Volume 31, Number 2 (March, 2006)

ABSTRACT

Field experiments were conducted during summer and kharif seasons of 2001 at Agricultural Research Station, Honnavile, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. Pooled data of two seasons indicated that treatment combination of drum seeding with application of pre-emergence herbicide pretilachlor+safener at 1 l ha-1 on 4 DAS followed by one hand weeding at 30 DAS recorded significantly lower total weed count (4.19/0.25 m2) and total weed dry weight (35.1 kg ha-1) resulting in superior grain yield (7061 kg ha-1), straw yield (9265 kg ha-1) and net income (Rs. 25208 ha-1).

ABSTRACT

Investigation was undertaken to study the flowering behaviour and leaf growth rate of a CMS line IR 58025A, its maintainer IR 58025B and restorer (NDR 3026-3-1) of a promising rice hybrid NDRH2 to design a technological measure for obtaining a perfect synchronization of flowering between these parental lines. Based on these measures, the synchronization of flowering between IR 58025A and IR 58025B could be obtained, if line B is seeded on 4th and 7th days after the seeding of line A, whereas three staggered seedings of line R at 9, 12 and 15 days earlier to seeding of line A were appropriate for obtaining perfect synchronization between A and R breeding system. Besides, these measures could also be employed for other hybrid combinations.

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted at wet land block of S. V. Agricultural College Farm, Tirupati campus of Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University during rabi 2002 to study the relative efficacy of herbicides against weeds in tranplanted rice. Major weeds observed in the experimental plots were Echinochloa colonum, Panicum repens, Cyperus rotundus, Eclipta alba and Ammania baccifera. Results indicated that pre-emergence application of cinmethylin 0.1 kg a. i. ha-1 significantly reduced total weed density and weed dry matter and was comparable with hand weeding twice, butachlor 1.5 kg a. i. ha-1, pretilachlor+safener 0.75 kg a. i. ha-1, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl 0.01 kg a. i. ha-1, butachlor 1 kg a. i. ha-1+2,4-DEE 0.4 kg a. i. ha-1 and cinmethylin 0.08 kg a. i. ha-1+2,4-DEE 0.4 kg a. i. ha-1.

ABSTRACT

A field experiment conducted during two continuous years of 2000-01 and 2001-02 revealed that application of FYM produced highest rice equivalent yield of 120.6 q/ha and wheat equivalent yield of 98.3 q/ha which was 5.80 q/ha (5.05%) and 9.70 q/ha (8.74%) higher in case of rice equivalent yield and 4.80 q/ha (5.13%) and 8.0 q/ha (8.85%) higher in case of wheat equivalent yield than gypsum and control, respectively. Gypsum showed 3.9 q/ha (3.50%) and 3.20 q/ha (3.54%) higher rice and wheat grain equivalent yield, respectively, over control. Application of FYM also increased the gross income of the rice-wheat system by a margin of Rs. 3120/ha (4.84%) and Rs. 5460/ha (8.80%) over gypsum and control, respectively. Every reduction in fertilizer doses from 100 to 75% and 75 to 50% decreased the rice grain equivalent yield significantly by a margin of 4.29 and 6.03% and wheat grain equivalent yield by 4.75 and 5.73%, respectively, in the pooled data. Recommended dose of fertilizer gave maximum gross and net income of Rs. 67890 and 27890/ha, respectively, and every reduction in fertilizer doses showed significant reduction in gross and net profit.

ABSTRACT

Field experiment was carried out at Annamalai University Experimental Farm, Annamalainagar during Navarai (December-March 2002-03) in a randomized block design with five treatments replicated four times by using rice variety ADT 43. Results indicated that foliar application of kiecite @ 1.0% (T3) obtained the highest grain yield of 5326 kg ha-1, net return of Rs. 23536 ha-1 and benefit : cost ratio of 2.26 when compared to control (T1) with grain yield of 4095 kg ha-1, net return of Rs. 11812 ha-1 and benefit : cost ratio of 1.64.

ABSTRACT

The present paper describes the influence of dual inoculation of Glomus and Azospirillum on growth, mycorrhizal infection and nutrient acquisition of rice at two sources and four regimes of inorganic phosphorus fertilizer. Inoculated plants responded better than uninoculated control at all the sources and levels of phosphorus fertilization, but the response was different for different sources. Inoculation of rice plants with bio-inoculants either alone or in combination at 25 mg pot-1 SSP yielded more biomass than the un-inoculated control supplemented with 50 mg pot-1 SSP. Number of mycorrhizal spores and percentage root infection decreased with increase in concentration of P in soil. Generally mycorrhizal plants had more shoot phosphorus than non-mycorrhizal ones.

