Volume 21, Number 2 (March 2001)
Titles of research papers/articles alongwith their abstracts.
For full text, please contact to Editor-in-chief at : md@cropresearh.org
1. AVTAR SINGH AND RAJBAHADUR SINGH [Effect of agronomic practices on the productivity of late planted sugarcane]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 123-125 (2001). PAU Regional Research Station, Kheri, Sangrur-148 001 (Punjab) India
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted to see the effect of agronomic practices on late planted sugarcane at Regional Research Station, Kheri (Sangrur), Punjab during 1995-96 and 1996-97. The results revealed that maximum cane yield was obtained when the crop was planted with lower seed rate 50,000 three-budded setts/ha as compared to higher seed rate 75,000 three-budded sett/ha. However, the crop planted at row spacing of 75 cm gave the significantly higher cane yield (53 t) as compared to the other row spacings, followed by 120 : 30 (47 t), 60 : 30 (44 t), 120 : 60 (43 t), 150 : 30 (38 t) and 90 (38 t) cm row spacing. The significantly lower cane yield was recorded under the row spacings of 90 cm and 150 : 30 cm which was at par in the cane yield from each other. The pair row spacings of 120 : 30, 60 : 30 and 120 : 60 cm proved effective against the 90 cm row spacing to obtain the higher cane yield under the late planting conditions.
2. S. S. SAINI AND S. K. YADAV [Nitrogen and phosphorus content and uptake in barley as influenced by coated phosphatic fertilizers]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 126-129 (2001). Department of Agronomy, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, India
ABSTRACT
Field experiments were conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India, on a sandy loam soil during winter seasons of 1995-96 and 1996-97 to study the effect of coated and uncoated DAP and SSP on grain yield, N and P content and uptake by barley. Application of P increased the N uptake in grain significantly over control. P uptake by grain increased significantly with the application of recommended dose and 75% of recommended dose over control. Plough-sole placed P fertilizer was statistically superior over broadcast P fertilizer application with respect to grain yield and N and P uptake.
3. D. P. PATEL AND G. C. MUNDA [Growth pattern and yield potential of some promising cultivars of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) under rainfed mid-hills of Meghalaya]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 130-133 (2001). Division of Agronomy, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam-793 103 (Meghalaya), India
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted under rainfed mid-hill conditions during the monsoon seasons of 1998 and 1999 at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Research Farm, Umiam (950 m MSL), Meghalaya to evaluate the growth pattern and yield potential of promising cultivars of blackgram. Experimental results showed high potential for blackgram cultivation in mid-hills of Meghalaya. Variety DPU-88-1 produced significantly taller plants and higher root length but took higher flowering and maturity duration. DPU-88-31 was found the shortest in plant height and took minimum period to come into flowering and maturity. Maximum number of pods/plant was recorded in cultivar T-9 followed by DPU-88-1 and PDU-1. Variety PDU-1 recorded maximum 1000-grain weight (Av. 41.6 g) followed by DPU-88-1 (Av. 40.5 g). The cultivar PDU-1 produced the highest seed yield/plant (Av. 11.3 g) and also gave the highest grain yield (14.8 q/ha) and remained at par with DPU-88-1 (14.0 q/ha).
ABSTRACT
Two major seed protein fractions, albumins and globulins of 24 mungbean genotypes were analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A total of seven albumin bands and five globulin bands exhibiting variation in their banding patterns facilitated categorization of the genotypes into eight protein types each based on albumins and globulins individually and 14 types considering both these fractions. Ten cultivars had unique electrophoretic patterns on the basis of albumin and globulin patterns combined. These unique polypeptide patterns can be used for identification and maintenance of genetic purity of these cultivars and also screening of hybrids, mutants or other breeding lines derived from them. Uniformity of banding pattern was observed for some genotypes related by descent, breeding or geography.
