Volume 22, Number 3(November, 2001)
Titles of research papers/articles alongwith their abstracts.
For full text, please contact to Editor-in-chief at : md@cropresearch.org
1. A. M. TAWAHA, M. A. TURK AND G. A. MAGHAIREH [Morphological and yield traits of awnless barley as affected by date and rate of sowing under Mediterranean condition]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 311-313 (2001). Department of plant production, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 3030, Irbid, Jordan
ABSTRACT
Field experiments were conducted during the winter seasons of 1998-99 and 1999-2000 at Houfa in northern Jordan to study the effect of date and rate of sowing on the morphological and yield traits of awnless barley under Mediterranean condition. A split-plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Grains of the awnless barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Jf/A/Barsoy/Ri) were sown on different dates (20 Dec., 4 jan. and 19 Jan.) in the main plots and sowing rates (80 and 100 kg ha-1) kept in sub-plots. Progressive delays in sowing beyond 20 December led to a yield reduction of 14.9 and 21.6% was recorded with successive delays in sowing at every 15 days interval. Plant height, spikes m-2, grains spike-1, spike length (cm) and 1000-grain weight followed the same trend as yield. Grain yield was not significantly affected by sowing rate.
2. A. M. TAWAHA AND G. A. MAGHAIREH [Barley response to herbicide applied at two growth stages under semi-arid conditions]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 314-318 (2001). Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), P. O. Box 3030, Irbid, Jordan ABSTRACT A 2-year field study was conducted during the rainy seasons of 1999 and 2000 at Houfa in northern Jordan to study the performance of two barley genotypes (CWB 117-77-9-7//Alpha/Durra and Wiesellburger/Ahor 1303-61) and their response to hand weeding (practised bi-monthly during the growing seasons) and 2, 4-D application at different growth stages. CWB 117-77-9-7//Alpha/Durra gave significantly higher grain yield of 1214.5 and 1362.5 kg ha-1 during 1999 and 2000, respectively. Differences in weed number and fresh weight were significant among various treatments in both the seasons. Hand weeding proved the best weed control. In both the growing seasons, yield reductions occurred when 2, 4-D esters were applied to barley at Stage 13 (3-leaf) and Stage 44 (mid-boot). Hand weeding treatment was more effective than 2, 4-D applications in suppressing weed growth.
3. S. R. S. RAGHUWANSHI, D. D. DUBEY AND A. S. TOMAR [Studies on the effect of saline water irrigation on germination and biometric characteristics of wheat crop in semi-arid Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 319-321 (2001). College of Agriculture, Indore-452 001 (M. P.), India
ABSTRACT
In arid and semi-arid regions, dependence on marginal quality water for irrigating the rabi crops is increasing day by day. In Indore and its surrounding areas representing semi-arid Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, presence of poor quality water has been reported. A study has been conducted at College of Agriculture, Indore to observe the effect of different combinations of saline waters and best available tubewell water (BATW) on germination rate and biometric characteristics of wheat crop. Highest germination rate and maximum plant height were observed with BATW, whereas number of tillers gets decreased significantly with increase in ECe level of irrigation water.
4. NARENDRA SINGH, J. S. DHANKAR, J. C. SHARMA, M. S. KUHAD AND B. S. DUHAN [Effect of balanced fertilizer on yield and nutrients uptake in different cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 322-325 (2001). Department of Soil Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, India
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted in Typic Haplustept sandy loam soil during 1996-97 and 1997-98 at Soil Research Farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to evaluate the response of graded dose of fertilizer application on performance of wheat varieties WH-147, WH-157, Wh-283, WH-542, PBW-343, HD-2329 and UP-2338. The average grain yield of wheat of all the varieties tested increased significantly in all the treatments as compared to control. The treatment 25% higher than the recommended dose resulted in lower yield in varieties WH-147 and WH-157 but produced significantly higher yield in varieties PBW-343, HD-2329 and UP-2338. However, varieties WH-283 and WH-542 did not respond significantly in comparison to the recommended dose. The uptake of NPK in varieties WH-147 and WH-157 decreased significantly under 25% higher than the recommended does as compared to the recommended dose. Whereas it increased significantly in PBW-343, HD-2329 and UP-2338. The NPK uptake was at par in 25% higher dose as compared to recommended dose in varieties WH-283 and WH-542. The varieties PBW-343, HD-2329 and UP-2338 emerged to have lot of potential for higher grain yield at still higher fertility levels.Research
5. S. C. PRAMANIK, S. GHOSAL CHAUDHURY, R. DINESH AND A. K. NAIR [Influence of field management practices on yield of rice varieties in Bay Islands]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 326-329 (2001). Natural Resources Management Division, Central Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair-744 101, Andaman, India
ABSTRACT
Field experiments were conducted during the wet seasons (May-December) of 1999 and 2000 at the Central Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair on low lying valley areas to evaluate the influence of field management practices and transplanting methods on depth of submergence, weed density, labour consumption and yield of traditional (C 14-8) and high yielding (IET 6314) rice varieties in Andaman Islands. Results revealed that levelling and bunding significantly increased the depth of submergence, reduced weed density and significantly increased the grain yield of both the rice varieties. Though line method of transplanting increased the grain yield significantly, also consumed 2.5 times more labourers than the random method. However, traditional variety C 14-8 responded less to the uniform geometry of transplanting as compared to high yielding variety.
