Volume 32, Number 3 (November, 2006)
R. GOBI, B. J. PANDIAN AND S. KANAKA [ Evaluation of stand establishment methods and split application of N and K for hybrid rice (CORH-2) ]. Crop Res.32 (3) : 275-278 (2006). Department of Agronomy Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India. ABSTRACT Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam during late pishanam season (November 2001-April 2002) to study the effect of plant population, establishment methods and split application of N and K on growth and yield of hybrid rice (CORH-2). The results revealed that there was a significant increase in growth and yield attributes and yield of hybrid rice (CORH-2) in seedling and broadcasting with a plant population of 40 hills m -2 with five splits of N and four splits of K application. It also registered maximum net returns and higher benefit : cost ratio. ABSTRACT An experiment to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of Basmati rice was conducted during kharif season of 2002-03 under upland condition at Agronomy Farm, Department of Agronomy, Dr. PDKV, Akola (M. S.). Eleven nutrient management treatments were tested in randomized block design with three replications. The experimental results revealed that the treatments application of FYM (5 t ha -1)+100% RDF (T 3), application of FYM (5 t ha -1)+75% RDF+bio-fertilizers+0.5% foliar spray of FeSO 4 (T 9) and treatment T 9+0.5% foliar spray of ZnSO 4 i. e. (T 11) being at par exhibited significant increase in all growth attributes viz., plant height, functional leaves, leaf area, number of tillers and dry matter per plant at harvest, respectively, and yield attributes viz., panicle length, panicle weight, filled grains per panicle and 1000-grain weight and grain, straw and biological yield over other treatments. There was no significant impact of use of different components of integrated nutrient management on harvest index. The per cent contribution of different components of integrated nutrient management viz., FYM (5 t ha -1), NPK (75 : 37.5 : 37.5 kg ha -1), biofertilizers (Azotobacter+PSB), FeSO 4 (0.5% foliar spray) and ZnSO 4 (0.5% foliar spray) was 29.90, 51.45, 10.84, 3.03 and 4.78%, respectively. An experiment was conducted on an Inceptisol of Varanasi to evaluate the effect of chemical fertilizer, farm yard manure and biofertilizer on yield of rice and soil properties. The experiment was carried out adopting randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments including control and replicated thrice. Application of FYM was made before 30 days transplanting of rice. Rice seedlings were treated with Azospirillum at 2 kg ha -l before transplanting. The seedlings treatment with Azospirillum gave an increase in grain yield as compared to control. Application of chemical fertilizer and FYM alone and in combination with Azospirillum significantly increased the growth and yield as compared to control. Individually, application of 120 kg N ha -l through urea produced significantly maximum yield. However, treatment comprising 80 kg N ha -1+Azospirillum+2.5 t FYM ha -1 was found to be significantly superior over all the treatments in context of rice yield. Soil application of chemical fertilizer alone increased the bulk density and particle density, whereas water holding capacity and organic carbon decreased as compared to control. It was also found that bulk density and particle density of soil decreased, while water holding capacity, organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium status increased due to application of Azospirillum and farm yard manure alone or in combination as compared to control and chemical fertilizer.
ABSTRACT A pot experiment was conducted with rice (cv. IR-64) applying three doses of liming material (CaCO 3) alongwith the normal agronomic practices. The soils under study were moderate to acidic in reaction. A general trend to increase grain yield by liming was observed in all the four soils, leading to the highest in Gopalpur soil. Depending upon the type of soil, the phosphorus (P) content in leaves was affected more or less by liming, which led to the reverse trend of P content in grain to that of the corresponding grain yield of rice crop.
ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 1999-2000 and 2000-01 to study the effect of different herbicides and methods of application in wheat at S. V. B. P., University of Agriculture & Technology Research Station, Ujhani, Budaun (U. P.). The study revealed that post-emergence application of isoproturon @ 0.75 kg a. i./ha mixed with sand and isoproturon @ 0.75 kg a. i./ha with 0.5% ZnSO 4 were found equally effective in controlling weeds in wheat and significantly enhanced grain yield of wheat than weedy check. Although one hand weeding proved to be the best, isoproturon @ 0.75 kg a. i./ha mixed with sand was observed to be alternative proposition for better control of weeds in wheat. ABSTRACT An experiment conducted in a clay loam soil of West Bengal, India during rabi seasons of 2001-02 and 2002-03 revealed that conventional tillage system recorded maximum number of spikes m -2 (286.2), filled grains per spike (38.4) and test weight (37.2 g) resulting in highest grain yield of 3219.7 kg ha -1 followed by minimum and zero tillage system. Maximum grain yield was received from weed-free plots (3260.2 kg ha -1) followed by plots treated with isoguard plus (3078.1 kg ha -1). Maximum weed control efficiency was recorded from conventional tilled plots (45.51%) and weed-free plots (70.16%). Highest value of weed persistence index was recorded from zero tilled plots (0.87) and weed-free plots (0.97). However, the application of isoguard plus under minimum tillage system can be resorted to, with a maximum benefit : cost ratio of 2.09. A two-year field experiment was conducted during 2002-04 at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effect of placement of fertilizers in aqua form and may help in seed germination and increase the fertilizer use efficiency. The wheat sown by aquafertilization method increased the grain yield significantly compared to traditional method of sowing. The difference between each level of water was significant. The per cent increase with 15000 and 30000 litres of water/ha over dry placement was 21.1 and 34.3, respectively. Nitrogen application upto 60 kg N/ha also increased the grain yield significantly. Application of nitrogen partly through urea and partly through FYM recorded higher grain yield as compared to the whole nitrogen through urea. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during the rainy ( kharif) seasons of 2004 and 2005 at the Research Farm of B. H. U., Varanasi to study the effect of agronomic strategies on growth and yield of kharif maize under excessive moisture conditions. Data on growth, yield attributes, grain yield, protein content and NPK uptake were recorded. Experimental results showed that raised bed sowing (T 5) gave significantly higher grain yield, straw yield and NPK uptake during both the years, and thus this method of maize planting was proved better to achieve more grain yield of maize under excessive moisture conditions.
