1. K. ARULMOZHISELVAN, R. VENGATESAN AND M. DEIVANAI [Nutriseed Holder technique for increasing nutrient use efficiency and yield under wetland and upland situations in rice and maize]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 473-480 (2009). Department of Soil and Environment Agricultural College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai-625 104 (Tamil Nadu), India

ABSTRACT

Conventional surface application of fertilizers often results in low nutrient use efficiency. For the purpose of improving nutrient use, deep placement of fertilizer nutrients in the root zone was aimed and implemented with a newly designed Nutriseed Holder in rice and maize by adopting Integrated Nutrient Management. Nutriseed Holder is a small tubular assembly (12 mm diameter, 5 cm height), which contains seed at top, manure in the middle and fertilizer at bottom. By implanting a Nutriseed Holder in soil at sowing, one hill or plant can be established. In the process of development, Nutriseed Holder made up of plastic material was fabricated and tested for direct seeded rice under wetland situation; and later the Nutriseed Holder made in a paper roll was tested for maize under upland situation. In rice, Nutriseed Holder having 1 mm nutrient release pore recorded the highest number of productive tillers, number of grains/panicle, grain yield (5081 kg/ha), and straw yield (8881 kg/ha). Overall an increase in grain yield of 73.8% has been achieved over the surface broadcast method of fertilizer application. The partial factor productivity (kg grain/kg applied nutrient) for N, P and K was high for Nutriseed Holder with 1 mm pore indicating 38, 186 and 123 and low for surface fertilizer application indicating 22, 107 and 71, respectively. In maize, Nutriseed Holder having 5 mm nutrient release pore increased yield to 56% with 660 mm water by surface irrigation (or) to 35% with 540 mm water by micro-sprinkler (simulated rainfed condition) (or) to 15% with 360 mm water by drip, over the conventional surface fertilizer application method under surface irrigation.

2. S. M. Nawlakhe and D. D. Mankar [Nitrogen management of scented rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Eastern Vidharba Zone of Maharashtra]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 481-483 (2009). National Agricultural Research Project, Sindewahi District Chandrapur Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (M. S.), India

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 1993, 1994 and 1995 at National Agricultural Research Project, Sindewahi District Chandrapur (M. S.) to evaluate the suitable scented rice varieties and their response to different nitrogen levels. Among the varieties tested (Pusa Basmati, Kasturi and Haryana Basmati), Pusa Basmati recorded maximum and significantly higher yield over rest two during all the three years of experimentation and also in the pooled analysis (2721 kg/ha) which showed 17.69% increase in grain yield over Kasturi (2312 kg/ha) and 30.38% increase in grain yield over Haryana Basmati (2082 kg/ha). Among the different nitogen levels tested, 100 kg N/ha recorded maximum and significantly higher yield over all other levels but 75 kg N/ha level was at par with it. The interaction effect was found to be non-significant.

3. R. DUTTA AND P. K. GOGOI [Direct and residual effect of phosphorus in winter rice (Oryza sativa)-groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) sequence]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 484-488 (2009). Department of Agronomy Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785 013 (Assam), India.

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted at AAU, Jorhat during 2001-02 and 2002-03 to study the direct and residual effect of phosphorus in winter rice-groundnut sequence. The treatments on rice consisted of two sources of phosphorus viz., single super phosphate (SSP) and Mussoorie rock phosphate (MRP) with four levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5/ha). After harvest of rice, each individual plot was divided into three sub-plots and groundnut crop was raised with three levels of phosphorus (0, 20 and 40 kg P2O5/ha) as SSP. Results revealed that rice grain yield and its yield attributes were significantly affected by levels of phosphorus and the highest grain yield (33.18 and 34.75 q/ha in first and second year, respectively) was obtained at 40 kg P2O5/ha. In case of residual effect of sources, MRP recorded sufficiently higher pod yield than SSP. Higher the doses of P2O5 applied to rice, the more was the effect of residual phosphorus as exhibited by the yield of groundnut. The highest benefit : cost ratio (2.35) was found at the treatment combination of 40 kg P2O5/ha as MRP applied to rice and 20 kg P2O5/ha as SSP applied to groundnut.

4. K. Banerjee and B. R. Pramanik [Effect of different doses and sources of phosphorus and phosphate solubilizing bacteria on the growth and yield of kharif rice]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 489-491 (2009). Department of Agronomy Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia (West Bengal), India.

ABSTRACT

The application of phosphorus in kharif rice significantly increased the growth characteristics (height of plant, dry matter accumulation and root dry weight) as well as yield attributes (number of effective tillers/m2, panicles/m2, filled grains/panicle, grain yield and straw yield) and N, P and K contents (%) and uptake (kg/ha) by kharif rice. The application of phosphorus @ 60 kg/ha as SSP+ phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) gave the maximum plant height, dry matter accumulation and root dry weight, yield attributes, grain yield, straw yield and N, P and K content and uptake of kharif rice at all the dates of observation. However, the results were statistically at par with the treatment receiving 30 kg P2O5/ha SSP. The application of PSB significantly increased the growth characters and yield attributes when it was applied along with rock phosphate.

5. LIU WEN-JIANG* AND YANG WEN-YU [Studies on suitable hybrid paddy varieties for different latitude rice planting areas]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 492-499 (2009). Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences Chengdu, Sichuan-610 000, China *(e-mail: lwjiang@126.com).

ABSTRACT

Thirteen hybrid paddy rice varieties were used for the studies on the effects of latitude on the grain yield and quality in three rice planting areas. The results showed that the effective panicles and seed setting rate had biggest difference. The grain yield in Yunan Mile was 744.27 kg/667m2, which was higher (22.49 and 40.62%, respectively), compared with Sichuan Wenjiang and Shanxi Hanzhong, the differences among them achieved significant level. The head rice rate, chalky rice rate and GC showed significant difference alongwith latitude changed, as far as milling and appearance quality were concerned. These hybrid paddy rice varieties in Sichuan Wenjiang were better, as far as cooking and nutrition quality were concerned. These hybrid paddy rice varieties in Shanxi Hanzhong were better. Synthesized yield and quality, D you 527 was adapted to plant in three rice planting areas of different latitude than others.

6. Mansour Sohrabi*, Hamid Rahimian Mashadi, Ghorban Nour Mohammadi, Soleyman Mohammadi and Farrokh darvish Kadjori [Management of rye (Secale cereale) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) field through preparation of false seed bed on different sowing dates]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 500-505 (2009). Department of Agronomy Islamic Azad University, Research and Science Branch, Tehran, Iran *(e-mail : sohrabi.mansour@gmail.com).

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted on clay-loam soils of the private Agricultural-cum-Research Farm, Beenda-Semariya Road, Rewa (M. P.) during rabi seasons of 2006-07 and 2007-08. Application of FYM @ 10 t/ha proved the most beneficial with respect to enhance all the yield-attributing characters, seed yield, seed oil content, oil yield and net income per hectare. FYM resulted in maximum seed yield (12.59 q/ha), seed oil (41.17%), oil yield (518.7 kg/ha), net income (Rs. 35865/ha) with benefit : cost ratio upto 3.15. Poultry manure (4 t/ha) was the second best organic source of nutrients after FYM and then vermicompost (2 t/ha). Application of 100% RDF (N80P40K20ZN5S20) proved the most appropriate fertilizer dose for Ethiopian mustard with respect to yield-attributing characters, seed yield, seed oil content, oil yield as well as net income per hectare. The highest yield was 13.63 q/ha, seed oil 40.90%, oil yield 558.7 kg/ha and net income upto Rs.37601/ha with benefit : cost ratio 2.97. The treatment interactions were found to be non-significant in all the parameters studied.

ABSTRACT

This research was conducted to compare yield, yield and quality characteristics of triticale and barley cultivars in Diyarbakýr ecological conditions in Applying Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Dicle during 2001-02 and 2002-03 growing seasons as randomized complete block design with three replications. Tatlýcak-97, Karma-2000, Presto, Melez-2001 and Tacettinbey triticale cultivars and Erginel-90 and Kýral-97 barley cultivars were used as material in this research. According to the results as average of two years, statistically significant differences were found between cultivars in terms of agronomical traits such as plant height (104.66 cm in triticale and 100.51 cm in barley), the number of tillers per plant (3.14 in triticale and 5.14 in barley), days to heading (185.60 in triticale and 157.42 in barley), spike lengths (10.60 cm in triticale and 6.23 cm in barley), the number of grains per spike (41.27 in triticale and 44.23 in barley), grain yields (3515.7 kg/ha in triticale and 3055.7 kg/ha in barley); quality traits such as 1000-grain weight (37.13 g in triticale and 34.73 g in barley), protein percentage (11.25% in triticale and 9.68% in barley) and feeding traits such as fresh herbage yields (12508.7 kg/ha in triticale and 10569.4 kg/ha in barley) and dry herbage yields (3341.4 kg/ha in triticale and 2124.2 kg/ha in barley) in this research. It was concluded that Melez-2001 cultivar better adapted on account of grain yield and grain quality to regional conditions in triticale cultivation, Presto triticale cultivar was earlier. Because Tacettinbey and Tatlýcak-97 cultivars showed high values with regard to fresh and dry herbage yields between both triticale and barley cultivars, they were found important as alternative cereal plants for animal feeding in this region. These cultivars can be expected to become widespread in areas where wheat and barley could not be grown economically.