5. H. K. SHIVAKUMAR, B. K. RAMACHANDRAPPA, H. V. NANJAPPA, B. T. SREENIVAS AND M. K. ARAVINDA KUMAR [Production functions for irrigation water and planting methods in sunflower]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 139-142 (2001) Department of Agronomy, University of Agricultural Sciences, G. K. V. K., Bangalore-560 065, India
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted at the Main Research Station, Hebbal, Bangalore during summer season of 1999 to determine the response of sunflower to drip irrigation levels and methods of planting. Yield prediction models suggested that sunflower showed declining response to irrigation water under drip irrigation with negative regression coefficient. Yield was reduced due to drip at 0.8 Epan amounting to 548.64 mm of crop water. Square root model was the best fit for prediction purposes with significant and higher R2 value (0.8594). Also, predicted yield as per linear, square root and transcedental models was in close agreement with the experimental yield indicating the suitability of these models. Considering the planting geometry, normal spacing of 60 x 30 cm was the best suited method of planting for realising higher seed yield of sunflower as evident from positive regression coefficient in linear (3.4925), transcedental (0.103) and square root (3.4925) models. However, linear and transcedental equations overestimated the yield both under normal and paired row planting at 45-90-45 x 30 cm.
6. H. K. SHIVAKUMAR, B. K. RAMACHANDRAPPA AND H. V. NANJAPPA [Moisture and root distribution pattern under drip irrigation schedules and planting methods in sunflower]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 143-147 (2001). Department of Agronomy, University of Agricultural Sciences, G. K. V. K., Bangalore-560 065, India
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted at the Main Research Station, Hebbal, Bangalore during summer season of 1999 to study the response of sunflower in terms of root growth under varied levels of drip irrigation. Four irrigation levels including drip at 0.5, 0.6 and 0.8 Epan and weekly surface irrigation at 0.8 Epan were tried under two planting methods viz., normal planting (60 x 30 cm) and paired row planting (45-90-45 x 30 cm) in RCBD design with three replications. On-line dripper type of laterals was used with a discharge rate of 1.8 l/h. Drip irrigation at 0.5 Epan recorded narrow wetting of 19 cm diameter at the surface to 12 cm at 30 cm soil depth. However, drip at 0.8 Epan wetted larger volume of soil with 27 cm diameter. Weekly surface irrigation caused maximum root length (32.17 cm), volume (110.92 cc) and dry weight (64.52 g). However, drip at 0.8 Epan exhibited shallow root system with reduced length (22.42 cm) and volume (73.83 cc). Similarly, paired row planting recorded the maximum root length (28.10 cm), volume (100.58 cc) and root density (0.56 g cc-1) over normal planting.
7. SHER SINGH VERMA, R. P. S. TOMER, URMIL VERMA AND S. L. SAINI [Electrical conductivity and accelerated ageing techniques for evaluating deterioration in Brassica species]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 148-152 (2001). Seed Production Technology Cell, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, India
ABSTRACT
Four promising varieties viz., RH 30 and RH 8113 of Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss and Sangam and TH 68 of Brassica campestris with their different lots were artificially aged at 450C and 100% relative humidity for 0-96 h. Results revealed that the germination values before accelerated ageing test remained above the Minimum Seed Certification Standard (85%) limit in one and two year old seeds in all the varieties. The germination percentage decreased as the accelerated ageing period increased in all the seed lots. One year old seeds maintained germination percentage above 50% at 72 h of accelerated ageing period in all the varieties. The decline in germination during this accelerated ageing was related to the initial degree of deterioration of the seed lots. All the seed lots showed less than 50% germination at 96 h of accelerated ageing period. The conductivity values of seed leachates were recorded after different soaking periods. It was observed that as the ageing period increased, conductivity values also increased. However, a significant increase in leaching was observed after 24 h of soaking period. Results also showed that the increase in conductivity values of seed leachates at different soaking periods was related to initial degree of deterioration of the seed lots. The conductivity values of seed leachates in 3-year old seeds were high as compared with those of one and two year old seeds in all soaking periods in all lots.
8. MAHABIR SINGH [Efficacy of plant growth regulators, their concentrations and wrappers on rooting success and survival of air-layered guava twigs]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 153-156 (2001). Department of Horticulture, J. N. K. V. V. College of Agriculture, Rewa-486 001 (M. P.), India
ABSTRACT
An experiment was carried out to study the efficacy of plant growth regulators, their concentrations and wrappers on rooting success and survival of air-layered guava twigs. The results revealed that use of IBA was beneficial in enhancing the callus formation, number, length and diameter of both primary and secondary roots and survival of air-layered twigs. 20,000 ppm of plant growth regulators was found optimum for better rooting success and survival and was significantly superior to 5,000, 10,000 and 15,000 ppm of plant growth regulators. The use of black polythene as wrapper resulted in better rooting success and survival of air-layered guava twigs as compared to white polythene.