ABSTRACT A field experiment was carried out during 2000 and 2001 to study the relative moisture utilization by maize (Zea mays L.) grown either in a mixed or in sole situation. The total grain production in terms of maize equivalent was higher in maize (75 cm)+two rows of mungbean. Total N uptake was observed to be significantly superior with maize (75 cm)+two rows of mungbean. The consumptive use (mm), water use efficiency and water use rate were the highest in maize (75 cm)+two rows of mungbean. Application of 120 kg N/ha recorded the highest water use efficiency, followed by 80 kg N/ha and control. Studies were carried out to see the sole and interactive effect of different levels of nitrogen (75, 100 and 125 kg/ha) and FYM (25 and 50 t/ha) on the herbage yield of maize at the Forage Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Agro-meteorology and Forestry, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2002-03 and 2003-04. Results revealed that sole application of different levels of nitrogen and FYM failed to exploit the maximum yield potential of maize (J-1006). However, the nitrogen applied in conjunction with the FYM was found successful to exploit the yield potential of maize. The applied nitrogen at 125 kg/ha in conjunction with 50 t/ha FYM produced the significantly higher fresh average green fodder yield and dry matter yield of maize. ABSTRACT Some traditional food products, namely, ladoo, mathari, panjiri and vermicelli products, savory vermicelli and vermicelli were developed using 100% wheat flour (T 0 ), 75% wheat flour+25% processed pearl millet flour (T 1 ), 50% wheat flour+50% processed pearl millet flour (T 2 ) and 25% wheat flour+75% processed pearl millet flour (T 3 ). The effect of amount (proportion) of processed pearl millet flour and refined wheat flour on mean organoleptic scores on sensory parameters, namely, colour, appearance, flavour, texture, taste and overall acceptability were investigated. The T 1 and T 2 types of traditional convenience food products obtained organoleptic scores comparable to that of T c type. Proximate composition of the products (T 2 ) was analysed to be as follows : 0.34 to 6.5% moisture, 11.03 to 11.65% protein, 2.12 to 30.71% fat, 1.1 to 1.75% ash, 0.67 to 0.85% crude fibre and 55.05 to 84.51% total carbohydrate. The energy values derived from these products ranged from 403.12 to 543.19 kcal. The organoleptic acceptability decreased although within acceptable scale and free fatty acid content of various traditional foods increased during storage of 60 days.
ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted at Hisar to study the response of pearl millet to nitrogen levels and its time of nitrogen application under weed management variables during kharif 2003 and 2004. Increasing levels of nitrogen application brought about significant improvement in the grain yield of pearl millet hybrid HHB 94 under various weed management variables. Two (½ at sowing+½ at tillering) and three (½ at sowing+¼ at tillering+¼ at milking) splits of N application yielded significantly higher grain over full basal at sowing. The response of pearl millet to N application under various weed managements was observed to be quadratic in individual years and for pooled grain yield as well. The economic optimum dose of HHB 94 (pooled data) was computed to be 167.85, 166.50 and 171.05 kg ha -1 under weedy check, weed-free check (mechanical) and atrazine @ 0.5 kg ha -1 (pre-emergence), respectively.
ABSTRACT There is not enough information on the effect of plant populations on yield and yield components of irrigated rapeseed ( Brassica napus L.). For this reason, a 2-year field experiment was conducted at Fars Agricultural Research Center , Shiraz , Iran to determine the response of two winter cultivars (cvs.) of rapeseed under different sowing rates and row spacings. Plant densities were manipulated by changing the sowing rates and row spacing. Increased sowing rates significantly (<5%) decreased number of pods per plant and 1000-seed weight and had no significant effects on seed and oil yields. Increased row spacing significantly increased pods per plant, seed and oil yields in both the years. Results showed that the Okapi cv. had higher plasticity for yield compensation and had significantly (<5%) highest seed (2129.4 kg ha -1) and oil (1002.3 kg ha -1) yields at 222 plants per m 2 and 40 cm row spacing (7.6 kg ha -1 seeds), whereas Colvert cv. had its highest seed (1900 kg ha -1) and oil (888.3 kg ha -1) yields at 133 plants per m 2 and 40 cm row spacing (5.8 kg ha -1 seeds) in both the years. The number of seeds per pod was the most responsive of all the yield components responsible for yield compensation. Correlation coefficients between different yield and yield components showed that the seed and oil yields had a highly (<1%) positive correlations with plant height, seeds per pod and a highly negative correlation with 1000-seed weight. The years of experiment had significant effect on seed weight, seed and oil yields. ABSTRACT Furadan 5G at 2 kg a. i. ha -1 and leaf powder from siam weed (Chromolaena odorata), red acalypha (Acalypha torta), bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) each at 2 t ha -1 were evaluated, in the pot experiment, for the control of the root knot nematode on sesamum (Ceratotheca sesamoides Endl.) at University of Ilorin Teaching and Research Farm, Nigeria. Complete randomized design, with five treatments and four replicates was used. Pots that were inoculated with root knot nematode but not treated with either bioactive plant or furadan served as control experiment. Populations of the root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, both in the soil and root of sesamum were significantly reduced by the furadan and bioactive plants. All the treated sesamum plants significantly had improved number of leaves, root weight and height. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of integrated method of weed control on yield, economics, WCI and WI of groundnut during kharif season of 2002-03. Experimental results revealed that the cultural methods not only reduced weed population but also recorded higher pod and haulm yield of rabi groundnut. Application of ALS inhibitor herbicides at 50, 62.5, 75 and 100 g a. i. ha -1 at 5 DAS followed by one hoeing and one hand weeding at 35 DAS as well as ALS inhibitor herbicide at 50 g a. i. ha -1 +pendimethalin at 250 g a. i. ha -1 at 5 DAS followed by cultural practices at 35 DAS observed similar for pod and haulm yield of groundnut. Application of ALS 50 g a. i. at 5 DAS followed by cultural practices at 30 DAS was economical treatment for weed control and obtained maximum benefit. After cultural methods of weed control, maximum gross monetary returns, net monetary returns and benefit : cost ratio were obtained from application of ALS at 62.5 g a. i. ha -1 at 5 DAS followed by cultural practices 35 DAS. . ABSTRACT Field experiment conducted during rabi season of 2001-02 to study the economics of herbicidal weed management in groundnut revealed that pre-emergence application of imazapic at 120 g ha -1 recorded maximum pod (22.36 q ha -1) and haulm yield (22.40 q ha -1) with lowest weed dry weight and highest weed control efficiency of 61.4%. Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin was the next best treatment with respect to pod yield. Seed germination was affected by different herbicides upto 23.7% as compared to farmers’ practice. The number of nodules per plant was drastically reduced by application of all herbicides at initial stages of plant growth (upto 45 DAS) as compared to the farmers’ practice but at successive stages of growth this parameter was recovered at the herbicides treated plot. Maximum benefit : cost ratio of 1.87 was also recorded by imazapic at 120 g ha -1. The loss in pod yield was 66.59% in weedy check compared to imazapic (120 g ha -1). Blackgram is one of the important crops of pulses. It contains 23.9% protein, 1.3% fat and 60.4% carbohydrate. Sulphur is an essential plant nutrient and plays a key role in sustaining higher production of pulse crops. Molybdenum is very low in many soils. Crops are very sensitive to molybdenum especially legumes. Molybdenum helps in nitrogen fixation and iron absorption and translocation in plants. Therefore, the present study was planned to study the effect of sulphur and molybdenum on blackgram (Vigna mungo L.). Field experiment was conducted in randomized block design with six treatments including control and three replications. Treatments were : T 0 (Control), T 1 (S at 25 kg ha -1), T 2 (S at 50 kg ha -1), T 3 (S at 25 kg ha -1+Mo at 10 kg ha -1), T 4 (S at 50 kg ha -1+Mo at 5 kg ha -1) and T 5 (S at 50 kg ha -1+Mo at 10 kg ha -1). Pant U-19 was used as test variety of blackgram. Application of sulphur and molybdenum alone or in combination significantly increased the vegetative growth, nodule numbers and yield of blackgram as compared to control. Protein content also increased due to application of sulphur and molybdenum. Maximum growth and yield were recorded with T 4. ABSTRACT Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) production is often limited by acid soil infertility. Two 3-week-incubation studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of lime [0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 t Ca (OH) 2 ha -1] and phosphorus, P (88 mg kg -1 applied with crystallizer, CRYS; organo-mineral fertilizer, OMF and single super phosphate, SSP) on P availability in an acid (pH 4.6) and alfisol. These investigations were followed by pot experiments to assess the short-term and residual effects of lime and P treatments on cowpea performance. Besides control (no P fertilizer, no lime), treatment combinations involving Ca (OH) 2 at 2 t ha -1 and P fertilizers (CRYS and OMF) at 88 mg P kg -1 were applied in three replicates in a completely randomized design. Liming at 2.0 t ha -1 was optimum as it raised pH to 6.5, while P released from OMF and CRYS was higher than from SSP, the decreasing order of soil P availability being : OMF>CRYS>SSP>lime and OMF+CRYS>OMF+SSP>OMF+ lime>SSP+lime+CRYS for sole and combined treatments, respectively. The various soil amendments increased pH to between 6.5 and 7.0, while untreated samples had mean pH of 4.7 after 3-week-incubation period. The OMF and lime+OMF+CRYS treated plants had more vigour, being taller (>17.0 cm) than control (15.3 cm) or CRYS (16.7 cm) and CRYS+OMF (16.2 cm) treated plants. Biomass production was highest (>6.5 g pot -1) with CRYS+OMF treatment and least (2.0 g pot -1) in control plants. Post-cropping soil available P was highest (12.08 mg ka -1) with OMF, while control had 2.88 mg ka -1. The lime effectiveness (LE) of CRYS and OMF was averagely 20% but >100% for combined treatments of lime+OMF+CRYS. It was evident that organic and inorganic P fertilizer sources (alone or in combination with lime) could be used as acid soil ameliorants to enhance P availability for sustainable cowpea production. ABSTRACT The lab experiment was conducted during the year 2002-03 in the Department of Agronomy, B. H. U., Varanasi . Significantly highest herbicidal effect of petroleum ether extract of Xanthium on Parthenium was observed followed by methanol and water extract. The 1000 ppm concentration had significantly highest herbicidal effect as compared to lower concentration. The more you sow, the more you reap–so goes a proverb. Bitter experience often proves otherwise. This happens with growing sugarbeets as well. Also, in order to sow more, one must have more resources in terms of land, labour and money. This paper shows situations where a sugarbeet farmer may reap less with sowing more. Yield to cost ratio was also worked out in a few cases to indicate the direction of more return. Cost was measured in rupees per hectare. Only cost of fertilizers was considered. Return was measured with six different attributes–total root yield, total shoot yield, total sugar yield, total protein yield, market value of root plus shoot and market value of sugar plus protein. The first four attributes were measured in kilograms per hectare, the last two in rupees per hectare. Different combinations of urea and potash were used in the experiments. Three cropping seasons and randomized block designs within each season formed the replicates for obtaining fluctuations in yield. Crop density and a dose of phosphate fertilizer were kept constant. Market surveys were carried out for obtaining price fluctuations of fertilizers and yields. Minimum, maximum and mean yields were used to highlight variations in cost and yield. These results, presented in tabular form, indicate situations where a farmer may face bitter experience and where he may have a rosy future.
ABSTRACT In this study, two surface irrigation models, referred as SRFR model and SIRMOD model, were evaluated for their prediction of advanced and recession times and run off under field conditions in Hamedan , Iran , during the summer of 2005. Errors in predicting advance and recession trajectories, and estimated runoff and infiltrated volumes were compared. The models were based on Saint-Venant equations. Six borders of alfalfa field in first irrigation after mow, were applied to this study. The models were applied to all events and, it was found that the SIRMOD model had the better result, relatively, in predicting advance and recession times under the field conditions encountered in the present study. Considering the overall suitability of the models, the H-SIRMOD and Z-SIRMOD models are the most suitable for this field condition. ABSTRACT Nitrogen fertilization plays an important role in tea plantation crop where the ultimate aim is the stimulation of vegetative growth. A nitrogen transformation in soil influences nitrogen losses via NH 3 volatilization, denitrification, surface runoff and leachate that degrade the environment. To elucidate information on the nitrogen transformations, an incubation experiment was carried out with two acidic soils (clay loam and sandy clay loam) under tea cultivation collected from the farms of UPASI, Coonoor and Valparai. Five levels of nitrogen (0, 250, 375, 500 and 625 kg ha -1) as urea were applied to each soil and different forms of nitrogen were monitored periodically during 90 days of incubation period. Urea hydrolysis followed the first order reaction and it was high in clay loam soil during early period of incubation. Increasing levels of nitrogen application increased the nitrogen fractions such as NH 4-N and NO 3-N in both the soils. The NH 4-N content of the soil increased upto 5th day, whereas NO 3-N content of the soil increased upto 30th day of incubation. ABSTRACT Seed yield and nutrient uptake of coriander increased with application of sulphur and potassium. The interaction of sulphur and potassium on seed yield of coriander was not significant. Total N, P and K uptake by coriander increased with the increased application of sulphur and potassium. K application increased only 1 N ammonium acetate extractable K. Organic carbon content remained unaffected with S and K application. A field experiment was conducted on wheat (Triticum aestivum) followed by maize (Zea mays) at CSK HPKV, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. The soil was silty clay loam in texture and acidic in reaction. The organic carbon, available N, P and K status were 10 g kg -1, 361, 20 and 318 kg ha -1, respectively. The study revealed that application of 250 kg P 2O 5 ha -1 over control and 500 kg P 2O 5 ha -1 over 250 kg P 2O 5 ha -1 significantly increased the Olsen’s and citrate soluble P, all the P-fractions viz., Al-P, Fe-P and Ca-P and decreased the P-fixing capacity at harvest of wheat and maize except in citrate soluble P at maize harvest, where 250 and 500 kg P 2O 5 ha -1 level were at par with each other. Among different sources of P, SSP and Gaffsa were better over Tebessa, Youssofia and Mussorrie rockphosphate in increasing the P availability, P-fractions and reducing the P-fixing capacity of the soil. The development of prescription based fertilizer recommendations for a given soil crop fertilizer situation takes into account the soil fertility status as well as crop needs and is thus based on balanced nutrition of crops. So, the target yield concept involves fertilizer recommendation based on yield targets to be achieved taking into consideration the contribution of soil available nutrients and fertilizer nutrients for total uptake. Field experiments were conducted at farmers’ fields to check the validity of the fertilizer adjustment equations for different crops (greengram, raya, maize, wheat and gobhi sarson) by comparing farmers’ practice, with general recommended dose, soil test based general recommended dose, and fertilizer requirements for specific yield target for ascertaining the economics of each practice. The results of the study showed the superiority