8. Y. Emam and A. Shekoofa* [Response of barley plants to drying soil under the influence of chlormequat chloride]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 516-522 (2009). Department of Crop Production & Plant Breeding Shiraz University, Badjgah, Shiraz 71441-65186, Iran *(e-mail : ashekoofa@shirazu.ac.ir).

ABSTRACT

Barley plants were grown in soil columns in the greenhouse and the effects of a PGR (chlormequat-CCC) and drought during the early reproductive phase were examined. In well-watered plants chlormequat initially reduced only the shoot dry weight increment so at seven days root : shoot ratio had increased markedly. The effect on the root dry weight was delayed by about 14 days but was in a parallel direction so by 21 days the root : shoot ratios of treated and untreated plants were similar. Withholding water during this period reduced the shoot dry weight increment over the 21-day period, however, it increased the root dry weight and hence the root : shoot dry weight ratio was significantly higher. In this dry regime, although CCC-treated plants were smaller in terms of their shoot and root dry weight, they had a bigger “sink size” i. e. potential grain number. Also they had used less water than the untreated plants within the period of 21 days; however, the pattern of water extraction from different soil layers differed. It was suggested that such CCC-treated plants might be more tolerant to prolonged drought, since without impairing ear differentiation and potential grain number, they conserved more water in the deeper layers, which would be available at later stages, perhaps during the more critical ear growth phase.

9. Farhad Narimani*, Reza Mamghani and Payman Hassibi [A study on quantitative and qualitative characters of forage in barley and broad leaf vetch (Vicia narbonensis) intercropping in climatic conditions of Ahvaz, Iran]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 523-529 (2009). Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran *(e-mail : farhad.narimani@ yahoo.com).

ABSTRACT

In order to investigate the quantitative and qualitative characters of forage in barley and broad leaf vetch intercropping, this experiment was conducted during 2007-08 cropping season in Experimental Farm of Agricultural College of Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz. The experiment was as split plots based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Planting method had three levels (row intercropping, mixed intercropping and intercropping on row) as the main factors. Planting proportions had four levels (sole-cropping of barley and vetch, 2 to 1 barley-vetch and 1 to 2 barley-vetch proportions) as the sub-factors. In order to make the mixtures, the replacement series technique was used. The results indicated that there were significant differences among planting methods, planting proportions and their interactions for dry forage yield. The highest dry forage yield was obtained for 1 to 2 barley-vetch proportion in intercropping on row (18.35 t/ha), while the lowest yield was observed in sole cropping of vetch in row intercropping (7.73 t/ha). Calculated land equivalent ratio (LER) for dry forage yield indicated that 1 to 2 barley-vetch proportion in intercropping on row had highest LER equal to 1.63. Thus, proportion of 1 to 2 barley to vetch in intercropping on row showed its advantages in obtaining higher forage yield and better exploitation of sources, compared to other treatments. Interactions of planting method and planting proportions for crude protein (CP) and crude fiber (CF) were significantly different. Crude fiber percentage decreased, while crude protein percentage increased with decrease in barley proportion. Thus, barley and vetch intercropping showed its advantage as forage quality in comparison to sole cropping of barley.

10. O. A. Aderinola*, W. B. Akanbi, F. G. Sodeinde, O. O. Olatunji, E. A. Ewetola, C. O. Olaniyi and S. A. Salami [Effect of varying levels of Tithonia diversifolia compost and harvesting age on the agronomic parameters and nutrient composition of vetiver grass (Vetivera nigritana) in a derived Savannah zone of Nigeria]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 530-535 (2009). Department of Agronomy Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria *(e-mail : ade4aderinola@yahoo.com)

ABSTRACT

Vetiver grass samples grown under different levels of organic fertilizer (0,100 and 200 kg/ha) were harvested at three different stages of growth (4, 8 and 12 weeks). Agronomic parameters biomass yield, length of leaves, number of leaves, number of tillers, height of tillers and nutrients composition (CP, CF, EE, K, Ca and P) were determined. The results revealed that the different levels of organic fertilizer had a significant effect on both the agronomic parameters and nutrient contents. The number and height of tillers as well as number and length of leaves were observed to increase with age of the grass and highest values obtained with application of 100 kg/ha organic fertilizer. Biomass yield, however, was observed to increase from 0 to 8 weeks (0.29-1.05 kg/m2) and declined at 12 weeks (0.73 kg/m2). The nutrient compositions were observed to increase with age at harvest with maximum concentration observed at 100 kg/ha organic fertilizer level (CP 12.78%). This suggests higher forage value of freshly cut and fertilized vetiver grass over unfertilized and matured ones. Hence, application of organic fertilizer (Tithonia compost) when combined with other good agronomic practices could enhance the quality and amount of forage available for animals.

11.PEEYUSH SHARMA, VIKAS ABROL and G. R. MAURTHI SHANKAR [Effect of tillage and mulching management on the crop productivity and soil properties in maize-wheat rotation]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 536-541 (2009). Dryland Research Sub-Station (SKUAS&T) Dhiansar, Bari Brahmana, Jammu (J & K), India

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted during 2005-06 and 2006-07 at Dryland Research Sub-Station, Dhiansar to study the influence of tillage and mulching management on soil physical and chemical properties and crop yield on maize-wheat system under rainfed situations. Maize and wheat yield was statistically at par in conventional and minimum tillage and significantly higher over control. Increase in bulk density was higher in conventional tillage as compared to the minimum tillage. Reduction in infiltration rate was 17.24% higher in conventional tillage than minimum tillage. Minimum tillage improved the net return, benefit : cost ratio as well as fertility status. Application of plastic mulch resulted in maximum grain yield, infiltration rate and nutrient status than no mulch.

12. Mohammad Moradi*, Mohammad Reza Naderi and Ahmad Reza Golparvar [Effect of planting date and leaf cutting on yield and yield components in corn (Zea mays L.)]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 542-544 (2009). Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan Branch, P. O. Box 81595-158, Isfahan, Iran *(e-mail : mohammadmoradi2492@yahoo.com)

ABSTRACT

In order to evaluate the effect of different planting dates and leaf cutting times on seed yield and its components in maize hybrid Single Cross 704, an experiment was conducted in the year 2008 in Isfahan using split plot design in the layout randomized complete block design with four replications. Planting date with three levels involving 26 June, 11 July and 27 July was considered as main factor and arranged randomly in main plots. Leaf cutting times comprising three levels no cutting, cutting in tasseling and cutting in anthesis were considered as sub-factor and placed randomly in sub-plots. Analysis of variance showed that planting dates had significant differences for all traits excepting traits number of rows/ear and 1000-kernel weight. Leaf cutting times had significant effect on all the traits studied except for 1000-kernel weight. Interaction effects between planting dates and leaf cutting times were significant only for number of rows/ear. Mean comparison using Duncans’new multiple range test designed that 26 June was the best planting date for resulting maximum amount of seed yield and its components. On the other hand, no cutting produced the highest amount of all the traits in comparison with leaf cutting in tasseling and cutting in anthesis. The minimum seed yield was produced in 27 July and leaf cutting in tasseling. In conclusion, delay in planting date and leaf cutting resulted in decrease in seed yield and its components in maize hybrid Single Cross 704.

13.  Amin Yeilagh Cheghakhor, Moosa Meskarbashee, Reza Mamaghan and Majid Nabipour [Effect of row spacing and plant density on radiation use efficiency and extinction light coefficient on canopy of chickpea cultivars]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 545-554 (2009). Department of Agronomy and Breeding Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran

ABSTRACT

Radiation use efficiency is the amount of dry matter production resulted from absorbed radiation by plant. Accurate estimation of radiation use efficiency is important for the quantification of plant productivity in fluctuating environmental conditions. Also, more studies on changes in radiation use efficiency and the causes of these changes and their consequences on plant productivity are needed to better understanding the subject. In other to study the effect of row spacing and density on radiation use efficiency and extinction light coefficient on chickpea, an experiment was conducted in 2007-08 at Ahvaz, south-west of Iran. The experiment was a split plot factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plots were three row spacings (40, 50 and 60 cm) and sub-plots assigned to two plant densities (25 and 35 plants/m2) as well as two cultivars (Arman and Hashem). Results showed that the row spacing had no significant effect on all investigated traits. Higher plant density (35 plants/m2) had significantly positive effect on investigated traits as it had lowest extinction light coefficient and more radiation use efficiency, particularly at flowering and pod formation stages (115 days after planting). Hashem cultivar had greatest dry matter productivity and fraction intercepted photosynthetically active radiation and lowest extinction light coefficient in reproductive stage, particularly 115 days after planting. Consequently, using a combination of narrow row spacing and high plant density treatments had greatest result.