9. SUNIL KUMAR GHOSH AND S. K. SENAPATI [Evaluation of brinjal varieties commonly grown in terai region of West Bengal against pest complex]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 157-163 (2001). Department of Agricultural Entomology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, North Bengal Campus, Pundibari, Cooch Behar-736 165 (West Bengal), India
ABSTRACT
Varieties and hybrids of brinjal evaluated were neither found resistant to any pest or multi-pest tolerant to pest complex. However, hybrids in general were less susceptible over open pollinated varieties against pest complex of brinjal. Again, among the hybrids PK-123 and Pant were less susceptible to borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guen.), the key pest of brinjal because of relatively tough skin, hard to semi-hard pulp and tight to semi-tight arrangement of seeds. The open pollinated varieties viz., Pusa Purple Long and Pundibari local, on the contrary, because of their narrow, long fruits, soft fruit-skin and pulp and loosely arranged seeds were susceptible to borer. Therefore, hybrids, PK-123 and Pant because of their higher productivity and less susceptibility to pest complex may be selected for IPM programme of brinjal in terai region of West Bengal.
10. I. CANNAYANE, G. RAJENDRAN AND S. RAMAKRISHNAN [Biocontrol potential of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis against Meloidogyne incognita in tomato]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 164-167 (2001). Department of Nematology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India
ABSTRACT
A glasshouse study was conducted to evaluate the biocontrol potential of two antagonistic bacteria viz., Bacillus cereus and B. subtilis against the southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Race-3) infecting tomato. Incidence of nematodes in terms of galling and egg mass production was reduced by both bacteria and it was maximum of 64.82 and 72.74%, respectively, in plants inoculated with B. subtilis one week prior to M. incognita (2000 J2/plant) accompanied by reduction in soil nematode population. Plant growth parameters were also improved in plants, received either bacterium @ 10 ml/plant (3 x 108 cells/ml) when compared to the untreated control. The establishment of introduced bacterial antagonists in plant rhizosphere was related to the degree of nematode control and subsequent improvement in plant growth.
11. P. USHA RANI [Evaluation of germplasm for fruit surface area in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 168-173 (2001). School of Allied Health, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
ABSTRACT
In addition to its use as vegetable, chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is also used in processing industry where fruit surface area is considered as an important character. A total of 73 genotypes including promising advanced lines, local collections and check varieties were evaluated in a field experiment conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore for the character, namely, fruit surface area. The fruit surface area was estimated by the product of fruit length, fruit diameter and the factor, 1.6827. The genotypes showed statistically significant differences in the character, fruit surface area. The genotypes were classified into four groups following the least significant difference. The 14 genotypes mentioned in Group I were identified and recommended for use as parent material in breeding work aiming at enhancing the fruit surface area. It was found that the use of fruit length and fruit diameter was reliable in the estimation of fruit surface area as the correlation between fruit surface area and fruit length as well as fruit surface area and fruit diameter was highly significant.
12. MAHABIR SINGH AND R. B. RAJODIA [Effect of gibberellic acid on growth and yield attributes of radish varieties]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 174-177 (2001). Department of Horticulture, J. N. K. V. V. College of Agriculture, Gwalior-474 002 (M. P.), India
ABSTRACT
An experiment was carried out to study the response of gibberellic acid on growth and yield attributes of radish varieties. The results revealed that the variety Nav Jyoti exhibited high estimates in number of leaves, fresh weight of leaves, girth of roots, fresh weight of roots and yield per hectare as compared to other varieties viz., Japanese white, Pusa reshmi, Hill queen and Minu early. Application of gibberellic acid was found to be the most effective in growth and yield characters of all varieties as compared to control, but gibberellic acid at 30 ppm applied as a solution method was found optimum for better growth and yield attributing characters. The highest yield of 497.26 q/ha was recorded due to application of 30 ppm gibberellic acid which was 26% higher than control.
