Volume 57, Number 5 & 6 (September & November 2022)
1. Veronica N*, Sujatha T and Ramana Rao P V [Physiological characterization for abiotic stress tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa) genotypes]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 285-291 (2022). Department of Plant Physiology Regional Agricultural Research Station, Maruteru, ANGRAU-534 122 (Andhra Pradesh), India *(e-mail : n.veronica@angrau.ac.in) ABSTRACT Abiotic stresses in rice restrict the growth and potential of the crop hampering the production and productivity. Screening for abiotic stress tolerance was conducted for salinity and water stress (1 and 2%) during kharif 2019 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Maruteru, Andhra Pradesh, India. The physiological characterization of selected genotypes showed that among all treatments, seed germination, root length, shoot length and seedling vigour index were greater under control followed by 1% mannitol, 2% mannitol and salinity stress. The entries IET 27773, IET 27750 and IET 26861 performed well under moderate water stress (1 and 2% mannitol induced stress) and hence can be identified as relatively tolerant. Under salinity stress, AC 1303 followed by IET 27750, IET 27772 and IET 27773 performed well. The above cultures can be used as physiological donors for respective stresses. The seedling vigour was highest in IET 27773 under all the stress treatments. IET 27750 and IET 27773 showed tolerance to both salinity and water stress. In the field experiment, IET 26961 (6230 kg/ha), IET 27768 (6060 kg/ha) and IET 27773 (6050 kg/ha) recorded the highest grain yield. Among all the genotypes tested, IET 27773 was found to be a good performing genotype as it exhibited tolerance to abiotic stress in lab conditions and recorded higher yield under field conditions. 2. Sai Kumar Midde*, M. Saravana Perumal, G. Murugan and R. Sudhagar [Performance of different sources of nitrogen under different establishment methods of rice (Oryza sativa)]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 292-296 (2022). Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608 002 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : saikumarmidde@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Currently, conventional fertilizers are used in large quantities to deliver nutrients to crops in India. It may result in soil health decline and fertilizer waste. Different techniques, such as nano fertilizers, are required to address this issue. Therefore, a field experiment was laid out in a farmer’s field in the Chidambaram block during the kuruvai season of 2021-22 to determine the “Performance of different sources of nitrogen under different establishment methods of rice.” The experiment was carried out in a split-plot design, which included three methods of crop establishment viz., mechanical transplanting, the system of rice intensification (SRI) and conventional transplanting in the main plot, and five nitrogen management methods viz., 100% RDN through urea, 100% RDN through vermicompost, 50% RDN through urea+50% RDN through nano urea, 50% RDN through vermicompost + 50% RDN through nano urea, and 100% RDN through nano urea in sub-plot replicated thrice. The experiment findings demonstrated that among the establishment techniques and nitrogen management practices tested, the system of rice intensification and application of 50% inorganic nitrogen in combination with 50% nano nitrogen was the most productive in terms of plant height (90.29 ,105.39 cm), number of tillers/m2 (337.39, 403.15), dry matter production (10135, 12331 kg/ha) and crop growth rate (10.35, 12.41 g/m2/day) resulting in higher grain (4794, 5972 kg/ha) and straw yield (7216, 8692 kg/ha). Nano fertilizer application promoted the growth and development activity in rice and demonstrated the potential to improve crop production and plant nutrition. 3. R. Suganya*, S. M. Suresh Kumar and G. Baradhan [Efficacy of new generation herbicidal combination for weed management in direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.)]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 297-303 (2022). Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture Annamalai University, Chidambaram-608 002 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : ganya2911@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Weeds are the main yield limiting factor that can potentially reduce crop yields and is one of the main constraints in the larger scale implementation of direct seeded rice. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted at Periyanarkunam during Navarai 2021 to study the efficacy of new generation herbicidal combination for weed management in direct seeded rice. The experiment was laid out in split plot design replicated thrice with main plot treatments comprised of three direct seeded rice establishment methods viz., dry seeded, drum seeded and manual wet seeded rice. The sub-treatments were nine weed management practices with combination of herbicides with hand weeding viz., Pre-emergence application of bensulfuron methyl 0.6%+pretilachlor 6% GR @ 10 kg/ha on 8 DAS (Days after sowing), early post- emergence application of triafamone 20%+ethoxysulfuron 10% WG @ 200 g/ha on 12 DAS, post-emergence application of metsulfuron methyl 10%+chlorimuron ethyl 10% @ 20 g/ha on 25 DAS, twice hand weeding on 25 and 45 DAS and un-weeded check. Among the main treatments, drum seeded rice recorded lower weed population and dry matter production, higher weed control efficiency, weed control index, crop resistance index and herbicide efficiency index and higher grain yield which was at par with manual wet seeded rice. Regarding the weed management practices evaluated pre-emergence application of bensulfuron methyl 0.6%+pretilachlor 6% GR @ 10 kg/ha on 8 DAS fb (followed by) post-emergence application of metsulfuron methyl 10%+chlorimuron ethyl 10% @ 20 g/ha on 25 DAS fb hand weeding on 45 DAS (S8) registered lower weed population, dry matter and higher yield compared to unweeded check. Hence, drum seeded rice coupled with pre-emergence application on 8 DAS fb post-emergence application on 25 DAS fb hand weeding on 45 DAS (M2S8) is an economically feasible method for effective control of weeds. 4. Challa Venkata Nitesh Reddy, Syed Abul Hassan Hussainy*, R. Durai Singh and V. K. Paulpandi [Influence of integrated nutrient management on the physiology of Chinnar ‘a local land race’ of rice (Oryza sativa L.)]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 304-307 (2022). Department of Agronomy Agricultural College and Research Institute (TNAU), Madurai-625 104 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : thesyedhussainy@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Rice is the staple cereal crop of India as well as Tamil Nadu. Consumers tend to prefer local cultivars and landraces of rice which have region-specific importance. Chinnar is such a local landrace of rice that is preferred by the consumers of Madurai because of its nutritional quality. Like other cultivars, Chinnar responds to added nutrients for enhancement of growth. Integrated nutrient management (INM) is one of the suitable options in crop and soil health management where inorganic and organic sources of nutrients are used. This study was carried out during 2022 at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai to evaluate the influence of INM on the growth of the Chinnar landrace of rice. Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) with respect to inorganic nutrient sources viz., fertilizers (Urea, SSP and MOP) @ 50% and the remaining with organic manures through poultry manure, goat manure, farm yard manure, enriched farm yard manure and vermicompost were applied as per nitrogen equivalent basis. Results revealed higher leaf area index, chlorophyll content of Chinnar at various stages of growth phase. Thus, from the study, it is concluded that INM can be preferred to obtain higher growth attributes of Chinnar rice in Madurai conditions of Tamil Nadu. 5. S. SHOBEKA DEVI* AND G. SIVAKUMAR [Impact of integrated nutrient management in increasing the yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.)]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 308-312 (2022). 1Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture Annamalai University, Chidambaram-608 002 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : shobikadevi425@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Rice is the major staple food of Asia. Non-judicious and imbalanced application of chemical fertilizers not only depletes the native soil nutrient reserve but also causes severe environmental damages viz. greenhouse gas emission, acidification, eutrophication, etc., posing a serious threat to sustainability of rice production. Integrated application of organic manures and chemical fertilizer could be the best option to overcome the adverse impacts associated with the use of chemical fertilizer alone. Hence, the complimentary role of organics as supplements to chemical fertilizers is important for keeping the soil health in order to harness the potential yield in rice. Therefore, field experiment was conducted at Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar during the cropping year of 2020-21 to find out the effect of integrated nutrient