14. R. C. Nigam, R. K. Pandey and D. D. Tiwari [Persistence of endosulfan and fenvalerate in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 555-557 (2009). Pesticide Residue Laboratory Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur-208 002 (U. P.), India

ABSTRACT

The persistence of endosulfan (350 and 700 g a. i./ha) and fenvalerate (75 and 150 g a. i./ha) was studied on chickpea crop. Initial deposits of endosulfan in green pods were 2.70 and 3.30 mg/kg at recommended and double recommended dose, which dissipated with half life of 4.1 and 6.98 days. The safe waiting periods were calculated as 11.69 and 16.04 days at recommended and double recommended dose of endosulfan, respectively. At harvest, residue of endosulfan was not detected both in grain and pod cover. Initial deposits of fenvalerate in green pods (2.46 and 3.04 mg/kg) were dissipated with half life of 2.56 and 5.36 days. Safe waiting periods were suggested as 10.0 and 12.14 days at 75 and150 g a. i./ha, respectively. In grain and pod cover, residues of fenvalerate were not detected.

15. ABDULLAH SESSIZ*, TAHSIN SOGUT, M. GULTEKIN TEMIZ AND SONGUL GURSOY [Yield and quality of soybean (Glycine max L.) sown as double crop under conservation and conventional tillage system in Turkey]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 558-565 (2009). Department of Agricultural Machinery Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey *(e-mail : asessiz@dicle.edu.tr)

ABSTRACT

Soil tillage is considered as the factor contributing to the total energy inputs in agricultural system. No-tillage (NT) is becoming increasingly attractive to farmers because it clearly reduces production costs in comparison to conventional tillage (CT). For this reason, six different soil tillage treatments in soybean production were tested within period 2003 and 2004. The effects of different tillage treatments as conventional tillage, reduced tillage (RT) and no-tillage on yield of soybean (Glycine max L.) and plant properties in south-eastern part of Turkey were studied. The soil was a clay loam with pH of 7.7 and organic matter content of 2.0%. The experiments were performed in randomized complete block design with six treatments and each treatment consisted of three replications. According to results, seedling emergence rates were not found significant between both the years and treatments (P>0.05). Results showed that the tillage treatments did not affect plant height, number of branches and first pod height for both the years. It was found that yield was significantly (P<0.001) different between years (Fyear=41.288, df=1, 36; P=0.001). The yield in the second year was found to be higher than that of the first year. The highest yield was found in CT method as 3283 kg/ha and the lowest yield was found in NT method as 2520 kg/ha in year 2004. Protein, oil and ash content of soybean were not affected statistically (P>0.05) by tillage method.

16. P. P. Patel, M. M. Patel, D. M. Patel, Manish M. Patel, G. N. Patel and R. K. Bhatt [Soil solarization–an eco-friendly alternative for weed control in groundnut-potato sequence]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 566-572 (2009). Department of Agronomy S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar-385 506 (Gujarat), India

ABSTRACT

Soil solarization with TPE 0.025 mm for 45 days increased the soil temperature to an extent of 10.6° and 8.6°C over non- solarized at 5 and 10 cm depth of soil, respectively. Thinner TPE was more effective than thicker one. All SS treatments retained higher soil moisture than non-solarized. Significantly the least count, dry weight and dry biomass of weed were recorded under TPE 0.025 mm for 45 days at harvest, whereas WCE was recorded maximum in both the crops under this treatment. Growth attributes were registered maximum under TPE 0.025 mm for 45 days in both the crops. Significantly higher pod yield (27.68 q/ha) and haulm yield (48.39 q/ha) of groundnut and total tuber yield (30.44 t/ha) and haulm yield (66.86 q/ha) of potato was recorded under TPE 0.025 mm for 45 days than rest of the treatments. Use of 0.025 mm thin TPE spread for 45 days was found most effective in controlling weeds as well as producing higher yield and system productivity; and securing maximum net returns, BCR and profitability in groundnut-potato cropping systems.

17. s. p. kausale, s. b. shinde and c. l. patel [Effect of different levels and sources of phosphorus with and without pressmud and PSM on growth, yield attributes and yield of summer groundnut in south Gujarat condition]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 573-577 (2009). Department of Agronomy Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat), India

ABSTRACT

Field experiment was conducted at Navsari (Gujarat) during summer seasons of 2002 and 2003 to study the effect of different levels and sources of phosphorus with and without pressmud and phosphorus management treatment (PSM) on growth, yield attributes, pod and haulm yield. An application of 15 kg P from SSP+5 t pressmud+2.5 kg PSM/ha was found effective in enhancing the growth attributes i. e. plant height and dry matter, yield attributes i. e. number of pods, developed pods and test weight, thereby finally producing highest pod and haulm yield.

18. Sayyed Mohammad Reza Hejazi Dehaghani*, Abdolmajid Rezaei, Bahram Majd Nasiri and Ahmad Reza Golparvar [Evaluation of best plant density and sunflower planting arrangement in Isfahan summer cultivation]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 578-581 (2009). Department of Agronomy Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan Branch, Isfahan, Iran *(e-mail : hejazi14@yahoo.com)

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted in Isfahan during the summer of 2008 at the agricultural research center in a randomized complete block design with a split factorial and four replications to evaluate the best plant density and sunflower planting arrangement. In this experiment, row spacing 60 cm single row planting on the bed and 75 cm twin planting on both the sides of bed were considered as the main plot and oily sunflower cultivars combination Hisun 36, Lakumka, Master with plant density 8, 10 and 12 plants/m2 as factorial were considered as sub-plot. Characteristics such as the number of days to star, bud stage, 75% flowering, complete flowering, ripening, plant height, number of pods, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, harvest index and oil yield were determined significantly. This study’s results showed that decreasing the row spacing, increased the plant height. Also the effect of row spacing on the number of days to star, complete flowering and ripening became significant, but on the pod diagonal, 1000-seed weight and seed yield, this case was not significant. Plant density significantly had  an effect on the researching characteristics  but  the number of days until bud stage. Increase in density increased seed yield and seed oil yield, but decreased the plant height, 1000-seed weight, seed oil percentage and pod diagonal. The effect of  cultivar on all the researching characteristics was significant on the case of possibility seed yield and harvest index, and Lakumka cultivar had  maximum 1000-seed weight, and Master cultivar had maximum pod diagonal and was precocious rather than two other cultivars. In this study, the most  seed yield  was obtained  in row spacing (75 cm), plant density (12 plants/m2) and  3567 kg/ha, but the interaction of these experimental treatments on the seed yield and oil yield was not significant in the possibility level of 1%. The plant densities interaction and the cultivar on the number of days to star, ripening, pod diagonal was significant. Row spacing interaction and cultivar and also plant density on characteristics such as the number of days to bud stage  and ripening were significant. The results obtained in this experiment indicated that 75 cm row spacing twin planting on both the sides of bed with 12 plants per m2 might be appropriate for master cultivar production under conditions similar to this experiment.

19. Ahmad Reza Golparvar*, Hamid Madani and Abdollah Ghasemi-Pirbalouti [Selection for drought resistance in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 582-585 (2009). Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan Branch, P. O. Box 81595-158, Isfahan, Iran *(e-mail : dragolparvar@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

In order to determine the best drought resistance indices and identify the resistant genotypes, 10 spring safflower cultivars were sown at drought and non-drought conditions based on randomized completely block design with three replications. Assessment of simple correlation coefficients among drought resistance indices and seed yield of cultivars showed that GMP and STI enabled to identify cultivars having high potential yield and tolerant to drought stress and because of that were recognized as the best resistance indices. Biplot graphical display designed that Sterling, Nebrasks 10, land race Kuseh and Gila were the most drought resistance cultivars and U. S. 10 was the most drought susceptible. Classification of cultivars using biplot analysis revealed that crosses between Sterling, Nebraska 10, Landrace Kuseh and Gila with S 149 cultivars having maximum genetic distance were qualified to recommendation for genetic improvement of yield potential and drought resistance via selection in spring safflower cultivars.