6. B. S. DUHAN, VINOD KUMAR, NARENDER SINGH AND A. P. KHERA [Effect of green manuring on the yield and uptake of potassium in rice]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 330-334 (2001). Department of Soil Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, India
ABSTRACT
Field experiment was conducted to study the effect of green manuring and nitrogen application on the yield and potassium nutrition under submerged rice cultivation. The highest rice grain yield (5.5 t/ha) was recorded with the combination of sunhemp as green manure (GM)+120 kg N/ha, whereas highest husk (2.4 t/ha) and straw (8.0 t/ha) yields were recorded with dhaincha as GM+120 kg N/ha. Application of GM, in general, increased the K uptake from 2.9 to 4.6 kg/ha in rice grain, and from 2.4 to 3.9 kg/ha in straw. Application of N also increased the K uptake by rice grain, husk and straw from 4.6 to 8.9, 3.9 to 6.8 and from 62.8 to 98.2 kg/ha, respectively.
7. S. THIRUMENI, A. ANURATHA, T. RAMANADANE AND K. PARAMASIVAM [Effect of salinity on seed germination and seedling growth of rice varieties]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 335-338 (2001). Salt Tolerant Rice Breeding Scheme, Department of Agricultural Botany, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal-609 603, U. T. Pondicherry, India
ABSTRACT
Seeds of 15 rice varieties were subjected to salt stress during germination and seedling growth using different salt concentrations (0, 4, 8 and 12 dSm-1). The germination percentage and seedling growth declined with increasing salt concentration in all the varieties. Among the varieties, Pokkali and S. R. 26 B were found to be tolerant to salt stress with respect to seed germination and seedling vigour, while improved White Ponni and IR 28 were found to be most susceptible varieties.taken from each treatment for recording
8. R. K. MAITI, MARIO VALADEZ-MARROQUIN, JERONIMO GARCIA-GUZMAN and v. p. singh [A study on floral morphology and phenology of some species of Cactaceae in the semi-arid regions of Nuevo Leon, México]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 339-344 (2001). Departamento de Química y Biología, Universidad de las Americas Puebla, Apartado Postal-78, C. P. 72 820, Puebla, México
ABSTRACT
The study describes the distribution, floral morphology and some phenological aspects of some species of Cactaceae. The species showed great diversity in distribution, floral morphology and phenology which could be related to the adaption and evolution of the species in the semi-arid environments. Some of these species were listed as endangered. They also varied greatly in pollen viability, the time and duration of flowering and fruit maturity.
9. H. R. KHAFI, A. C. MEHTA, K. V. PETHANI AND K. V. BUHECHA [The effects of soil amendments on seedling establishment of pearl millet genotypes in summer under condition of saline water irrigation]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 345-349 (2001). G. A. U. Main Millet Research Station, Jamnagar-361 006 (Gujarat), India
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted on medium clayey soil of Jamnagar (Gujarat) during 1996, 1998 and 1999 to study the effects of soil amendments on seedling establishment of pearl millet genotypes in summer under condition of saline water irrigation. Irrigation interval of 15 days produced the highest final plant count (14.06) and the lowest reduction (41.97%) in plant count. The highest final plant count per metre row length (17.77) was observed with application of the FYM with lowest reduction (41.35%). Hybrid genotype of pearl millet produced the highest plant count of (13.37) per metre row length as well as lowest reduction (45.36%) as compared to male and female genotype of pearl millet.