management involving inorganic manures along with organic manures viz., vermicompost, pressmud compost, poultry manure compost, goat manure compost, coirpith compost, bone sludge compost and sewage sludge compost on the growth and yield of rice. The results of the experiment revealed that among the integrated nutrient management practices, application of vermicompost @ 5 t/ha along with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (T2) excelled all treatments and gave significantly higher grain yield of 5792 kg/ha when compared to other treatments. Considering the results of the present investigation, it can be concluded that integrated application of vermicompost @ 5 t/ha along with 100% recommended dose of NPK registered highest values in growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of rice. 6. GUDAPATI ASHOKA CHAKRAVARTHY, M. THIRUPPATHI*, S. KANDASAMY AND K. DHANASEKARAN1 [Effect of soil moisture conservation practices and foliar fertilization on the performance of hybrid maize (Zea mays) under Cauvery Delta Zone of India]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 313-318 (2022). Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture Annamalai University, Chidambram-608 002 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : agropathy@gmail.com) ABSTRACT One of the crucial variables that affects the growth and yield of the maize crop is soil moisture. Soil mulching and foliar nutrition are significantly impacted by the absence of moisture in the soil, which has a favourable impact on the growth and yield of the crops. With this background, a field experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 at Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India to maximize the productivity and profitability of maize by adopting various soil moisture conservation techniques and foliar fertilization. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. The experiment consisted of two factors comprising soil moisture conservation techniques viz., sugarcane trash, water hyacinth, hydrogel and control (no mulch plot), and foliar nutrient management practice at both knee high and tasseling stages using 19 : 19 : 19 1%, DAP 1%+MOP 1%, PPFM (Pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs) 1%, 19 : 19 : 19 1%+PPFM 1%, DAP 1%+MOP 1%+PPFM 1% and control (no foliar nutrition). Among the soil moisture conservation techniques, the results indicated that mulching with water hyacinth registered significantly higher yield parameters, yield and economic returns than other techniques. With regards to foliar nutrients, foliar application of DAP 1%+MOP 1%+PPFM 1% (F6) exhibited higher yield parameters, yield and economic returns than other foliar nutrient treatments. Therefore, integration of soil moisture conservation techniques and foliar nutrients, mulching with water hyacinth and foliar application of DAP 1%+MOP 1%+PPFM 1% (M3F6) significantly produced higher yield parameters, yield and economic benefits in maize cultivation. 7. Mayanglambam Sanjit Singh and Chowlani Manpoong* [Response of maize (Zea mays L.) to different nitrogen doses under the mild tropical plain agroclimatic zone of North-East India]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 319-324 (2022). Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Arunachal University of Studies, NH-52, Namsai-792 103 (Arunachal Pradesh), India *(e-mail : chowlani18@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Formulating optimum quantity of nitrogen fertilization is highly necessary to attain higher yields in maize. As per soil fertility, the right dosage has to be formulated for each region with consciousness on the soil and environmental health. A field experiment was conducted during 2018-19 under mild tropical plain agroclimatic conditions of Arunachal Pradesh, India to investigate the effect of different nitrogen doses on growth and yield of maize. The experiment was laid out under randomized block design with five replicated plots for each treatment. The nitrogen through urea was supplied with different doses of 0, 100, 120, 150 and 180 kg/ha. The crop was evaluated for plant height, number of leaves, leaf length, number of kernels per cob, number of rows per cob, and total grain yield. The results revealed that the variables such as plant height, number of leaves, leaf length, number of kernels per cob, number of rows per cob and total grain yield were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the different levels of nitrogen doses. Number of leaves, leaf length and crop yield were highest in 180 kg/ha (nitrogen dose), while lowest in control which significantly increased with higher nitrogen doses. This result showed that nitrogen with higher doses was more effective than low doses for maize crop. Nitrogen fertilization at 180 kg/ha exerted a significantly higher and positive effect on maize growth and can be recommended for the region. 