Volume 36, Number 1, 2 & 3 (July, September & November 2008)
ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted at Kanpur during kharif seasons of 2005 and 2006 to find out the effect of hybrid rice ‘PHB 71’ to three dates of planting (15 July, 30 July and 14 August), four plant geometry (15 x 15 cm, 20 x 15 cm, 25 x 15 cm and 30 x 15 cm) and two seedling rates (one and two seedlings/hill). Hybrid rice planted on 15 July recorded significantly more grain yield (62.82 q/ha), which declined by 7.6 and 20.6% due to 15 and 30 days delay in planting, respectively. Planting the crop with a closer plant geometry of 15 x 15 cm produced significantly highest grain yield (59.18 q/ha) than wider plant geometry of 20 x 15 cm, 25 x 15 cm and 30 x 15 cm. Planting of two seedlings/hill was beneficial with yield advantage of 8.2% over one seedling/hill. A field experiment was conducted during wet seasons of 2002 and 2003 to study the effect of integrated nitrogen management through vermicompost and urea on yield components and yield of rice, economics and soil fertility in red and lateritic soil. Application of 60% recommended dose (RD) of nitrogen from urea and 40% RD of nitrogen from vermicompost significantly influenced the yield components, yields and economics of wet season rice over other treatments. The highest grain yield (5.17 t/ha), net return (Rs. 15245/ha and return per rupee investment (2.11) were achieved from this treatment which were closely followed by the use of 40 and 60% RD of nitrogen from urea and vermicompost respectively. Integrated use of urea and vermicompost with narrower proportion of the two (viz. 60% +40% or 40% +60% of urea and vermicompost, respectively) also left higher plant nutrients reserve in the soil when compared with other proportions of chemical and organic sources as well as sole application of RD of nitrogen either from chemical fertilizers or organic sources. So, substitution of chemical fertilizers through organic sources like vermicompost by 40-60% of RD of nitrogen would be a better proposition towards reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers without affecting the grain yield of rice as well as soil quality. ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to study the effect of residual S and Zn on wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Friori & Paol.] in rice-wheat cropping system under site specific nutrient management approach of the Research Farm of C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur during rabi 2004-05. Application of 150 kg N+30 kg P2O5+120 kg K2O and carry over effect of 50 kg S+40 kg ZnSO4 applied in rice proved to be most productive and responsive in respect of grain yield. Residual effect of S @ 50 kg/ha and ZnSO4 @ 40 kg/ha increased the productivity of wheat by 18 and 2%, respectively, over control. The highest net return was also achieved with the direct application of 150 kg N+30 kg P2O5+120 kg K2O and carry-over effect of 50 kg S + 40 kg ZnSO4 applied in rice treatment SSNM7 which was Rs. 23 and 35% more than state fertilizer recommendation and farmers’ practice, respectively.
ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during the kharif and summer seasons of 2002-03 and 2003-04 at Mudigere, situated in hill zone of Karnataka, to study the influence of cropping sequences and fertility levels on physiological parameters in relation to yield of kharif rice (Oryza sativa L.). Rice-soybean cropping sequence resulted in better physiological parameters like dry matter production (DMP), leaf area per plant (cm2), leaf area index, net assimilation rate and relative growth rate and was found significantly superior over other cropping sequences. Among the fertility levels, application of 100 % recommended dose of fertilizer recorded significantly the higher growth indices values in all the cropping sequences as compared to control. The grain and straw yield of kharif rice was significantly higher when it was preceded by soybean (5258.0 and 7879.0 kg/ha, respectively) and the lowest was in rice sequenced with fodder maize (3934.5 and 5893.0 kg/ha, respectively) during both the years of investigation. The application of 100% RDF resulted significantly in higher grain and straw yield (4858.0 and 7234 kg/ha, respectively) which was on par with the combined use of 50% RDF+5.0 t Chromoleana odorata compost (4707 and 7004.0 kg/ha, respectively).
ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Farm, College of Agriculture, Dr. B. S. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, District Ratnagiri during 2002-04, with a view to know the effect of different organic manures on succeeding rice crop and fertility status of soil. The results revealed that application of Swastik @ 5 t/ha recorded the highest groundnut dry pod yield (45.46 q/ha). This was closely followed by RDF, phosphocompost and poultry manure. Similarly, the residual effect on grain yield of rice was also maximum with application of poultry manure (46.52 q/ha) followed by the application of Swastik and Bhoomilabh ABSTRACT A field trial was conducted in two consecutive years of 2000-01 and 2001-02 of rabi season at the farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur to find out the best seed treatment for obtaining better and early germination, yield attributes and yield of late sown wheat. Among all treatments, seed soaked with 0.5% zinc sulphate+0.2% urea+2% salt solution gave better and early germination, yield attributes and produced significantly highest mean grain yield (51.07 q/ha), earned maximum mean net profit (Rs. 17015/ha) with cost : benefit ratio (0.92), except seed soaked with 0.5% zinc sulphate+0.2% urea solution (49.78 q/ha, Rs. 16363/ha and 0.88) and seed soaked with 0.5% zinc sulphate+2% salt solution (47.86 q/ha, Rs. 15400/ha and 0.83) which were at par. The significant increase in mean grain yield, net profit and cost : benefit ratio of seed soaked with 0.5% zinc sulphate+0.2% urea+2% salt solution over dry seed (8.09 q/ha, Rs. 5042/ha and 0.27), water soaked seed (6.30 q/ha, Rs. 4218/ha and 0.23), 0.5% ‘zinc sulphate solution alone (3.50 q/ha, Rs. 2069/ha and 0.11), 0.2% urea solution (4.74 q/ha, Rs. 2880/ha and 0.16), 2% salt solution (5.37 q/ha, Rs. 3282/ha and 0.18) and in combination 0.2% urea+2% salt solution (4.03 q/ha, Rs. 2375/ha and 0.13), respectively. To determine the critical limits of available phosphorus for durum wheat (cv.WH-896), a pot culture experiment was conducted in which 15 levels of P i. e. 0, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 300 and 400 mg P/kg soil were super imposed in normal, nickel and chromium polluted soils. The normal soil refers to the processed P deficit soil collected from the cultivated field, whereas nickel and chromium polluted soils were prepared by applying 75 mg Ni/kg soil through NiCl2.6H2O and 15 mg Cr/kg soil through K2Cr2O7, respectively to the normal soil and incubated in pots for 28 days at field capacity. After incubation of 28 days, a 200 g representative sample of soil was drawn from each treatment to assess the status of available phosphorus by different five soil test methods viz., Olsen’s P, Bray’s P1, Bray’s P2, ammonium bicarbonate-EDTA (AB-EDTA) and ammonium bicarbonate-DTPA (AB-DTPA) method. Durum wheat (cv.WH-896) was raised as a test crop and harvested after 10 weeks of germination. Dry matter yield of durum wheat significantly and markedly increased with the application P upto 50, 75 and 150 mg P/kg soil in normal, Ni and Cr polluted soils, respectively. The uptake of P significantly and subsequently increased upto 50, 75 and 150 mg P/kg soil in normal, Ni and Cr polluted soils, respectively. The Olsen’s soil test was adjudged to be the best method for assessing the P status of soils and to predict the response of applied P in durum wheat crop owing to its highest degree of correlation coefficients (r-values) with dry matter yield and P uptake in normal, Ni and Cr polluted soils. The critical limits of available P for durum wheat in normal, Ni and Cr polluted soils were established as 17.38, 22.65 and 35.94 kg P/ha, respectively, by Olsen’s soil test method ABSTRACT An investigation was conducted at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu at Chatha Campus. Fourteen herbicide treatments were tested in randomized block design. All the weed control treatments reduced the dry matter of weeds resulting in significantly higher growth and yield as compared to weedy check. Weed free (WF) treatment significantly better than other weed control treatments gave higher grain yield, among the herbicides butachlor @ 1.5 kg/ha (7 DAS), anilophos 312 g a. i.+ethoxysulfuron @ 15 g a. i./ha at 10 DAS and pretilachlor @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha (3 DAS) gave maximum grain yield.