10. A. UMESHA, A. G. BANDI, S. B. YOGANANDA AND KIRAN KUMAR V. MATHAD [Performance of popcorn varieties on their yield under varying levels of plant densities]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 350-353 (2001). Department of Agronomy, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore-560 065, India
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted to study the performance of popcorn varieties with varying levels of plant densities on grain and stover yield at Main Research Station, Hebbal, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore during summer 1996-97. Bangalore local recorded higher grain and stover yield (2541.72 and 6861.66 kg ha-1) than American popcorn (2485.46 and 6384.51 kg ha-1). Yield components such as cob length, cob diameter, number of grains cob-1, number of rows cob-1 and grain weight cob-1 did not differ significantly between varieties. Among the plant densities, grain and stover yield was significantly higher with 45 x 20 cm spacing (2848.16 and 7516.62 kg ha-1) than at wider spacing of 60 x 30 cm (2217.07 and 4926.23 kg ha-1) and it was statistically on par with the spacing of 60 x 15 cm (2639.64 and 7412.22 kg ha-1).
11. B. SHAM LAL and SHAIK MOHAMMAD [Rapid and simple method of leaf area estimation in sorghum]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 354-358 (2001). Department of Agronomy, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, India
ABSTRACT
Studies on leaf area estimation of two diverse sorghum genotypes AKMS-14A having long narrow leaves and AKR-150 with short and broad laminae were conducted at Agricultural College Farm, ANGRAU Campus, Rajendranagar. Simple linear regression models were developed separately for the two genotypes using non-destructive in situ leaf measurements viz., leaf length, maximum width, product of leaf length and width as well as destructive sampling through leaf dry weight. The paired ‘t’ test conformed the reliability of these methods in accurate leaf area estimation on par with the actual area estimated by the electronic leaf area meter. Simple constants were equally effective in precise leaf meter. Simple constants were equally effective in precise leaf area estimation on par with the actual leaf area estimated by the electronic leaf area meter. The factors were 4.389 to be multiplied with leaf length, 0.787 to be multiplied with the product of leaf length and with or 122.76 to be multiplied with leaf dry weight for genotype AKMS-14A. The factors to be multiplied with the corresponding leaf variables of AKR-150 were 5.34, 0.777 and 138.55. The constants 0.777 and 0.787 were interchangeable to both genotypes with no significant difference compared to actual leaf area. The factor 0.795 to be multiplied with the product of leaf length and width proposed by Bishnoi (1966) correctly estimated the leaf area of AKMS-14A, but underestimated that of AKR-150. In in situ measurement of leaf length multiplied with 4.389 for sorghum genotype AKMS-14A and 5.34 for AKR-150 was the simplest, quickest, inexpensive and precise non-destructive approach of leaf area estimation.
12. S. KUMARAN AND M. SUBRAMANIAN [Influence of plant population and methods of nutrient application on yield of blackgram]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 359-362 (2001). Department of Agronomy, TNAU Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam (Tamil Nadu), India
ABSTRACT
Investigations were undertaken for studying the influence of plant density and methods of nutrient application on yield of blackgram at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu during kharif 1995 and summer 1995. A plant population of 40 plants m-2 increased leaf area index (LAI), net assimilation rate (NAR) and grain yield during both the seasons. Highest root nodules plant-1, crop growth rate, specific leaf weight and relative growth rate were maximum at higher plant density (50 plants m-2). Seed treatment with ammonium molybdate 25 ppm+ZnSO4 100 ppm+FeSO4 100 ppm and foliar application of nutrients with DAP 1%+urea 0.5%+MgSO4 0.5%+ZnSO4 0.25% recorded significantly highest leaf area index, specific leaf weight, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate and grain yield of blackgram during both the seasons.
13. O. S. DAHIYA, SHER SINGH VERMA AND R. P. S. TOMER [Efficacy of vigour parameters for prediction of field potential in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 363-366 (2001). Department of Seed Science and Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, India
ABSTRACT
Forty-seven genotypes of chickpea were evaluated for different vigour parameters in the laboratory and field viz., 100-seed weight, seed density, dehydrogenase activity test, accelerated ageing, speed of emergence and seedling establishment. Seedling establishment was significantly associated with all the other vigour parameters studied for two consecutive seasons. The results revealed that there was significant variation for all the vigour parameters under study. The laboratory and field parameters gave good indication of establishment in the field.