20. Iraj Dehghan* and Ahmad Reza GolpArvar [Determination of best planting date for spring canola cultivars]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 586-589 (2009). Department of Agronomy Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan Branch, P. O. Box 81595-158, Isfahan, Iran *(e-mail : iraj_dehghan@yahoo.com)

ABSTRACT

Canola can be planted in most areas of Isfahan that have cold and mild warm weather. Winter planting of spring canola requires the introduction of suitable cultivars for new planting conditions. In addition to cultivars, therefore, it is necessary to study different planting dates. The present study was conducted in the split plot design with the layout randomized complete block design and four replications in Mahyar region. Three planting dates14 February 2007, 24 February 2007 and 6 March 2007 were considered as main factor levels in main plots and SP 132, SP 117, Hyola 308, Hyola 401, RGS 003, P. F. hybrids as sub-factor levels in sub-plots. The analysis of variance showed that the effect of planting date on all phonologic traits was not significant. The effect of cultivar in terms of number of days from planting until flowering and also the number of days until physiological maturity was meaningful in 0.5% possibility so that Hyola 308 had the highest average and SP 117 had the lowest average for number of days to flowering. For number of days to physiological maturity, Hyola 308 had the highest average and RGS 003 had the lowest average. The highest oil yield was related to second planting date and the lowest were related to first planting date. First planting date indicated significant difference between second and third planting dates. For other traits not significant difference was observed among canola cultivars. In conclusion, using 24 February 2007 plant date and Hyola 308 and 14 February 2007 and Hyola 308 farmers had the most seed and oil yield, respectively.

21. SAEED BOROOMAND NASAB, MOHAMMAD ALBAJI*, MOSA MESGAR BASHI, LENA ALBAJI, YASAMIN SOBHANI AND HOSSIN SHAHROOI [Evaluation of land quality for surface, sprinkle and drip irrigations in Mianbandan plain, Iran]. Res. on Crops (2009). Department of Irrigation and Drainage Faculty of Water Science Shahid Chamran University, Postal Code 61357-43311, Ahwaz, Iran *(e-mail : m_albaji2000@yahoo.co.uk)10 (3) : 590-597

ABSTRACT

The main objective of this research was to compare different irrigation methods based upon a parametric evaluation system in an area of 1625 ha in the Mianbandan region, South-west Iran. Soil properties of the study area were derived from a semi-detailed soil study regarding Mianbandan plain. After analyzing and evaluating soil properties, suitability maps were generated for surface, sprinkle and drip irrigation methods by means of Remote Sensing (RS) Technique and Geographic Information System (GIS). The results showed that 1525.8 ha (93.9%) of the studied area was highly suitable for sprinkle irrigation method, whereas 1364.1 ha (83.9%) of the study area was highly suitable for drip irrigation methods. Also, it was found that 718.5 ha (44.2%) of the study area was highly suitable for surface irrigation method. The comparison of the different types of irrigation techniques revealed that the sprinkle irrigation was more effective and efficient as the drip and surface irrigation methods improved the suitability to the irrigation purposes. Also the drip irrigation was more useful than surface irrigation method. Additionally, there was no exist limiting factor for sprinkle irrigation. While the main limiting factors in using surface irrigation method in this area were soil texture, slope and calcium carbonate. Also, the main limiting factor in using drip irrigation method in this area was soil calcium carbonate.

22. MOHAMMAD HOSSIN NEJAD MOGHADAM, SAEED BOROOMAND NASAB* AND MOHAMMAD ALBAJI [Land suitability evaluation for different irrigation systems in Pashmineh Zar Plain, Iran]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 598-606 (2009). Department of Irrigation and Drainage Faculty of Water Science Shahid Chamran University, Ahwaz, Iran *(e-mail : boroomandsaeed@yahoo.com).

ABSTRACT

The main objective of this research is to compare different irrigation methods based upon a parametric evaluation system in an area of 15800 ha in the Pashmineh Zar Plain located in west Iran. After analyzing and evaluating soil properties, suitability maps were generated for surface, sprinkle and drip irrigation methods by means of GIS. The results demonstrated that by applying sprinkle irrigation method instead of surface and drip irrigation methods, land suitability classes of 10364.5 ha (65.59%) for Pashmineh Zar Plain will improve. The comparison of the different types of irrigation techniques revealed that the sprinkle irrigation was more effective and efficient as the surface and drip irrigation methods improved the suitability to the irrigation purposes. Additionally, the main limiting factors in using surface and sprinkle irrigation methods in this area were soil texture and soil depth and the main limiting factors in using drip irrigation methods in this area were soil calcium carbonate and soil texture.

23. B. Saham and M. Albaji* [A field survey of the causes of lining cracks in irrigation channels of Shadegan network]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 607-611 (2009). Department of Irrigation and Drainage Shahid Chamran University, Ahwaz, Iran *(e-mail : m_albaji2000@yahoo.co.uk)

ABSTRACT

In order to investigate the causes of deterioration of concrete channels of Shadegan irrigation network, first preliminary studies, data collection and field observations were conducted then the damaged points were identified and these points were individually characterized and sampled accordingly. Tests were carried out to determine characteristics such as grain size, density, etc., while chemical tests such as soluble salts, pH, etc. and mechanical test like swelling test by consolidation device were conducted. By analyzing the field and laboratory data obtained and combining them one can conclude that the most affecting causes in damaging the Shadegan irrigation network in short term are geotechnical conditions of the channel embankment such as swelling and existence of salt materials such as gypsum. Other causes such as soil divergence, inefficient project execution, low-quality construction materials and unsuitable operation maintenance strategies can devastate the concrete cover of the channels.

24. P. STALIN, D. MUTHUMANICKAM, T. CHITDESHWARI, V. P. DURAISAMI, V. VELU AND S. POONGOTHAI [Studies on optimizing copper requirement of cauliflower and tomato in sandy loam red soil]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 612-615 (2009). Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore- 641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India

ABSTRACT

Field experiments were conducted in farmers’ holdings during 2004-05 in sandy loam soils deficient in available Cu to study the effect of graded levels of Cu (0, 1.25, 2.50, 3.75 and 5.00 kg/ha) with and without FYM @ 12.5 t/ha on the yield and Cu uptake of cauliflower and tomato. Application of 3.75 kg Cu/ha alongwith FYM recorded the highest curd yield of 26.5 t /ha in cauliflower and fruit yield of 55.1 t/ha in tomato, respectively. However, this treatment statistically on par with 2.50 and 5.00 kg Cu/ha alongwith FYM indicating a dose of 2.50 kg Cu/ha with FYM was found to be beneficial in increasing the yield of cauliflower and tomato. There was a linear increase in Cu uptake with increasing levels of Cu in the presence or absence of FYM in both cauliflower and tomato crops. The foliar spray of 0.2% CuSO4 twice during the critical crop growth stages increased the yield and Cu uptake compared to control but inferior to soil application. Addition of FYM enhanced the Cu status of soils at post-harvest stage over no FYM irrespective of Cu levels tried.

25. n. e. naveen, s. panneerselvam and s. r. anand [Effect of organic manures on growth and yield attributes of green chillies (Capsicum annuum L.)]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 616-620 (2009). Department of Agronomy University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore-650 065 (Karnataka), India

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was carried out at Eastern Block 37 E, Central Farm Unit of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during the kharif season of 2004 to evaluate the effect of organic manures on the yield and quality of green chilli under irrigated condition. Growth attribute like plant height was significantly higher with organic 100% (FYM 33%+Biocompost 33%+Neemcake 34%) (58.75 cm). Shortest plants were observed under absolute control (49.19 cm), however, leaf area index and number of branches per plant (3.07 and 7.00, respectively) were significantly higher with organic 100% treatment (Composted coir pith 25%)+Vermicompost 25%+Biodigested slurry 25%+Azospirillum-PSB 25%) and total dry matter production (208.01 g/plant) was significantly higher with inorganic 100% (RDF 120 : 60 : 30 kg NPK/ha). The results revealed that application of 100% fertilizer (T4) recorded the highest green chilli yield (11.78 t/ha) which was followed by organic manure 100% (Composted coir pith 25%+Vermicompost 25%+Biodigested slurry 25%+Azospirillum-PSB 25%) T3 (11.15 t/ha) and next the best effect was noticed in inorganic 50%+organic 50% (Poultry manure 25%+BDS 25%) T1 (10.44 t/ha). However, fruit length, fruit girth and fruit weight (9.60 cm, 5.03 cm and 5.05 g at third picking, respectively) were significantly higher with organic 100% (Composted coir pith 25%+Vermicompost 25%+Biodigested slurry 25%+Azospirillum-PSB 25%).

