Volume 56, Number 6 (November 2021)
1. R. Durai Singh, Syed Abul Hassan Hussainy*, V. K. Paulpandi, Nandhini, R., Lavanya, A. and Prema, M. [Effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth, phyllochron, tillering and yield of rice (Oryza sativa)]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 281-286 (2021). Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai-625 104, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : thesyedhussainy@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Excessive use of inorganic fertilizers is a major concern in paddy fields which has deteriorated soil health extensively for which a shift towards integrated nutrient management (INM) is the opt choice to feed the growing population. Therefore, a study was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India during 2021 to assess the effect of INM on the phyllochron and tillering in rice. Recommended rates of organic manures viz., farmyard manure (12.5 t/ha), green leaf manure (5 t/ha), poultry manure (5 t/ha), goat manure (5 t/ha) and vermicompost (5 t/ha) were integrated with recommended dose of fertilizer @ 150: 50: 50 kg/ha NPK. Study revealed that INM through farmyard manure resulted in increased growth (plant height, total leaf area, more of leaves and tillers per plant) in lesser accumulated thermal time (21.2 °C days/leaf) required for leaf emergence @ 0.646 leaf/day. Therefore, it is evident that combining inorganic fertilizers with organic manures could enhance the growth and facilitate steady nutrition to the rice crop in addition to improved soil health over conventional method of cultivation.
2. Sunday Omovbude and Elsie I. Hamadina* [Post maize harvest weed dynamics as influenced by in season granular urea fertilization in the Ultisols of the Niger Delta, Nigeria]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 287-294 (2021). Department of Crop and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria *(e-mail : elsie.hamadina@uniport.edu.ng)
ABSTRACT
Unlike the effect of prilled urea, which is well known, the effect of granular urea fertilization on growth of many staple crops is still being assessed across regions in Nigeria and its effect on consequent weed growth and dynamics is not well known. Therefore, this study was conducted, in the year 2018 after a maize -granular urea fertilization trial on the Ultisols of the Niger Delta, Nigeria, to determine the effect of the granular urea fertilization on weed growth and diversity. Weed data was collected, two weeks after maize harvest, from plots that received the following seven treatments: No granular urea (Control), nitrogen (N) from granular urea (GU) at 75 Kg N/ha (GU75) and 100 Kg N/ha (GU100), N from prilled urea (PU) at 75 Kg N/ha (PU75) and 100 Kg N/ha (PU100), N from a combination of GU and poultry manure at 75 and 25 kg N/ha (75GU + 25FM) and N from a combination of PU and poultry manure at 75 and 25 kg N/ha (75PU+25FM). Using RIV% of > 10%, four dominant weed species found were: Cyprus rotundus (a perennial sedges; RIV 22.2%), Elusine indica (an annual grass; RIV 16.8%) and two annual broadleaf species; Oldenlandia corymbose (RIV 13.08%) and Aspilia Africana (RIV 10.03%). The highest RIV (112.99%), weed density (697.33/m2) and weed dry weight (697.33g/m2) were found in the Control while the lowest RIV (87.16%), weed density (383.33/m2) and weed dry weight (20.73g/m2) were on plots that received high urea (100PU and 100GU). Weed density and RIV% were found to have strong, negative relationship (R2=0.77, 0.71 respectively) with mean number of maize leaves at 70 days after sowing. Thus, the use of granular urea (particularly at 100 kg N/ha) during the maize growing period suppressed subsequent weed growth and diversity (particularly annual broadleaf types) with prolonged shading effect of the maize canopy contributing strongly to this. The use of granular urea on farmlands in the Ultisols of Rivers State could be encouraged rather than the less environmentally friendly prilled urea.
3. D. KUMARIMANIMUTHU VEERAL* AND G. ABIRAMI [Effects of liquid organic manures on growth, yield and grain quality of sweet corn (Zea mays convar. sacharata var. rugosa)]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 295-300 (2021). Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608002, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : dkmveeral@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Sweet corn (Zea mays convar. sacharata var. rugosa) also called sweet corn, sugar corn, pole corn is a variety of maize with high sugar content (protein 3.2g, sugar 3.22g). Sweet corn is the result of a naturally occurring recessive mutation in the genes which control conversion of sugar to starch inside the endosperm of the corn kernel. Since sweet corn needs to be consumed in a short time after harvest, it fits well in peri urban agriculture. The major problems during growth period are incomplete kernel development, ears partially filled with ripe kernels, shrivelled kernels. An attempt is made to overcome this problem by spraying of liquid organic manures with regular intervals. This study comprised of eight treatments with four replications, adopting RBD. It revealed that the combined application of FYM @ 10t/ha with two sprays of panchakavya 3% at fortight interval by recording the highest values in all growth and yield parameters by maintaining the soil fertility and productivity.