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted at Dryland Farming Research Station, Arjia, Bhilwara during the year 1996-97 with an objective to find out the tillage requirement for the maize. Seven tillage systems were evaluated for production of maize in kharif season. The tillage systems included were : (a) Summer (T1–Disc plough followed by cultivator, T2–Cultivator followed by cultivator,T3–Deshi plough followed by cultivator and T4–Deshi plough followed by deshi plough), (b) After pre–monsoon (T5–Disc plough followed by cultivator and T6–Cultivator followed by cultivator) and (c) At sowing (T7–Cultivator followed by cultivator). The results indicated that the tillage system comprising summer disc ploughing followed by cultivator was more beneficial as the use of this resulted in effective reduction in runoff and soil loss and increased water use efficiency for crops in the region.

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 2000-01 and 2001-02 to evaluate the grain yield response of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] to farm yard manure (FYM) under different phosphorus levels and vice versa. Mean grain yield of G. C. 3 cowpea increased significantly with the increased levels, each of FYM and phosphorus. Response of cowpea to both FYM and phosphorus was observed to be quadratic. On pooled grain yield basis, the economic optimum dose(s) of FYM for G. C. 3 cowpea were 6.2, 9.3, 11.9 and 12.3 t/ha under 0 (no phosphorus–control), 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5/ha, respectively. Similarly, economic optimum dose(s) of phosphorus were 57.3, 51.2, 55.4 and 57.1 kg P2O5/ha under 0 (no FYM–control), 5, 10 and 15 t FYM/ha, respectively.

ABSTRACT

Three representative soil pedons in village Budawa under Banganala Watershed were morphologically studied, characterized and classified. The soils are very deep, colour ranged from brown (10YR5/3) to dark brown (10YR3/3) and very dark greyish brown (10YR3/2) in different horizons. Fe and calcretes were observed in sub-surface horizons. The texture in surface soils varied from clay loam to clay, while in pedon 2, the texture was observed sandy clay loam throughout the profile. The soils were calcareous and pH ranged from 7.0 to 7.5. The organic carbon content in these soils was (4.4 g kg-1), low to medium (6.1 g kg-1) in surface and decreased with depth. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) was found high in horizons where clay content was more. Based on morphological, physical and chemical properties, P1 and P3 were classified as Vertic Haplustalfs and pedon (P2) was placed under Typic Haplustepts.

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted during 1998-99 and 1999-2000 in kharif season at J. V. R. Horticultural Research Station, Malyal under Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh. This experiment was conducted with 15 treatment combinations consisting of organic and inorganic nitrogenous fertilizer in randomised block design with three replications i. e. organic manures viz., neem cake (NC @ 1 and 2 t ha-1), poultry manure (PM @ 5 and 10 t ha-1) and sheep manure (SM @ 6 and 12 t ha-1) in combination with recommended nitrogenous fertilizer (50 and 75% RNF) in comparison with 100% RNF to find out the effect on yield and nutrient uptake by plant of paprika in cv. Warangal Local. The treatment NC @ 2 t ha-1+75% RNF influenced higher dry pod yield (52.33 g) per plant compared to all other treatments and PM @ 10 t ha-1+75% RNF recorded maximum dry pod yield recovery (78.11%). The treatment NC @ 2 t ha-1+75% RNF recorded maximum N, P and K uptake.

ABSTRACT

The experiment was conducted on a 30% hill slope with sandy clay loam soil at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Diphu, Assam to study the effect of continuous cropping of jhum lands on soil properties and available nutrients under traditional and improved methods of cultivation in order to see the feasibility of stable agriculture in jhum lands. Organic matter content of the soil remained unaffected under the improved methods of cultivation after one year of cropping, whereas traditional cultivation resulted in 18-19% decrease in the organic matter content of the soil. Cultivation in traditional methods resulted in greater decrease in the total N content than the improved methods after three years of cropping. Scientific land use had improved the soil reaction and it was maintained near neutral after three years of cropping. Cultivation in traditional methods caused greater depletion of available nutrients in soil. Inclusion of densely planted crops in the border areas was more efficient in conserving the soil organic matter and available nutrients in soil. Thus, improved cultivation in jhum lands may sustain the productivity of soil in the long run.