14. A. MAHALAKSHMI PRIYA AND A. VIJAYALAKSHMI [Effect of sagowaste and pressmud on biometric parameters of greengram]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 367-369 (2001). Department of Botany, Avinashilingam Deemed University, Coimbatore-641 043 (Tamil Nadu), India
ABSTRACT
Recent developments in modern agriculture emphasise eco-friendly technologies such as organic farming, application of bio-pesticides, etc. The concept of organic matter recovery for use in agriculture is becoming more popular in waste recycling programmes. Continuous use of organic fertilizers not only enriches the soil nutrients, but also promotes the growth of soil micro-organisms and other bio-fertilizers. The sagowaste and pressmud are the solid wastes from the sago factory and sugar factory, respectively. Using greengram as the test crop, pot culture study was conducted in red sandy loam soil to reveal the influence of the agrowastes-sagowastes and pressmud on the biometrical parameters of the crop. Composted agrowastes applied individually and in combination with bio-fertilizers had increased the growth parameters of greengram.
15. P. NALAYINI, O. S. KANDASAMY AND C. KAILASAM [Richard’s growth model for interspecific cotton hybrid ‘TCHB-213’ as influenced by N levels and weed control methods]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 370-374 (2001). Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India
ABSTRACT
In this paper, Richard’s function in the form DMP=M. DMP (1±eb-kt)-1/n was used to precisely analyse plant growth in interspecific cotton hybrid ‘TCHB-213’. The data on periodical crop growth from agronomical trials conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore were used to predict the crop growth empirically.
16. S. K. KARIKARI [Resource capture and use in Bambara groundnut/sorghum intercrops in Botswana]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 375-384 (2001). Department of Crop Science and Production, Botswana College of Agriculture, P/Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana
ABSTRACT
An intercropping experiment consisting of three rows of Bambara groundnut and one row of sorghum (l1), two rows of Bambara groundnut and two rows of sorghum (l2) and one row of Bombara groundnut and three rows of sorghum (l3) was grown together with sole crops of the components at the same intra-row spacing as in the intercrops. The productivity of each intercrop and sole crop component was determined in terms of a Crop Performance Ratio (CPR) defined as the productivity of an intercrop per unit area of ground compared with that expected from sole crops sown in the same proportion. The results show that CPR for total dry weight in the intercrops ranged between 1.05 to 1.28, while the reproductive yield ranged from 1.41 to 1.82. Intercropping system with high population of Bambara groundnut (50% and above) had reproductive yield advantage over that with low (less than 50%) Bambara groundnut population. This advantage was due to greater efficiency of light conversion brought about through improved LAI, petiole/internode ratio and canopy spread in the Bambara groundnut component of the intercrops compared to its sole crop component. Bambara groundnut and sorghum intercrop are compatible and therefore recommended for small holder farmers in Botswana and other areas of similar climate.
17. S. K. KARIKARI AND B. I. TLHWAAFALO [Improvement in crop performance of Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.)Verdc] through seed selection]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 385-394 (2001). Department of Crop Science and Production, Botswana College of Agriculture, P/Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana
ABSTRACT
A two-season field experiment was conducted at the Botswana College of Agriculture, Sebele, Botswana, to determine if separation of Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc] seeds by size might be effective in improving crop performance and yield. Seeds of four landraces, namely, Gaborone Cream (GABC), Diphiri Cream (DIPC), Botswana Red (BOTR) and National Tested Seed Red (NTSR), representing the range in the Botswana collection, were separated into three size classes, small, medium and large, using round hole screens and planted in the field at a depth of 5 cm. Small and medium size seeds had a higher coefficient velocity of emergence and achieved higher growth, better crop establishment and flowered and matured earlier than large size seeds. At harvest, more small and medium size seeds were produced than large ones. In a semi-arid environment like Botswana, small and medium seeds of Bambara groundnut are likely to complete imbibition more rapidly and begin germination faster than large seeds. Therefore, farmers should use small and medium seeds which require less weight per unit area, for sowing, leaving the large seeds for consumption and other uses in food processing.
18. K. S. Rana, Ashok Kumar and r. c. gautam [Effect of starch polymer (Jalshakti) on yield attributes, yield and water use efficiency of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under rainfed conditions]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 395-397 (2001). Division of Agronomy, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, India
ABSTRACT
A two-year field experiment was conducted during 1997-99 at IARI, New Delhi to study the effect of starch polymer (Jalshakti) on yield attributes, yield and water use efficiency of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under rainfed condition. Application of Jalshakti @ 1% seed coating+soil application @ 5 kg/ha gave significantly higher yield (21.50 q/ha) as compared to control (15.1 q/ha). Growth and yield characters (plant height, branches/plant, siliquae/plant and 1000-seed weight) also recorded significantly superior under this treatment in comparison to control. Higher values of consumptive use and water use efficiency were recorded with the application of Jalshakti @ 1% seed coating+soil application @ 5 kg/ha.
