects of enhanced uv-b radiation on physiological and biochemical characteristics of wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) var. Raj 3077]].Res. on Crops8(2): 401-405 (2007). Department of Environmental Sciences M. L. Sukhadia University, Udaipur-313 001 (Rajasthan), India

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

Five days old pot-grown seedlings of wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) var. Raj 3077] were exposed to enhanced level of ultraviolet-B radiation. The treatments were given for 6 h daily for 60 days. The enhanced level of UV-B radiation reduced chlorophyll, carotenoids and ascorbic acid concentrations in leaves. Catalase activity also declined in UV-B treated plants. However, UV-B treatment led to a rise in the concentrations of flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolics as well as in peroxidase activity. The study indicated that the wheat plants tended to minimize the adverse effects of UV-B by increasing the accumulation of UV-B absorbing pigments. However, the screening effects of these pigments were not enough to compensate the UV-B induced detrimental effects on wheat plants.

 

 

 

29. P. n. dongre and rajeev mishra[Allelopathic effects of weeds on growth and productivity of blackgram (Phaseolus mungo Roxb.)].Res. on Crops8(2): 406-410 (2007). Department of Botany K. N. Government P. G. College, Gyanpur (SRN Bhadohi)-221 304 (U. P.), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

A pot culture experiment was performed to visualize the allelopathic effects of water extract of selected weeds on growth and productivity of blackgram during its entire growth period. Six weeds viz., Ageratum conyzoides, Anagallis arvensis, Chenopodium album, Eclipta alba, Parthenium hysterophorus and Rumex dentatus were selected to study the effect of their leaf extract on growth and productivity of blackgram (Phaseolus mungo Roxb.) var. PU-35. The results indicated that the leaf extracts of all the three weed species had significant concentration dependent retarding effect on blackgram during its entire growth period. Significant allelopathic inhibition of all the test parameters viz., root and shoot length, leaf area, root and shoot biomass, number of pods and seed weight was observed at all sampling dates (25, 50 and 75 days after treatment). Higher extract concentration (2%) was found to be more inhibitory in nature as compared to lower (1%). Net primary productivity and relative growth rate values of treated plants also exhibited lower values as compared to control plants.

 

 

 

30. P. YASODHA AND N. NATARAJAN [Mass production of Trathala flavo-orbitalis Cameroon (Ichneumonidae : Hymenoptera), the predominant parasitoid of shoot and fruit borer of brinjal, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee (Pyraustidae : Lepidoptera)]. Res. on Crops 8 (2) : 411-422 (2007). Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Centre for Plant Molecular Biology Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

Mass culturing was done using three host insects, namely, Leucinodes orbonalis, rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis and rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica. Mass rearing of T. flavo-orbitalis was carried out using two methods, namely, single tube and sandwich method. In single test tube method, varied levels of host larvae and parasitoid viz., 1 : 1, 2 : 1, 3 : 1, 4 : 1, 5 : 1, 6 : 1 and 7 : 1 were tested. In sandwich method, mass culturing of T. flavo-orbitalis was carried out in cylindrical plastic containers. Varied levels of host larvae and parasitoid viz., 4 : 1, 8 : 1, 12 : 1, 16 : 1 and 20 : 1 were tested. Respective host larvae from first to final instar were exposed for three different hours for parasitisation. The results by using the single tube method, fourth and fifth instars of C. medinalis were highly preferred by T. flavo-orbitalis with the maximum production of 5 and 4 parasitoids, respectively. With the maximum exposure period of 24 h, the fifth instar larvae of C. cephalonica produced the maximum production of two parasitoids. As much as five parasitoids were produced at the ratio of 6 : 1 with fourth instar larvae of L. orbonalis host which was found on a par with 7 : 1 H : P ratio at 30 min exposure period. Sandwich method produced a maximum of 14 parasitoids using fourth instar of L. orbonalis at 30 min exposure for parasitisation at either 16 : 1 or 20 : 1 H : P ratio. Since T. flavo-orbitalis is parthenogenetically thelytokous, the mass multiplication was carried out with both mated and unmated females following sandwich method. Parasitism by unmated females, at the H : P ratio of 20 : 1 resulted only in production of female progeny to a maximum of 10 parasitoids.

 

 

 

31. V. K. Sharma and P. Pathania[Green yield of palak (Beta vulgaris L. var. Bengalensis Hort.) as affected by nitrogen fertilization and cutting management].Res. on Crops8(2): 423-424 (2007). Department of Agronomy Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062 (H. P.), India.