of the target yield concept over the other practices as it gave higher yields and optimal economic returns. The yield targets were achieved within reasonable limits when the fertilizer was applied on soil test basis (10 + deviation from the target) in majority of the crops thus establishing the utility of the adjustment equations for recommending soil test based fertilizer application to the farmers. ABSTRACT Laboratory incubation studies conducted on decomposition of crop residues revealed that the evolution of CO 2 was rapid during 1-30 days and slowed down after 30 days. Amongst the different crop residues studied, wheat straw recorded significantly lowest quantities of CO 2 evolved during the initial period of 30 days (16.10 g/100 g), in comparison with sunflower husk which recorded the highest evolution of CO 2 during the initial period of 30 days (17.52 g/100 g). After 60 days the highest CO 2 evolved was recorded by moong straw (18.42 g/100 g). The trend remained same after 90 days for moong straw. Findings on mineralization of nitrogen revealed that the mineralization of nitrogen was rapid in the initial period of 1-30 days. The highest quantity of nitrogen released was recorded by the wheat straw (15.3 mg/100 g) followed by the cotton stalk (14.3 mg/100 g), while the Udid straw released the lowest quantities of nitrogen (9.3 mg/100 g). The rate of mineralization of nitrogen was relatively slower in the subsequent period of 30-60 days. Sunflower husk (13.5 mg/100 g) recorded the highest quantities of nitrogen mineralized. After 90 days of incubation, the organic carbon content of soybean husk was highest (31.3%), while the wheat straw (20.8%) had lowest contents of organic carbon. Highest nitrogen content in the residue was recorded by sorghum stubble (1.58%) followed by the sugarcane trash (1.29%), while Udid (0.81%) was lowest in nitrogen contents after 90 days of incubation. G. Keshavan, V. Ponnuswami and M. Kavino [ Post- harvest quality of banana influenced by different sourcesof nitrogen ]. Crop Res. 32 (3) : 387-390 (2006). Department of Fruit Crops Horticultural College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India . ABSTRACT Banana is the second largest fruit crop in the world, and in India it is one of the most important commercial fruits. Investigations on the effects of different sources of nitrogen on post-harvest characters of banana cv. Ney Poovan (AB) were conducted at Horticultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Coimbatore . Various sources of nitrogen included urea, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), ammonium sulphate (AS), single super phosphate (SSP), muriate of potash (MOP) and the biofertilizer Azospirillum. The recommended fertilizer dose of 110 : 35 : 330 g of NPK plant -1 was used as basis for application. Phosphorus was applied as a single dose in third month after planting. Nitrogen as various sources as per the treatment schedule and potash fertilizers were applied in three split doses in the third, fifth and seventh months after planting. There were 11 treatments including the control, in which 100% recommended N was applied in the form of urea. Maximum shelf life in number of days (11.25 days), and least PLW (5.60%) were recorded in the treatment 25% N as CAN+25% N as urea+50% N as ammonium sulphate. Highest TSS content (26.77%), minimum acidity value (0.16%), highest ascorbic acid content (11.50 mg 100 g -1), maximum reducing sugar (16.52%), maximum non-reducing sugar (4.95%) and highest total sugars (21.48%) were all also recorded in the treatment 25% N as CAN+25% N as urea+50% N as ammonium sulphate.
ABSTRACT The investigation included nine levels of growth regulators (IBA and NAA each of 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000 ppm including control) with Bougainvillea variety Mahara in polythene bags. The basal end of cuttings was dipped in growth regulator solution by adopting quick dip method. Growth regulator IBA was found superior to NAA for most of the rooting characters. IBA 6000 ppm was found significantly superior for increasing sprouting percentage, number of shoots, length of shoot, number of roots, length of root, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots and also percentage of rooted cuttings.
ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted for two years at Hill Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, CSK HPKV, Dhaulakuan during winter seasons of 2004-05 and 2005-06 to study the response of number of irrigations and amount of applied water on cabbage crop. Highest cabbage yield of 270 q/ha was recorded with 10 irrigations, each irrigation of 5 cm depth at an interval of 14 days. The field water use efficiency increased with the decreases in number of irrigations and thereby with the decreased amount of applied water. ABSTRACT Field experiments were conducted on boron and molybdenum deficient soils of terai zone of West Bengal to standardize the optimum doses of boron and molybdenum for yield and quality of sprouting broccoli (cv. Kabuki). Significant response of boron levels (15-21 kg/ha) with respect to central head weight, head diameter, head volume and total head yield/plant was obtained over untreated control. Similarly, application of molybdenum significantly increased the percentage of marketable heads compared to control. Combined application of 18 kg borax and 1.5 kg ammonium molybdate per hectare was found to be beneficial for growth, yield and quality of sprouting broccoli in soils of terai zone of West Bengal. ABSTRACT Thirty genetically diverse genotypes of tomato were studied for genetic diversity. The genotypes were grouped into nine clusters irrespective of geographic divergence, indicating no parallelism between genetic diversity and geographical divergence. The maximum number of genotypes included in cluster II was 11. The cluster mean indicated that days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of clusters per plant, number of fruits per cluster, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of locules per fruit, number of seeds per fruit, fruit set percentage, fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant were important characters towards the maximum genetic divergence. The maximum genetic distance was observed between clusters VI and IX (8132.17), whereas it was minimum between clusters I and IV (405.05). However, no close correspondence is evident between geographical distribution and genetic divergence as estimated by D 2 statistics. ABSTRACT A set of 20 F 1 hybrids developed as a result of line x tester mating design involving 10 lines and two testers was evaluated in randomized block design in three replications during 2002-03 for heterosis in four quality traits. Heterosis to the extent of 36.94, 21.73, 6.09 and 41.72% over better parent and 53.13, 0.63, 3.29 and 3.84 over best standard check was recorded for locules per fruit, pericarp thickness, total soluble solids and ascorbic acid content, respectively. The crosses EC 357838 x Solan Gola, BL-333 x Roma and BL 342-1 x Solan Gola for locules per fruit, pericarp thickness and ascorbic acid content were identified as a best heterotic combination, respectively. ABSTRACT Thirty-six hybrids were developed by using nine parents in half diallel crossing (no reciprocals) for combining ability to study the different qualitative and quantitative traits of bitter gourd fruits at CCS Haryana Agricultural University , Hisar. The general combining ability (gca) and specific combining ability (sca) for yield and yield components were highly significant indicating presence of variability in combining ability of the parents. The parents IC-44410 and BL-237 were the best general combiners for yield and yield components. The parents with high per se performance also exhibited high gca effects. The combinations IC-44410 x IC-68316, Pusa Vishesh x BL-237 and IC-44410 x BL-237 were rated as the best crosses on the basis of their specific combining ability and per se performance for yield and for one or the other yield attributes. ABSTRACT Sixty-nine genotypes were evaluated for different growth and earliness characters to study the variability during 2002-03. The high genotypic and phenotypic variation was observed for plant height at 100 days after sowing (DAS). High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation (GCV and PCV) was observed for number of branches per plant, plant height at 100 DAS and internodal