ABSTRACT

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the manurial value of Agrimagic during kharif 2001 at GKVK, Bangalore in comparison with FYM and inorganic fertilizers in terms of yield, yield components and nutrient uptake in selected dry land crops viz., finger millet, sunflower, groundnut and pigeonpea. Application of the recommended package of UAS, Bangalore i. e. 100% recommended NPK+75 t/ha FYM gave higher yield and recorded better growth and yield parameters in all the crops as compared to plots receiving 100% NPK+Agrimagic. However, application of 100% recommended NPK+Agrimagic although gave significantly lower yield as compared to UAS package in finger millet and sunflower, it gave on par yield in groundnut and pigeonpea. The uptake of NPK by finger millet crop was found to be higher in plots supplied with UAS package. The results revealed that Agrimagic could not be a substitute to FYM as an organic source of nutrient.

ABSTRACT

Study of heterosis in 28 different hybrids of rice resulting from seven lines and four testers indicated pronounced hybrid vigour for yield and most of the yield components. Heterosis to the extent of 76.97 and 64.95% over the mid parent and better parent, respectively, was recorded for grain yield per plant. Crosses between high x high and high x low gca parents exhibited greater heterosis. L6 and T3 were promising parents which showed high heterosis for grain yield per plant and number of grains per panicle. These hybrids were identified as promising for many desirable traits and they may be of much use in exploiting hybrid vigour in rice.

ABSTRACT

Components of heterosis, heterosis and inbreeding depression for grain yield and its traits have been calculated through generation mean analysis in four crosses (Raj 1482 x HD 2329, PBW 373 x Raj 3077, HD 2329 x Raj 3777 and HD 2285 x WH 542) of aestivum wheat for days to heading, tillers per plant, flag leaf area, spike area, 100-grain weight and grain yield per plant. The components of heterosis revealed that dominant (h) component mainly contributed in the expression of heterosis. However, additive x additive (i), additive x dominance (j) and additive (d) also contributed significantly in the expression of heterosis. The inbreeding depression resulted due to the dissipation of heterotic effect of F2 generation.

ABSTRACT

Combining ability analysis for dry fodder yield in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] was studied in a 10 x 10 diallel cross without reciprocals in three environments (sowing dates). The variances due to gca and sca were highly significant, indicating the importance of additive and non-additive gene action. The estimates of sca components were higher in magnitude than that of gca component, indicating the pre-dominance of non-additive gene action for the trait. The combining ability studies further revealed that the inbred RIB 3135-18 was good general combiner. The best specific crosses were FTR 393 x RIB 3135-18, FTR 74 x RIB 335/74, RIB 20-K86 x RIB 3135-18, H 77/833-2 x FTR 74, RIB 264 S98 x RIB 335/74, FTR 393 x RIB 20-K86 and RIB 573 K99 x RIB 3135-18. The implications of these findings in the practical breeding programmes have been discussed.

ABSTRACT

Field experiments were conducted at TNAU, Coimbatore during kharif season of 2000 on blackgram to study the variability, correlation and path analysis for yield and yield influencing characters. The association study of different characters indicated that grain yield was significantly associated with number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length and number of seeds per pod. The results of path analysis revealed that breeding for number of clusters per plant and number of pods per plant could directly increase the seed yield.

ABSTRACT

An investigation was carried out to assess the variability, heritability and genetic advance for seven characters viz., plant height, root length, number of nodes on main stem, number of roots per plant, number of seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight and seed yield per plant in 108 sesamum genotypes during the year 2001-02. The results revealed that high GCV and PCV were observed for the characters viz., seed yield per plant, root length, number of nodes on main stem and number of roots per plant. All the characters had shown high heritability accompanied by high genetic advance except 1000-seed weight.

ABSTRACT

Fifty-three sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) germplasm lines from different parts of the country were evaluated for divergence at Agricultural Research Station, Yellamanchili, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh, India. The study indicated that the genotypes may or may not group into same cluster irrespective of their geographical origin. The characters viz., seed yield, initial flowering and capsules for plant contributed maximum to divergence.

ABSTRACT

Correlation and path coefficient analysis were carried out using 37 diverse genotypes of finger millet. Days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, main ear length, number of fingers per ear and fodder yield were positively correlated with grain yield. The positive correlation of plant height, main ear length and number of fingers/ear with grain yield and among themselves for these characters was observed suggesting that these are the major yield contributing traits in finger millet. Path coefficient analysis also showed direct positive contribution of days to maturity, plant height, number of fingers per ear and fodder yield on grain yield. These traits deserve special emphasis in selection while selecting for improvement in grain yield of finger millet.

ABSTRACT

In finger millet, 21 F1 hybrids derived from a 3 x 7 line x tester mating design alongwith their parents were utilised to estimate the heterosis for 10 traits including seed yield and quality traits, namely, protein content and calcium content. The parent CO (Ra) 14 was used as a standard parent. Based on standard heterosis and per se performance, the superior crosses were identified for each trait. The crosses Indaf 11 x DPI 2011 and CO 9 x PES 400 for grain yield, CO 9 x CO (RA) 14 for protein content and CO 9 x GPU 28 and CO 9 x TRY 1 for calcium content recorded significant standard heterosis, combined with high per se performance. The utility of this cross combination for isolation of desirable segregants is discussed.