 

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

An experiment was conducted on sandy loam soils of Research Farm of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya Regional Research Substation, Lari during 2003 and 2004 to study the effect of nitrogen fertilization (50, 100 and 150 kg/ha) and cutting treatments (one, two and three cuttings) on green yield of palak cv. ‘All Green’. Green yield was significantly influenced by different levels of nitrogen and cutting treatments. Green yield was maximum at 150 kg N/ha. The maximum green yield was recorded at three cuttings. Treatment combination of 150 kg N/ha produced maximum green yield of 187.4 q/ha and was superior to any other treatment combinations.

 

 

 

32. malleswari sadhineni, k. c. nataraj and g. b. shashidhar [Chilli production estimation using remote sensing*].Res. on Crops8(2): 425-430 (2007). Department of Agronomy University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005 (Karnataka), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

Chilli production estimation in Kundgol taluk of Dharwad district, Karnataka was carried out for kharif 2002-03 using IRS ID LISS III data of 14 November 2002. The acreage estimation was done by supervised MXL classification and yield estimation by developing yield model using the relationship between yield data, NDVI and LAI of chilli crop. Acreage, thus estimated was compared against the estimates of Department of Horticulture. Acreage under chilli crop in Kundgol taluk was 29,159 ha. The average yield of chilli crop was estimated to be 471 kg/ha and the total production of dry chilli in Kundgol taluk was 13,734 tonnes.

 

 

 

33. R. P. Kacha, a. c. sadhu, d. a. tank, k. m. gediya and m. v. patel[Effect of spacing, castor cake and nitrogen levels on green fruit yield of chillies (Capsicum annuum L.)*].Res. on Crops8(2): 431-434 (2007). Department of Agronomy Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388 110 (Gujarat), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

With a view to study the effect of spacing, castor cake and nitrogen levels, a field experiment was conducted at Main Vegetable Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand on loamy sand soil on green chillies (Capsicum annuum L.) in kharif-rabi seasons during 2002-03 and 2003-04. The results revealed that planting chilli at narrow spacing of 60 x 60 cm remarkably decreased the plant height, number of secondary branches per plant, number of green fruits per plant and as a result yield of green fruits in comparison to wider spacing of 90 x 60 cm. Application of castor cake @ 1 t/ha significantly increased the growth and yield attributes and as a result green fruit yield as compared to control (no castor cake). Application of nitrogen @ 150 kg N/ha (N₃) significantly increased the growth and yield attributes and green fruit yield as compared to lower levels of 100 kg N/ha as farmers’ practices (control) and 100 kg N/ha but it was at par with higher level of nitrogen (200 and 250 kg N/ha). Thus, it was concluded that transplanting chilli crop at spacing of 60 x 60 cm by applying castor cake @ 1.0 t/ha alongwith 150 kg N/ha was found potential in green fruit yield and profitable.

 

 

 

34. m. R. B. Raju, V. Pal, I. Jalali and M. L. Chhabra[Management of bacterial soft rot of radish seed crop with organic amendments and agricultural chemicals].Res. on Crops8(2): 435-439 (2007). Department of Plant Pathology CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

  A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of five organic amendments viz., spent mushroom compost, farm yard manure, cotton, mustard and till cake and eight agricultural chemicals viz., streptocycline, tetracycline, ampicillin, streptomycin+penicillin, plantomycin, bavistin, blitox-50 and bleaching powder for the management of bacterial soft rot of radish seed crop. Tetracycline, ampicillin and streptocycline were found to be effective at all the concentrations tested with mean inhibition annuals of 989.9, 870.7 and 376.6 mm², respectively, against Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum in in vitro screening. Bleaching powder, bavistin and blitox failed to produce inhibition zones at concentrations less than 750 ppm. Dip treatment of radish stecklings in antibiotic solutions (250 ppm) for 2 h was more effective in the early stages after transplanting, than the mustard and cotton cake (250 kg/ha). However, efficacy of these antibiotics at 60 days after transplanting was found comparable to mustard cake (500 kg/ha). The most effective antibiotic treatments in suppressing soft rot development in radish stecklings were streptocycline and plantomycin. Mustard cake (20.0% soft rot incidence) and cotton cake (30.0%) at 500 kg/ha were the only soil amendments comparable to the antibiotics in checking soft rot development. A direct and positive correlation was observed in terms of efficacy of mustard and cotton cake in checking bacterial soft rot, whereas 100% soft rot incidence was recorded in the pathogen-inoculated checks.