13. SHAIK MOHAMMAD AND V. RADHA KRISHNA MURTHY [Rapid, simple and indirect method of leaf area estimation in bottle gourd (Cucurbitaceae sp.)]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 178-180 (2001). Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-30, India
ABSTRACT
Indirect leaf area estimates were attempted through linear non-destructive measurements and destructive sampling for leaf dry weight in bottle gourd. The results indicated that the linear regression equation y= -58.66+19.77 l gave a fair estimate on par with actual leaf area by substituting the value of “l” with leaf length measured “in situ“. In the events of destructive sampling the linear regression y=162.35+49.87dw also estimated the leaf area accurately by substituting the value of dry weight with dry weight of the leaf sample. But the use of simple constant i. e. multiplying the leaf length with 15.81 or leaf width with 13.41 or the product of leaf length and width with 0.895 was more convenient with equal accuracy as that of the actual leaf area estimated on electronic leaf area meter. Similarly, not withstanding the tedium of regression equations, simple multiplication of leaf dry weight in case of destructive sampling, multiplying coefficient with 163.90 was also the simple, rapid, direct and inexpensive method of leaf area estimation on par with actual leaf area of bottle gourd.
14. C. BHATTACHARYA AND N. BHATTACHARYA [Mendel’s experiment regarding anthocyanin inheritance in the light of 100 years after its rediscovery]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 181-187 (2001). B. C. K. V. Regional Research Station, Jhargram-721 507, India
ABSTRACT
On the eve of the Centennial of the rediscovery of Mendel’s historical paper, his experiments regarding anthocyanin pigmentation on pea have been discussed. From his paper, it is observed that the sub-species of the genus Pisum mentioned by him are not recognised as valid in Index Kewensis except P. sativum. It is also observed that Mendel involved both the P. sativum and P. arvense for his experiment 3. He rightly mentioned that the flower colour was associated with the seed coat colour. Starting this leaf experiment with three characters i. e. flower colour, stipule base/leaf axil colour and seed coat colour in F1, he explained his experiment considering only seed and flower colour in F2 segregating generation. But there was a probability of getting intermediate type if he considered the stipule base/leaf axil colour. There was a chance of getting 3-4 intermediate types i. e. plants with purple flower, colourless stipule base/leaf axil and mottled seed coat in his population number. He considered these two characters controlled by a single pair of genes. But it is evident that these characters are controlled by four pairs of genes with differential pigmentation effect and two pairs of genes with mutator gene effect in absence/presence of two pairs of genes. During the description of F3 plants, he mentioned the term `some’ instead of mentioning the exact numbers of different types recorded by him, as he mentioned during discussing the results of his experiments 1 and 2. From these, it is observed that poor illustration of data of the experiment to explain his hypothesis, is a limitation for his experiment 3.
15. S. K. PAYASI AND A. K. SINGH [Stability for disease resistance, yield and yield attributes in rice]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 188-191 (2001). J. N. K. V. V. College of Agriculture, Rewa-486 001 (M. P.), India
ABSTRACT
The direct and residual effect of flyash application/mixing on crop yields and soil properties was studied on a sandy loam soil at the Soil Research Farm of CCSHAU, Hisar. Flyash collected from thermal power plant, Faridabad in Haryana, was mixed @ 0, 5, 10 and 20% (w/w basis) in the plough layer (0-15 cm) of the soil. Also a 2.5 cm flyash layer (equivalent to 10.6% w/w basis) was applied on surface of soil as a separate treatment. Pearlmillet was taken as the test crop during kharif season, whereas residual effect was studied on wheat crop during rabi season. Application of flyash to soil increased both grain and straw yields of pearlmillet (direct) and subsequent wheat (residual) crops significantly at all levels of flyash. The maximum increase (32.9% in grain and 39.5% in straw of pearlmillet and 32.4% in grain and 43.9% in straw of wheat over their respective controls) was observed with 20% flyash mixing in the soil. Addition of flyash to soil increased both the mean daily minimum and maximum soil temperatures during emergence period of both the crops; however, these effects were more pronounced and beneficial during winter (wheat) season. The flyash application also resulted in more moisture storage in the plough layer of soil at all the stages of crop growth. The uptake of N, P and K, both in grain and straw of pearlmillet and wheat crops, was found higher in flyash treated plots over control. Regarding soil properties, no definite trend of flyash application was observed on pH, EC, OC and available soil nutrients; however, from the initial level, a slight decrease was observed in all the treatments. Twenty genotypes of early duration rice (Oryza sativa L.) were evaluated under direct seeding and transplanted conditions with three levels of nitrogen (0, 40 and 80 kg N/ha) to assess their stability for disease resistance and yield. Both linear and non-linear components of genotype x environment interaction were found significant for all the characters. High yielding genotypes, namely, Tulsi, RWR 92-74-5 and Annada were identified as resistant for blast and brown spot diseases and high fertilizer responsive towards transplanted condition. Similarly, blast and brown spot susceptible genotypes Niwari and Vanprabha alongwith blast resistant genotype RWR 78-81-3 were widely adapted towards direct seeding conditions. Disease susceptibility was not universal over environments in any genotype, whereas stable resistance has been identified in JR 75, RWR 92-3 and RWR 54 for blast and brown spot diseases in all over the environments. Majority of the genotypes were unstable for leaves per plant and flag leaf area except Kalinga 3, Poorva and Dihula were stable for flag leaf area only.