ABSTRACT

Dryland mulberry cultivation is need of the hour as even irrigated mulberry is drying up after three successive droughts at Bijapur, Karnataka, India. Although, visual selection method is easy, sometimes breeders may not properly judge the best genotypes from segregating population. However, indirect selection with statistical background profoundly confirms the screening process of best progenies. At selection stage I, 2164 F1 mulberry progenies were evaluated in nursery under poor environment. Based on performance of primary characters, 225 progenies were selected by joint scoring and truncation point made at cumulative score of six and above. At selection stage II, apart from two primary characters, other two secondary characters were also evaluated under poor environment for 225 progenies after transplanting them in the field. The trucation point was kept fixed at cumulative score of 14 and above and five best progenies were selected. During selection stage III, final discretion was made among the best five progenies by planting the clones derived from them and evaluating them in replicated RBD design under rainfed situations in separate block for many characters including leaf quality parameters. Finally, MBJ-3 and MBJ-4 progenies were selected for final evaluation under different centres based on highest Accumulated Advantage Values obtained by them thereby securing ranks 1 and 2, respectively.

ABSTRACT

Leaf area in turmeric (cv. Erode local) was estimated by non-destructive linear measurement. The leaves were measured for maximum length (L) and maximum breadth (B) and their actual leaf area was measured in automatic leaf area meter. The regression equation was derived by fitting calculated leaf area with actual leaf area graphically. The results indicated that the regression equation Y=0.6712 x+6.3144 can be used for precise estimation of leaf area. The overall mean leaf area constant (c) was found to be 0.684, which can be employed for accurate estimation of leaf area by fitting in the equation A=c(L x B), where, A=leaf area per leaf, c= leaf area constant, L=maximum leaf length and B=maximum leaf breadth.

ABSTRACT

Investigations were carried out to study the effect of herbicides and their combinations on uptake of N, P and K by the weeds and the cabbage crop. Oxadiazon @ 1.0 kg ha-1 significantly reduced the total weed intensity, weed dry weight and nutrient uptake by the weeds and thus benefitting the crop with better supply of the nutrients. This treatment increased N, P and K uptake by the crop over the weedy check by 40.92, 48.92 and 55.60%, respectively, and resulted in the highest total yield.

ABSTRACT

Twenty-eight cross combinations of okra derived from a line (14) x tester (2) design were evaluated in a replicated RBD during summer-rainy 2002 at two locations viz., Palampur and Akrot to compare the performance of the crosses based on per se performance, heterosis (both heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis) and sca effects for fruit yield per plant and four component traits viz., fruits per plant, fruit length, nodes per plant and plant height. The cross, Pusa Makhmali x P-8 followed by Pusa Makhmali x Arka Anamika and Varsha Uphar x P-8 figured quite often for fruit yield per plant and component traits during the comparisons.

M. R. PALSULEDESAI, V. W. BENDALE, S. G. BHAVE, S. S. SAWANT AND S. S. DESAI [Association analysis for fruit yield and its components in chilli]. Crop Res. 31(2) : 291-294 (2006). Dr. B. S. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli-415 712 (M. S.), India.

ABSTRACT

Correlation coefficient and path coefficient analysis was carried out with 30 chilli genotypes. The yield plant-1 was found to be positively and significantly correlated with fruits plant-1, fruit length, 100-fruit weight, 100-seed weight, dry weight of leaves, dry weight of fruit plant-1, dry weight of plant and harvest index. The direct and indirect effect of different characters on yield revealed that yield was substantially influenced by the characters dry weight of fruits plant-1, fruit plant-1, 100-fruit weight, dry weight of plant, harvest index, 100-seed weight and dry weight of leaves.

ABSTRACT

Studies on the crossing relationship between Capsicum annuum L. and Capsicum frutescens L. revealed that both intra- and inter-specific hybridization were possible in the genus “Capsicum”. However, the success rate was low with inter-specific crosses being significantly lower than intra-specific crosses. Seeds obtained from the successful inter-specific crosses had low germination percentages suggesting that they were not wholly viable. Pollen viability was drastically reduced in the hybrids particularly in the inter-specific hybrids. The implications of these in the species evolution were discussed.