 

 

 

35. V. Chandra Sekhar, Surjeet Singh and Leelawati [Cellulase activity of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju) mutants].Res. on Crops8(2): 440-441 (2007). Department of Plant Pathology CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

In the present study, the mycelium of the oyster mushroom was exposed to different doses of gamma radiation and analysed for the cellulose activity by dinitrisalicylic acid method. And it was found that even after exposure to varied range of gamma radiation on this mushroom, mutants have similar effect of cellulolytic degrading capacity as that of the parent

 

 

 

36. U. S. YADAV, S. S. PRASAD, M. RAM AND NEERAJ KUMAR[Effect of certain grain protectant oils on growth and development of angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella Olivier].Res. On Crops8(2): 442-445 (2007). Crop Research Station, Bahraich-271 801(U. P), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

The effect of certain grain protectant oils on growth and development of angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella Olivier on rice variety, Saket-4 has been studied under controlled laboratory conditions (Relative humidity : 75±5% and Temperature : 27±2ºC). All the oil treatments were found effective in retarding the growth and development process of S. cerealella. The neem oil followed by castor and mahua oil was most effective in reducing fecundity (26.41/ ), hatching (20.93%), pupation (52.33%), adult emergence (50%), development period (26.67 days) and number of generations (6) as compared to control, whereas 224.68/fecundity, 87.44% hatching, 89.67% pupation, 90.67% adult emergence, 37 days developmental period and 10 generations have been recorded.

 

 

 

37. a. rahman, m. sarmah and g. gurusubramanian [Agroforestry systems effect on the ecology and management of insect-pests and natural enemy populations in tea plantations].Res. on Crops8(2): 446-454 (2007). Department of Entomology, Plant Protection Division Tocklai Experimental Station, Tea Research Association, Jorhat-785 008 (Assam), India *(e-mail : gurus64@yahoo.com).

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

Tea ecosystem is a forest-like agro-ecosystem comprising different leguminous and non-leguminous shade trees and shrubs with crop to achieve optimum benefits through biological interactions in terms of quality and productivity. In this context, the effect of shade status on pest incidence, repelling effect of hedge plants, pesticidal activity of shrubs and trees available in fallow lands in and around tea plantations against different tea pests and their natural enemies, and natural enemy diversity in different agro-climatic regions of tea plantations were studied and the effects of agro-forestry systems in tea plantations were evaluated for the management of different tea pests and the existence of their natural enemy populations. Cultural operations coupled with shade status protected the tea crop from the attack of Helopeltis theivora and increased the productivity to the tune of 9-50 fold and 2-3 times, respectively. Tea field without shade trees invites the tea mosquito bug and red spider mite to a greater extent and requires more rounds of spray to manage the pests (Unshaded area–3 rounds of spray; Shaded area–one round of spray). Lemon grass, Bouquine tree, Adhatoda vasica, Lantana camara and Clerodendron inerme are found to have repellent properties and being used as hedge plants. Polygonum hydropiper (46.9-64.7%), Clerodendron infortunatum (39.98-100%), Xanthium strumarium (70.9-90.2%), Acorus calamus (57.7-86.4%), Azadirachta indica (16.6-69.8%) and Pongamia pinnata (48.2-82.4%) are the native botanicals available in and round tea garden and their effective utilization as phytopesticides against different tea pests were established in both lab and field conditions and further those native plants had no impact on the survival of the predatory coccinellid, Stethorus gilvifrons. The study carried out on the incidence of predators and parasites in different regions of North Bengal like Dooars, Terai and Darjeeling tea plantations indicated that the intensity of predator activity was the highest in Terai (96.46%) followed by Darjeeling (79.37%) and Dooars (77.19%). Regarding the parasites, Terai region exhibited lowest activity of parasites (3.53%) but 20.0-22.80% registered in Dooars and Darjeeling region. The need of well-designed agro-forestry techniques in tea plantations, tapping their potentials and impact on reduction in crop and pest stress were highlighted from the above findings.

 

 

 

38. S. B. Gowdar, V. B. Nargund,Y. S. Amaresh, A. G. Sreenivasand B. V. Patil[Correlation of cotton alternaria blight incidence with weather variables].Res. on Crops8(2): 455-457 (2007). Department of Entomology and Plant PathologyCollege of Agriculture, UAS Campus, Raichur-584 101 (Karnataka), India

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

The present studies were undertaken during three seasons of kharif 1998-99, 1999-2000 and 2000-01 to study the influence of weather factors on development of cotton alternaria blight disease. Results revealed that all the weather factors except RH I in 1998-99 and maximum temperature in 1999-2000 were negatively correlated with the disease incidence in three years of the observations. During 1998-99, all the factors from the correlation matrix were non-significant. All weather factors except maximum temperature, significantly negative correlations were observed during 1999-2000, whereas in 2000-01, all the weather factors were significantly negatively correlated with disease incidence.