16. H. S. PATIL [Stability analysis in niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass)]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 192-197 (2001) All India Coordinated Niger Improvement Project, Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Igatpuri-422 403 (Maharashtra), India
ABSTRACT
Ten genotypes of niger were evaluated at five locations in the Maharashtra state during kharif 1997-98 under rainfed conditions. Genotype x environment interaction was present for all the characters studied. On partitioning of it, linear and non-linear, both components were equally responsible. However, the linear component was larger in magnitude for all traits except days to flower. The genotypes IGP-76 for all traits and IGPN-9628 for all traits except days to maturity were found responsive and stable. The study on correlation among stability parameters suggested that the stability parameters appeared to be governed by different gene or genes in combination with niger.
17. I. A. SHEIKH AND J. N. SINGH [Heterosis in Indian mustard hybrids derived using male sterile lines for yield and component characters]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 198-203 (2001). Division of Genetics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, India
ABSTRACT
Thirty F1 hybrids derived from three cytoplasmic male sterile lines of oxyrrhina (oxy-CMS), tournefortii (tourn-CMS) and carinata (cari-CMS) systems and 10 diverse cultivars/lines crossed in line x tester design were evaluated to study the nature and extent of heterosis over pollen parents for eight agronomically important characters. The results indicated the manifestation of high degree of heterosis for seed yield and other component characters. Highest positive heterosis was observed in the cross tourn-CMS x Glossy mutant (84.4%) followed by oxy-CMS x Glossy mutant (66.9%), oxy-CMS x PR-1108 (42.6%), tourn-CMS x Poorbijaya (40.4%) and oxy-CMS x Poorbijaya (38.2%). The hybrids tourn-CMS x Glossy mutant, tourn-CMS x Poorbijaya and tourn-CMS x PR-1108 also showed positive heterosis for five and oxy-CMS x PR-1108 and tourn-CMS x BJ-17 for four component characters. However, the scope of further improvement for female fertility of siliqua length and seeds per siliqua is suggested by the negative effect of cytoplasm from allied sources particularly in cari-CMS.
18. B. H. HALASWAMY, H. O. BHUSHANA, R. S. KULKARNI, G. C. SHEKAR AND A. SEETHARAM [Analysis of three-way cross sunflower hybrids for yield and oil content over different environments]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 204-207 (2001). Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore-560 065 (Karnataka), India
ABSTRACT
Sixteen genotypes (14 three-way crosses and two hybrid checks) were subjected for stability analysis, genotypic differences in all the four locations for all the traits except stem diameter, number of filled seeds and oil yield per plant. Genotypic x environment interactions were found to be significant for all the five characters considered for stability analysis. Significant environmental (linear) effect was observed for all the six traits. The variance due to genotype x environment (linear) was non-significant for head diameter. The effect due to pooled deviation (non-linear) was found to be significant for all the traits. Among the 16 genotypes studied, nine showed stability for seed yield of which two hybrids (234 A x 851 B) x RHA 274 and MSFH-17 had average stability (bi=1). The TWC hybrids (851 A x 300 B) x RHA 274 and (234 A x 851 B) x 60-1 were found to be stable for majority of the characters.