ABSTRACT

Bhendi is the common name of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] and it is one of the most important vegetable crops in India as well as in West Bengal where it is grown almost round the year excluding winter months. Among the diseases affecting this crop, yellow vein mosaic virus disease is the most destructive one and takes heavy toll by infecting all stages of plant growth and the disease is transmitted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). For suitable management of yellow vein mosaic virus disease of bhendi, selection of tolerant varieties is very important. Field screening of 13 varieties against BYVMV revealed that Punjab-7 and Arka Abhoy were found promising and most suitable for commercial cultivation in West Bengal on the basis of their yield performance and less disease incidence.

ABSTRACT

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) suffers severely from the whitefly transmitted leaf curl virus disease. An attempt was made to control/manage the disease by reducing the population of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) by mulching and intercropping. The efficacy of certain selected mulching materials and inter or mixed crop with different crops was evaluated. The results showed that mulching with yellow polythene sheet was most effective by exhibiting minimum disease incidence (20.50-24.80%) and highest yield (7.20-7.35 kg/plot). When the plots intercropped with cucumber exhibited minimum disease incidence (28.93-31.81%), maximum reduction of whitefly population was observed (40-46.27%).

ABSTRACT

Thirty inorganic salts were evaluated for their efficacy against Phytophthora infestans in vitro. Ammonium molybdate, cupric sulphate and potassium metabisulphate (1 mM) provided cent per cent inhibition of both fungal mycelial growth and zoosporangial germination, while ferric chloride and ammonium ferrous sulphate and zinc sulphate completely inhibited zoosporangial germination (both direct and indirect) as well as zoospore germination at 1 mM. Sodium pyrophosphate, on the other hand, was completely inhibitory at 10 mM. Zinc sulphate, ferric chloride and ammonium ferrous sulphate were cent per cent inhibitory at 10 mM. Ammonium salts viz., ammonium chloride, ammonium acetate, ammonium sulphate and ammonium oxalate completely inhibited indirect zoosporangial germination at 10 mM, while at higher concentration (20 mM), ammonium oxalate, ammonium chloride and ammonium acetate were inhibitory to direct sporangial germination. Ammonium sulphate, ammonium chloride and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and ammonium acetate showed complete inhibition of zoospore germination at 20 mM. Germ tube length was affected to a varying extent by the salts under study.

ABSTRACT

A total of six taxa of spiders were recorded in weeded and partially weeded rice ecosystems. Among them, Lycosa pseudoannulata (Boesenburg and Strand) was the dominant predator. All the species of spiders exhibited comparatively more abundance in partially weeded plots than in weeded plots. The spiders showed greater diversity (= less similarity) during tillering and panicle initiation (III, IV, V and VI weeks) stages of the rice crop.

ABSTRACT

Pigeonpea is a valuable source of protein, minerals and vitamins for human nutrition. The chemical constituents of seed of insect resistant/tolerant lines have been highlighted in the present paper. The difference in various chemical parameters viz., protein, total phenol (%) and epicuticular wax of the seed indicated large genetic variability. The information will be useful in combining resistance with yield and quality attributes in new lines of pigeonpea to be developed for cultivation.

ABSTRACT

The present study was undertaken to find out marketing pattern of soybean in Sehore district of M. P. in the year 2003-04. The study revealed that there were three marketing channels observed i. e. channel I through village merchant, channel II through wholesaler and channel III through ITC company. On an average, 90.78% soybean was marketed and 12.27% was retained for seed purpose, as the size of holding increased the marketable and marketed surplus also increased. Total marketing cost of grain was lowest in channel III (Rs. 76.70/q) followed by channel II (Rs. 82.20/q) and channel I (Rs. 88.70/q). Producers got higher return in channel III (ITC Company) against channel II (wholesaler/regulated market) and channel I (village merchant).

ABSTRACT

From the foregoing results, it can be concluded that for securing potential production and profit from rabi maize, the seeds were treated with Azospirillium liboferum, strain ASA-1 alongwith application of nitrogen @ 120 kg N/ha, splitting ¼ as basal, ½ at knee high stage and ¼ at tasselling stage.

ABSTRACT

Field experiments were conducted in three different blocks of Sangrur district from 2002-03 to 2004-05 for comparison of summer groundnut with rice for water saving and economic returns. Cultivation of groundnut resulted in net saving of 22.5 irrigations. However, rice was distinctly better in terms of gross and net returns of Rs. 37.494 and 20, 32l/ha) respectively, in comparison to Rs. 33, 276 and 18, 750/ha given by groundnut. Further, rice yielded 26.5 q/ha in terms of groundnut equivalent yield in comparison to groundnut giving 23.5 q/ha. However, net productivity was higher in case of groundnut (19.0 kg/ha/day) than rice (174 kg/ha/day).