 

 

 

39.SUBASH CHANDER, SHIV K. SINGAL AND J. P. BHANOT[role of grain protectants in integrated pest management of pulse beetle, callosobruchus chinensis (l.) Infesting greengram, Vigna radiata (l.) Wilczek].Res. on Crops 8(2): 458-462 (2007). Department Of Entomology Ccs Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

Effect of various grain protectants viz., neem seed kernel powder @ 20 g, neem oil @ 10 ml, mustard and groundnut oil each @ 7.5 ml, turmeric powder @ 3.5 g, mustard oil+turmeric powder @ 3.75 ml+1.75 g, groundnut oil+turmeric powder @ 3.75 ml+1.75 g per kg seed ,7 cm covering with each of saw dust, sandy soil, dung cake ash and wheat husk was tested on egg laying, adult emergence and seed damage (%) by C. chinensis on treated and untreated (control) greengram seed at intervals of 1, 35, 70 and 105 days after storage. Greengram seed treated with all the grain protectants resulted in significantly lesser number of eggs laid by C. chinensis in comparison to control when observed 1, 35, 70 and 105 days after storage. Minimum (0 egg/500 seeds) eggs were observed in treatment with neem oil @ 10 ml, however, it was at par with those treated with 7 cm covering with each of saw dust, sandy soil and dung cake ash and were most effective treatments. Treatment with turmeric powder @ 3.5 g/kg (67 eggs/500 seeds) was least effective which was followed by wheat husk (7 cm covering) (35 eggs) when observed after 105 days of storage. On the basis of adult emergence and seed damage all the grain protectants proved significantly more effective in comparison to untreated control after 35, 70 and 105 days of storage. After 105 days of storage, adult emergence and seed damage recorded was 0 (zero) when greengram seed was either treated with neem oil @ 10 ml/kg seed or covered with 7 cm covering of sandy soil and dung cake ash. Maximum (77.33) number of adults emerged and seed damage (7.20%) were recorded in greengram seed treated with wheat husk (7 cm covering). The use of these eco-friendly, inexpensive and easily available grain protectants will help in the management of stored grain pest, if incorporated in IPM.

 

 

 

40. R. RENUKA, V. PRAKASAM, V. RAVICHANDRAN AND S. KARPAGAVALLI [Antifungal activity of the plant extracts against Alternaria chlamydospora the incitant of leaf blight disease of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum Tzelvev)].Res. on Crops8(2): 463-468 (2007). Department of Plant Pathology Adhiparasakthi Agricultural College, G. B. Nagar, Kalavai-632 506, India.

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

Chrysanthemum is infected by a number of diseases, of which leaf blight caused by Alternaria sp. is of considerable importance. Out of 16 plant species tested against the pathogen, cold water leaf extracts of Abutilon indicum (10%) was very effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth (78.47%) and spore germination (83.80%) of A. chlamydospora followed by Datura metel which recorded 69.07 and 66.60% for mycelial growth and spore germination, respectively. Among the solvent extracts, ethanol extract of A. indicum (10%) recorded the highest inhibition of spore germination (89.40%) and mycelial growth (88.64%). Among the protein and non-protein parts of the plant extracts, non-protein part of A. indicum recorded the maximum inhibition of mycelial growth (78.65%) and spore germination (90.18%) followed by D. metel.

 

 

41. S. B. GOWDAR, H. N. RAMESH BABU, N. ASWATHANARAYANA REDDY, N. RAJESHWARI AND M. KRISHNAPPA [Seed-borne mycoflora associated with sunflower seeds].Res. on Crops8(2): 469-473 (2007). Department of Seed Technology and Botany Sahyadri Science College, Shimoga-577 203 (Karnataka), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

The study was conducted to know the seed mycoflora associated with sunflower seeds. Important procedures commonly applied in seed health test for detection of seed-borne fungi viz., standard blotter method and agar plate method were employed. Eleven fungal species viz., Alternaria helianthi, A. alternata, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Curvularia sp., Fusarium sp., Mucor sp., Penicillium sp., Rhizopus stolonifer, Rhizopus sp. and Rhizoctonia bataticola were detected with the sunflower seed sample. Study indicated the dominance of A. helianthi (33.08%) followed by A. flavus (21%) and A. alternate (17%). PAC-336 and RSH-1 (26%) recorded lowest and Morden (95%) showed maximum seed- borne infection. The standard blotter method proved to be better in terms of number of fungal species isolated followed by agar plate method.