4. Girish Chandra, Sarthak Verma, Pankaj Kumar and Lokesh Gambhir* [Augmentation of growth and seed yield in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) through identifying optimum level of phosphorus application and weed management]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 301-307 (2021). 1Department of Seed Science and Technology School of Agricultural Sciences, Sri Guru Ram Rai University Dehradun-248001, Uttarakhand, India *(e-mail : gambhir.lokesh@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Chickpea is one of the most important pulse crop in the world. For higher yield of chickpea, it is essential to apply a suitable dose of manure and fertilizer particularly phosphorus nutrition to crop. Very meager data is available about ideal dose of phosphorus application and weed management for Dehradun region of Uttarakhand. Therefore, to investigate the effect of weeding and phosphorous levels on growth and yield of chickpea seed, a field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2019-20 at Agriculture Research Centre, School of Agriculture Sciences, Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design using chickpea cv. PG-186 with three replications. Treatments were comprised of five levels of phosphorus viz. 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg/ha with weeding and control (without weeding). Observations on various growth and yield attributes were recorded at different growth stages. Based on experimental findings, maximum plant height (43 cm), average number of branches/plant (4.80), number of leaves/plant (130.33), number of pods/plant (47.46), weight of plant (44.26 g), seed yield/hectare (13.53 q) and 1000 seeds weight (138.26 g) were recorded with application of 45 kg P/ha with continuous weeding. On the basis of these results, it can be concluded that the phosphorus application of 45 kg P/ha with proper and timely weeding is best among all other treatments for higher growth and seed yield of chickpea in Doon valley of Uttarakhand.
5. M. B. Dalvi1, Pushpa. D. Patil*, H. D. Pawar2, R. A. Raut, S. S. Bhure and V. S. Desai [Efficacy of different bio-organics for the management of important diseases of mango (Mangifera indica L.)]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 308-312 (2021). 1Regional Fruit Research Station Vengurle-416 516 District Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, India *(e-mail : pushpala2000@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
The powdery mildew, Oidium mangiferae Berthet, anthracnose, Colletotrichum gloeosporoides and sooty mould Capnodium spp. are the major diseases of mango in hot and humid coastal Konkan region of Maharashtra which causes severe losses in short span of period. The mango grower uses various pesticides for their management. However, the pesticides residue and their hazardous effect are well known. Therefore, most of the mango growers in the region are switching towards organic farming and trying variety of bio-organics especially against blossom diseases of mango and claiming their effectivity. Hence, the studies on efficacy of various bio-organics were conducted at Regional Fruit Research Station, Vengurla, Dist. Sindhudurg (M.S) during 2019-20 and 2020-21 cropping seasons. The profusely flowered plants were selected and sprayed with respective bio-organic at its full bloom stage. Only one spray was given at full bloom stage. The observations on natural incidence of powdery mildew, anthracnose and sooty mould on panicles were recorded. It was revealed from the pooled results of 2019-20 and 2020-21seasons that, the powdery mildew, anthracnose and sooty mould diseases were significantly controlled only by the treatments of chemical check Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63 % WP @ 0.2%. However, among the treatments of bio- organics Jeevamrut @10% and Vermiwash @ 10% were found promising against major diseases of mango blossom.
6. S. Maji*, K. Meena and S. Kumar [Influence of various length of stem cutting for successful propagation of Dragon fruit [Hylocerus costaricensis (Web.) Briton and Rose]]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 313-316 (2021). Department of Horticulture Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India *(e-mail : majisutanu@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Quality planting material production is one of the key issues in commercial fruit production and its sustainability specially for the new crop like dragon fruit in India. In this regard, a study was conducted during 2019-20 at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India as an attempt to produce successful rooting from small length cutting for multiplication of planting materials to meet up its availability demand. Stem cuttings of dragon fruit in different lengths (5-45 cm) were studied for success rate and the rooting and shooting behaviour of cuttings when they were taken from various length The experiment clearly showed that 5-15 cm length were not successful whereas 100 per cent success observed from 20 cm and onwards length. However, on the basis of proper growth and development studies, it showed that among the various length, 30 cm length is the most beneficial when cuttings were prepared on open soil method at Lucknow subtropical condition. 30 cm cuttings gave the better root and shoot growth followed by 40 cm and 45 cm cuttings. Thus, 30 cm cuttings may be suggested at this locality for rapid multiplication specially when the cuttings are prepared during winter – spring season.