19. B. VIJAY KUMAR, V. PRAVEEN RAO AND B. N. REDDY [Evaluation of seasonal crop water production functions for mustard (Brassica juncea L.)]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 398-403 (2001). Department of Agronomy, A. N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030 (M. S.), India
ABSTRACT
Field experiments were conducted with mustard at Hyderabad during winter seasons of 1995-96 and 1996-97 to develop and evaluate various seasonal crop water production functions without considering time of water deficit during crop growing season for both seed yield and dry matter yield. Seed and dry matter yield had a significant correlation with seasonal evapotranspiration and evapotranspiration deficit. The R2 value in various seasonal water production functions varied from 0.76 to 0.99 for seed yield and 0.82 to 0.99 for dry matter yield in different years and on pooled basis. The F-value for testing R2 values was highly significant in all the functions. However, in view of simplicity and from practical point of view the linear functions as expressed by linear, Stewart’s S1 and S2 functions were suggested for predicting mustard yield under Hyderabad conditions.
20. Y. SIVA LAKSHMI AND V. RADHAKRISHNA MURTHY [Effect of pre-monsoon and monsoon intercrops on grain equivalents of sunflower in sequence cropping]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 404-407 (2001). Department of Agronomy, S. V. Agricultural College, Tirupati (M. S.), India
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted during pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons of 1998-99 in sandy loam soils of S. V. Agricultural College Farm at Tirupati Campus of Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University with an objective to assess the possibilities for double cropping under rainfed situations. Among pre-monsoon season crops, vegetable clusterbean recorded overall superior yields in terms of sesamum equivalents. In the monsoon season, sunflower with vegetable cowpea as an intercrop resulted in superior in terms of sunflower equivalents.
21. M. A. NUNEZ GONZALEZ, R. K. MAITI, J. VERDE, R. FOROUGHBAKCH, G. GARCIA DIAZ, S. MARTINEZ LOZANO, N. L. HEREDIA ROJAS, S. MORENO LIMON, J. L. HERNADEZ-PINERO and M. L. CARDENAS AVILA [Genotypic variability in absorption of minerals among bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars exposed to low nutrient stress]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 408-423 (2001). Postgraduate Division, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza, C. P. 66450, APD F-16, N. L., México
ABSTRACT
A study was undertaken to investigate variability among bean cultivars for the uptake of minerals, exposed to low nutrient stress and also to select cultivar tolerant to low nutrient stress. It was observed that there existed significant variability among cultivars and also among nutrient treatments in the absorption of some of the minerals. Among the cultivars studied Pinamerpa, Garbancillo and Laguna had capacity to absorb higher amounts of some minerals and are considered as tolerant to low nutrient stress under semi-arid situations.
22. LAXMAN SINGH AND B. PAL [Effect of saline water and fertility levels on yield, potassium, zinc content and uptake by blonde psyllium (Plantago ovata Forsk.)]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 424-431 (2001). Department of Agricultural Chemistry & Soil Science, R. B. S. College, Bichpuri, Agra-283 105 (Uttar Pradesh), India
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years during rabi season at Research Farm, Bichpuri, Agra with a view to evaluating the interaction effect of saline water and fertility levels on yield, potassium and zinc uptake. Application of ECiw 12 dSm-1 water significantly decreased the grain and husk yields and uptake of potassium and zinc, whereas fertility treatments F2, F3 and F5 significantly enhanced the yield, content and uptake of potassium and zinc in grain and are shownstraw as compared to F1. The interaction effect results also indicated that application of ECiw 12 dSm-1 significantly reduced the grain and husk yields and content of zinc in grain and straw at all levels of fertility as compared to ECiw 2.4 dSm-1. An enhancement in the proportion of husk in grains noted with ECiw 12 dSm-1 at different fertility levels over the control (ECiw 2.4 dSm-1). The grain : husk ratios were 2.97 : 1, 2.96 : 1, 2. 93 : 1 and 2.92 : 1 for fertility treatments F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5, respectively. Fertility treatments F2, F3, F4 and F5, however, enhanced yield, potassium and zinc uptake by blonde psyllium at both the levels of salinity. Fertility treatment F5, comprising 50 kg N+25 kg P2O5+25 kg K2O+20 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 at 12 dSm-1 showed maximum grain, husk yield and uptake of potassium and zinc followed by N50P25K25, N50P25Zn20, N50P25 and N0P0K0Zn0.