ABSTRACT Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the most important winter cereal crop in the rainfed agroecological zones of NWFP (Northwest Frontier Province). Improper plant population and unavailability of drought resistant varieties are the major factors contributing to its low yield. This experiment was carried out at the New Developmental Research Farm of the NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar during winter 2003 to 2005 with an objective to find out high yielding drought variety and to investigate whether seed rate affects the yield of barley varieties planted in water stress condition. Considerable effect of seed rates and genotypes was observed on all the characters studied. However, seed rates x varieties interactions had no significant effects on any character under study. The results indicated that plots sown with seed rate of 120 kg/ha produced the heaviest seed (59.29/1000 seeds), maximum number of spikes/m2 (139), highest biological yield (5434 kg/ha) and grain yield (2150 kg/ha). Surab-96 produced the tallest plants (81 cm) and Nul-03 produced the highest number of spikes/m2 (142). Variety Sanober ranked first by producing the highest number of grains/spike (36), the heaviest seeds (59.31 g/1000 seeds), maximum biological yield (5431 kg/ha) and grain yield (2223 kg/ha). It is, therefore, recommended that barley varieties Sanober and Awaran-2002 must be sown by the farmers at seed rate of 120 kg/ha to obtain maximum yield under the rainfed condition of NWFP. One of the major factors that limit the efficiency of breeding programmes is Genotype ´ Environment (GE) interactions, because of the difficulty in predicting the performance of the genotypes selected under a given set of conditions when tested under different environments. In addition, plant breeders distinguish between those interactions that change the ranking of genotypes in the same locations or in the same population of target environments over time causing large temporal variability, and those that change the ranking of genotypes between different populations of target environments causing large spatial (or geographical) variability. Biological yield data, plant height and tillering number data of 103 H. spontaneum and 29 H. vulgare genotypes tested across three rainfed environments, these were : (Khanasri, annual rainfall 123.0 mm; Ramtha 222.9 mm and Maru 429.2 mm) during the 2004-05 growing season in Jordan and were analyzed using the GGE (i. e. G–genotype+GEI–genotype-by-environment interaction) bioplot method. E (environment) explained 77.67, 92.36 and 53.52% for biological yield, plant height and tillering number, respectively, of the total variation, whereas G (genotype) explained 13.89, 4.75 and 28.6% of the total variation for biological yield, plant height and tillering number, respectively. In addition, GE (genotype-by-environment interaction) captured 8.44, 2.90 and 17.88%, respectively. The two principal components (PC1 and PC2) were used to create a 2-dimentional GGE-biplot and explained 81.2 and 12%, respectively, for biological yield, 62 and 22% for plant height and 68 and 28% for tillering number. GGE biplot analysis was successful in discrimination between barley genotypes across the three locations, and several spontaneum genotypes were found to have specific adaptation to drought conditions. ABSTRACT Field experiment was conducted during kharif and rabi seasons of 2005-06 to study the effect of different tillage and weed management practices on yield and energy use of maize-sunflower cropping system. The results revealed that continuous conventional tillage (T4) resulted in higher energy consumption and higher energy output, increased energy use efficiency and energy productivity, while lower energy consumption was obtained with zero tillage. Among the weed management practices, higher energy consumption of 26562 and 10608 (MJ/ha) was recorded with herbicide applied plot (W2). But energy output, net energy, energy use efficiency and energy productivity were higher in hand weeding twice (W1) plot.
ABSTRACT Applying herbicide through irrigation water (herbigation) is practised widely by farmers in corn fields of Iran, however, the efficacy of this method has not been warranted. Thus, a field study was conducted in 2006 at Research Fields of University of Tehran (Karadj) to compare the conventional method of herbicide application (spraying) with different herbigation treatments. Eradicane, a commonly used herbicide in corn fields, was selected as a test herbicide in this experiment. Eradicane was applied at 5.5 (labelled rate), 3.85 or 7.15 l/ha using four application methods. Methods were the conventional spraying (CS), herbigation via the first irrigation (HRB 1), herbigation via the second irrigation (HRB 2) and applying eradicane through both the first and second irrigations at half dose of a single application rate (HRB 3). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. Weed infested, weed free and atrazine plus alachlor (at 1 kg/ha+5 l/ha) were also included as controls. The results showed that the application methods and eradicane doses affected significantly the corn yield and all yield components (P£0.01) except 100-seed weight. The highest grain yield (10.62 t/ha) was observed with CS method, however, did not differ from the HRB 2 treatment. Eradicane applied at either rates of 5.5 or 7.15 l/ha resulted in the highest grain yields. There were also no significant differences between CS and HRB 2 for other yield components as well as weed biomass reductions. No eradicane treatment was found to be as effective as atrazine plus alachlor in increasing corn yield and growth parameters. The results of this experiment suggested that CS method had a better performance than herbigation, but if farmers are about to apply eradicane through furrow irrigation, a herbigation via the second irrigation at the maximum rate of 7.15 l/ha could be recommended.
ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2005 on sandy loam soils of S. V. Agricultural College Farm, Tirupati to study the effect of integrated nitrogen management on growth, yield and quality of baby corn. Application of 100% N through fertilizer (F N100) has resulted in higher growth, yield attributes and yield and was on par with 75% N through fertilizer alongwith 25% N through poultry manure (F N75+PM25) or sheep manure (F N75+SM25) or farmyard manure (F N75+ FYM25). The lowest yield and yield attributes were recorded with 100% N through farmyard manure (FYM N100). Quality parameters were highest with 100% N through poultry manure (PM N100). ABSTRACT Field experiment, conducted at BCKV Farm, West Bengal with transplanted maize during cool season (November to February) in split plot design with three methods of planting (flat-bed, furrow-bed and ridge-bed) and four ages of old seedlings (25, 30, 35 and 40 days) allotted on main plots and sub-plots under each main plot, respectively, revealed that ridge-bed method of planting had significant influence on plant height, basal girth, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate and root length whereas 25 days old seedlings significantly influenced all the growth characters. Twenty-five days old seedlings when planted on ridge method recorded the highest growth characters. ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2005-06 to study the response of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to sources and levels of sulphur in salt affected rainfed soil of eastern Uttar Pradesh. The differences between gypsum and elemental sulphur were registered non-significant in respect of yield attributes, yield and root characteristics of chickpea. Sulphur 30 kg/ha proved superior to rest of levels in increasing dry matter accumulation, yield attributes, yields and protein content. Root length and number of nodules/plant were recorded highest with 30 kg S/ha. The highest net return (Rs. 26509/ha) and benefit : cost ratio (1.98 : 1) were recorded under the treatment of elemental sulphur with 30 kg/ha. A field experiment was conducted during winter seasons of 2004-05 and 2005-06 to study the effect of fertility levels and growth regulators on growth and yield of chickpea. The most accepted chickpea variety for this region “Jawahar Gram (JG-322)” responded upto 50 kg P2O5 and 20 kg S/ha+1 t FYM/ha, hence, recommendation to the chickpea growers may be made upto this fertility dose. The maximum grain productivity was 17.12 q/ha with the net return upto Rs. 23723/ha, grain protein 18.69% and protein yield 320.60 kg/ha with the application of 50 kg P2O5 plus 20 kg S with 1 t FYM/ha. Among the plant growth regulators, triacontanol (Vipul) performed the best with the highest grain productivity upto 16.88 q/ha, net return upto Rs. 24290, grain protein 18.70% and protein yield 316.02 kg/ha. The second best treatment was triacontanol (Magic). The treatment interactions were found to be significant only in case of grain yield. The combined application of 50 kg P2O5 plus 20 kg S/ha with FYM and growth regulators particularly triacontanol (Vipul) further raised all these parameters up to the maximum extent. Economy in fertilizer use may be done by using triacontanol formulations like Vipul and Magic growth regulators. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during winter seasons of 2004-05 and 2005-06 to study the effect of fertility levels and growth regulators on nutrient contents and uptake of chickpea var. JG-322. The increasing levels of fertilizer upto P50S20 with FYM increased the contents and uptake of N, P, K and S almost significantly by chickpea grain and straw per hectare. The total N, P, K and S uptake was found higher by 22.58, 2.18, 22.18 and 1.48 kg/ha, respectively, due to P50S20+FYM over P0S0. Triacontanol (Vipul) brought about the maximum uptake of N, P, K and S, being 20.62, 1.80, 18.70 and 1.20 kg/ha higher over no growth regulator (control). This was followed by triactontanol (Magic). The treatment interactions were found non-significant in each case. These findings suggest that soil must recoup every year with all these nutrients based on soil test values and the nature of the crop to be grown. This would maintain the nutrients balance in the soil to ensure sustainable production per unit area. ABSTRACT The study investigated the factors that influenced soybean productivity in Nigeria using secondary data collected from the publications of relevant agencies from 1970-2003. Productivity was assessed in terms of output and yield performances. The stepwise regression with forward selection procedure was used to select variables for inclusion in the empirical model. Different functional forms were estimated but the equation with the best fit from each group was selected for the analysis. The Theils’ inequality coefficient was used to test the accuracy and forecasting power of the emerging equation. The results for the output model revealed that the producers’ prices of soybean, volume of fertilizer applied, volume of cultivated seeds, government expenditure on agriculture and weather were significant (P<0.01) and together explained 95.30% of the output variations during the period. For yield, the lagged yield, producers’ prices of soybean, volume of fertilizer applied and government expenditure on agriculture were significant (P<0.01) and together explained 87.06% of the yield variations. The stage of the regression analysis, which introduced dummies to capture the effects of government policy changes and political stability in output and yield revealed that the parameter estimates for both variables were not significant for both models, necessitating their exclusion from further analysis. Elasticity coefficients for the output model were 0.15, 0.19, 0.66 and 0.09 for producer prices, fertilizer application, cultivated seeds and government expenditure on agriculture, respectively. For the yield model, the elasticity coefficients were 0.02, 0.06 and 0.02 for producer prices, fertilizer supply and government expenditure, respectively. Impact evaluation revealed that dropping the price variable from the analysis would lead to a decline in output by 75.90% and in yield by 13.92%; dropping the seed variable would reduce output by 56.49%, while dropping the government expenditure variable would reduce output by 98.74% and yield by 14.18%. The implication of the finding is that soybean farmers respond positively to changes in producers’ prices, input supply and government monetary incentives suggesting a vibrant demand-driven market on the soybean supply. The Theil’s inequality coefficient, calculated as 1.88 and 0.98 for the output the yield equations, implied that, although the estimated output equation may have a poor predictive power, the predictive power of the yield equation was fair. The study recommends active involvement of the various tiers of government through financing research, infrastructural development, capacity building, input supply, and provision of accessible credit to promote soybean production and use. An experiment was conducted in 2006 at the Agricultural Research Station, Isfahan. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of delay planting on light absorption properties and the effect on yield in canopy of Brassica. A split-plot layout within randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Main plots were two planting dates (27 September was normal cropping and 11 November was delay cropping), sub-plots were inclusive of species B. napus (Option 500, Hyola 330, Hyola 401, Sargol and RGS 003 were spring types and Modena, SLM 046, Opera and Zarfam were winter types), two varieties of B. rapa (Echo and Park land) and one variety of B. juncea (Land race). The results showed that effect of cropping date on K, LAI and LAIp was decreased significantly. Effect of variety on K, LAI and LAIp was more significant. Reaction of cropping date and variety was more significant on K, LAI and LAIp. Positive and significant correlation was observed between the amount of K with LAI, LAIp and biological yield; also there was positive and significant correlation between the amount of LAIp with grain and biological yield. The varieties, namely, SLM 046 and RG 003 were found best for delay cropping due to their high quantity of K, LAI, LAIp, seed and biological yields.