length. Moderate GCV and PCV were observed for number of nodes on main stem, number of nodes at first flowering and number of leaves at 100 DAS. Days to first flowering and days to 50% flowering exhibited low GCV and PCV. High heritability with high genetic advance over mean (GAM) was observed for plant height at 100 DAS, internodal length, number of nodes on main stem, number of nodes at first flowering and number of leaves at 45 DAS. High heritability with low GAM was observed for days to first flowering and days to 50% flowering. ABSTRACT A study was conducted at Chinyudze and Dengedza in the Chinyika Resettlement Area of Zimbabwe during 2000-01 and 2001-02 cropping seasons towards developing an effective strategy for producing vigorous transplants for paprika production. The nursery experiment evaluated three seedling hardening methods and seedling densities (450, 750 and 1500 plants m -1). The three hardening treatments were : (a) no hardening (seedlings were watered regularly until transplanting); (b) seedlings watering was stopped two weeks prior to transplanting, with only survival irrigation when they wilted severely, and (c) water was gradually withheld at the beginning of the fifth week by skipping a day during the fifth week, skipping two days during the sixth and completely withholding water at beginning of seventh week. Watering was done only when plants showed signs of wilting before 10 : 00 h. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, with treatments arranged as split plots. As seedling density in the seedbed was increased from 450 through 1500 seedlings m -2 seedling shoot dry mass, seedling height, and number of leaves decreased significantly. Thus, seedling vigour was greatly reduced at high seedling densities in the seedbed. Increasing seedling density from 450 through 1500 m -2 led to a drastic reduction in paprika transplant establishment capability. Seedling density and hardening treatment interacted to influence establishment in dryland paprika. Moderate hardening appears to be the best treatment for raising paprika transplants under all the seedling densities tested. ABSTRACT On-farm trials were conducted in the Chinyika Resettlement Area of Zimbabwe during the 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03 cropping seasons to study the response of paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) to four basal fertilizer treatments [no basal fertilizer, 500 kg ha -1 cattle manure, 200 kg ha -1 compound ‘D’ (7 N : 14 P 2O 5 : 7 K 2O), and 200 kg ha -1 compound ‘L’ (5 N : 17 P 2O 5 : 10 K 2O)] and three ammonium nitrate (AN) topdressing treatments (no AN application, application of 350 kg ha -1 AN in a single dose and in 2-split application). The trials were conducted at three sites, namely, Sanhi, Kanyongana and Mhiripiri. Application of basal fertilizer significantly affected total and marketable fruit yields, number of fruits plant -1, fruit length and fruit mass. The least yield was obtained without fertilizer dressing, while there were no yield differences among the basal fertilizer types at Sanhi in both the seasons. At Mhiripiri, however, plants without basal fertilizer did not perform differently from those treated with cattle manure although these differed significantly from compound ‘L’ and compound ‘D’ treatments, which were statistically at par. At Kanyongana the basal fertilizer did not affect fruit yield but application of AN outyielded the control, although there was no advantage in its split application. The non-application of AN significantly reduced total and marketable yields, fruit number plant -1 and pod mass. Although there were no differences in fruit yields and fruit parameters due to the application of AN, whether as a single dose or in 2-split application, the AN treated plots performed significantly better than those not given AN topdressing. ABSTRACT Genetic variability was studied in a population of 30 advance breeding lines of sesame grown during summer seasons of 2002 and 2003 at the Agricultural Farm, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal . Phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variability were high for plant height, branches plant -1, capsules plant -1, seeds capsule -1 and seed yield per plant and low for 1000-seed weight. High to moderate estimates of heritability accompanied by high to moderate genetic advance for plant height, branches plant -1, capsules plant -1, seeds capsule -1 and seed yield plant -1 indicated the predominance of additive gene action for the expression of these characters. Plant height, branches plant -1, capsules plant -1 and seeds capsule -1 exhibited positive and significant genotypic and phenotypic correlations with seed yield. The results of path analysis at genotypic level indicated that branches plant -1, capsules plant -1 and seeds capsule -1 were the important characters determining seed yield in the population of sesame under the study. ABSTRACT Seven CMS lines possessing three diverse male sterility sources (viz., PET-1, CMS-I and CMS-PEF) were crossed with two extreme restorer lines. The resulting 14 hybrids were evaluated alongwith their parents for various yield and yield contributing traits. The data were subjected to modified triple test cross analysis to estimate the additive (D) and dominance (A) variance and to detect the presence or absence of epistasis. The results indicated that the estimates of additive component (D) were greater in magnitude for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, head diameter, plant height, number of unfilled seeds per plant and 100-seed weight indicating the partial dominance, whereas dominance component for stem diameter, seed yield per plant and oil content revealing the importance of over dominance. Epistatic component of genetic variation was found for all the characters except days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and plant height. These characters can be improved through recurrent selection procedures. The traits which are not significantly influenced by non-allelic interactions and inherited by additive and dominance components can be developed by simple selection procedures in advanced generations. Directional dominance was negative and significant for number of unfilled seeds per plant indicating the dominance of alleles for less number of unfilled seeds per plant. ABSTRACT Thirty-five genotypes of horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.] were grouped into nine clusters using D 2 technique for 18 yield and quality traits. No relation was observed between genetic diversity and geographical distribution. Maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster VII indicating greater genetic divergence between the genotypes belonging to this cluster. Based on inter-cluster distances, the crossing between genotypes HPKM-116, PHG-9 and RKS-1730 was advocated to get maximum heterotic effects in F 1 and a broad spectrum of variability in segregating generations to isolate superior genotypes for yield and quality components . ABSTRACT Genetic variability was induced among 10 economic traits viz., plant height, number of monopodia and sympodia, number of bolls, 100-seed cotton weight, lint and seed indices, ginning percentage, 2.5% span length and seed cotton yield in two cultivated Indian cotton varieties Supriya and Paiyur-1, by use of individual and combination treatments of gamma rays and ethyl methane sulphonate. The mutants showed both positive and negative heterosis for these characters due to per cent increase or decrease of mean values over control in M 2, M 3 and M 4 generations. In variety Supriya, 2.5% span length from all the treatments showed positive heterosis in M 2, M 3 and M 4 generations followed by number of monopodia from three treatments (T 2, T 4 and T 8) and 100-seed cotton weight and lint index from two each of treatments (T 3, T 5; T 5, T 9), respectively. The loss of yield observed in a mutant of variety Supriya in M 2 and M 3 generations due to the mutagenic treatment of T 10 (13 h EMS ) turned positive over control in M 4 generation. Mutagenic treatment of 13 h duration of seed soaking was also found effective in variety Paiyur-1 for the improvement of all the characters studied except for 2.5% span length in M 2 generation, of which yield and ginning percentage were negatively associated traits. However, only five of the above traits (100-seed cotton weight, lint and seed indices and 2.5% span