26. N. E. Naveen, S. Panneerselvam, S. R. Anand, K. Sathymorthi and s. Meena [Effect of organic manures on the yield and quality of green chillies (Capsicum annuum L.)]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 621-625 (2009). Department of Agronomy University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore-560 065 (Karnataka), India

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was carried out at Eastern Block 37 E, Central Farm Unit of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during the kharif season of 2004 to evaluate the effect of organic manures on the yield and quality of green chilli under irrigated condition. The results revealed that application of 100% fertilizer (T4) recorded the highest green chilli yield (11.78 t/ha) which was followed by organic manure 100% (Composted coir pith 25%+Vermicompost 25%+Biodigested slurry 25%+Azospirillum-PSB 25%) T3 (11.15 t/ha) and next the best effect was noticed in inorganic 50%+organic 50% (Poultry manure 25%+BDS 25%) T1 (10.44 t/ha). However, lower fruit yield was recorded in absolute control (T6). With respect to quality of green chillies, ascorbic acid, capsaicin, oleoresin and moisture content in green chilli were higher in organic manure 100% (Composted coir pith 25%+Vermicompost 25%+Biodigested slurry 25%+Azospirillum-PSB 25%) T3 (289.25 mg/100 g, 0.86%, 19.02% and 89.58%, respectively) which was followed by organic manure 100% (FYM 33%+Biocompost 33%+Neem cake 34%) T2 (282.90 mg/100 g, 0.83%, 18.12% and 86.88%, respectively) and there was no significant variation in the ascorbic acid between T2, T4 and T5. Organic 100% (Composted coir pith 25%+Vermicompost 25%+Biodigested slurry 25%+Azospirillum-PSB 25%) T3 recorded higher population of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes after harvest of the crop as compared to other treatments.

27. P. N. PATEL, R. S. FOUGAT AND N. SASIDHARAN [Studies on genetic variability, correlation and path analysis in chillies (Capsicum annuum L.)]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 626-631 (2009). Department of Agricultural Botany and Plant Biotechnology Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388 110 (Gujarat), India

ABSTRACT

A collection of 38 genotypes of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) was evaluated for different morphometric and qualitative characters with a view to estimate the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path coefficient analysis. The analysis of variance indicated presence of considerable amount of variability among the genotypes studied. The highest genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was observed for number of fruits per plant and green fruit yield per plant. The high heritability value coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for green fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant and fruit weight suggesting that phenotypic selection for these traits would be effective for improvement. The green fruit yield per plant showed highly significant and positive correlation with primary branches per plant, secondary branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth and fruit weight. Path coefficient analysis showed highly positive direct effect of number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit length and number of primary branches per plant on green fruit yield per plant. 28. IBRAHIM M. RAWASHDEH, NASRI I. HADDAD* AND AHMED AMRI [Diversity assessment of Achillea fragrantissima (Forskal) Schultz Bip. populations collected from different ecosystems in Jordan]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 632-642 (2009). Department of Horticulture and Crop Science University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan *(e-mail : nasrih@ nets.com.jo) abstract Fifteen populations of Achillea fragrantissima species were collected for natural habitats in three locations within each of the five regions in Jordan, namely, Ma’an, Al-Shoubak, Madaba, Al-Mwaqqer and Al-Mafraq. Species richness, Shannon diversity index, species density, frequency and relative frequency were determined using transect-quadrates sampling technique based on use of Global Position Systems (GPS). The results of the survey showed that A. fragrantissima distribution was homogeneous in some studied quadrates, while in other heterogeneity was observed and could be attributed to environmental variables, migration and dispersal of seeds. Species richness and Shannon diversity index were higher for Al-shoubak region in 2005 but with lower values in 2006 compared to other regions. Geographical features such as severe drought microenvironment and human disturbance including overgrazing and burning alongwith competitions from other species are the main factors explaining the un-even distribution of A. fragrantissima. Due to the rapid loss of the remaining populations of A. fragrantissima, efforts of collection for ex situ conservation are needed for the most threatened populations to be complemented with in situ conservation efforts for a dynamic conservation of this species and all the components of their ecosystems.

28. D. P. GOHIL AND G. C. JADEJA [Phenotypic stability in durum wheat (T. durum Desf.) for grain yield and component characters under conserved soil moisture]. Crop Res. 38 (1, 2 & 3) : 147-155 (2009). Agricultural Research Station Anand Agricultural University, Arnej-382 230 (Gujarat), India

ABSTRACT

Stability analysis was performed for grain yield and some other traits in a diallel cross of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) under conserved soil moisture. The genotype x environment interactions were significant for all characters viz., effective tillers/plant, main spike length, number of spikelets/main spike, number of grains/main spike, 100-grain weight, harvest index and grain yield per plant. Both linear and non-linear components of G x E interactions were significant for 100-grain weight and grain yield per plant. For remaining five traits, only non-linear component was significant. The stability analysis revealed that none of the genotypes was stable for all the evaluated traits. Based on classification criteria of stability, the parents Bijaga Yellow and A-9-30-1 emerged as stable genotypes across the environments, while GW-1172 was highly responsive to favourable environment, coupled with high stability for grain yield per plant and a few component traits. The five hybrids involving popular variety GW-1 (P10) were unstable parent depicted stable performance for yield/plant. Hence, on overall basis, these four genotypes offered the possibilities of exploitation for varietal improvement programme in durum wheat. Eight hybrids viz., Bijaga Yellow x MACS-1967 (P1 × P7), Bijaga Yellow x GW-1 (P1 × P10), Bijaga Yellow x A-9-30-1 (P1 × P11), GW-1172 × V-83-274-2-3-1-2 (P2 × P9), Mrb-11//Snipe/Megh x MACS-1967 (P3 × P7), Mrb-11//Snipe/Megh x V-83-274-2-3-1-2 (P3 × P9), Mrb-11//Snipe/Megh x A-9-30-1(P3 × P11) and HI-8284 x GW-1 (P4 × P10) fell under group-I and were found to be stable and widely adapted genotypes to across the environments. While seven hybrids belonged to group-II exhibited stable performance across the environments for grain yield. From these hybrids, segregants combining high mean and stability of performance could be expected in the advance generations following conventional breeding methods and it would lead to the development of desirable lines for conserved soil moisture conditions.

29. S. Santhamani [Generation mean analysis in interracial and interspecific derivatives of Gossypium with reference to bollworm resistance]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 643-646 (2009). Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India

ABSTRACT

An investigation was carried out to study the generation mean analysis by using wild species and racial derivative of Gossypium spp., namely, (MCU 5 x G. anomalum) x MCU 10, CWS 71 x MCU 10 and PD 16-26 x MCU 10. Generation mean analysis was carried out on parents and three generations, namely F1, F2 and F3 of the above racial and wild species derivatives of Gossypium spp. to obtain information on gene action. Generation mean analysis was performed to detect and estimate the epistasis in this cross combination by following five-parameter model to assess their genetic nature and magnitude. In this study, generation mean analysis indicated that the inheritance of number of bolls was governed by additive, dominance and epistatic effects were involved in the inheritance of number of sympodia for the cross CWS 71 x MCU 10. Additive effect was negative and significant in all the crosses for locule damage.

30. A. M. TALWAR AND S. T. KAJJIDONI* [Impact of induced mutation on genetic variability, association and frequency of superior segregants in desi cotton (Gossypium herbaceum L.)1]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 647-654 (2009). Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005 (Karnataka), India *(e-mail : stkajjidoni@yahoo.co.in)

ABSTRACT

Impact of induced mutation on genetic variability and correlation was studied in five selected varietal M2 progenies of desi cotton. Among five, progenies of KS-16 had higher mean values for number of bolls per plant, halo length, ginning outturn and seed cotton yield per plant, 9747 progenies for boll weight and seed index traits. The PCV and GCV estimates in MB-3200 progenies were high for halo length, ginning outturn and seed cotton yield. The M2 progenies of KS-16 exhibited high estimates of heritability, GA and GAM for number of bolls and seed cotton yield and MB-3200 for plant height, halo length and ginning outturn. The character association studies revealed a significant positive association between seed cotton yield and halo length only in M2 progenies of KS-16, similarly between number of bolls and boll weight significant positive association was recorded only in M2 progenies of MB-3200 and RDC-53. The same progenies also produced higher numbers of superior segregants for combination of limiting traits like halo length and boll weight. Based on percentage of superior progenies, the progenies of KS-16 produced higher frequency of superior segregants for boll number and seed cotton yield, 9747 for boll weight and MB-3200 for halo length traits. The some of the superior progenies identified can replace existing popular cultivars.

31. A. I. Patel, S. c. mali, b. g. chhimpi and u. g. patel [Stability analysis for seed cotton yield and component traits in intra and interspecific crosses of GMS based Asiatic cotton*]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 655-662 (2009). Department of Agricultural Botany Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat), India

ABSTRACT

The material consisted of 62 (48 intra and interspecific crosses+14 parents) genotypes of Asiatic cotton. All these genotypes were grown at three different locations viz., Surat, Bharuch and Hansot (Gujarat). The observations were recorded on characters to plant morphology and yield of seed cotton and its component characters. Variances due to genotypes, environments and G x E interaction were significant for all the characters studied. Both linear and non-linear components were found significant. Linear was higher in magnitude than non-linear in majority of the characters studied. Looking to the overall performance, 8401 was most stable genotype in seed cotton yield. The crosses viz., SRT GMS-1 x G. 87-435 (intra arboreum), 35N x G. Cot. 17 and 378 BK x 824 (interspecific) were comparatively higher yielder with desirable stability.