ABSTRACT The study was carried out in Chaharmahal and Bakhtyiari province, west-south Iran. The study area covers approximately 10893 km² of total area of Chaharmahal and Bakhtyiari province. This area is located between latitude 31°10′ N and 32°45′ N and between longitude 49º29′ W and 52º34′ W. The elevations range between 1009 and 3881 masl. Climatic information was obtained from meteorological stations located within and close to the study area for a 15-year period (1992-2006). Climate, soil and agronomy factors and DEM data layers were prepared and suitability classes were determined, using simple limitation (SLA) and number and intensity of limitation approaches, proposed by FAO method, were matched against specific rapeseed requirements derived from agricultural experiments and literature review. The results of overlay maps for climate variables by simple limitation approach indicated that 0, 9.1% (989.4 Km²), 7.9% (863.1 Km²), 0.02% (2 Km²) and 83% (9038.5 Km²) of lands have highly suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2), marginally suitable (S3), not suitable (N) and not suitable (DEM limitation) for rapeseed crop cultivation, in study area, respectively. While the overall suitability is recognized using number and intensity of limitation approach, proposed by Sys et al. (1991) identified that 0, 16.6% (1812.2 Km²), 0.4% (40.1 Km²), 0.02% (1.7 Km²), 0.005% (0.5 Km²), 83% (9038.5 Km²) of lands have no intensity (S1-1), low intensity (S1-2), moderate intensity (S2), high intensity (S3), very high intensity (N) and DEM limitation (NS) for rapeseed crop cultivation, under irrigation in study area, respectively. According to the stepwise regression model, the results indicated that the most important variables affecting the growth and seed yield of rapeseed crop were growth degree days (GDDTbase=5ºC) from date sowing until start freezing day period. In general, this research provided information at regional level that could be used by farmers to select crop pattern and suitability. ABSTRAC The response of varying levels of fertility with and without application of paddy straw mulch in respect of root characteristics (length, dry weight, etc.) of rapeseed-greengram-rice crop sequence was studied at ‘C’ Block Farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal during 2001-03. The residual effects of straw mulch and fertility level were studied in rice. The root length of rapeseed and greengram was recorded to be lower in mulched plots, but with the increased utilization of stored profile moisture, the plants exhibited better proliferation of roots giving rise to higher dry weight. In general, the length and dry weight of roots in rapeseed, greengram and rice as well as nodule number and nodule dry weight in greengram increased with increasing levels of fertility. ABSTRACT Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oil-seed crop grown in Nigeria. Survey missions were undertaken to all the major producing areas of the country towards the end of the cropping season between September and October 2003, when the farmers were expected to be harvesting the crop. This was done to determine the extent of cultivation and use of the crop as the basis for research into its development and promotion as a major cash crop. Results showed that the cultivation was currently localised in parts of central, north-western and north-eastern zones of the country. Average yield on farmers’ farm was low (200-350 kg of seeds/ha). Major constraints to production include lack of improved cultivars, seed shattering, and susceptibility to disease, pests and environmental stress. The crop is extensively used for many different purposes, the most common of which is the use of the seeds as a soup-thickening condiment. Presently the low status of the crop is an indication that it has not contributed much to the current bright oil-seed scenario. Research efforts are, therefore, required to improve the agronomic characteristics of the crop and promote its cultivation and use as a major cash crop in Nigeria. A field experiment was conducted for seven years (1998-2004) at Agricultural Research Station, Anantapur to minimize the dependence on the use of inorganic fertilizers under rainfed conditions. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Different nitrogen management treatments include different combinations of organic manures (compost and glyricidia loppings) and inorganic fertilizer (urea). The results revealed that the means of seven years’ castor of spike length (26.1 cm) and pod yield (760 kg/ha) was highest in 100% N in inorganic farm. In castor-castor rotation, highest seed yield was recorded in T5 (512 kg/ha) i. e. 50% N compost+50% N inorganic form during its seven years of continuous application. ABSTRACT In an experiment on influence of organic manures on yield, nutrient uptake of groundnut and change in physico-chemical properties of soil after harvest of groundnut during rabi 2002-04 carried out at the College Agronomy Farm, Department of Agronomy, Dr. B. S. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, District-Ratnagiri (MS), application of swastik @ 5 t/ha recorded significantly higher dry pod yield of groundnut (46.59 and 44.33 q/ha) followed by RDF, phosphocompost and poultry manure application. Similarly, swastik, phosphocompost, poultry manure and RDF recorded significantly higher NPK, Ca and S uptake by groundnut pod over other organic manure and control. All the organic manure improved the water holding capacity, lowered the bulk density, increased the organic carbon content and altered the soil reaction towards neutral over RDF and control, the magnitude was more with swastik, celrich, phosphocompost, vermicompost and FYM. ABSTRACT A field experiment was carried out at S. D. A. U., Sardarkrushinagar during 2006 to study the effect of soil solarization on weed growth and yield of groundnut. The soil temperature was observed higher over control at 5 and 10 cm of soil depths, respectively, when solarization was done for 45 days. The minimum count of total weed was recorded in weed free followed by soil solarization with TPE 0.025 mm for 45 days alongwith one hand weeding and the same solarized treatment alongwith quizalofop-p-ethyl @ 25 g/ha (20 DAS) at 30, 60, 90 DAS and at harvest. These treatments also followed the same trend for dry weed biomass. Maximum pod and haulm yields of groundnut were recorded with TPE 0.025 mm for 45 days alongwith one hand weeding (20 DAS) but on par with above remaining two treatments. S. R. ANAND, RAMESH BABU, P. ASHOKA AND R. SMITHA [Studies on yield, economics and bollworm incidence of Bt cotton (Gossypium spp.) hybrids as influenced by different plant spacings]. Crop Res. 36 (1, 2 & 3) : 120-124 (2008). Department of Agronomy College of Agriculture, Raichur-584 101 (Karnataka), India. ABSTRACT A field experiment was carried out during kharif season of 2004-05 to study the response of Bt cotton hybrids to different plant spacings under irrigation at the Agriculture College Farm, Raichur. The results revealed that MECH-184 Bt recorded significantly higher seed cotton yield, gross returns, net returns and B : C ratio (2615 kg/ha, Rs. 47,793/ha, Rs. 27,558/ha and 2.26, respectively). Among spacings, 75 x 30 cm spacing recorded significantly higher seed cotton yield and gross returns (2389 kg/ha, Rs. 41,857/ha, respectively) Whereas net returns were significantly higher with 90 x 45 cm (Rs. 20,441/ha) spacing. MECH-184 Bt with 75 x 30 cm spacing registered significantly higher seed cotton yield and gross returns, while net returns, were significantly higher in MECH-184 Bt with 75 x 60 cm (Rs. 28,650/ha) spacing and it was on par with 75 x 45 cm (Rs. 27,874), 90 x 45 cm (Rs. 28,470) and 90 x 30 cm (Rs. 27,334) over RCH-2 Bt (Rs. 21,434) and bunny (Rs. 10,146). With respect to pest incidence, MECH-184 Bt recorded lower incidence of bollworms (0.53) and significantly lower bollworms were recorded with wider spacing of 90 x 60 cm compared to all other plant spacings. MECH-184 Bt with 75 x 30 cm spacings recorded significantly higher seed cotton yield but pest incidence was higher with closer spacing of 75 x 30 cm.
ABSTRACT Today’s excessive use of croplands and the resulting damages alongwith the ever-increasing demand for further crop productions have necessitated the best land management practices more than ever. Due to the current lack of any proper land management practices for Shavoor region in Khuzestan Province, south-west of Iran, a land suitability evaluation study for key productions of the region, including wheat, alfalfa, maize and rice, covering an area of 77706 ha was carried out in the region. Using the findings of the semi-detailed soil studies for this area, six soil families and 25 soil series in three physiographic units were identified. Physiologic requirements of each crop were also determined and rated based on the Sys’s parametric evaluation method. Qualitative evaluation was carried out by means of simple limitation and parametric methods (Storie and Root Square Methods) and comparing land and climate characteristics with crop needs. The index obtained for wheat and alfalfa was higher in comparison to that developed for maize and rice. Limiting factors in different crop yields in the region alongwith climatic variables included soil salinity and drainage and soil physical properties, especially its carbonate contents. Results showed that the Storie method could produce more realistic estimation in comparison to the Square Root Method, to the existing conditions of the region.