length) were found stable in M 4 generation, followed by mutant from the treatment T 3 (30 kR+11 h EMS) which showed increased mean seed index over control in all the three generations (M 2, M 3 and M 4). Loss in yield of this mutant during M 2 and M 3 generations was due to deleterious effect of mutagen over yield attributing traits like plant height, number of sympodia and number of bolls per plant. However, vigour loss of the above traits turned positive and recorded increased mean value over control in M 4. The results indicated that mutants from different treatments showing increased mean value over control in all the three generations were considered as useful variants and could be improved through progeny selection. Whereas the characters showing increased mean value in M 4 due to positive shift of mean value from early generation could be attempted by advancing one or more generation beyond M 4. ABSTRACT Correlation studies on 79 sunflower genotypes revealed that seed yield was positively associated with yield components except oil content which was negatively correlated. The yield components number of filled seeds per plant (0.946), 100-seed weight (0.831), head diameter (0.689), filled seeds per cent (0.620) and plant height (0.563) recorded positive and significant correlation with seed yield per plant. The association of seed yield with days to 50% flowering and days to maturity was positive. Oil content exhibited a non-significant negative association with seed yield. The correlations among the main yield components viz., plant height, head diameter, number of filled seeds per plant, filled seeds per cent and 100-seed weight were positive and significant, encouraging rapid improvement of seed yield. ABSTRACT Genetic parameters were estimated for yield and yield traits using generation mean analysis. Six generations (P 1, P 2, F 1, F 2, BC 1 and BC 2) of five crosses, namely, Bagula/ HD 2285, HP 1633/Veery S, HP 1731/ Veery S, HP 1102/ HW 1084 and HP 1731/ PBW 343 were evaluated for plant height, number of productive tillers/plant, number of grains/spike, 1000-grain weight and grain yield/plant in a randomized block design with three replications at Agricultural Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, B. H. U., Varanasi, India (25.2°N and 83.0°E). The mean data of six generations were subjected to scaling tests to determine epistasis and genetic parameters m, d, h, i, j and l were computed. Additive, dominance and one or more type of epistasis were significant for expression of all the traits in all crosses. Biparental mating may be adopted as a breeding strategy to utilize such kind of gene action for cultivar improvement. ABSTRACT A line x tester set of 33 F l’s alongwith parents (involving three male sterile lines and 11 testers) was raised to estimate combining ability. The results indicated the importance of additive gene effects in the inheritance of days to 50% flowering, fodder yield per plant and 1000-seed weight, whilst plant height, number of leaves per plant, days to maturity, panicle weight, number of primaries per panicle and grain yield per plant were found to be predominantly under non-additive gene action. The line l16A and male parents Muddihalli jola, BRJ-356 and SPV-1359 were found to be the good combiners. The crosses involving these parents as one of parents generally exhibited significant sca effects. ABSTRACT Fifty-four standard varieties of rice were grouped into nine clusters on the basis of D 2 analysis. Plant height (40.60%) followed by flag leaf width (20.12%), yield/plant (15.79%) and maturity duration (15.58%) contributed maximum towards the genetic divergence. Maximum inter-cluster distance was found between cluster numbers VI and VIII (7.98), while minimum distance value was seen between clusters III and IX (1.99). This study can well be utilized for selection of divergent genotypes for further crop improvement programme. ABSTRACT Apetalous genotypes might be of interest in the breeding programme of Brassica oilseeds because of their more efficient photosynthesis and a lower probability of infection from the pathogens distributed by petals. In this paper, we reviewed the studies on apetalous mutants in Brassica oilseeds, respecting to the inheriting mode of the apetalous flower, the yield physiology of apetalous breeding lines as well as the petals’ role in distributing diseases in Brassica oilseeds. O. A. Falusi [ Inheritance studies in wild and cultivated ‘Hibiscus’ species in Nigeria ]. Crop Res. 32 (3) : 469-471 (2006). Department of Biological Sciences Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State , Nigeria. ABSTRACT Character differences were studied in inter-specific crosses involving Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and Hibiscus asper Hook. F. Results show that inheritance of narrow-lobed leaf shape and glabrous calyx was controlled by two independently assorting genes with both dominant alleles N and G producing narrow-lobed leaves and glabrous calyx, respectively. Only the genotypes nngg homozygous for both recessive alleles produced broad-lobed leaves and hairy calyx. The implications of these findings on the species evolution are discussed. ABSTRACT The 25 indigenous isolates of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita collected from different agro climatic zones and crops of Karnataka were tested on tomato cv. Pusa Ruby. Among these, GKVK coleus isolate, Mandya tomato isolate, Davanagere beans isolate, Bagalkot brinjal isolate, Chintamani tomato isolate and Soudatti brinjal isolate were found more virulent, as these recorded more number of galls, egg masses and nematode population in soil besides reduced shoot and root length at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 days after inoculation. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai to study the impact of resistant sources with organic sources of nutrients for the management of white backed plant hopper (WBPH) in rice. The resistant sources used in this study were IR 36, IR 64, TKM 6, MDU 3, MDU 5 and ADT 36. The organic nutrients such as FYM (Farm yard manure 12.5 t/ha), neem cake (500 kg/ha), biofertilizers (Azospirillum, phosphobacterium and silicate solubilising bacteria each @ 2 kg/ha) and lignite fly ash (500 kg/ha) were applied uniformly in all treatments. The results of the field trial indicated that the WBPH population was consistently reduced due to combined effect of IR 64+organic nutrients (0.76 WBPH/tiller) and IR 36+organic nutrients (1.14 WBPH/tiller). Similarly, the yield was maximum in the treatment involving IR 36+organic nutrients (5.85 t/ha) and IR 64+organic nutrients (5.67 t/ha). ABSTRACT Different instars of Earias vittella were susceptible to Bt cotton hybrids than their isogenic lines and check. Mean mortality of E. vittella neonates to Bt cotton top leaves, middle leaves, squares and bolls ranged from 93.38-96.66, 93.33-96.66, 83.33-93.33 and 76.66-80.00%, respectively. The effectiveness of Bt cotton hybrids was more at 60 DAS, and decreased at 90 and 120 DAS. The order of susceptibility of different larval instars to Bt cotton hybrids was neonates > second instar > third instar. The efficacy of different plant parts was in the order of top leaves > middle leaves > squares > bolls. Among the Bt cotton hybrids, MECH 184 was more toxic than the other hybrids in the study. ABSTRACT A survey was conducted at Yercaud, Salem district and at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University , Coimbatore , Tamil Nadu to collect various wild and cultivated mushrooms in order to explore antimicrobial metabolites from them against plant pathogens. Among the mushrooms, the maximum growth inhibition was exhibited by Ganoderma sp. against Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. The diethyl ether extract of Ganoderma sp. collected on the sixth day produced maximum reduction of the mycelial growth of the pathogen. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) showed the presence of purple and blue coloured spots, of which the purple spot with R f value of 0.97 inhibited the mycelial growth of R. solani by 97.64%. The antifungal metabolites partially purified from diethyl ether extract of Ganoderma sp. using TLC were further characterized through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) at Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow . ABSTRACT Prior to domestication of any fungus, it is important to know various requirements for its vegetative growth. Therefore, in vitro physiological studies on cultural requirements of Agricus bitorquis were undertaken under Haryana conditions. Maximum mycelial growth of A. bitorquis was observed at pH 7.0, whereas it was found least at pH 5.5. Though the mycelium of A. bitorquis could grow on wide range of temperatures ranging between 20 to 35 0C but maximum growth was recorded at 30 0C and a very poor growth was observed at 35 0C. Short method of composting was found better than long method of composting. Thorough method of spawning was compared to layer and top spawning methods. Compost depth of 25 cm was found best, whereas composting at 10 cm depth was recorded lowest in yield. The combination of burnt rice husk+farm yard manure in (1 : 1) w/w ratio was found best among casing material and their combinations tested in the present investigation. The casing thickness of 3.75 cm (1½ inch) produced significantly higher yield than all other levels of casing thicknesses. ABSTRACT The Pleurotus mushroom which is generally referred to as “Oyster mushroom” world over and as “Dhingri” in India . As the substrate of oyster mushroom is not made selective like that of Agaricus bisporus, therefore, the substrate is easily affected by Trichoderma viride (Green mould) and may result in crop failure. Three Pleurotus spp. viz.,Pleurotus sajor-caju, P. florida and P. flabellatus were taken for interaction studies between Pleurotus spp. and T. viride in relation to temperature, pH, culture filtrate, fungitoxicants, botanicals and management of T. viride during oyster cultivation. Interaction studies between T. viride and Pleurotus spp. showed decreasing trend in per cent growth inhibition of Pleurotus spp. with increase or decrease in temperature from 30 oC and maximum inhibition was observed at 30 oC. In case of pH, the trend was just opposite to that of temperature. The growth inhibition was maximum at pH 5 and it decreased with the increase in pH. Pleurotus growth per cent inhibition decreased with decrease in culture filtrate concentration of T. viride. Carbendazim completely inhibited the growth of T. viride without affecting the growth of Pleurotus at 50 ppm concentration. Growth inhibition of T. viride as well as Pleurotus spp. increased with the increase in concentration of different fungitoxicants. Maximum yield was obtained when carbendazim was used followed by carbendazim plus neem spray. ABSTRACT Extensive field surveys of chickpea crop were conducted at different villages of Jabalpur (Central Madhya Pradesh) to record the parasitization of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) larvae by Campoletis chlorideae Uchida during 2001-02 and 2002-03 crop seasons. Peak parasitization (19%) was observed in second week of January. Parasitization of H. armigera was higher between weather week # 49 and # 3, which was assessed as the period when chemical application may be avoided for conserving C. chlorideae population. Low activity of C. chlorideae was observed between weather week # 4 and # 6, which was considered as suitable period for insecticide application. Parasitization by C. chlorideae did not show significant correlation with temperature and relative humidity. ABSTRACT A pot experiment was carried out to compare the efficiency of a proven nematode, carbofuran with the powder and aqueous extract of the leaf of golden shower (Cassia siamea L.) in the control of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita infection on soybean (Glycine max L.) cv. TGX-1485-ID. There were seven treatments (carbofuran at 1.0 and 1.5 kg a. i./ha, golden shower leaf aqueous extract at 100% and 50% concentrations, golden shower leaf powder at 1 and 2 t/ha and control) and four replicates with randomized complete block design. Soybean plants treated with either carbofuran or golden shower leaf had significantly higher plant height, number of leaf, pod weight, seed weight and dry shoot weight than the control. Carbofuran and golden shower leaf treated soybean had significantly reduced root-gall index than the untreated control. Resultant improvement in growth and yield was observed on carbofuran and golden shower treated soybean. However, soybean treated with golden shower leaf had higher growth rate and more yields than those treated with carbofuran. The result of the phytochemical analysis showed that golden shower contained alkanoid, flavonoid, saponins and tannins. ABSTRACT The soil within the rhizosphere and roots of possible weed were examined as host of different plant parasitic nematodes. Twenty-one weeds were examined as possible host to 14 plant parasitic nematodes. Each of the weeds was found to host at least one nematode. Weeds examined as host of plant parasitic nematodes were Physalis anggulata, Sida acuta, Eragrostia tenella L., Emilia coccinea (Sims) G. Don, Hyparrhenia rufa Stapf, Commelina benghalensis L., Ageratum conyzoides L., Aspilia africana (Pers) C. D. Adams, Tridax procumbens L., Euphorbia heterophylla L., Calopogonium mucunoides, Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn., Cyperus esculentus L., Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray, Cynodon dactylon L., Boervia erecta L., Imperata cylindrical L., Cleome viscosa L., Andropogon gayanus Kunth. var. Chromolaena odrata (L.) R. M. King and Robinson and Euphorbia hirta L. Plant parasitic nematodes found to be hosted by weeds were Meloidogyne incognita, Hirschmaniella sp., Trichodorus similes, Pratylenchus brachyurus, Heterodera schachtic, Helicotylenchus sp., Xiphinema sp., Longidorus sp., Rotylenchus reniformis, Scutellonema bradys, Hemicychiophora penetrans, Tylenchorhynchus sp. and Hoplolaimus indicus. Criconemoides sp. was the only plant parasitic nematode that was not hosted by any of the weed examined. Meloidogyne incognita and Pratylenchus brachyurus have the widest weed host range. ABSTRACT Biochemical parameters were analysed in the bulbs of two Allium cepa L. varieties viz., N-53 and N-2-4-1 after seed treatment of maleic hydrazide. The analysis revealed that both the onion varieties had maximum total sugars, vitamin C, nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium at 100 ppm maleic hydrazide treatment. Lower concentration of maleic hydrazide positively influenced the levels of N, P, K, Ca and Mg. The variety N-53 exhibited a higher nutritive value than N-2-4-1 and responded well to the maleic hydrazide treatment. Application of 100 ppm MH enhanced the food value of bulbs in the onion varieties tested. ABSTRACT Four cultivars of chickpea (two desi–CSG 8962, DCP 92-3 and two kabuli–CSG 9651, BG 267) with differential tolerance to salinity have been compared by analyzing cation equilibria and organic solute contents. Chickpea cultivars were inoculated with Mesorhizobium ciceri strain F : 75 and were raised in greenhouse. After establishment of symbiosis, 15-day old seedlings were treated with salt (0, 4, 6, 8 dSm -1 NaCl, Na 2SO 4, CaCl 2) till harvest time. The plants were harvested three times (40, 70 and 100 DAS) for various analyses. The tolerant cultivars (CSG 8962 and CSG 9651) had lower sodium, higher potassium in shoots as compared to susceptible cultivars (DCP 92-3 and BG 267). Chickpea cultivar CSG 9651 having highest K/Na ratio was most tilerant. Thus, the differences in cation equilibria within the plant can be used in identifying resistant cultivars. Although, salinity decreased the total protein and nitrogen content in all chickpea cultivars, it increased the amino acids and total soluble sugars accumulation in the shoots. Kabuli cultivars showed higher salt tolerance because of the capacity to maintain cation equilibrium and accumulate higher organic solutes than both the desi types. The present study clearly indicated that changes in the metabolic profile seemed to be responsible for salt tolerance or susceptibility of cultivar. ABSTRACT Samples of ambient rain were collected from industrial area of Bhartiagram, Gajraula (J. P. Nagar). pH 5.0 was observed of first ambient rain during rainy seasons of 2003, 2004 and 2005. Simulated acid rain solutions of pH 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 were prepared from sulphuric acid and nitric acid in distilled water with a ratio of 2 : 1, respectively. Ambient rain was taken as control. Effects of simulated acid rain were studied on Trifolium alexandrium L. which is grown as fodder crop in U. P. It was observed that germination percentage, seedling growth, dry weight of root and shoot, leaf size, number of branches, number of nodules plant -1, chlorophyll content and seed yield plant -1 showed decreasing trend in pH 4.0 >3.0 >2.0 over control. ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to find out the response of morphological, growth, biochemical and yield parameters of sesame cv. VRI 4 to the application of 28-homobrassinolides. The plants were sprayed with homobrassinolides @ 0.50 mg/l on 30, 45 and 60 DAS. Generally the homobrassinolides treated plants possessed higher values for all the morphological, growth, biochemical and yield parameters. The plants treated with homobrassinolides on flowering and seed setting stage possessed higher values when compared to the plants treated at the vegetative stage. The biochemical parameters like chlorophyll content, soluble protein content and total sugar content were found to be enhanced with the application of homobrassinolides. HBR application also increased the catalase activity. There existed considerable increase in the yield attributing characters due to the application of HBR which paved the way for increased yield. ABSTRACT Role of nitrogen at three levels (0, 40 and 80 g/m 2) and phosphorus at three levels (0, 150 and 300 g/m 2) was studied with four varieties (Single, Double, Semi-double and Variegated) for reproductive growth parameters such as spike emergence, growth period of bud, total number of flowers/spike and number of flowers appeared at a time/spike in tuberose during 1998-99 and 1999-2000. Variegated type showed positive response with 80 g/m 2 of nitrogen and 150 and 300 g/m 2 of phosphorus application. ABSTRACT The present study was directed to evaluate salinity tolerance of 20 chickpea cultivars to different levels of salinity (S 0=0, S 1=25, S 2=50, S 3=75, S 4=100, S 5=125 and S 6=150 mM of NaCl) at the germination stage. With an increase in salinity, there was a decrease in germination and other seedling traits. Significant differences were observed among chickpea cultivars for salinity tolerance at the germination stage. The chickpea cultivars were grouped into four groups, namely, salt tolerant (DG-72, DG-36, ICCV-2, DG-71, DG-63, DG-46 and BG-1103), moderately salt tolerant (KAK-2, DG-51, Pusa-362, Pusa-256 and Pusa-391), moderately salt sensitive (BGD-72, BG-372 and BG-1103) and salt sensitive (Annegiri, Pusa-1003, ICCV-10 and BG-1105). Abstract A field experiment on opium-poppy was conducted during rabi seasons of 2002-03 and 2003-04 at JNKVV College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (M. P.). The most suitable sowing method for the new variety ‘JOP-540’ of opium-poppy was broadcasting which gave significantly higher seed yield upto 1066.48 kg/ha and capsule husk yield upto 1069.11 kg/ha with a net return of Rs. 84292/ha over the line sowing method. However, morphine content was slightly higher (13.78%) in case of line sowing over the broadcast sowing (13.45%). The most optimum seed rate was upto 14 kg/ha which gave significantly higher latex yield (42.79 kg/ha), seed yield (1093.52 kg/ha) and capsule husk yield (1124.18 kg/ha) with a net return of Rs. 87383/ha over 10 kg/ha seed rate. But the morphine content was non-significantly higher (13.93%) with the lowest seed rate of 10 kg/ha. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 2003 and 2004 at JNKVV College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (M. P.). Organic manuring of FYM @ 10-20 t/ha or vermicompost @ 5 t/ha were found equally effective in increasing the yield of fresh fesciculated roots (2036 to 2127 kg/ha), as well as net returns were significantly superior to control (1873 kg/ha). The closer plant spacing of 30 x 10 cm gave significantly higher root yield upto 2299 kg/ha and net return upto Rs. 429700/ha over 30 x 15 and 30 x 20 cm spacing. Application of vermicompost (5 t/ha) brought about higher saponin (6.27%) and protein (9.17%) in roots over other organic manuring treatments. The widest plant spacing (30 x 20 cm) resulted in significantly higher saponin (6.17%) and protein (9.21%) in roots over the closer 30 x 10 and 30 x 15 cm spacing. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 2003 and 2004 at JNKVV College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (M. P.). Application of NPK fertilizers upto N 45P 60K 60 recorded significantly higher yield attributes and yield of fresh fesciculated roots of Safed Musli var. MCB-412 (3980 kg/ha) giving a net return upto Rs. 931767/ha and B : C ratio 4.55. This was followed by N 30P 40K 40 yielding upto 3640 kg/ha. However, the saponin and protein percentages were found highest (6.93 and 9.28%, respectively) under the highest fertility level upto N 60P 80K 80. At this highest fertility level, the yield and yield attributes were discouraged. ABSTRACT In order to evaluate the seeds, germination and dormancy of Denaei thyme, Thymus daenensis Celak, Zagros local yarrow, Achillea millefolium L. and Zagros local hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis L., this study was conducted with completely randomized design (CRD) with six treatments and three replications in 2004-05. These treatments were soaked in KNO 3 (20% v/v) for 20 min, 1 molar thio urea for 24 h, 100, 500 and 1000 ppm GA 3 for 48 h. After each treatment, seeds were transferred to chamber growth with dark/light regime (dark 16 h/light 8 h), alternative temperature (15°C/20°C) and relative humidity between 75 and 80%. The results of ANOVA showed that the effect of various treatments on Thymus daenensis Celak, Achillea millefolium L. and Hyssopus officinalis L. germination percentage was highly significant (P £ 0.01). In the case of Thymus daenensis, highest germination percentage was obtained when the seeds were treated, soaked in KNO 3 (20% v/v). For Hyssopus officinalis and Achillea millefolium, the highest germination percentage was found when the seeds were exposed to 500 ppm GA 3. ABSTRACT Genetic variability for 12 agro-morphological traits and four biochemical parameters was studied, using 25 genotypes of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.). Among all agro-morphological traits viz., grain yield per plant, branches per plant, umbels per plant, grains per umbel, biological yield per plant, harvest index and test weight traits displayed sufficient variability, moderate heritability and moderate genetic advance. Essential oil content showed sufficient variability among all the biochemical parameters. Hence, these traits showed favourable response towards the selection. ABSTRACT A field trial was conducted during 2001-02 in turmeric to study the impact of distillery spentwash, biocompost and biosuper compost prepared from pressmud with spentwash application alongwith recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer or reduced quantity of fertilizer on turmeric. The treatment with treated spentwash at 50 KL ha -1 as basal+2.5 t ha -1 biosuper+75% NP significantly enhanced the nutrient status, yield attributes of turmeric and resulted in highest turmeric yield (29,515 kg ha -1). This treatment recorded maximum nitrogen (156.9 kg ha -1), phosphorus (29.7 kg ha -1) and potassium (377 kg ha -1) content. The quality characteristics were also favourably influenced. The application of distillery wastes increased curcumin (4.1%), oleoresin (9.2%) and essential oil (2.6%) content. Hence, the application of distillery wastes significantly increased the nutrient status, yield and quality. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted in turmeric during 2001-02 to study the impact of application of treated spentwash and composts prepared from pressmud with spentwash (biocompost and biosuper) alongwith inorganic fertilizers on the micronutrient status of soil and content in plant. The results revealed that treated spentwash at 50 KL ha -1 as basal+2.5 t ha -1 biosuper+75% NP resulted in significant increase in micronutrient status of soil. The lowest value was recorded in absolute control treatment. The available micronutrients in soil were significantly increased on 30th day compared to initial field soil and it got reduced gradually to attain lowest value in post-harvest stage. The treatment of treated spentwash at 50 KL ha -1 as basal+2.5 t ha -1 biosuper+75% NP also recorded significantly higher micronutrients content in both vegetative part of plants and rhizomes of turmeric crop compared to absolute control.
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