7. R. C. Gajbhiye, L. S. Khapare*, M. B. Kadam, S. V. Deshmukh, S. N. Pawar, B. N. Sawant, S. P. Salvi and P. M. Talha [Standardizing the preparation of carbonated beverage from cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale) syrup]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 317-322 (2021). Department of Horticulture RFRS, Vengurla, DBSKKV, Dapoli, Maharashtra, India *(e-mail : lalitkhapare8@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Cashew apple is highly astringent and vulnerable to microbial spoilage which limits its utility to make them fit for human consumption and available throughout the year in the form of beverage. In this context a laboratory experiment was conducted during 2020-21 at Four Labs, RFRS, Vengurla Maharashtra, India to standardize the most suitable CO2 pressure for carbonation of cashew apple syrup. The carbonated beverage was prepared by adding 40 mL syrup in 160 mL carbonated chilled water and made the volume of 200 mL and stored in pre-sterilized PET bottles. The experiment was conducted with seven treatments consist of different CO2 concentration i.e., 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 0 psi in completely randomized design with three replications. The chemical composition and organoleptic qualities of carbonated cashew apple beverage studied at monthly interval and total for 3 months of storage period in order to determine the optimum storage life of product up to which it becomes acceptable among consumers. Among the different treatments studied, carbonation of cashew apple syrup at 80 psi CO2 pressure was appeared as best treatment which consistently recorded the highest organoleptic score for colour, flavor, taste, mouth feel and overall acceptability for 3 months of storage period. In the present study, carbonation level does not have any significant effect on acidity and pH at 90 days of storage.
8. M. MAHALAKSHMI* AND P. MADHANAKUMARI** [Augmenting yield of taro (Colocasia esculenta) through organic manures]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 323-328 (2021). Department of Horticulture Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai university, Annamalai Nagar-608002, Tamil Nadu, India (e-mail : *mahalaxmimohan13@gmail.com; **hortmadhana@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Growing concerns and awareness regarding environmental degradation, food safety, and human health have generated interest over the use of more organic manures in farming. In the view of this context a field experiment was conducted during February- August 2020 at Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India to study the influences of organic manures on the yield of taro (cv. Sree Rashmi). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments replicated thrice. Organic manures used for the study were farmyard manure, vermicompost, neem oil cake, phosphobacteria were applied as basal form and Seaweed extract, effective microorganisms, and panchagavya, were soil drenched on the day of sowing, 30th and 60th days after sowing as per the treatment. Results revealed that the maximum values of yield parameters viz., number of cormels/plant (20.34), length of the cormels (11.28 cm), diameter of cormels (6.61 cm), girth of cormels (15.23 cm), single cormel weight (30.43 g), weight of the mother corms (599.28 g), total cormel yield/plant (618.94 g), total cormel yield/plot (24.13 kg), total cormel yield/ha (30.93 t), net income (Rs. 208485.62) and B:C ratio (3.24) were recorded under the treatment of RDF+ vermicompost (5t/ha) + sea weed extract (5 mL/ litre) +phosphobacteria (2 kg/ha) proved best treatment in respect of these parameters. Among all the organic manures sea-weed extract combined with vermicompost and phosphobacteria proved beneficial in respect of yield and yield attributes. The minimum values of all these characters were recorded under control. The use of organic manures proved to be eco-friendly in taro cultivation for sustainable yield and quality of cormels as well as for maintaining soil health.
9. Sindhu Edathara Sasi, Akshaya Prakash C, Delse Parekkattil Sebastian* and Satheesh George [Influence of stress signals on phenotypic characters, rhizome yield and secondary metabolite production of turmeric (Curcuma longa) cv. ‘Pragathi’]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 329-335 (2021). Crop Improvement and Biotechnology Division Centre for Post Graduate Studies and Research Department of Botany, St. Joseph’s College Autonomous) Devagiri-673008, Calicut, Kerala, India *(e-mail : delsbotany@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Turmeric plants are exposed to a variety of stress signals which influence not only the vegetative growth and yield but also the secondary metabolite production. An exposure study on the stress-induced changes in turmeric morphological characters, biomass production, and phytochemical changes will help to identify useful stress signals under field conditions. This study identifies the influence of stress signals such as salicylic acid, ZnSO4, and cow urine on phenotypic characters, rhizome yield, and secondary metabolite production in ’Pragathi’ variety of turmeric. The present investigation was conducted during June (2019) to January (2020) at Kakkur Panchayath, Kozhikode district, Kerala. One way ANOVA results showed that except for the number of tillers and number of mother rhizomes, all other features showed significant difference in means(P<0.05). Among the various stress signals used, 10% cow urine solution was found to be most effective in promoting the height of the plants and leaf length and 5% cow urine solution was found to be effective in leaf induction. Use of 0.2% Salicylic acid solution was found to be most effective in increasing the production of secondary metabolites like Curcuminoids and Oleoresins. About a 35% increase in the production of Curcuminoids and a 23% increase in the production of Oleoresins were observed in plants treated with 0.2% Salicylic acid solution. The results obtained in the present studies could be used for increasing vegetative growth and secondary metabolite production in turmeric cv. ‘Pragathi’.