ABSTRACT Soil characterization in relation to evaluation of fertility status of the soils of an area is an important aspect. the Araziline block of district Varanasi was selected for the study. Ten representative villages were chosen and different number of surface soil samples (0–15 cm) collected were analysed for physico-chemical properties and available N, P, K and S status. Results revealed that soil samples were found low and medium in organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. About 70% of samples were found deficient in available sulphur. Texture of soils varied from sandy clay loam to clay. Significant positive correlations were found to exist between organic carbon and available N, P, K and S status of soil under study. ABSTRACT Soil characterization in relation to evaluation of fertility status of the soils of an area is an important aspect. The Jalalpur block of district Jaunpur was selected for the study. Ten representative villages were chosen and different numbers of surface soil samples (0-15 cm) collected were analysed for physico-chemical properties and available N, P, K and S status. Results revealed that soil samples were found low and medium in organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and low in potassium. About 73% of samples were found deficient in available sulphur. Texture of soils varied from sandy clay loam to clay. Significant positive correlations were found to exist between organic carbon and available N, P, K and S status of soil under study. ABSTRACT Considering high costs and environmental contamination of inorganic fertilizers, investigations were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of phosphorus (P) sources for performance of field crops–cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), maize (Zea mays) and egusi-melon (Citrullus vulgaris) in two Nigerian Alfisols. Materials evaluated were Ground Phosphate Rocks (GPR) (9% P), Phosphate Rock (PR)-fortified Organo-Mineral Fertilizer, (OMF) (11% P) and single superphosphate (SSP) (7.7% P) for reference. Soil samples (0-20 cm) were collected from two agro-ecological zones of Ekiti State, south-western Nigeria : (a) Ikere (Forest agro-ecology, pH 5.6, low organic C 10.00 g/kg, high 23.18 mg/kg P) and (b) Omuo (Savanna agro-ecology, pH 5.9, low organic C 12.31 g/kg, low 7.53 mg/kg P). In a 24-week greenhouse experiment, 10 kg soil samples, filled into 144 pots were treated (in triplicates and completely randomized design) to 0 or 12.9 mg P/kg soil, using each P-source. Biomass/forage yields and P-uptake were evaluated at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after planting (WAP) for all crops and 24 WAP for cassava. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. At 12 WAP, GPR Relative Agronomic Efficiency (RAE) with respect to maize forage yields was 84% and OMF 39% in Omuo location soil, while GPR and OMF had 99-100% RAE relative to SSP in Ikere location soil. RAE for GPR regarding egusi-melon biomass yields was 99% and OMF 33% in Omuo location soil, while it was 27% (GPR) and 135% (OMF) in Ikere location soil. After 24 weeks of cassava growth, GPR had 155% and OMF 130% RAE (Omuo location soil). The respective values for Ikere location soil were 105 and 109%. Least P-accumulation (1.99 g/pot by egusi-melon) was with soil native-P compared to 14.88 g/pot by the same crop but SSP treatment. Ground PR application led to highest P-uptake of 14.85 and 13.94 g/pot by maize and cassava, respectively. RAE for GPR and OMF was high for the crops, suggesting that indigenous GPR and locally produced OMF have great potentials as substitutes for imported soluble P-sources conventionally employed in crop production. ABSTRACT The Kandi region comprising 0.5 m ha (about 10%) of Punjab is characterized by undulated topography, light soil texture, heavy run off and soil erosion losses, poor moisture losses and poor moisture retentive capacity. The behaviour of monsoon is very erratic and 80% of the seasonal monsoon is received during the months of July to September. About 25-40% of the monsoon rain is lost as run off. The soils are non-saline, organic carbon average 0.24% in loamy sand and 0.30% or more in sandy loam soils. The corresponding values of moisture retention at field capacity range from 8.1 to 15.8% and at 15 bar from 3.7 to 4.8% in 0-180 cm soil layer of loamy sand soil and 16.2 to 21.5% and 3.7 to 7.6%, respectively, in sandy loam soil. The selection of different crops and suitable cropping sequences on low, medium and high fertility soils is the only way out to get maximum benefit from these soils. On heavy textured soils addition of nitrogen @ 100 kg N/ha alongwith farm yard manure @ 12 t/ha improved the cane yield by 65% over control. Also, with the adoption of latest techniques of cultivation, the farmers of Kandi area can get higher productivity of their crops alongwith adoption of suitable cropping sequences. The addition of mulching in standing maize in kharif helped to conserve the moisture in seed zone (0-15 cm) layer and ensured germination of succeeding wheat crop. Raya grown as an inter row crop in wheat at 2.0 to 2.5 m spacing gave 2.4 to 2.6 q/ha seed yield. ABSTRACT The experiment was carried out at the Regional Horticultural Research Station, Gujarat Agricultural University for two continuous seasons on three mango cultivars, namely, Alphonso, Dashehari and Rajapuri. The constant factor (k) 0.449 for Alphonso, 0.553 for Dashehari and 0.647 for Rajapuri, obtained can be efficiently used for quick estimation of leaf area, even with intact leaves. ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted during three seasons of the year viz., summer (April-May), rainy (July-August) and winter (December-January) with 18 cultivars or betelvine to study the storability of leaves in normal condition of storage i. e. betel leaves covered with banana leaves kept in a bamboo basket. The results showed that cultivar Chamundai Bhabna was proved to be kept for the longest days (19) during winter season, whereas cultivar Boinchi Godi rotted most quickly (4 days) during summer season. ABSTRACT Indigo blue obtained from Indigofera tinctoria was highly used in textile industry for its superior quality of the dye stuffs over other natural dyes. A study was conducted to evaluate the Indigo germplasm to evolve superior genotypes having higher biomass and dye content in Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu during 2005-06. Twenty accessions were raised for the study in randomized block design with three replications. Among the accessions, IT-5, IT-11, IT-13 were found to be superior in exhibiting the higher growth and yield parameters. The least performance was recorded in IT-9. Further, among the three accessions, IT-5 registered a higher biomass and dye yield. ABSTRACT Field experiments were conducted during the wet seasons of 2005, 2006 and 2007 at Samaru to study the response of two ginger varieties (Tafin Giwa and Yatsun Biri) to rates of poultry manure (5, 10 and 15 t/ha) and farm yard manure (FYM) (5, 10 and 15 t/ha). Tafin Giwa variety produced significantly more leaves, taller plants, bigger rhizomes than Yatsun biri. Application of 15 t/ha poultry manure significantly yielded higher than 5 t/ha and also resulted in more rhizomes/pot than 5 t/ha. Farm yard manure application significantly affected number of leaves/plant and number of rhizomes/plot. Poultry manure contained more nitrogen and phosphorus than farm yard manure. The elemental composition of the manures significantly affected crop response to manure application. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted on a sandy loam soil in the farmers’ field of Mayurapura village, Hunsur taluk, Mysore district, Karnataka state, India. The treatments consisted of organic manures viz., farm yard manure, vermicompost and poultry manure and inorganic fertilizers viz., urea in various combinations to supply 25, 50, 75 and 100% nitrogen and in addition, no nitrogen and recommended doses of farm yard manure and fertilizers were also included for comparison. Application of recommended dose of farm yard manure (20 t/ha/year) and fertilizers (250 kg nitrogen, 100 kg phosphorus and 100 kg potassium/ha/year) produced higher fresh leaf yield (44.02 t/ha). There was a significantly positive correlation between fresh leaf yield and different growth and yield parameters, which amply shows that higher leaf yield was due to improved growth, and yield parameters as influenced by integrated nitrogen management practices. ABSTRACT The present investigation was carried out at HC & RI, TNAU, Coimbatore to evaluate the effect of sulphate of potash (SOP) on growth and nutrient uptake of tomato. It was found that split application of SOP significantly improved the growth characters of tomato by applying 100 kg /ha SOP as basal and SOP @ 50 kg/ha as top dressing on 30 and 60 DAP proved the most superior over rest of the SOP levels in case of growth of tomato. Similarly, SOP @ 100 kg/ha as basal and 50 kg/ha SOP as top dressing at 30 and 60 DAP increased the nutrient uptake of tomato. ABSTRACT Use of organic manures in combination with inorganic fertilizers was evaluated for crop response in tomato-onion cropping system. Uptake of nutrients, dry matter yield, fruit/bulb yield and haulm yield of tomato and onion were significantly improved with the integrated use of organic manures (VC, PM, NC and FYM) and inorganic fertilizers compared to RDN and control. Among manures, VC recorded highest fruit/bulb and haulm yields followed by PM, NC and FYM. The nutrient uptake, dry matter, fruit and haulm yields of tomato were highest under 50% level of organic manure application in conjunction with 50% level of inorganic fertilizers. In onion, the uptake of nutrients, dry matter, bulb and haulm yields were highest with 100% level of manure application that was on par with 50 and 75% levels of manure. ABSTRACT Field experiments on the screening of onion cultivars for yield and processing qualities were conducted during rabi seasons under irrigated condition at Agricultural Research Station, Hiriyur in Central Dry Zone of Karnataka. The characters studied were bulb yield, bulb weight, total soluble solids, dry matter content of the bulb, dry matter yield of the bulb, and physiological storage loss in weight and sprouting and rotting percentage. Based on the bulb yield and dry matter production of the bulb and also considering the storage qualities, the genetically superior genotypes Baswant-780, Araka Kalyan and Agri Found Light Red (AFLR) were identified as promising ones for commercial cultivation in rabi season under irrigated condition in Central Dry Zone of Karnataka. ABSTRACT A field trial was conducted to evaluate 13 varieties/hybrids of onion for dry matter production and yield in kharif season under rainfed conditions in Central Dry Zone of Karnataka. The characters studied were dry weight of the leaves, dry matter content of the bulb, total dry matter production and bulb yield. The varieties Baswant-780, Arka Kalyan and Agri Found Light Red (AFLR) which gave higher dry matter and bulb yield can be