 

 

 

42. a. rahman, m. sarmah, a. k. phukan and g. gurusubramanian*[Bioactivity of different formulations of propargite 57% EC against red spider mite, Oligonychus coffeae in tea].Res. on Crops8(2): 474-480 (2007). Department of Entomology, Plant Protection Division Tocklai Experimental Station, Tea Research Association, Jorhat-785 008 (Assam), India

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

Three different formulations of propargite 57% EC, a new generation sulfite ester acaricide, namely, Omite, Allmite and Simba were evaluated under field condition by RBD to assess the efficacy of these formulations in checking the red spider mite populations in tea and were compared with standard acaricides, dicofol/ethion and unsprayed control at Borbhetta T. E., Tocklai Experimental Station, TRA, Jorhat, Assam during 2004-05. Among the dilutions (1 : 100, 1 : 200, 1 : 300, 1 : 400, 1 : 600, 1 : 800, 1 : 1000 and 1 : 1600) of different formulations of propargite tested, 1 : 400 was found to be the most promising diluation showing significant reduction in red spider mite population varying from 69.62 to 100.00% in Omite, Simba and Allmite, and were at par with dicofol (76.13-100.00%) and ethion (80.13-100.00%), respectively. The persistence of propargite 57% EC @ 1 : 400 resulted in satisfactory control of the mite population upto four weeks after the last application of the miticide. All the treatments of different formulations of propargite alongwith dicofol and ethion showed no phytotoxicity and were taint negative. From the findings, it is concluded that the three different formulations of propargite can be used as one of the alternative acaricides in integrated red spider mite management.

 

 

 

 

43. u. s. yadav, s. S. prasad, neeraj kumar and adbhut yadav[Screening of capsularis and olitorius jute genotypes against insect and mite pests in eastern Uttar Pradesh].Res. on Crops8(2): 481-484 (2007). Crop Research Station, Bahraich-271 801 (U. P.), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

Altogether, 50 capsularis jute genotypes alongwith standard national varieties, JRC-212 and JRC-321 against semilooper, stem weevil and yellow mite; and 50 olitorius jute genotypes alongwith standard national varieties, JRO-524 and JRO-7835 against semilooper, stem weevil, yellow mite and ash weevil were evaluated during kharif seasons of 1999-2000, 2000-01 and 2001-02 to identify resistant/multiple resistant genotypes under field conditions. The capsularis jute genotypes CEX-050, CIJ-064, CIJ-065 and CIN-288 against stem weevil, semilooper and yellow mite; and olitorius jute genotypes OIJ-002, OIJ-108 and OIJ-170 against semilooper, stem weevil, yellow mite and ash weevil were identified as multiple resistant donors.

 

 

 

44. rama kalia, puneet dogra and d. p. pandey[Correlation and path analysis for yield and its components in horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.]].Res. on Crops8(2): 485-491 (2007). Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062 (H. P.), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

Correlation and path analysis corried out using 35 genotypes of horsegram for seed yield and 15 yield component characters showed that seed yield was positively and significantly correlated with leaf area index [35 days after sowing (DAS)], leaf area (70 DAS), leaf area index (70 DAS), pods per plant, seeds per pod and biological yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Leaf area (70 DAS), biological yield per plant and harvest index exhibited high positive and direct influence on seed yield per plant, whereas leaf area index (70 DAS) had a negative direct effect. Plant height, leaf area, leaf area index, pods per plant, seeds per pod and biological yield per plant had a high indirect effect via harvest index.

 

 

 

45. s. a. gawade, n. d. banger, c. m. patil and A. s. nikam [Combining ability analysis for yield and its components in sesame*].Res. on Crops8(2): 492-495 (2007). Department of Plant Breeding Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri (M. S.), India.

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

Combining ability analysis involving eight genotypes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) revealed that the mean sum of squares due to gca and sca were significant for all characters indicating variability in combining ability of parents. The paent PT-1 was best general combiner for the plant height at harvest, number of branches per plant, number of internodes per plant, number of capsules per plant, length of capsule, number of seeds per capsule, oil content and seed yield per plant, while JLT-54 was the best combiner for the plant height at harvest, number of branches per plant, number of internodes per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule and seed yield per plant. The crop combinations JLT-54 x Hawari, PT-1 x JLSV-4 and PT-1 x Hawari showed significant sca effects for seed yield per plant. The combinations JLT-54 x Hawari and PT-1 x JLSV-4 could be exploited for yield heterosis, whereas parents PT-1 and JLT-54 were identified as the best combiners and could be used in various breeding programmes for improvement in sesame.