10. Takhellambam Henny*, Siddharth Kumar Palai and Lhingneivah Chongloi [Assessment of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in spray chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat)]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 336-340 (2021). 1Department of Floriculture and Landscaping College of Agriculture, Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology Bhubaneswar – 751003, Odisha, India *(e-mail : hennytakhell07@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
In this study, nine genotypes of spray chrysanthemum were evaluated to determine genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance among thirteen different quantitative parameters. The research was conducted in Biotechnology-cum-tissue culture Laboratory, Department of Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from July 2017 to February 2018. The result showed high estimates of phenotypic and genotypic co-efficient of variations for flower weight (47.82, 47.27), number of ray florets per flower (44.81, 44,77), weight of flowers per plant (37.55, 37.02), number of flowers per plant (36.44, 36.19), and flower diameter (25.68, 25.36). The study also revealed that the PCV estimates were greater than GCV with respect to all the quantitative parameters. The narrow difference in PCV and GCV were obtained for most of the parameters studied. The high heritability values and heritability estimate coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed in flower weight, weight of flowers per plant, number of flowers per plant and flower diameter suggesting that the gene action is mostly of additive type and therefore, direct selection of such parameters will be rewarding. It was observed that heritable variability in the breeding materials, characters like flower weight, flower diameter, number of flowers per plant, weight of flowers per plant and number of ray florets per flower could be exploited for improvement through crop improvement programme.
11. Amandeep, Gaje Singh, Mange Ram* and Pankaj Batham [Effects of indigenous plant extracts with cow urine on incidence of stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) in paddy (Oryza sativa L.)]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 341-345 (2021). 1Department of Entomology Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology Meerut-250 110, Uttar Pradesh, India *(e-mail : mrsaini1513@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Regarding the impact of different chemical insecticides on human health and the environment, field efficacy was carried out during Kharif 2019 at Crop Research Centre of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut, India for different plant extracts with animal byproduct viz., Cow urine + Azadirachta indica, Cow urine + Melia azedarach, Cow urine + Lantana camara, Cow urine +Jatropha gossypiflora, Cow urine + Eucalyptus oblique, Cow urine + Cannabis sativa and Neemoz (Azadirachtin 300 ppm) against rice stem borer, S. incertulas was carried out in randomized block design with three replications. The result revealed that Neemoz @ 2500 mL/ha was most effective treatment in reducing the infestation of rice stem borer followed by Cow urine + Melia azedarach @ 7500mL/ha. The Cow urine + Cannabis sativa @ 7500 mL/ha was recorded least effective. In the future, the use of cow urine with some other plant extracts could be a more effective control of the rice insect pest.
12. OJIAKO, F. O.*, AHUCHAOGU, C. E. AND OKERE, S. E. [Icon 10 CS and Actellic 25 E.C treated storage bags for protection against stored cowpea seed bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae)]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 346-357 (2021). 1Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 1526 Owerri, Nigeria *(e-mail : frankojiako@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Direct spraying of synthetic chemicals on consumable produce and products is a major concern of consumers and most times treated grains fail the regulatory maximum residue levels (MRLs) of pesticides. In a bid to circumvent direct sprays of insecticides on produce, this study, carried out at the Laboratory of the Department of Crop Science and Technology of the Federal University of Technology in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, aims at determining the effect of impregnating two most-used storage bag types with known insecticides. It is also intended by this study to find out which of the two storage bags; Bagco (BCB) (15 × 10 cm) and Calico cloth (CCB) (15 × 10 cm), would be preferable when it becomes inevitable to spray insecticides directly on stored cowpea seeds. To determine the protective ability of the two storage bag types when Callosobruchus maculatus F. infested Ife brown cowpea seeds are stored in them, the bags were impregnated with Actellic 25 E.C solution (15.0, 30.0 and 45.0 wt/v) and Icon 10 CS (3.15, 6.30 and 9.5 wt/v) in Experiment I. In Experiment II, the protective ability of the two bag types when seeds treated with different concentrations (10.0, 20.0 and 30.0 wt/v) of Actellic 25 E.C are stored in them, was investigated. Each treatment was replicated thrice. Data collated was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) fitted in a factorial arrangement. Five pairs of female and male bruchids were put into each of the bags containing 100 g cowpea seeds. Bags treated with Actellic 25 E. C. solution had higher mortality (85.00, 96.60 and 96.60%) at 24h. Conversely, Icon 10 CS had no immediate knockdown effect on the bruchids. The control recorded low bruchid mortality at 24h (5.00%). Actellic 25 E.C® impregnated bags reduced seed damage considerably and may replace the conventional practice of applying pesticides directly on stored produce, a practice that increases pesticide residual toxicity levels in stored produce.