taken up for raising profitable crop of onion in kharif season under rainfed condition in Central Dry Zone of Karnataka. ABSTRACT Field experiments on the screening of different onion (Allium cepa L.) genotypes for bulb size and other characters of onion bulbs were conducted during kharif seasons under irrigated conditions at the Agricultural Research Station, Hiriyur in Central Dry Zone of Karnataka. The characters studied were bulb weight, volume of bulb, density of bulb, diameter of neck, polar diameter of the bulb, equatorial diameter of the bulb, bulb shape index, number of centres per bulb, number of rings per bulb, ring thickness and percentage of split bulbs. The genotypes Baswant-780 and Arka Kalyan which gave bigger sized bulbs within maximum bulb weight, bulb volume, bulb diameter, number of rings per bulb and ring thickness, can be taken up for production of bigger sized onion bulbs in kharif season under irrigated condition in Central Dry Zone of Karnataka. ABSTRACT An investigation to study the germination and its related characters of Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum gratissimum was conducted at Horticultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Coimbatore. Out of 11 seed treatments tried in this lab experiment, soaking of seeds in 50 ppm gibberellic acid solution recorded highest germination (93.33 and 76.67%), root length (1.34 and 1.32 cm), shoot length (0.76 and 0.88 cm), vigour index (195.77 and 168.53) and lowest days taken for germination (6.50 and 8.50) when compared to untreated control in Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum gratissimum, respectively. ABSTRACT Study on electrophoresis was undertaken with a view to identify 21 cultivars (three female and five male with their hybrids). Protein was extracted from the seed of okra varieties and analysed by SDS-PAGE. The electrophoresis pattern showed major differences in okra Hybrid-1 (PK x AKO-16) and Hybrid-5 (AA x AKO-16) as compared to rest of the cultivars. Protein content was highest in Hybrid-6 (AA x AKO-37) and lowest in Hybrid-8 (AA x AKO-75). The pattern of SDS-PAGE allowed distinguishing the okra varieties individually. Differences were observed among different okra varieties in both major and minor bands. All major bands viz., 12, 13 and 14 were present in all cultivars but they showed quantitative differences, whereas the differences were observed in the intensity of the band numbers 8, 9, 10 and 11 which were indicative of variation present in parents and their hybrids. The technique was found suitable to distinguish between closely related varieties and can be used by breeders to characterize varieties. ABSTRACT The present studies were conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Vegetable Science and Floriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur (H. P.) during the summer seasons of 2003 and 2004. The field experiment was conducted in RBD with four replications. The treatment combinations comprised three nitrogen levels (80, 60 and 40% of the recommended dose), two biofertilizers (Azotobacter and Azospirillum) and two methods of biofertilizer application (soil and seed application) alongwith control (recommended dose of chemical fertilizers). The treatment combinations 80% N+Azospirillum (soil application) and 80% N+Azotobacter (soil application) were associated with higher marketable yields. The treatment combinations 80% N+Azotobacter (soil/seed application) also exhibited nitrogen uptake at par or significantly higher than the control. Thus, the biofertilizers could affect economy upto 20% of the recommended dose of nitrogen. ABSTRACT Field trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of different levels of macro and micronutrient fertigation on yield and nutrient uptake of bitter gourd. The results revealed that the application of 100% macro and micronutrients in water soluble fertilizer form significantly increased the nutrient content and uptake of N, P, K and Fe and proved most superior over rest of the fertigation levels in case of content and uptake of N, P, K and Fe. Similarly, the same fertigation level viz., supplying 100% macronutrient in combination with micronutrient recorded the highest yield as compared to other fertigation levels and conventional method of fertilizer application. ABSTRACT Genetic diversity was studied in 128 genotypes for erectness of leaf, compactness of panicle, lodging, days to 50% flowering, effective tillers/plant, panicle length, L/B ratio and test weight using the standard evaluation system for rice developed by IRRI. Based on leaf angle, genotypes were grouped into erect (47), horizontal (37) and droopy leaves (44). The genotypes were classified according to their panicle compactness into compact panicle type (45), intermediate type (63) and open panicle type (20). Based on lodging resistance, genotypes were grouped into non-lodging (38), moderately strong (6), intermediate (12), weak culm (24) and 48 genotypes were found to have very weak culm type. Among 128 genotypes, only 12 accessions viz., 31, 54, 74, 93, 94, 101, 102, 107, 110, 112, 113 and 295 exhibited non-lodging habit with erect leaves and compact panicles. High genotypic (GCV) and phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were observed for effective tillers/plant (29.06 and 32.87) followed by test weight (18.2 and 18.3). High heritability was observed for all the six characters ranging from 76.46% in panicle length to 98.9% in test weight. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percentage of means was observed for effective tillers/plant and test weight thus indicating its effectiveness as selection. ABSTRACT Eleven genotypes of maize were grown in an experiment to study the effect of environment of the performance of genotypes as far as their grain yield was concerned. The genotypes were grown under three different environments as created by manipulating the fertilizer regime of maize. Significant genotype, genotype × environment and genotype+genotype × environment interaction in grain yield was indicative of variable performance of varieties under diverse environments. Out of the 11 genotypes, only genotype Pusa Comp-1 could match the requirement of having average stable genotype, while the genotypes Mahikanchan, Kiran, Arun and Diara were found to be suitable for rich environment being highly sensitive to environmental variations. ABSTRACT Finger millet is the third most important millet grown in many states of India under diverse situations of soil, temperature and rainfall. Genetic improvement through conventional breeding approaches depends mainly on the availability of the diverse germplasm and the amount of genetic variability present in the population. In the present study, 150 finger millet germplasm had been studied for their variability and diversity for 12 characters. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the 12 characters studied. High heritability and high genetic advance were noted for number of tillers and single plant yield, indicating the possibility of improvement for this trait by simple selection. Genetic diversity among 150 finger millet accessions was worked out using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. Based on genetic distance, these genotypes were grouped into 18 clusters. The present study concluded that considerable amount of genetic diversity is present among the entries for yield and yield attributes. Fourteen solitary clusters were superior viz., II, III, V, VI, VIII, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XVI, XVII and XVIII. Intercrossing between genotypes of these diverse clusters would generate a broad spectrum of variability for effective selection in the segregating generations for the development of high yielding cultivars. ABSTRACT Information on the combining ability and heterotic patterns of maize germplasm is great value to maize breeders. The objective of this study is to determine the heterosis and combining ability of seven yellow University Maize Inbreds (UMI) as lines and five Quality Protein Maize as testers (QPM) lines in a line x tester fashion to understand the genetic architecture, breeding behaviour, recombination potential and prediction of progeny performance. Significant differences among the hybrids were observed for all the 18 characters indicating the existence of genetic variability. The line x tester analysis revealed the importance of dominance gene action for all the characters. Parents CML 144, CML 145 in lines and UMI 524 in testers have superior gca effects and per se performance. On the basis of per se performance, sca effects and standard heterosis the hybrids CML 145/UMI 189, CML 146/UMI 427, CML 147/UMI 427 and CML 147/UMI 426 appeared to be best for heterosis breeding. Evaluation of hybrids based on significant gca and non-significant sca resulted in the identification of CML 143/UMI 427, CML 144/UMI 524, CML 145/UMI 189, CML 145/UMI 427, CML 145/UMI 524 , CML 146/UMI 189 and CML 147/UMI 524 as worthy genotypes for commercial exploitation and further utilization in recombination breeding programmes. Maximum desitrable heterosis over mid-parent was observed for b carotene (78.68%), tryptophan (62.07%) followed by single plant grain yield (56.61%). For heterosis over better parent was observed for protein (54.47%), b carotene (78.68%) followed by single plant grain yield (59.99%) . Among the hybrids, CML 143 x UMI189 recorded highly significant standard heterosis for carotene (41.66), lysine (13.29) and tryptophan (34.29) and also this hybrid was considered to be the best one for moderate yield (31.25%) and moderate starch (4.92) and low protein (1.63%), which indicates that heterosis in general, can be commercially exploited especially in maize to improve nutritional qualities alongwith yield to suit the farmers. So, exploitation of heterosis is the best method to increase the qualitative like lysine and tryptophan alongwith increase in the grain yield in maize. ABSTRACT The utility of heterosis per se may not be of much use, but cross combinations showing excellent hybrid vigour can be used in developing high yielding forage hybrids in maize crop. The present investigation was conducted at Main Forage Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during kharif, 2003, rabi 2003 and summer 2004. The experimental material consisted of 45 F1s, their 10 parents and check variety African Tall. They were sown in randomized complete block design with three replications. The hybrids were evaluated to know the extent of heterosis over mid parent, better parent and over check variety African Tall. Maximum heterosis was observed during rabi, 2003 season. For green forage yield per plant, maximum relative heterosis (90.53%) and standard heterosis (10.76%) were observed in the hybrid EC-286987 x Mex. Acc. 6356. While the maximum heterobeltiosis (68.96%) was observed in the hybrid Mex. Acc. 6344 x EC-286987 during rabi season. The hybrid EC-286987 x Mex. Acc. 6356 also recorded the highest relative heterosis (136.68%) and standard heterosis (27.92%) for dry matter yield per plant. This hybrid was