19. A. D. BANJO, I. O. ODUTAYO AND T. O. OJERINDE [The use of some locally available plant parts as protectants of maize (Zea mays) grains against infestation of Sitophilus zeamais]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 208-213 (2001). Department of Biological Sciences, Ogun State University, P. M. B. 2002, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The effects of leaves of Azadirachta indica, Morinda lucida, Vernonia amygdalina, Jatropha curcas, Ocimum gratissimum, Ocimum basillicum, Gliciridia sepium and the seeds of Piper guineense, Parkia bicolor and roots of Zingiber officinalis on Sitophilus zeamais infesting maize (Zea mays) were assessed. The leaves, seeds and roots powdered were applied at different dosages of 10, 5, 1 and 0 g plant parts on 50 g of maize. The seeds of P. guineense and leaves of O. gratissimum and A. indica were more effective than parts of all other plant species used. None of the powdered plant parts affected the colour or the palatability of the maize grains.
20. O. I. ODUTAYO, A. D. BANJO AND A. T. ADEGOKE [Protection of stored cowpea from Callosobruchus maculatus F. using plant products]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 214-218 (2001). Department of Biological Sciences, Ogun State University, P. M. B. 2002, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The suitability of leaf powders of two plants in protecting cowpea seeds from attack by Callosobruchus maculatus during storage was evaluated using various dosages of the various leaf powders 5, 10 and 15 g per 108 g seed. Both the powdered leaf of Ocimum gratissimum and powdered peel of Citrus sinensis were significantly effective in providing a high level of bruchid control at P<0.05. O. gratissimum was more potent than dried powdered peel of C. sinensis in reducing or inhibiting oviposition and adult emergence at P>0.05. None of the powders used affected the texture, colour and the palatability of the cowpea.
21. M. V. MALIPATIL, S. S. DASHAD, P. D. SHARMA AND O. P. CHAUDHARY [Evaluation of different spray nozzles in controlling insect-pests of cotton in Haryana]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 219-224 (2001). Department of Entomology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, India
ABSTRACT
Efficacy of different spray nozzles viz., triple action nozzle with fine and coarse spray TAFS and TACS, adjustable nozzle (AN), duromist nozzle (DM) and double duromist nozzle (DDM) against insect-pests of cotton on cv. H-777 was evaluated. The insecticides phosphamidon 85 WSC @ 200 g/ha and oxydemeton-methyl 25 EC @ 250 mg/ha (I & II sprays) were applied against sucking insect-pests during vegetative crop growth phase. Whereas monocrotophos 36 SL @ 500 g/ha, fenvalerate 20 EC @ 50 g/ha, quinalphos 20 AF @ 500 g and cypermethrin 10 EC @ 50 g/ha (III to VI sprays) were used during reproductive crop phase against bollworms. The nozzle AFS was found to be the most effective against sucking insect-pests where least leafhopper (0.88 nymphs/leaf) and whitefly population (1.45 adults/leaf) were recorded during whole cropping period. During the reproductive phase of the crop, TAFS again was the most effective where minimum bollworm infestation in shed fruiting bodies (18.1%) was recorded alongwith the minimum damage in open bolls both on boll (12.5%) as well as locule basis (7.7%). The maximum yield of seed cotton was recorded in DDMs (15.0 q/ha) and TAFS (14.1 q/ha). In terms of relative efficiency, the nozzles TAFS and DDM were followed by DM and AN, whereas TACS was the least effective of all the nozzles.
22. R. P. PATEL, H. S. YADAVA AND PRAVEEN SINGH [Efficiency and economics of some modern fungicides in controlling blast disease in finger millet]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 225-228 (2001). Govt. Model Science College, Rewa-486 001 (M. P.), India
ABSTRACT
Eight treatments comprising four modern fungicides, namely, carbendazim, chlorothalonil, edinfenphos, mancozeb and their combination with control were evaluated to know their efficiency and economics in controlling the blast disease in finger millet. All the tested fungicides were found equally efficient in controlling the blast disease but one spray of chlorothalonil+one spray of mancozeb was found the most economical with net profit of Rs. 2253/ha; hence, this can be recommended for controlling the blast disease of finger millet under agroclimatic condition of Madhya Pradesh.