32. D. PUNITHA, T. S. RAVEENDRAN, K. GANESAMURTHY and R. RAVIKESAVAN [Improvement of eco-friendly coloured lint cotton through induced mutagenesis]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 663-666 (2009). Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India

ABSTRACT

The present investigation was undertaken to study the possibility of breaking the barrier between yield, colour and fibre quality parameters in colour cotton varieties with a view to obtain recombinants for practical use. Seven colour cotton crosses of irradiated and control population of F3 and F3M3 generations were studied for the correlation of yield with its components and quality characters. The study revealed that the negative genetic correlation existing between yield, fibre quality and colour characters were shifted to positive direction in the irradiated population. The crosses such as Algerian brown x MCU 5, Parbhani American x MCU 5, Algerian brown x MCU 7 were modified into significant and positive correlation following irradiation.

33. S. Santhamani [Correlation studies on interspecific hybrid derivative of Gossypium spp. in different generations]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 667-669 (2009). Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India

ABSTRACT

Efforts were made to improve the yield potential of cotton with least plant protection and to prevent the deterioration of fibre quality due to insect infestation and insecticidal residues. Based on the results obtained from the associated biochemical studies, boll and locule damages were minimum in Cyto Wild Species 71 (CWS 71) (G. anomalum x G. thurberi) and its hybrid derivatives which scored high for their resistance to Helicoverpa armigera under unprotected condition and CWS 71 x MCU 10 was adjudged as the best combination with superior performance for most of the traits. So, association of different traits with yield was calculated for different generations of this cross combination and discussed hereunder. Yield and fibre quality traits are complex characters in cotton and are a joint function of several yield component characters.

.

34. J. A. SHAIKH, M. B. WADODKAR, B. R. PATIL, M. R. WANDHARE AND A. S. MOKATE [Combining ability studies in CMS based cotton hybrids]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 670-673 (2009). Cotton Research Unit Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola- 444 104 (Maharashtra), India

ABSTRACT

A line x tester analysis using four females, eight males and their 32 F1’s was carried out to study the heterosis and combining ability for yield and its components in CMS based cotton hybrids. The maximum heterosis and heterobeltiosis were observed for all the characters studied except sympodia per plant and uniformity ratio. Highly significant positive heterosis over mid and better parent was observed for most of the characters studied. Among the females, two parents CAK-87A and CAK-2173A were found good general combiners for number of sympodia per plant, number of bolls per plant, seed cotton yield per plant (g), 2.5% span length (mm) and uniformity ratio (%). Among males, AKH-1174R exerted significant positive gca effect for characters like plant height (cm), number of sympodia per plant, ginning percentage, seed index (g), lint index (g), 2.5% span length (mm) and uniformity ratio (%). The cross CAK-2173A x AKH-4952-1R showed highly significant sca effect for seed cotton yield per plant (9.26) and 2.5% span length (1.34).

35. M. B. Patel, B. N. Patel, L. L. Jivani, S. P. Kachhadia and S. B. S. Tikka [Genetic analysis of quantitative traits and yellow mosaic virus in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 674-677 (2009). Main Pulses Research Station S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar-385 506 (Gujarat), India

ABSTRACT

Combining ability analysis was carried out involving diverse genotypes in one-way diallel in mungbean. Both additive and non-additive genetic variances were found important for inheritance of seed yield and its components. The parents PDM-11, GM-4 and GM-9918 were good general combiners for seed yield and two and more yield attributing traits. The highest sca effect for seed yield was observed in cross PDM-11 x GM-4 followed by PDM-143 x GM9918. These cross combinations also had sca effect in the desire direction for branches per plant, pods per plant, harvest index, 100-seed weight and YMV incidence. In case of MYMV resistance, the parental lines PDM-143, PDM-11 and PDM-14 have potentiality to donate resistant gene. The crosses PDM-143 x GM-9918, PDM-87 x GM-4 and PDM-87 x GM-4 were superior combinations for MYMV incidence. These promising crosses gave superior trasgressive segregants in advance generation.

36. J. JAWAHARLAL, G. LAKSHMIKANTHA REDDY AND R. SAI KUMAR [Combining ability studies for grain yield and yield contributing characters in maize (Zea mays L.)]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 678-682 (2009). Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030 (A. P.), India

ABSTRACT

Combining ability studies were conducted on grain yield and yield contributing characters in a L x T design in maize. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for gca and sca effects for 12 traits studied. Among parents KI-109 and CM-104 were poor general combiners for grain yield and KI-109, AML-420 and CM-131 were found to have negative gca effects for days to 50% tasseling, days to 50% silking and days to maturity. The inbreds DMR-201, CM-119 and CM-121 were found to be good general combiners for grain yield per plant. The crosses CM-104 x KI-109, CM-105 x KI-109, CM-115 x KI-109, CM-120 x DMR-201, CM-121 x DMR-40E, CM-121 x AML-420, CM-130 x DMR-201 and CM-131 x DMR-201 were found to have significant negative sca effects for days to 50% tasseling, days to 50% silking and days to maturity. The crosses CM-115 x DMR-201, CM-118 x DMR-201, CM-119 x DMR-201 and CM-121 x DMR-201 had positive sca effects for plant height, ear height, ear length, ear girth, number of seed rows per ear, number of seed rows per row, number of seeds per ear, 100-seed weight and grain yield per plant.

37. J. S. PATEL, PRIYA K. VAGHELA, D. B. PATEL, D. J. PARMAR AND SNEHA S. MACWANA [Genetic divergence in baby corn (Zea mays L.)]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 683-686 (2009). Department of Agricultural Statistics Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388 110 (Gujarat), India

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted with 54 composites/hybrids in three replications in randomized block design at Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, A. A. U., Anand during rabi 2006-07. The data on baby corn yield and its attributes were subjected to Mahalanobis (1936) D2 analysis using Tocher method for clustering. The results indicated that the varieties were distributed in seven clusters of which cluster V had maximum intra-cluster distance (14.89) and minimum in cluster VI (5.45). The composites/hybrids belonging to clusters V and VI were all from same geographical region (Almora). The inter-cluster distance ranged from 16.03 (clusters III and VI) to 60.05 (clusters IV and VII). Among clusters variation was higher in green fodder yield, ear height, plant height and baby corn yield. On the basis of R2 values and frequency of top ranking, plant height and ear height were found to be the most important characters contributing to the total genetic divergence.

38. D. Lakshmana, b. d. biradar and r. b. jolli [Variability studies in pearl millet germplasm lines (Pennisetum glaucum L.)]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 687-689 (2009). UAS Regional Agricultural Research Station, Bijapur-586 101 (Karnataka), India

ABSTRACT

In the present study, 105 germplasm lines were evaluated to know the nature of variance for different quantitative traits in relation to yield. A wide range of variability was observed for all the characters under study. Higher PCV and GCV were observed for ear length, ear girth, plant height, grain yield per plant and productive tillers per plant. High broad sense heritability was noticed for grain yield/plant, plant height, ear length, ear girth and 1000-seed weight. High genetic advance over mean was recorded for ear length, plant height, ear girth, grain yield/plant, peduncle length and flag leaf area.

39. S. R. KUMAR* and A. V. RAMANJANEYULU** [Multi-location and multi-disciplinary co-ordinated approach to sorghum improvement in India–A case study with SPV 1616 variety]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 690-695 (2009). National Research Cente for Sorghum, Rajendranagar-500 030, Hyderabad (A. P.), India (*e-mail : ravikumar@nrcsorghum.res.in; **avragron@rediffmail.com)

ABSTRACT

The demand in terms of an economic end product is set by the genetic potential of a cultivar, while the supply is tapped through both naturally available and man mediated resources. The primary resources/limitations of concern with reference to rainy (kharif) sorghum production are water, macro/micro nutrients and biotic stresses (shoot fly, grain molds). The structural demand set by a potential cultivar has to be functionally realized in any given environment. When a non-limiting environment is in question, the plasticity of a cultivar gains greater importance. Tapping the genetic resources and combining the desirable alleles which can respond to such fluctuation can help attain stability. The All India Coordinated Sorghum Improvement Project (AICSIP) initiated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has aimed at converging traits that were desirable for attaining potential productivity and as well minimizing losses due to stress factors in a rainfed production environment. A multi-disciplinary approach has been the strength of the multi-location testing programme. Knowledge based specialized tools available across disciplines were integrated so as to synergize the crop improvement and management processes. These synergistic efforts aimed at improving the efficiency of a rainfed production system across biotic/abiotic stresses have been presented through a case study of a newly identified sorghum cultivar CSV 20. A multi-disciplinary team consisting of a breeder, entomologist, plant pathologist rated the sorghum germplasm for its yield potential, shoot fly, grain mold resistance over a three-year evaluation period and an agronomist its nutrient response in a rainfed environment during the third year. The best performing entry SPV 1616 was released as CSV 20 for further multiplication and spread across sorghum growing environments. The front line demonstration (FLD) results indicate the increase in grain yield of >60%. Exploiting the cultivar potential by creating an ideal environment has had their results, but limits to growth make it further more challenging to enhance efficiencies across environment by genotype × management interactions.