13. Mahalakshmi G., Vengadeshkumar L.*, Sanjaygandhi S. and T. Meera [Impact of different media, temperature and pH on the growth of Alternaria solani causing tomato early blight disease]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 358-362 (2021). 1Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram-608602, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : vengadpragathi@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Studies on the impact of different media, influence of temperature and pH on the growth, cultural and morphological characters of pathogen is greatly influenced for successful management of crop diseases. Therefore, the present study was carried out during 2017 at the Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India to assess the growth of Alternaria solani in different media, temperature and pH. A. solani was inoculated with different media, range of temperature and pH and assess their growth by agar plate method. All the experiments replicated thrice. The study clearly revealed that among the media tested both solid and liquid, PDA and PD broth was found to be the best in supporting the mycelial growth (88.67mm) and mycelial dry weight (289.51mg) of the pathogen. Also, the study proved that temperature of 30ºC was suitable for A. solani and recorded maximum mycelial growth of 69.52mm. Whereas, the optimum pH for the growth of pathogen 6.5 and recorded maximum mycelial growth of 71.52mm. It is concluded that the isolate will be further tested for their aggressiveness in early blight disease incidence.
14. PRANJAL PRATIM NEOG* [Effect of crop sequences in combination with other ecofriendly practices for management of plant parasitic nematodes infecting jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 363-368 (2021). Department of Nematology, B.N. College of Agriculture Biswanath Chariali-784176, Biswanath, Assam, India *(e-mail : ppneog703@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Among the different biotic stress, plant parasitic nematodes are considered to be real menace to successful and profitable cultivation of crops. This tiny microscopic organism can effectively manage by application of chemical pesticides, but frequent use of chemical pesticides may induce residual effect, phytotoxicity, health hazards to human and live stocks including ground water contamination. To overcome these hazards, effort is being made to reduce the nematode infestation by some non chemical methods. Use of proper crop sequences seems to be one of the best methods to counter nematode problem. Incorporation of non host or poor host crop between two susceptible host crops can successfully reduce nematode infestation. In the present study four crop rotation sequences were tested for their efficacy to reduce the incidence of plant parasitic nematodes on jute in a naturally infested field of Biswanth College of Agriculture, Biswanath Chariali, Assam during 2019-20. Other ecofriendly nematode management practices like application of compost and crop residue, soil incorporation of dhaincha as green manure, application of bioagents were also combined with different crop sequence. Among the different crop sequences, Jute-Toria-Dhaincha-Jute was found to be most effective in reducing the final nematode population in soil and increasing the seed yield of jute followed in order of efficacy by the crop sequence Jute-Toria- Fallow- Jute. These crop sequences may be recommended for future record.
15. K. SHARMILI, M. YASODHA, P. RAJESH, K. RAJENDRAN, SUGITHA THANKAPPAN and R. MINITHRA [Millet and pulse-based intercropping system for agricultural sustainability – A review]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 369-378 (2021). 1Department of Agriculture School of Agriculture and Biosciences Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences Karunya Nagar, Coimbatore – 641114, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : sharmilisheriff@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Millets and Pulses are world’s renowned crops known for their nutritional significance. Millets being an underutilized species; farmer’s especially in the rainfed zone solely depend on them for their livelihood; which could be enhanced through a planned and efficient intercropping system. Millets are highly adapted to higher temperature, scanty rainfall, poor fertile soils etc., leading its importance in climate change scenario. On the other hand, limiting land resources equipped with poor soil fertility status leads to find a way for efficient utilization of available resources along with enhanced productivity per unit area and time. This situation can be overcome by intercropping millets along with legumes and this has witnessed higher production with additional benefits which make them more suitable intercropping choice. It is very important that the performance under intercropping system depends on the selection of suitable intercrop. For assessment of intercropping, different indices have been used to determine advantage of an intercropping system over sole cropping using different formulae. This review gives a critical view about millets and pulse-based intercropping for agricultural sustainability.