23. N. DATT, S. P. DEV AND V. K. SURI [Carbon and nitrogen mineralisation behaviour covering different plant materials in an acid alfisol]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 432-436 (2001). HPKV Regional Research Station, Kukumseri-175 142, Lahaul & Spiti (H. P.), India
ABSTRACT
Carbon and nitrogen mineralisation in different plant materials viz., Sesbania, Lantana, Eupatorium and sunnhemp were studied at 300C under aerobic soil condition for eight weeks. CO2 evolution was taken as index of carbon mineralisation. It was maximum during first week and minimum during 5th week. NH4+-N and NO3–N were estimated weekly upto eight weeks. NH4+-N was found maximum during 2nd week and NO-3+N during 8th week. Rates of decomposition and mineralisation and microbial biomass were higher in Sesbania and sunnhemp in each case than Eupatorium or Lantana. Bacteria and fungi populations were found to be maximum during first week, whereas actinomycetes populations were maximum during the last week.
24. ASHOK KUMAR, RANBIR SINGH, R. K. CHHILLAR AND MADAN PAL [Influence of fertility levels and support management on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller) under different planting methods]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 437-441 (2001). Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, India
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was carried out during 1998 and 1999 on tomato cv. ‘Pusa hybrid 2’ with four fertility levels [Control, 75 kg N+20 kg P2O5+25 kg K2O/ha (50% RF), 150 kg N+40 kg P2O5+50 kg K2O/ha (100% RF), 75 kg N+20 kg P2O5+25 kg K2O+10 t farm yard manure/ha (50% RF+FYM)] and two planting methods (flat bed and raised bed) under support management practices (staking and no-staking) at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The fertility level of 100% RF, being at par with 50% RF+FYM produced highest marketable fruit yield. Mean fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruits/plant and fruit yield/plant were also higher with 100% RF and 50% RF+FYM. Planting of tomato plants on raised bed and staking also enhanced tha mean fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruits/plant, fruit yield/plant and marketable fruit yield.
25. S. SAHA, S. SEN, N. MANDAL AND S. PAL [Biochemical assessment of tubers from ten cultivars of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus L.) grown in different seasons]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 442-448 (2001). Department of Agricultural Biochemistry, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741 252, Nadia (W. B.), India
ABSTRACT
Nutreint composition, mineral profile and trypsin inhibitor activity of tubers from 10 cultivars of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus L.) were determined in two different seasons. The starch, sugar and crude protein content in fresh tubers varied from 12.70-20.85, 3.06-6.24 and 0.51-1.06, respectively, in October planting, whereas for December planting these values varied from 8.84-16.70, 4.49-7.40 and 0.42-0.67, respectively. Moreover, tubers were a good source of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, zinc, manganese but poor source of copper irrespective of planting time. The antinutrient content viz., trypsin inhibitor in October and December planting varied from 25.84-59.40 and 25.22-53.58 TIU/g, respectively.
26. N. MEENAKSHI1, G. S. SULIKERI, V. KRISHNAMOORTHY AND RAMAKRISHNA V. HEGDE [Standardisation of chemical environment for multiple shoot induction of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) for in vitro clonal propagation]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 449-453 (2001). Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005, India
ABSTRACT
In vitro experiments were conducted at Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Agricultural College, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during 1997-99. The results revealed that the explants of 2.5 and 3.0 mm size gave better shoot induction. The elongation of the shoot was observed when it was cultured on the MS medium supplemented with BAP 1.0 mg/1+GA 0.1 mg/1+NAA 0.1 mg/1. The highest survival (80.00%) and number of shoots per culture coupled with lowest rate of contamination and mortality percentage (15 and 5, respectively) were recorded in the MS media supplemented with BAP 1.0 mg/1+GA 0.1 mg/1+NAA 0.1 mg/1. The same culture medium produced higher shoot length (5.38 cm), number of leaves per shoot (4.00) and longer leaf (3.5 cm). These in vitro produced shoots on transfer to the MS medium supplemented with NAA 0.3 mg/1 developed healthy roots and could then be transferred to pots and grown in the field.
27. L. P. AWASTHI, SURENDRA SINGH1 AND C. H. MISRA [Morphological characters of shoot and leaf associated with drought tolerance in Indian upland rices]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 454-459 (2001). Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, N. D. University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad-224 229 (U. P.), India
ABSTRACT
Considerable genetic variability with regard to morphological characters of shoot and leaf existed among upland rice genotypes, obtained from different parts of India. Maximum and minimum mean plant height was recorded with Sarya-C (150 cm) and Ranikajal-B (93 cm). Leaf length was also highly variable among genotypes studied. Sarya-B had maximum (58 cm) and Bagri had minimum (31 cm) leaf length. Number of nodes and internodes varied from 3-5. Majority of genotypes possessed 3 or 4 internodes. It was also observed that drought tolerant genotypes in general had dwarf stature, reduced leaf size and number of nodes and internodes. The mean ratio of stomata on the upper and lower surface of leaves of different genotypes revealed maximum ratio of 0.91 with Pawas, while minimum and maximum value of stomatal index of upper surface of leaf was 32.26 and 49, respectively, for Ambemohar and Sawni bagri.