40. P. Venkata Ramana Rao, V. Gouri Shankar and A. Vishnuvardhan Reddy [Variability studies in castor (Ricinus communis L.)]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 696-698 (2009). AICRP on Castor A. N. G. R. A. U. Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Mahabubnagar (A. P.), India

ABSTRACT

Genetic variability and heritability of different characters were studied using 60 genotypes including two standard checks. The genotypes showed wide range of variation for all the characters. High coefficients of variation were observed for height upto primary spike, seed yield per plot and 100-seed weight. High values of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as % of mean were observed for seed yield per plot and height upto primary spike.

41. S. M. THAKARE, BHARTI DHOBLE and A. S. THAKARE [Impact of different chemicals applied by seed or stem smearing technique on sucking pests of Bt cotton]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 699-701 (2009). Department of Entomology Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444 104 (M. S.), India

ABSTRACT

The present investigation was conducted at Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during 2007-08 to evaluate the effect of stem smearing and seed treatments against sucking pests on Bt cotton. Amongst the treatments tested, stem smearing with monocrotophos @ 1 : 4 and imidacloprid @ 1 : 20 dilution at 15, 30 and 45 DAE was found effective against aphids, thrips and whiteflies, while stem smearing of thiamethoxam @ 1 : 20 at 15, 30 and 45 DAE and seed treatment of the same @ 4 g/kg proved effective against jassids.

42. m. anuradha [Field releases of Cotesia plutellae against diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 702-704 (2009). Maize Research Centre Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030 (A. P.), India

ABSTRACT

A maximum of 81.77% parasitisation of diamondback moth larvae by the parasitoid, Cotesia plutellae was observed in parasitoid release block compared to 35.93% in control block. Mean number of diamondback moth larvae per plant ranged between 2.8-3.2 in release block, whereas it increased from 3.1 to 4.0 in control block. At 5°C cocoons of C. plutellae could be sotred upto 35 days and at 10°C upto 45 days without any adverse effect on adult parasitoid emergence

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43. DHANBIR SINGH, AKHILESH SINGH AND RAVINDER KUMAR [Evaluation of wheat genotypes against foliar blights and black point]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 705-707 (2009). Hill Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Dhaulakuan, Distt. Sirmour-173 001 (H. P.), India

ABSTRACT

Leaf blight, blotches and black point of wheat grains caused by species of Alternaria and Helminthosporium have been emerging as a serious problem in recent years. Survey of wheat disease in Paonta valley in disrtict Sirmour of Himachal Pradesh revealed that Alternaria triticina Prasada and Prabhu and Helminthosporium sativum (Syn. Biopolaris sorokiniana Sacc. Et. Sorokin) were the most prevalent pathogen. Chemical management of foliar blights was not economically feasible to practise on large scale. Therefore, growing resistant varieties was the only alternative to manage foliar blights and black point. Two years’ testing of 22 wheat genotypes under artificial inoculations and natural infection conditions revealed that genotypes HPW 155, HPW 184 and HPW 93 were resistant to foliar blights, whereas other varieties RAJ 3765, HS 277, WH 595, VL 738, RAJ 3777, HS 420 and RAJ 3077 were moderately resistant to blights. The cultivars VL 616 and HPW 93 were found to be free from black point.

44. B. Mahesha*, P. V. Patil and B. Nandini [Morphological characters of Colletotrichum truncatum (Schw.) Andrus and Moore and Alternaria tenuissima (Kunze ex Pers.) Wiltshire in soybean]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 708-710 (2009). Department of Plant Pathology University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore-560 065 (Karnataka), India *(e-mail : maheshkantha100@yahoo.com)

ABSTRACT

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill], an important oilseed crop of the world, belongs to the family Leguminaceae. In India, Madhya Pradesh is often called as ‘Soybean state’ or ‘Fort of soybean’ due to its contribution to the extent of 70% of area and 64% of production. Like any other crop, soybean is also succumbed to many diseases. Among them is anthracnose of soybean and Alternaria leaf spot is also not an exception because of its severity; ultimately it leads to greater yield reduction of about 16-100% (Backman et al., 1982; Sinclair and Backman, 1989) and 15-30%, respectively (Sinclair and Backman, 1989). To manage these diseases, proper diagnosis is must; because it plays major role in choice of appropriate management practices. For proper diagnosis, one should know the clear cut identification characters of the pathogen apart from its symptomatology on the host. Hence, an attempt was made to find out and confirm the morphological characters of soybean anthracnose [C. truncatum (Schw.) Andrus and Moore] and Alternaria leaf spot [A. tenuissima (Kunze ex Pers.) Wiltshire]. In this context, pathogen was isolated individually by using standard protocol and it was subjected to microscopic studies and results revealed that anthracnose pathogen produced the fruiting bodies with conidia and Alternaria also produced club shaped conidia.

45. R. sudhakar [Yield performance of Pleurotus florida on some selected agro-waste substrates in Southern Telangana Zone of Andhra Pradesh]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 711-712 (2009). Biotechnology Unit A. N. G. R. A. U. Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad (A. P.), India

ABSTRACT

Six agro-waste substrates viz., paddy straw, horsegram, cotton, capsicum, sunflower and groundnut and also combinations were tested for growing Pleurotus florida by ploy bag method (12” x 12”) during the July-August (20-29°C) months. The highest yields (1465.5 g/2 kg) were obtained from paddy straw followed by horsegram (1290.5 g/2 kg). The groundnut waste gave the lowest yield (693 g/2 kg). Among the six combinations of materials testd higher yields were obtained from combinations-I (paddy straw+capsicum waste–1325 g/2 kg) followed by combination-V (horsegram+capsicum waste–1255 g/2 kg). The days required for spawn run (SRP) and first harvest (FHT) were also comparatively less in paddy straw followed by horsegram and other substrates.

46. V. kantharaju, k. krishnappa and b. m. r. reddy [Molecular characterization of virulent isolates of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita by using RAPD-PCR]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 713-717 (2009). Department of Plant Pathology University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore-560 065 (Karnataka), India

ABSTRACT

The selected six indigenous virulent isolates of Meloidogyne incognita subjected to RAPD analysis revealed that out of 12 random primers screened, three random primers showed reproducible amplification product for all the six isolates. The amplified product of three random primers viz., OPA-01, OPA-11 and OPA-13 showed considerable degree of polymorphism between them. Based on the presence and absence of the amplification products, the Squared Euclidean Distances as well as Dendrogram were constructed. Two clusters were clearly illustrated. The polymorphism among the isolates was 90.19%. The average number of bands per primer was 17, while the average number of polymorphic bands per primer was 15.33.

47. n. manohar reddy, k. keshavulu, k. kanaka durga, r. ankaiah and adarna kumar [Effect of nutrients alternate to GA3 on yield and quality in hybrid rice seed production]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 718-722 (2009). Department of Seed Science & Technology Seed Research and Technology Centre, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030 (A. P.), India

ABSTRACT

An experiment was carried out to find out the cost effective alternate chemicals to GA3 and their effect on seed yield and quality in hybrid seed production of rice, DRRH 1 at Seed Research and Technology Centre, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Data were recorded on plant height, total tillers, productive tillers, panicle exertion, seed set percentage, filled grains/panicle, seed yield, seed recovery %, 1000-seed weight, germination percentage and seedling vigour index. The seed quality parameters were also evaluated on freshly harvested seed. Application of NAA @ 100 g/ha was found to be significantly superior to other treatments in increasing plant height, panicle exertion, productive tillers, seed set %, seed yield and seedling quality attributes and found alternate to GA3 @ 45 g/ha. Spray of borax @ 0.1% + KH2PO4 @ 0.2%, KH2PO4 @ 2% and ZnSO4 @ 2% was also found effective in yield and quality parameters. The cost : benefit ratio for NAA @ 100 g/ha and GA3 @ 45 g/ha were Rs.1.83 and 1.41, respectively. However, NAA @ 100 g/ha and borax @ 0.1% + KH2PO4 @ 0.2% gave highest returns in terms of C : B ratio. Hence, these chemicals can be effectively used for realizing higher yields apart from minimizing cost of production of rice hybrid, DRRH-1.