identified as potential hybrid for widespread cultivation and commercial exploitation. This cross may be advanced for superior genotypes and selected genotypes may be intermated to map up fixable genetic variance. ABSTRACT Assessment of genetic variability and character associations among yield and yield components was studied in F2 generation of three interspecific crosses of finger millet. Three cultivated varieties viz., Indaf 8, HR 911 and PR 202 were used as female parents and each one crossed with wild species Eleusine africana, which is a close relative of cultivated species E. coracana. The F2 population exhibited considerable variability for all the quantitative traits evaluated in the study. The results revealed that the characters viz., culm thickness, flag leaf length and width, peduncle length, finger length and width, test weight and grain yield per plant exhibited high heritability and genetic advance. Selection based on these characters in early generations may be useful in improvement of finger millet. Grain yield was positively correlated with culm thickness, days to maturity, finger length and width and test weight.. Crop Res. 36(1, 2 & 3) : 1-3 (2008). Department of Agronomy Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208 002 ( U. P.), India ABSTRACT Phenotypic stability analysis was carried out using 10 genotypes of sorghum for yield contributing traits. The material was grown at different locations viz., Deesa, Valbhipur and Arnej during kharif 2003 season in randomized block design with three replications. The stability analysis was performed following the method of Eberhart and Russell (1966). The results revealed that (G x E) linear component were non significant, while pooled deviations (non-linear component) were significant for green forage yield. Whereas pooled deviations from regression were significant. All the varieties had significant deviations except varieties SRF-239, GFS-4 and M. P. Chari. Thus, these three varieties were considered as stable. The variety SRF-239 had higher mean green fodder yield (277 q/ha) than the overall mean (257 q/ha) with unit regression and non significant S2di. Looking to the green fodder yield, SRF-239 is a stable under wide range of environment. Therefore, this genotype can be used in future in sorghum breeding programme. ABSTRACT Fifty entries were raised in randomised block design and canonical variate analysis was done. The first three principal components indicated that the characters, plant height, number of branches, pods per plant and 100-seed weight have contributed more towards discrimination of the entries. Twenty-four clusters were formed and in those 14 were solitary clusters. D2 analysis was also done to confirm the genetic diversity. The entries ICPL 88034 and ICPL 88039 were found to be closely related and the entries ICPL 86015 and SPMA 6 were distantly related. There is no parallelism between genetic and geographic diversity. ABSTRACT The crossing programme was undertaken to study the extent of heterosis in F1 hybrids (Eight CMS lines mated with five male lines in Line x Tester design) in sunflower where heterosis is of general occurrence for almost all characters. The cross CMS 240A x ID 5016 exhibited highest heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for seed yield/plant and yield contributing characters like head diameter, percentage of filled seeds/ head and oil content. The crosses CMS 336A x ID 1020, CMS 240A x ID 1020 and CMS 147A x ID 5020 need consideration for future sunflower breeding programme. ABSTRACT The effect of different selection procedures viz., two cycles of mass selection and one cycle of S1 selection on character association was probed by studying the shift in correlation coefficients as well as path analysis. After imposition of two cycles of mass selection, the correlation coefficients of plant height, number of leaves and oil yield with seed yield increased from base population to derived populations in both early (MSE-2) and medium (MSM-2) maturity groups. As in mass selection, the S1 selection derived population also showed higher values of correlation coefficients for plant height, head diameter and oil yield with seed yield compared to the base population. The changes in path coefficients under different selection methods did not show any definite trend. However, the direct effects of seed yield on oil yield increased drastically as a result of one cycle of mass selection in both the groups. In S1 selected progenies, on oil yield, direct effect of seed yield was high. ABSTRACT An investigation was carried out to find the amount of genetic divergence among 98 sesame genotypes employing mahalanobis (1936) genetic divergence analysis. Observations were recorded on eight biometrical characters viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of capsules per plant, capsule length, number of seeds per capsule, 100-seed weight and seed yield per plant. The results revealed that the 98 genotypes exhibited wide variation among themselves. These genotypes were grouped into 12 clusters. Maximum inter-cluster distance was found between clusters v and xii. This was followed by clusters vi and xii. Minimum inter-cluster distance was registered between clusters iv and vii. ABSTRACT The genus sesamum has 38 species alongwith cultivated species S. indicum. The wild species of sesamum have long been recognized as source of important resistance genes for disease and pests. Although, interspecific hybridization can lead to broadening of genetic base and introgression of useful genes into cultivated genotypes, it has been difficult to produce interspecific hybrids due to incongruity barriers. Thus, the frequency of interspecific hybrids obtained is either nil or extremely low. Systematic studies to overcome such interspecific barriers in crosses between wild and cultivated species of sesamum are limited. The present investigation was initiated to identify the fertilization barriers and techniques to overcome them in sesamum. The hybrid seeds obtained by crossing S. occidentale and S. radiatum with S. indicum were surface sterilized and cultured at nine to twelve days after pollination. The cross between S. radiatum x E-8 showed highest survival per cent of 11.5 followed by S. radiatum x DS-1 (11.00). Ovules cultured at 12 days after pollination showed the highest response compared to other age groups. The ovule germination percentage of cross S. occidentale x S. indicum increased to 19% from 15% at 12 days after pollination when cultured on half MS media. Different measures/techniques to increase the interspecific ovule germination percentage are discussed in detail. ABSTRACT The mean total fruit yield per vine above the population mean (1.34 kg/vine) was recorded in GBGL x Hyderabad Cucumber (1.64 kg/vine), BGDL x Hyderabad Cucumber (1.518 kg/vine) and GBGL x PCL-1 (1.748 kg/vine) with high mean yield and adaptable to different environments. For number of branches per vine, hybrid H1 was considered as most stable hybrid and well adapted to all the three environments. ABSTRACT Phenotypic path coefficient analysis revealed that average fruit weight and total number of fruits per vine had high positive direct effect on fruit yield per vine. Hence, it would be rewarding to lay stress on these characters in selection programmes for increasing yield. Average fruit weight had the highest positive and direct genotypic effect on fruit yield per vine followed by total number of fruits per vine. ABSTRACT The study was carried out on 45 genotypes of cucumber to assess mean variability for 20 characters. Among the 45 genotypes, BGDL recorded maximum mean value for number of primary branches, vine fruit length, dry weight of fruit, average fruit weight, number of fruits per vine and fruit yield per vine. ABSTRACT A line x tester analysis in capsicum was carried out with 18 lines and three testers to estimate the combining ability and variance effects. The combining ability and variances indicated the preponderance of non-additive gene action for the traits plant height, plant height at first branching and stem girth. The studies indicated the scope for heterosis breeding in crop improvement in capsicum. Lines KCP04, KCP11, KCP13, KCP15 and testers were adjusted as the superior performer for total yield per plant and fruit yield per hectare based on general combining ability effects. The cross KCP01 x BL was found to be superior when sca effects were considered for early yield per plant, total yield per plant and fruit yield per hectare. ABSTRACT A set of 45 F1 crosses producded from line x tester mating design involving 15 lines and three testers was evaluated for days to 50% flowering, fruit polar diameter, fruit equatorial diameter, number of fruits per plant and total yield per plant. Out of 45 crosses, KCP04 x BL was found best for days to 50% flowering and KCP12 x BL for fruit polar diameter. The cross KCP02 x CW was found superior over the commercial check with respect to total yield per plant. The data on the megnitude of heterosis had revealed that KCP09 x BL was superior over the commercial check with respect to number of fruits per plant. ABSTRACT Conservation serves as the link between the acquisition and utilization of plant genetic resources and includes all the means by which plant genetic resource is stored and preserved. Conservation of genetic resources either in field gene bank (in situ or ex-situ) or in vitro has helped to check dearth of genetic resources. It enhances genetic variation from which selections can be made for improvement. Many cereals especially rice, sorghum, maize, etc. have been improved by this means. Conservation of genetic resources has made an impact in today’s cultivated crops. Many of the crops grown today resulted from wide crosses between wild related species. This was followed by a process of domestication by man and later by crop improvement involving crosses specifically made between species that possessed desirable trait. In order to be able to do this, species must first be collected and preserved. This paper discusses the various means by which germplasm conservation could be achieved as well as the impact and benefit that are devisable from their use. ABSTRACT A study was made on the efficacy of different insecticides during boro season of 2005 and 2006 against whorl maggot, Hydrellia philippina Ferino in rice under terai agro-ecology of West Bengal, India. Amongst the treatments, imidacloprid 17.8 S. L. @ 0.0178% proved most effective against whorl maggot infestation by increasing number of tillers as well as yield over the other insecticides. ABSTRACT Differential response of lentil pod borer, Etiella zinckenella Treitshke to different maturity groups of extra bold seeded lentil (Lens esculentus Moench) genotypes (13 short, 15 medium and 16 long duration) was studied under field conditions at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bawal (District Rewari), Haryana during 2001-02. The mean larvae population in short, medium and long duration genotypes was 5.94, 5.87 and 5.57 larvae per plant at green pod stage, the infestation by pod