28. R. K. MATHUR, P. MANIVEL, A. L. RATHNAKUMAR AND M. Y. SAMDUR [Effect of chemical mutagens on male sterility in groundnut]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 460-462 (2001). National Research Centre for Groundnut (ICAR), P. O. Box 5, Ivnagar Road, Junagadh-362 001 (Gujarat), India
ABSTRACT
Chemical mutagens have been successfully used to induce different types of male sterility systems in various crop plants. The present study was undertaken to determine the extent of male sterility in groundnut using alkylating agents such as DES and EMS either singly or in combinations. The observations on per cent pollen sterility were taken on M2 plants. An increase in mutagen dose resulted in increase in pollen sterility. DES was more effective over EMS in inducing pollen sterility. Hence, DES and/or EMS could be used for the induction of male sterility in groundnut, which, in turn, may increase the outcrossing level of the populations.
29. A. K. NAGDA, A. DASHORA AND D. K. JAIN [Character association in parents and hybrids of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 463-468 (2001). Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan) India
ABSTRACT
A study on inter-relationship between yield determining characters among parents (four testers and 20 lines) and 80 hybrids was done during summer 1999 with respect to crop improvement and enhancement of groundnut yield. The observations were recorded on 14 yield related characters. The dry pod yield was positively and significantly associated with days to 50% flowering, number of mature pods per plant, kernel yield per plant and shelling per cent in parents, while in hybrids it was positively and significantly associated with number of mature pods per plant, kernel yield per plant, 100-kernel weight and harvest index; however, it had negative and significant association with days to 50% flowering and number of primary branches per plant. Path analysis revealed that major contributing traits for dry pod yield per plant were kernel yield per plant, 100-kernel weight and number of mature pods per plant in parents, while kernel yield per plant, haulm yield per plant and harvest index were the major contributing traits in hybrids.
30. A. P. SINGH, R. KRISHNA, R. KUMAR AND NETER PAL SINGH [Assaying divergence in lentil (Lens culinaris Medic)]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 469-473 (2001). Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur-208 002 (U. P.), India
ABSTRACT
Genetic divergence of 58 diverse strains of lentil was studied using multivariate analysis. The genotypes classified into eight different clusters, following Tocher’s method, indicated the wide range of genetic distances among the genotypes. The cluster VIII was the largest with 12 genotypes and cluster III contained only two genotypes, which was most divergent. The inter-cluster distance was minimum (14.57) between clusters II and IV with maximum (36.03) between clusters III and VI. The findings suggested that there was much diversity among 58 genotypes and genotypes of the clusters I, III, V and VII could be exploited for hybridization programme to combine different traits.
31. S. N. TIKAR, N. G. V. RAO, D. R. ARYA AND M. P. MOHARIL [Pyrethroid resistance monitoring and mechanisms in Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in central India]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 474-478 (2001). Department of Entomology, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444 104 (M. S.), India
ABSTRACT
The pyrethroid resistance to the Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in Akola region (central India) during 1998-99 showed high levels of cypermethrin and fenvalerate resistance. The average cypermethrin 0.1 µg resistance was 56.3%, that of fenvalerate 0.2 µg was 66.79%, while somewhat low resistance to the cypermethrin 1.0 µg i. e. 30.26% was recorded throughout the season. The synergistic suppression of pyrethroid resistance with synergists and vegetable oils revealed that profenofos 0.1 µg was best in suppressing cypermethrin resistance followed by Pongamia oil 50 µg. Thus, esterases were dominantly present during the season as esterase suppression was more accurately demonstrated by profenofos. PBO 50 µg suppression was moderate, while DEF 50 µg showed antagonism throughout the season.