16. M. YASODHA*, K. SHARMILI, SUGITHA THANKAPPAN, R. MINITHRA AND K. RAJENDERAN [Devising newer cropping strategy for eradicating weed niches – A review]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 379-387 (2021). School of Agriculture and Biosciences Karunya Institute of technology and Sciences Coimbatore – 641 114, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : yasoagri@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
The world’s population will continue to expand in the future, necessitating increased food production to meet people’s nutritional needs. Weed infestation is a key stumbling block in increasing global food productivity. In conventional agriculture, herbicides are the primary weed-control tool. Herbicide use has, however, led in the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds, making weed control difficult. Weed management practises that are both sustainable and environmentally benign favour crop plants by reducing weed-crop competition. Concerted efforts have been taken with the objective to formulate suitable cropping strategies for reducing weed niches. Hence, the current literature evaluation focuses on the extent to which cropping strategies aids to reduce weed habitat.
17. DEBASHIS MANDAL* AND LALRINCHHANI [Light emitting diode and its application in pre and postharvest horticulture : A Review]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 388-401 (2021). Department of Horticulture, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Mizoram University, Aizawl-796004, Mizoram, India *(e-mail : debashismandal1982@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Natural light is imperative for the growth and development of plants. Nevertheless, spectrum of natural light is inadequate to meet the requirement of crops. Artificial lighting system by use of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) could be adopted in horticulture in closed chambers, in greenhouses, in open fields, before pre-harvest until post-harvest storage in controlled environment. Various beneficial and physical properties of LEDs make it convenient for revolutionizing crop cultivation even in earth and on space. Selection of appropriate LED light could boost crop production, improve colour in ornamental plants, enhance phytochemical and nutrient contents, regulate flowering, induce or delay ripening, delay senescence, reduce microbial growth and tremendously improve crop production and preservation in the non-chemical way safe for consumption. LED light in combination with different colours and alteration of wavelength could lead to revolution of horticulture technology in producing super food microgreens and other vegetables possessing desired qualitative and quantitative traits. This innovative and futuristic advancement can be exploited to feed salubrious horticultural crops to the burgeoning population on land and off land. Monochromatic light and combination of LED lights can be employed in cold storage for preventing crop spoilage while enhancing various qualitative traits. Though previous researches have reported numerous benefits of LEDs still there is a vast scope for breakthrough novel inventions which could ameliorate LED lighting to an enormous extend.
18. M. V. MATTI*, C. P. MALLAPUR, D. N. KAMBREKAR AND J. POORANI [First report of potential egg parasitoid Telonomus spp (Hymenoptera : Scelionidae), on invasive pest, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) in maize (Zea mays) from Indian subcontinent]. Crop Res. 56 (6) : 402-405 (2021). Agricultural Entomology University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580005, Karnataka, India *(e-mail : muttumatti@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an insect native to the tropical and subtropical Americas that has recently spread to Africa. where it predominately attacks maize, sorghum and other plant species. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a lepidopteran pest that feeds on many economically important cereal crops such as corn, rice, sorghum, and sugarcane. Native to the Americas, it has become a serious invasive pest in Africa and Asia. Biological control is an environmentally friendly way of combatting the pest and contributes to an integrated pest management approach. Thus studies on the occurrence of Fall Army Worm (FAW) S. frugiperda and its natural enemies were conducted during 2020-21 at MARS, Dharwad, Karnataka, India in fixed plots to record potential natural enemies on FAW in maize ecosystem. Egg mass collected was observed for the number of adult parasitoids that emerged from egg mass, and the percentage parasitisation were recorded. The present study reports new associations of natural enemies on fall armyworm in India with reference to the northern Karnataka. Study revealed that the egg parasitoid, Telonomus spp. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) was noticed; as potential egg parasitoid on FAW which accounted for 10-11 % parasitisation at field level. Study on species level description is under process, specimen was collected has been sent to experts for their identification. Further identification of natural enemies and preserving the existing ones, through eco-friendly practices and judicial use of pesticides, allowing them to function effectively, which leads to effective management of FAW.
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