borer was 10.72, 9.04 and 8.53%, respectively that increased substantially at maturity stage, their level being 16.60, 12.64 and 12.05%, respectively. The seed yield in short and medium duration genotypes was almost similar (11.48 and 11.47 q/ha, respectively) and was lower in long duration genotypes (10.23 q/ha). Based on pest susceptibility rating (PSR), short duration genotypes were more susceptible, only two genotypes L 4647 and L 4659 secured PSR-5, one genotype (L-4617) secured PSR-7 and the rest fell under PSR-6. For the medium duration genotypes, LH 103 and LH 299 secured PSR-4, seven genotypes secured PSR-5 and the remaining (6) secured PSR 6. The longer duration genotypes were least susceptible, six genoypes securing PSR-4, four with PSR-5 and the remaining six secured PSR-6. The genotypes LH 551, LH 552, LH 625, LH 809, LH 941 and LH 943 from this group were least susceptible (PSR-4) and could be further exploited against E. zinckenella in breeding programmes. ABSTRACT The field experiments were undertaken during 2002-03 at experimental field of Department of Entomology, MAU, Parbhani to study the management of pod borer complex in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.). The experiments were laid out with some new insecticides viz., novaluron, spinosad, indoxacarb and thiamethoxam, two common insecticides viz., endosulfon and quinalphos and three biopesticides viz., HaNPV, azadirachtin and Btk. Results indicated that per cent pod and grain damage by H. armigera and E. atomosa at harvest was lowest in spinosad (T2) and indoxacarb (T1) in pigeonpea. All the chemical insecticides were superior over biopesticides. ABSTRACT The present investigation was carried out at the Agricultural Entomology Section Farm, College of Agriculture, Pune (Maharashtra) during summer 2005 to assess the bio-efficacy of novel insecticides viz., thiamethoxam, emamectin benzoate, flufenoxuron, spinosad, indoxacarb and fipronil alongwith conventional insecticides against okra shoot and fruit borer and their impact on natural enemies. The results revealed that indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 50 g a. i./ha was most effective treatment in reducing okra shoot and fruit borer damage by registering 5.14 and 4.16% damage on number and weight basis, respectively, which was reflected in 50.96 q/ha yield and maximum additional return of Rs. 53028/ha. With respect to impact of insecticides on the natural enemies, pest revealed that apart from endosulfan 35 EC @ 420 g a. i./ha, emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 8.5 g a. i./ ha and spinosad 45 SC @ 50 g a. i./ha recorded higher population of coccinellids and Chrysoperla carnea larvae and were found to be safer insecticides. ABSTRACT The artificially inoculated seed of loose smut susceptible cultivar BH 393 prepared during 2005-06 crop season was used for the study. Six fungicides viz., Bavistin 50 WP, Vitavax 75 WP, Vitavax 200 WP, Raxil 2 DS, Baytan T-DS and Dividend 3 WS were tested as seed dressing @ 0.1 and 0.2% concentrations in the field of Barley Research Area, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2006-07 crop season. The untreated seeds were also sown to serve as a diseased check treatment. The maximum disease i. e. 81.25 and 64.86% on plant and tiller basis, respectively, was observed in diseased check. Baytan T-DS was most effective and provided 100% disease control at both the concentrations followed by Raxil 2DS at 0.2%. Vitavax 75 WP was also very effective and gave 97.50 and 98.42% disease control at 0.1 and 0.2% concentratons, respectively. Bavistin 50 WP controlled 81.45 and 84.16% disease at 0.1 and 0.2% concentrations, respectively, on tiller basis. Dividend 3 WS was the least effective with 76.92 and 77.51% disease control on plant and tiller basis, respectively, at 0.2% concentration. ABSTRACT Three native isolates of Trichoderma harzianum, T. viridae and T. koningii were isolated from the rhizosphere of the healthy chickpea plants and compared with the other Trichoderma sp. collected from different places for their antagonistic effect against the pathogen Fusarium oxsporum f. sp. ciceri in vitro and in vivo. Among the bioagents tested, local isolate of T. harzianum (L2) showed maximum inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of pathogen. All the bioagents were further tested as seed dressing agents for the control of chickpea wilt. The lowest incidence of wilt was observed in the plots where the seeds were treated with the local isolates of T. harzianum (L2). ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to see the efficacy of a vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus, Glomus fasciculatum, different organic amendments and carbofuran individually and in combination against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita infecting greengram. Results revealed thst dual application of all the organic amendments and carbofuran with G. fasciculatum caused greater reduction of number of galls, eggmasses and final nematode population in soil and increase in plant growth parameters as against individual application of organic amendments, carbofuran and G. fasciculatum ABSTRACT Histopathological changes induced in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants infected with bean common mosaic virus showing typical symptoms of mild mosaic and downward cupping of the lamina. The changes observed in the infected plants with mosaic symptoms were the collapsing of the upper epidermal cells with localized areas, abnormal shape of palisade cells with a fewer number of chloroplasts and spongy parenchyma with lesser air spaces. ABSTRACT A survey was conducted in Tamil Nadu during the month of November 2003 to collect various wild and cultivated mushrooms. Among the 18 mushrooms tested, the maximum growth inhibition was exhibited by Ganoderma against Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. Ganoderma diethyl ether extract was formulated and all the emulsifiable concentrates of Ganosol, the Ganoderma diethyl ether formulation at 1% concentration completely inhibited the mycelial growth of R. solani in vitro. The pre-inoculation spray of the formulation was observed to cause 63.62% reduction of lesion height over control under glass house conditions. The antifungal activity of the formulation was found to be persistent upto seven days. ABSTRACT Sugarcane is extensively grown all over the world. Besides being an important raw material for sugar industries, it supports allied industries. Increased demand of sugarcane increased area under the crop. Similarly the crop was succumbing to biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the biotic stresses, attack of sugarcane woolly aphid (Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner) limited the sugarcane production leading to losses upto 60 to 70%. To manage this pest, woolly aphid resistant sugarcane clone SNK-754 was developed and found as a best approach in managing the pest. The multiplication of the clone was a challenge and in vitro multiplication was found as a suitable alternate and attempted for regeneration through callus culture using meristem as explant. The meristem showed varied response to callus induction. 2, 4-D 5 mg/l fortified with 50 ml/coconut milk induced callus in shortest period of 10.2 days. 1 mg/l 2,4-D took six days more (16.2 days), which was of maximum duration compared to any other treatment. The fresh weight measured had similar impact as of callus induction. Highest weight of 1.025 g was measured in media supplemented with 5 mg 2,4-D and 50 ml/l coconut milk. The lowest weight of 0.435 mg was recorded from 1 mg 2,4-D alone. Upon regeneration maximum number of shoots of 9.76 per callus clump was produced in 7.5 days with a plant height of 4.85 cm on media consisting 0.2 mg/l BAP and 0.1 mg/l kinetin and lowest number of 3.62 seedlings in 12.6 days having 2.11 cm height was produced on media consisting 0.1 mg/l BAP. Elongated seedlings were rooted on MS medium supplemented with IBA. The influence of IBA concentration was varied. Maximum number of 6.51 roots of 4.50 cm length per seedling within a period of 11.32 days was recorded in media consisting of half strength MS+0.2 mg IBA/l. However, higher concentration of IBA (0.5 mg/l) induced roots early (10.7 days), but number of roots (3.10) and length (3.47 cm) were less compared to earlier one. The fully rooted seedlings was found better in withstanding to external environmental conditions upon hardening. The experiment revealed the possible utility of the protocol developed in mass multiplication of the clones in vitro and for development of transgenics successful in vitro regeneration procedures are must. ABSTRACT Meristem culture is the routine practice in micropropagation of sugarcane using semi-solid medium. Mass multiplication of sugarcane woolly aphid resistant cultivar SNK-754 using meristem culture on liquid medium was attempted in the present study. Liquid medium was used in all the stages of micropropagation of sugarcane in combination with different growth regulators on respective stages. Sugarcane shoots from 8-month old mother plant were collected and meristem buds were taken out and sterilized before inoculation on MS medium supplemented with 0.25 mg/l BAP, 0.1 mg/l GA3, 0.2 mg/l NAA and 20 g/l sucrose for initiation provided with a filter paper bridge as a support. Shoots emerged from meristems and subcultured for multiplication on medium consisting of MS, 0.25 mg/l BAP, 0.1 mg/l NAA and 20 g/l sucrose. The culture bottles during multiplication were kept on continuous shaking at three different speeds viz., 25, 50 and 100 RPM on orbital shaker to determine the optimum speed for multiplication of large number of shoots. The highest rate of multiplication of shoots with an average of 9.10 seedlings on each cycle of multiplication was found at 100 RPM and lowest was at 25 RPM with 3.95 seedlings per cycle of multiplication. The meristems inoculated on static position performed poorly with an average of 3.10 seedlings per cycle of multiplication. After multiplication elongated shoots were rooted on rooting medium (MS + 0.01 mg/l IBA and 20 g/l sucrose) and seedlings were hardened before discharge for field plantation. The rate of shoot multiplication was found increasing from 25 to 100 RPM revealing 100 RPM the most suitable for large scale multiplication of sugarcane using liquid culture medium on orbital shaker. The cost of production for each seedling was also found less compared to gelled medium and method was found most successful in popularizing the newly developed sugarcane in short period and viable for commercial scale multiplication of sugarcane. ABSTRACT The nuclear DNA content of maize populations with and without the presence of B-chromosomes was estimated. Nuclei were isolated from two-week old seedlings and stained with 4′, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and propidium iodide (PI). Sorghum was used as an internal standard. The analysis was carried out using a laser based Coulter EPICS 750 series flow cytometer-cell sorter. Root tips collected following