48. S. Anvarkhah, A. R. Koocheki and M. Nassiri Mahallati [Effects of elevated CO2 on the competition ability between various C3 and C4 crops and weed species in greenhouse condition]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 723-735 (2009). Department of Ecology Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran *(e-mail : sa_sah_sa25@yahoo.com)

ABSTRACT

Since agriculture is both the source and sink of greenhouse gases, and plants show different responses to the elevated CO2 concentration, an experiment was conducted at the research greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The purpose of the experiment was to examine the effects of elevated CO2 on the competition ability among various crops and weeds in factorial arrangement based on completely randomized block design with three replications. Treatments included ambient (360 ppm) and elevated (700 ppm) CO2 concentrations and various combinations of the plantation of crops (millet and soybean) and weeds (lambsquarters and pigweed) of C3 and C4 species, whether of the pure culture or intercropping. Results of the experiment showed that, as CO2 concentration increased, the leaf area and root dry weight of millet increased, whereas those of other species decreased. Millet’s root length increased, whereas those of other species decreased. Root dry weight in each cultural combination, compared to the ambient CO2 concentration, decreased. The amount of chlorophyll in lambsquarters increased, whereas it decreased in pigweed, millet and soybean.

49. Mahdi Ghasemi-Varnamkhasti*, Seyed Saeid Mohtasebi, Hojat Ahmadi, María Luz Rodríguez-Méndez, Maryam Siadat and Seyed Hadi Razavi [Consistency assessment of bitterness sensory evaluation data for non-alcoholic beer]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 736-739 (2009). Agricultural Machinery Engineering Department Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology University of Tehran, P. O. Box 4111, Karaj 31587-77871, Iran *(e-mail : ghasemymahdi@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

When comparing various sorts of non-alcoholic beer, brewers focus primarily on such chemical and physical properties as the grade of bitterness, however, the brewers’ description of the similarities and differences of various beer tastes is still very subjective and imprecise. Sensory taste profile les can help in clarifying and objectifying these descriptions. These methods are time consuming and require complex and expensive equipment. A promising approach to the analysis of foods and beverages consists in the use of multisensor systems such as electronic tongue and electronic nose but these instruments for classifying the bitterness grade need to have a reference data. As a part of a research on utilization of electronic nose and electronic tongue for non alcoholic beer quality assessment, this work concentrated on this fact if bitterness sensory panel data are consistent to be considered as a reliable reference in the next stage of research. Finally, the data from sensory panel were found to be consistent and as a reliable reference for classification of bitter taste in non-alcoholic beer could be correlated to e-tongue and e-nose results in future studies.

50. A. Geetha*, P. V. Rao, D. Vishnuvardhan Reddy and Shaik Mohammad [Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on macro and micro nutrient uptake, oil content, quality and herbage yield in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum)1]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 740-742 (2009). Department of Plant Physiology Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030 (A. P.), India *(e-mail : geethagri_100@yahoo.com)

ABSTRACT

An investigation was carried out during rabi season of 2005-06 to study the effect of organic manures (FYM and vermicompost) and inorganic fertilizer on macro and micro nutrient uptake, oil content and herbage yield in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). The treatments consisted of T1 plot as control. Inorganic fertilizer was used in T2 treatment (N 120 kg/ha, P2O5 60 kg/ha and K2O 105 kg/ha). Ten tonne FYM per hectare was applied in T3 treatment. Three tonne vemicompost per hectare was applied in T4 treatment, 5 t of FYM+NPK (N 60 kg/ha, P2O5 30 kg/ha and K2O 52.5 kg/ha) was in T5 and T6 – 1.5 t vermicompost/ha + NPK (N 60 kg/ha, P2O5 30 kg/ha and K2O 52.5 kg/ha). Macro and micro nutrients were estimated in leaf sample at peak flowering. NPK content was maximum in T2 followed by T6, whereas micro nutrient content was maximum in T6 followed by T5 for Fe and Mn. Zinc content was highest in T5 and it was 49.33% followed by T4 which was 47%. Herbage yield in quintal per hectare was maximum in T2 followed by T6. Oil content was recorded at intervals of 60, 75 and 90 DAT and maximum was recorded in T6 followed by T2 treatment.

51. Pragati Singal, Anil Sindhu*, K. S. Nehra and Hari Ram Singal [Partial purification and characterization of sucrose synthase from immature rice (Oryza sativa L.) grains]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 743-747 (2009). Department of Biochemistry CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India *(sindhu.biotech@gmail.com)

ABSTRACT

Sucrose synthase from immature rice grains was partially purified to 27 fold with 38% recovery using ammonium sulphate fractionation, ion exchange chromatography using DEAE cellulose column and gel filtration through sephadex G-200. Its molecular weight was determined to be 235000. The sub-unit molecular weight as detected with SDS-PAGE was 29000. Purified enzyme was found to be a homo-octamer. Maximum activity of the enzyme was observed at 370C with pH optima of 6.5. Km of the enzyme was estimated to be 3.57 and 1.42 mM for sucrose and UDP, respectively. Enzyme was inhibited by K+, Mn2+, SO4+, Cl-, Br, CO32+ and CH3COO-, whereas NO3-, Mg2+, Na+, CO2+, HCO3- stimulated the enzyme activity. Among the various metabolites, AMP and Glucose-6-phosphate were found to be strong inhibitors of the partially purified sucrose synthase.

52. P. N. Patel, R. S. Fougat and n. sasidharan [Characterization of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes using RAPD markers]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 748-754 (2009). Department of Agricultural Botany and Plant Biotechnology Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388 110 (Gujarat), India

ABSTRACT

Germplasm characterization is an important link between the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources. A total of 38 genotypes of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) maintained at Main Vegetable Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand were utilized for randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. A total of 30 bands were amplified using seven random primers through RAPD, of which 28 (93.33%) were found to be polymorphic. RAPD marker based cluster analysis of C. annuum L. clearly identified each accession. The dendrogram analysis revealed two clusters, cluster- I incorporating 36 genotypes and cluster-II, two genotypes. It was observed that morphologically distinct genotypes such as California Wonder belonging to C. annuum var. grossum and ACG-365 belonging to C. annuum var. avicular, separated out into different clusters of cluster-II indicating the utility of RAPD markers for adjudging genetic diversity.

53. Tofigh Sadi and Zahra Arzjani* [Studying the effects of ENSO on precipitation based on ONI (Case study for the region of Shahr-e-Kord in Iran)]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 755-758 (2009). Faculty of Geography Islamic Azad University, Branch of Tehran Central, Tehran, Iran *(e-mail : zarzjani@yahoo.com)

ABSTRACT

One of the affecting atmospheric events causing worldwide climatic variability is El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena which demonstrates a teleconnection pattern on a global scale and influences the whole southern hemisphere and a great part of northern hemisphere beyond countries and continents. The present research investigates the impacts of this phenomenon on precipitation in Shahr-e-Kord region, south-west Iran using Oceanic Nino Index. Monthly precipitation records of Shahr-e-Kord gauging station for a period of 1956-2005 were gathered for the purpose of this study and the results showed that the a significant correlation of 0.01 and 0.05 existed for precipitation data of several months of the year over specific time periods. This correlation is positive which emphasizes the fact hat the El Nino event is usually followed by a wert year and the La Nina phenomenon reduces the precipitation in the region.

54. k. amaresh kumar, d. nanjappa, k. narayana gowda and s. ganesamoorthi [Problems and suggestions of the beneficiaries of better and poor performing grama panchayats of Karnataka]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 759-762 (2009). Agricultural College Campus, Hassan University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (Karnataka), India

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted in better and poor performing grama panchayats of Karnataka. Based on the performance of these grama panchayats, 90 beneficiaries were randomly selected in both the panchayats comprising 45 from each grama panchayat. The study revealed that great majority (84.45%) of the beneficiaries of the better performing grama panchayat (BPGP) perceived that amount given for agricultural activities was not sufficient followed by majority (91.12%) of the beneficiaries of the poor performing grama panchayat (PPGP) perceived poor quality of the works done by the grama panchayat. Whereas beneficiaries of the BPGP, majority (84.45%) of the beneficiaries suggested to encourage industrial sector and majority (93.34%) of the beneficiaries of the PPGP suggested to avoid favouritism in selection of beneficiaries. The study concludes that though the political decentralization has been largely successful, with elections held regularly and with participation of people, there is only minimum administrative and fiscal decentralization, which remain de facto due to various reasons. Panchayats must adopt appropriate strategies to generate their own resources to spend on rural development programmes and also have to be empowered and strengthened to ensure people’s participation and transparency in functioning of panchayats as envisaged.

55. c. r. patel, j. j. patel and k. d. mewada [Effect of different irrigation schedules (IW : CPE ratios) and growth regulators on green pod yield of summer cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) under middle Gujarat conditions]. Res. on Crops 10 (3) : 763-764 (2009). Department of Agronomy Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388 110 (Gujarat), India

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2007 at College Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The results revealed that the application of irrigation at 0.8 IW : CPE ratio and application of GA3 @ 200 ppm at 30 and 60 DAS produced significantly higher green pod yield (10053.00 and 11345.00 kg/ha, respectively).