 

 

 

46. l. l. jivani, g. r. kelaiya, h. p. ponkia and p. r. padhar[Genetics of quantitative characters in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)].Res. on Crops8(2): 496-499 (2007). Wheat Research Station Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh-362 001 (Gujarat), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

Combining ability analysis was carried out involving eight diverse genotypes in one-way diallel in groundnut for pod yield and its components. Both additive and non-additive genetic variances were found important for inheritance of pod yield and its components. However, the magnitude of non-additive component (sca) was higher than additive for all the six traits in F₂ generation. The parents GG 2 and GG 5 were good general combiners for pod yield, number of pods per plant, sound mature kernel and kernel yield per plant, whereas GG 7 for pod yield, 100-kernel weight, sound mature kernel and kernel yield and parents viz., TG 19A, SB XI, FeESG 10 and JL 24 were better general combiners for shelling outturn. On the the basis of per se performance, gca effects of the parents and sca effects of the crosses for pod yield and its components, the crosses, GG 5 x GG 7 and GG 5 x JL 24 appeared promising to give superior transgressive segregants in subsequent generations. The non-additive type of gene action was involved in inheritance of pod yield and its components studied. Desirable plants from early generation isolates should be intermitted to improve these characters.

 

 

 

47. SUNIL VERMA AND RAKESH GEHLOT [Standardization of processing technology for bael (Aegle marmelos Correa.) squash].Res. on Crops8(2): 500-503 (2007). Centre of Food Science and Technology CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

The processing technology for bael squash was standardized and it was evaluated for changes in its chemical constituents and organoleptic quality during storage period. Total sugars, reducing sugars and browning were found increased, whereas acidity and total phenols of bael squash were found decreased during storage period. Overall acceptability of bael squash decreased during storage period; however, its organoleptic score remained above the acceptable level in all the treatments after storage period. Bael squash prepared with 35% bael pulp, 50% total soluble solids and 1.20% acidity was found most acceptable among all the treatments.

 

 

 

48. Rajesh Kumar, R. Singh and Sushil Sharma[Development of quick cooking of desi chickpea].Res. on Crops8(2): 504-506 (2007). Centre of Food Science and Technology CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

A process has been developed for the production of quick cooking dehydrated desi chickpea from dry commercial chickpea. It involved hydrating the chickpea by soaking in 1% ammonium carbonate solution for 16 h followed by pressure cooking and dehydrating the precooked chickpea in standard cabinet drier at 55 to 60°C for 6 to 8 h to reduce the moisture content to about 8%. The processed product reconstituted in boiling water in 6 to 7 min thus reducing the cooking time about 80% and had good acceptable sensory characteristics.

 

 

 

49. Rajesh Kumar, R. Singh and Sushil Sharma[Optimization of instantiation parameters for quick cooking of white chickpea].Res. on Crops8(2): 507-509 (2007). Centre of Food Science and Technology CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India.

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

Instantiation parameters for white chickpea were optimized for soaking medium, cooking methods and drying techniques. Best combination was found to be over night soaking in water followed by cooking in boiling vat and dehydration by fluidized bed drying technique. The product was wholesome, sufficiently hard to withstand storage and transportation. The instantised product cooked within 14 min compared to 85 min for fresh grain had good acceptable sensory characteristics.

 

 

 

50. navin c. shahi, junaid khan and syed zameer hussain [Integrated nutrient management using different mechanization options].Res. on Crops8(2): 510-513 (2007). Division of Agricultural Engineering Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology-K, Shalimar-191 121, India.

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

 

The soil manipulation with traditional tools is not effective in uprooting, inverting and mixing crop residues in the soil. In the present study, it was proposed to adopt various equipments for obtaining effective incorporation of biomass and its decomposition. Thus, integrated nutrient management system ensures timely and efficient application of these resources in raising the productivity of soil crop system. By making use of modern tillage equipments, the incorporation of biomass upto 10, 15, 20 and 25 cm was obtained thereby increasing the rate of decomposition of the crop wastes and also proper mixing of the residues with soil. The use of mould board plough and disc plough in mixing residues with the soil resulted in 70 and 50% complete burial and mixing of surface residues with the soil.