32. M. M. JAMADAR, ASHOK SAJJAN AND SHAMARAO JAHAGIRDAR [Studies on seed mycoflora and nematodes and their effect on germination and vigour index of colour graded okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 479-484 (2001). College of Agriculture, P. B. No. 18, Bijapur-586 101 (Karnataka), India
ABSTRACT
Okra seed samples harvested during kharif 1998 and rabi 1999 were collected and observed for seed mycoflora, nematodes, their effect on seed size, 100-seed weight, per cent germination and vigour index. Twenty-seven fungi were associated with different graded colour seeds. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Colletotrichum gloeosporides, Fusarium moniliformae, Phomopsis sp., Rhizoctonia solani and Rhizopus nigricans were found to be most predominantly associated with seed. Apparently black coloured seeds harboured highest per cent seed mycoflora (15.20%) compared to minimum in dull white (8.7%). Both in kharif and rabi, the association of seed mycoflora recorded minimum 100-seed weight of 3.22 g in kharif and 3.41 g in rabi in borer attacked seeds with no seed germination. However, in dull white seed sample, the 100-seed weight, seed germination and vigour index were highest as against poor association of seed mycoflora. The study also identified the association of Meloidogyne javanica in kharif harvested seeds (32.5%).
33. A. K. TRIPATHI [Evaluation of coriander cultivars for resistance against stem gall disease and yield potential]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 485-488 (2001). Department of Plant Pathology, J. N. K. V. V. College of Agriculture, Gwalior-474 002 (M. P.), India
ABSTRACT
Twenty-two cultivars of coriander (Coriandrum sativum Linn.) were screened for their reaction to stem gall disease (Protomyces macrosporus Unger) and yield potential for two consecutive years (i. e. 1997-98 and 1998-99) in sick plot. None was found completely free from the disease but five of them viz., JD-1, G 5365-91, Pant-1, UD-20 and Rcr-41 had less than 10% disease intensity and were thus graded as resistant and recommended for resistant donors in breeding programme. Yield loss was found minimum in JD-1 (0.6%). Yield of diseased seed, total seed yield per hectare and per cent yield loss were found positively correlated with disease intensity, while yield of healthy seeds was found negatively associated.
34. K. C. GUPTA, R. L. JAT, ARVIND KUMAR AND R. K. KULHARI [Effect of irrigation and nitrogen on heat unit requirement of barley grown under varying sowing dates]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 489-491 (2001). Department of Agronomy, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur (Rajasthan), India
ABSTRACT
The heat unit requirements for attaining tillering, flowering and maturity were highest under early sown conditions, while least were under late sown conditions. The crop under limited irrigation (0.2 IW/CPE) required least mean heat units (13.73 degree days) which was increased by 118.57 and 160.74 degree days with irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 0.4 and 0.6, respectively. Application of 80 kg N ha-1 significantly increased heat units requirement for all the development stages over 40 kg N ha-1.
35. K. C. GUPTA, R. L. JAT, ARVIND KUMAR AND R. K. KULHARI [Effect of irrigation and nitrogen levels and time of sowing on N, P and K uptake by grain and straw of barley]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 492-496 (2001). Department of Agronomy, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur (Rajasthan), India
ABSTRACT
Significant higher nutrient uptake (N, P and K) by grain and straw of barley was recorded under normal sown crop as compared to early and late sown crops. Increase in irrigation levels from IW/CPE ratio of 0.2 to 0.6 significantly reduced the nitrogen and protein content in grain but significantly increased P and K content in grain and straw. Maximum nutrient in irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 0.6 successive increase in N levels upto 120 kg/ha enhanced the nutrient, protein content and nutrient uptake.
36. PANKAJ AUDICHYA, AJAY SHARMA, ARUNABH JOSHI, R. GANESH AND P. N. MATHUR [Auto-immune response from healthy leaf extract during in vitro proliferating dual callus lines of inflorescence explants of Brassica juncea L. cv. Pusa Bold infected by Albugo candida]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 497-498 (2001). Department of Plant Pathology and Bio-chemistry, Agricultural University, Udaipur-313 001 (Rajasthan), India
ABSTRACT
In a laboratory experiment, 5% healthy leaf extract of Brassica juncea L. was responsible to produce auto-immunity against Albugo candida, indicating that during plant routine cultivation the immunity was transformed from one organ to another when callus faced the stress.
37. A. K. SINGH AND AKHILESH SINGH [Correlation and path coefficient analysis of some quantitative traits in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)]. Crop Res. 22 (3) : 499-502 (2001). H. P. K. V. Regional Research Station, Dhaulakuan-173 001 (H. P.), India
ABSTRACT
Correlation and path coefficient analysis in 24 cultivars of brinjal indicated that fruit yield per plant was positively correlated with number of fruits per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path coefficient analysis revealed that maximum weightage should be given to number of fruits/plant, average fruit weight, number of clusters/plant and number of tertiary branches/plant for improvement of fruit yield in brinjal.