germination, were used to determine the number of B-chromosomes per plant. The results indicated higher fluorescence intensities in maize populations with B-chromosomes. Correlation coefficients between number of chromosomes and fluorescence intensities were 0.72 and 0.96 for DAPI and PI, respectively. The observation noted in the study suggests the critical nature of the fluorochrome selected for evaluating the populations segregating for B-chromosomes. The fluorochrome DAPI appears to be the fluorochrome of choice for determining the absolute amounts of DNA in maize populations, while the fluorochrome PI was found to be superior in estimating the number of B-chromosomes in maize populations. ABSTRACT The present study was conducted at the research field of Oilseed Research Unit, Dr. PDKV, Akola during kharif 2004 and rabi 2004-05 using two genotypes of groundnut belonging to Virginia Bunch i. e. AK-265 and a Spanish Bunch genotype i. e. AK-280, with each of three and two treatments of physical mutagen i. e. gamma rays and chemical mutagen i. e. Ethylmethane sulphonate (EMS), respectively, with one treatment combination of physical and chemical mutagens (20 kR gamma rays+20 mM EMS) with the object to know the mutagenic efficiency and effectiveness of different treatments in M2 generation. The increased pollen sterility was found in all the treatments of EMS and gamma rays as compared to untreated. The studies also revealed that there was an increased unit dose of EMS and gamma rays resulting in increased mutagenic effectiveness, except in treatment with 40 kR gamma rays in both the genotypes. The maximum mutagenic effectiveness was recorded in 60 mM EMS, while 40 kR gamma rays treatment showed minimum effect. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted on medicinal coleus (Coleus forskohlii Briq) (K-8) at Herbal Garden, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad on a fine loamy, mixed hyperthermic, Typic Haplustept soil during late kharif 2005-06 to study the effect of organic manures (different doses of castor cake, FYM), bio-fertilizer (Azospirillum, Phosphorus solubilizing Bacteria) and inorganic nitrogenous fertilizer (different levels) on tuber yield at harvest and soil nutrient status at different growth stages (90, 120 DAP and at harvest). Conjunctive use of 50% N (20 kg N/ha) with organic manures (FYM @ 2.5 t/ha+castor cake @ 0.25 t/ha) and bio-fertilizers (T12) has resulted in the highest fresh tuber yield (121.91 t/ha), dry tuber yield (21.59 q/ha) at harvest and soil nutrient status (available N, P, K, S and Fe) at all the growth stages studied. This treatment was found to be on par with 100% N (T3) indicating saving of 50% N through conjunctive use of organic manures and bio-fertilizers with inorganic N in addition to improving the soil fertility status. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during winter seasons of 2005-06 and 2006-07 to study the effect of row spacings and nitrogen sources on growth, yield and quality of isabgol varieties. The most optimum row spacing for both the isabgol varieties (Gujarat Isabgol-1 and Haryana Isabgol-5) was 20 cm which encouraged growth and yield-attributing parameters upto the highest range. Gujarat Isabgol-1 proved better than Haryana Isabgol-5 at each row spacing which gave the maximum seed yield (13.70 q/ha), net income (Rs. 50427/ha) and improved the medicinal value giving the highest seed mucilage (35.91%) as well as swelling factor (11.30 cc/g) at 20 cm row spacing. The best N-source treatment was 25% N by urea+75% N by FYM (total 30 kg N/ha) which recorded significantly higher seed yield upto 14.43 q/ha, net return up to Rs. 53610/ha, seed mucilage 36.16% and swelling factor 11.27 cc/g. The combined input (interaction) of 20 cm row spacing with 25% N by urea+75% N by FYM further augmented these parameters of Gujarat Isabgol-1 synergistically (seed yield 15.58 q/ha, net income Rs. 59658/ha, seed mucilage 36.8% and swelling factor 11.49 cc/g). This was followed by Haryana Isabgol-5 with the same row spacing and N-source treatment. Thus, both these interactions proved the most remunerative. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during winter seasons of 2005-06 and 2006-07 to study the effect of row spacings and nitrogen sources on the nutrient contents and uptake of isabgol varieties. Sowing at 20 cm row spacing and applied with 25% N by urea+75% N by FYM (total 30 kg N/ha) as well as their combination raised the N, P and K contents in seed and straw of isabgol varieties significantly in addition to their total uptake. The highest nutrients uptake by isabgol crop (GI-1 or HI-5) producing a total biomass from 40.87 to 42.45 q/ha at 20 cm row spacing was 58.96-67.91 kg N, 20.07-22.79 kg P and 28.34-31.22 kg K/ha. The crop applied with 25% N by urea+75 % N by FYM also removed the maximum NPK per hectare. The combined input (20 cm spacing with N-source having 25% N by urea+75% N by FYM further augmented the uptake of these nutrients. The findings suggest that due to heavy withdrawal of nutrients by isabgol crop as a result of improved production technology, the succeeding crops must be nourished properly with all the essential plant nutrients particularly FYM based on soil test values. ABSTRACT Field experiments were conducted in farmers’ field located in Salem district, Tamil Nadu, during 2004-06 to evaluate the planting pattern and nutrients on growth and yield of Coleus forskohlii intercropped with Phyllanthus amarus. The results revealed that normal planting of C. forskohlii and application of recommended dose of fertilizers resulted in higher growth, yield attributes and yield followed by normal planting of C. forskohlii with application of poultry manure at 3 t/ha. ABSTRACT The investigations were carried out to study the varietal characterization in two inter-specific and one intra-specific hybrid cotton and their parents by seedling characteristics. Shape of cotyledon, cotyledon texture, hypocoty1 pigmentation, hypocoty1 length and radicle length of seedling were found to be important diagnostic characters in the identification of cotton genotypes. Seed keys were developed for identification of three hybrids and their parents of cotton genotypes. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted at Seed Technology Research Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola in kharif 2005-06 to study the effect of different seed soaking treatments of chemicals to enhance the planting value of soybean seeds particularly those having germination marginally below the MSCS. The two seed lots i. e. L1 (seed lots having GP above Minimum Seed Certification Standards) and L2 having germination below Minimum Seed Certification Standards were used with different soaking treatments. The results revealed that seed lots treated with various chemicals increased plant height of soybean than control. The soaking treatments of 0.4% Polykote+0.25% thirum recorded highest seed yield in both L1 and L2 seed lots. In general, it was observed that seed invigoration treatments increased germination percentage, seedling length, seedling dry weight and vigour index and seed yield per hectare. Among the seed lots, fresh seed lot (L1) recorded higher germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight, plant height and seed yield per plant than the revalidated seed lot. ABSTRACT Changes in moisture content, germination, dry matter production of seedlings and vigour index were studied in rainfed and irrigated groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) during storage. Moisture content of seed increased with increase in storage period, while germination, dry matter production of seedlings and vigour index decreased with increase in storage period. The decrease in these parameters was slow in rainfed seed compared to irrigated seed. The rainfed seeds were stored upto 10 months with minimum seed certification standard of 70% germination, whereas the irrigated seed lost its viability within six months. ABSTRACT The statistical analysis of rainfall distribution in different districts of Eastern U. P. during monsoon period for 48 years (1953-2000) has been made in this paper. The statistical parameters such as moments, coefficient of skewness and kurtosis have been computed to understand the nature of rainfall distribution in each district. The rainfall anomalies during monsoon period (June-September) have also been examined for each district by fitting regression lines through ‘Least Square Method’ and results for rainfall trends for each district of Eastern U. P. have been presented in this paper. ABSTRACT Most of the states in India have their own local short grained aromatic land races which are known by different vernacular names. Mushk Budji and Kamad are the short bold aromatic rices grown in pockets of Kashmir. They are challenged with diminishing acreage, high blast susceptibility and unstable performance over locations. These land races possess good cooking and organoleptic qualities and need to be conserved and genetically improved for yield and disease resistance. ABSTRACT The effect of simulated burning of residues of rice and wheat crop on loss of N, P, K and S was studied. Complete burning of the rice straw resulted in 100, 22.7, 25.0 and 75.0% loss of N, P, K and S, respectively. Corresponding losses due to complete burning of wheat straw were 100, 24.0, 22.5 and 76.3%. The loss of each nutrient was less due to incomplete burning of both residues and resulted in 88.3, 2.5, 14.3 and 20.0% loss of N, P, K and S, respectively, for rice straw and 88.8, 3.4, 19.4 and 30.0% loss of N, P, K and S, respectively, for wheat straw. ABSTRACT The effect of various doses of neem seed extract in comparison with some commercially available neem based formulations and endosulfan were evaluated against sucking pests of rainfed cotton during kharif 2006. The treatments were NSE-5%, NSE-7.5%, NSE-10%, NSE-12.5%, NSE-15%, Azadirachtin 1500 ppm @ 2.5 ml/l, Azadirachtin 10000 ppm @ 1 ml/l, NSE-5%+Endosulfan 35 EC @ 0.03%, Endosulfan 35 EC @ 0.06% and control. It was observed that there were non-significant differences amongst various treatments as regards the sucking pests population on rainfed cotton. ABSTRACT Fusarium head scab of wheat caused by Fusarium graminearum is a destructive disease in the humid and sub-humid areas of Himachal Pradesh. The disease affects the quality of grain and thus making it unfit for human consumption. No effictive method is available for creating artificial epiphytotic of disease. Therefore, syringe inoculation, cotton swab and direct spray methods were tried for artificial creation of disease under polyhouse conditions. Cotton swab saturated with 104 spores/ ml inserted in the middle of spikes was found to be the best technique as it resulted in cent per cent development of head scab within 20 days. However, syringe inoculation and direct spary of pathogen gave 40-50 and 20-24% disease development, respectively. Cotton swab technique may be used for quick screening of wheat genotypes and scoring of disease.
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