23. S. B. DAS AND N. P. KATYAR [Effect of moon light and lunar periodicity on the pheromone trap catches of tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura Fab.) moths]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 229-236 (2001). J. N. K. V. V. Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Khargone-451 001 (M. P.), India
ABSTRACT
The effect of moon light and its periodicity on the sex pheromone trap catches of male moths of tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) was studied for 12 years i. e. 1986-1997 at JNKVV Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Khargone (259 m above MSL, latitude 21022′-21059′ N and longitude 75050′-76012’E), M. P., India. The influence of moon light lumination response of male moths towards pheromone traps was measured by the number of the trap catches, which were correlated with illumination intensity of different days of a lunar cycle (both ascending and descending phases). Analysis of the data revealed that the trap catches were low on intensive moonlit nights i. e. on and around full moon nights. Significant negative correlation was observed between illumination of moon i. e. degree of moon phase and trap catches. The response of catches was in the increasing trend during the descending phase (full moon to no moon) and vice-versa for the ascending phase (no moon to full moon). Further, the total catches recorded were higher in the latter phase than that of former one. Highest catches were observed in the ascending and descending phase of lunar cycle during the months of October and March, respectively i. e. changing weather time which might be enhancing the mating/flight activity. Hence, this study supports the theory that the response of the moths is suppressed on and around full moon, for which a number of factors are responsible.
24. SUSANTA KUMAR DE, D. MAJUMDAR1 AND P. K. TARAFDAR [Rainfall variability and potentiality of crops in alfisols under red and laterite zones of West Bengal]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 237-244 (2001) Department of Soil and Water Conservation, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741 252, Nadia (W. B.), India
ABSTRACT
Daily recorded rainfall data over last 30 years were analysed to study the monthly and seasonal distribution of rainfall and potential evapotranspiration of red and lateritic zones of West Bengal alongwith the assuredness of rainfall and water availability period at different levels of probabilities. The area received an average annual rainfall of 1471.5 mm with an average of 75 rainy days and potential evapotranspiration of 1330.6 mm. Rainfall became highest in monsoon with 75.2% of annual occurrence followed by summer (14.4%), post-monsoon (6.9%) and winter (3.5%) with the corresponding rainy days of 53 (71%), 13 (17%), 6 (8%) and 3 (4%). Annual rainfall was assured at 70% level of probability of which 508.2 (95.3%) occurred in monsoon. Considering the distribution of rainfall pattern with its assuredness of occurrence, potential evapotranspiration and water holding capacities in soils and the water availability periods in alfisols representing the area were also estimated. Higher water holding capacities in soils showed to increase the period of water availability. Sandy soils (AWC 100 mm) were less suitable for double cropping, while the loam soils (AWC 200 mm) had less risks to accommodate rabi crops with suitable soil and water conservation measures and selection of crops and varieties.
25. R. N. BARMAN AND R. N. PANDEY [Extent of technology adoption and its variation in the production of rice crops in the North Bank Plains zone of Assam]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 245-248 (2001). B. N. College of Agriculture, Biswanath Chariali (Assam), India
ABSTRACT
Technology adoption gaps and their variations have been studied in the production of winter (sali) and autumn (ahu) rice crops in the North Bank Plains zone of Assam through the computation of gap index and coefficient of variations, respectively. The results indicated substantial technology adoption gaps in terms of irrigation and manuring and fertilization. Wide inter-farm and intra-farm variations in the extent of adoption were observed in the production of sali and ahu rice crops in the zone. Technology adoption gaps were substantially high inbetween the less progressive and progressive farms and also inbetween the progressive farms and recommended technology packages.
26. RAJESH PACHORI AND V. P. GARGAV [Laboratory evaluation of different insecticides against Spodoptera litura Fab. as cutworm]. Crop Res. 21 (2) : 249-252 (2001) Department of Entomology, J. N. Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur-482 004 (M. P.), India
ABSTRACT
The efficacies of different insecticides and the techniques of their application were evaluated in the laboratory against Spodoptera litura Fab. as cutworm. The study revealed that all the insecticides were superior over control, while phorate @ 1 kg/ha proved most effective in all the methods of application followed by carbofuran @ 1 kg/ha and BHC @ 2.5 kg/ha. Endosulfan @ 0.5 kg/ha, quinalphos dust @ 0.4 kg/ha, quinalphos EC @ 0.2 kg/ha and carbaryl @ 1.25 kg/ha were less effective. The application of insecticides on the soil surface gave cent per cent mortality with phorate when the larvae were released above the soil. Carbofuran and BHC also gave satisfactory mortalities in this situation. When the insecticides were mixed with the soil or DAP was coated with insecticides, they were more effective against the caterpillars released inside the soil as near cent per cent mortality was observed with phorate followed by carbofuran.