8. G. BARADHAN*, M. SARANYA, S. M. SURESH KUMAR, R. REX IMMANUEL AND G. B. SUDHAGAR RAO [Effect of integration of chemical fertilizers with organic manures on growth, yield and nutrient uptake in hybrid maize (Zea mays L.)]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 325-329 (2022). Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture Annamalai University, Chidambaram-608 002 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : g.baradhan@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Maize (Zea mays L.) becoming very popular cereal crop in India because of high production potential of hybrid varieties and it requires heavy doses of fertilizers. But the excessive and continuous use of chemical fertilizers has damaged the soil health, at the same time, the sole use of organic manure cannot compensate the produce obtained by inorganic application. Hence, it is important to reduce the usage of chemical fertilizers and supplementing the same through organic manures. Therefore, field experiment was conducted in Experimental Farm of Annamalai University during 2020 to evaluate the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers with different sources of organic manures on the growth, yield and nutrient uptake in hybrid maize. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments viz., 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 100% RDF + Seaweed granules @ 20 kg/ha, 100% RDF + Pressmud granules @ 125 kg/ha, 100% RDF + Poultry manure @ 2.5 t/ha, 100% RDF + Urban waste compost @ 10 t/ha, 75% RDF + Seaweed granules @ 20 kg/ha, 75% RDF + Pressmud granules @ 125 kg/ha, 75% RDF + Poultry manure @ 2.5 t/ha, 75% RDF + Urban waste compost @ 10 t/ha and replicated thrice. The results revealed that plant height, leaf area index, dry matter production, grain and stover yield and benefit : cost ratio were favourably influenced by the application of 100% RDF+Poultry manure @ 2.5 t/ha. In nutrient status, uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus was found to be significantly higher with application of 100% RDF+Poultry manure @ 2.5 t/ha, whereas potassium uptake was higher under application of 100% RDF+Pressmud granules @ 125 kg/ha. Thus, for achieving higher productivity, integrated application of 100% RDF with poultry manure @ 2.5 t/ha may be preferred to the hybrid maize cultivating farmers. 9. MAHESWARA REDDY BADA*, S. ELANKAVI1, G. BARADHAN AND K. MUTHUSELVAM [Evaluation of weed management practices on weed dynamics and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 330-334 (2022). 1Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram-608002, Tamil Nadu, India *(e-mail : bmaheswarareddymahesh@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Maize (Zea mays L.) is the world’s most adaptable and rapidly growing food crop. Weed infestation is a major issue in maize, particularly during the early stages of growth, so weed control is critical to reducing competition with the maize crop. Therefore, a field experiment was undertaken in farmer’s field at Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, during March- June 2021 to determine the impact of various weed management strategies on weed dynamics and yield of maize. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments viz., atrazine, topramezone, tembotrione, halo sulfuron methyl and hand weeding. According to findings, hand weeding twice at 15 and 30 DAS had the best weed control efficiency and highest grain yield (6.73 t/ha) but it was comparable to atrazine (P. E.) @ 1 kg a.i /ha on 3 DAS+Topramezone (PoE) @ 36.5 g a.i./ha on 18 DAS (6.63 t/ha) and atrazine (P. E.) @ 1 kg a.i./ha on 3 DAS+Tembotrione (PoE) @ 120 g a.i./ha on 18 DAS (6.55 t/ha). Based on the results of the experiments, we conclude that sequential application of pre- and post-emergence herbicides resulted in the highest weed control efficiency and grain yield, as hand weeding twice at 15 and 30 DAS is cumbersome and expensive. 10. P. ELAKKIYAPRIYA*, M. MEYYAPPAN, P. SUDHAKAR AND A. ANGAYARKANNI [Yield enhancement in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) var. TMV 7 through weed management practices]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 335-340 (2022). Department of Agronomy Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608 002 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : elakkiyapriya292@gmail.com) ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2021 with a view to find out a suitable weed management practice for sesamum by excluding commonly used herbicides and including botanical herbicides along with hand weeding. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with 10 treatments and was replicated thrice. The treatments included one pre-emergence herbicide metribuzin at two levels, one early post- emergence herbicide imazethapyr and one post-emergence herbicide quizalofop ethyl and were applied individually and in sequence along with HW. Two plant products Ageratum conizoides and Ocimum sanctum were tried each at two levels along with HW. These treatments were compared with twice HW and unweeded control. Among the treatments, the least weed density (9.92, 9.88), weed DMP (4.96, 13.54 g/m2), highest grain yield (684 kg/ha) and stalk yield (2069 kg/ha) were recorded in pre-emergence application of metribuzin @ 100 g a.i./ha on 3 DAS+Early post-emergence application of imazethapyr @ 30 g a.i./ha on 10 DAS+HW on 20 DAS. Further, this treatment gave the highest BCR of 2.46. Treatments involving herbicides fb HW were better than plant products fb HW treatments in terms of weed density and yield. 11. N. Arumughan, Syed Abul Hassan Hussainy*, R. Durai Singh and V. K. Paulpandi [Study on the major gardenland weeds in the Vayalogam soil series of southern Tamil Nadu]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 341-345 (2022). Department of Agronom Agricultural College and Research Institute (TNAU), Madurai-625y 104 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : thesyedhussainy@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Weeds are a major issue in crop production, accounting for more than 45% of yield loss. As a result, timely and appropriate weed management practices should be used to achieve good crop stand and yield. Knowledge of the major weeds is extremely helpful in selecting appropriate weed management practices. This study was conducted during 2022 at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai to identify the major weed flora in the Vayalogam series of Tamil Nadu. Fifteen crops viz., maize, sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, barnyard millet, foxtail millet, blackgram, greengram, cowpea, gingelly, groundnut, safflower, cotton, tobacco and sunnhemp were sown and various observations on the weed phytosociological attributes were recorded. The results revealed the major weed flora present and the crop which was least and highly susceptible to weed infestation. Phytosociological attributes of weeds viz., density, frequency, relative density, relative frequency, importance value index and summed dominance ratio, identified Trianthema portulacastrum as the major weed and millets and pulse crop showed greater tolerance to weeds growth due to quicker growth in the Vayalogam soil series of southern Tamil Nadu. Hence, millets and pulses can be grown in these areas with minimum weed management practices. 12. DEVI PRASAD SHUKLA*, DINESH MANI, JAGANNATH PATHAK, HIMANCHAL VISHWAKARMA AND VIPIN SAHU [Phytoremediation of heavy metals (Cd & Pb) in sewage irrigated soils using Chenopodium album]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 346-354 (2022). Sheila Dhar Institute of Soil Science, Department of Chemistry University of Allahabad, Prayagraj-211 002 (Uttar Pradesh), India *(e-mail : shukladp916@gmail.com) ABSTRACT The present study was carried out in order to observe the phytoremediation potential of Chenopodium album grown on sewage irrigated soils. Soil and plant samples were collected from different sewage irrigated sites (Naini, Buxibandh, Preetam Nagar, Rajapur and Phaphamau) of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The analysis of the result showed that C. album had ability to phytoextract the different concentrations of Cd and Pb varied from 2.35±0.10-2.73±0.08, 2.85±0.10-3.02±0.17, 3.11±0.05-3.60±0.15 and 3.20±0.05-3.92±0.13, 3.86±0.09-4.59±0.08, 4.65±0.11-5.36±0.16 mg/kg in leaves, shoot and root, respectively. The results showed the maximum potential of accumulation of Pb 5.36±0.16 mg/kg followed by Cd 3.60±0.15 mg/kg in Naini sewage irrigated site. The maximum dry biomass yield of C. album plants was recorded in Phaphamau sewage irrigated site of Cd and Pb polluted soils ranging from 1068.14±8.09 and 1083.30±3.15 g/m2, respectively, while the minimum dry biomass yield as 914.58±2 and 988.46±1.40 g/m2 were recorded from Cd and Pb polluted soils in Naini sewage irrigated site. Furthermore, their bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) >1.0 indicated that the hyper accumulation efficiency of plant ranges of Cd and Pb was recorded 1.98±0.11-2.04±0.10, 2.52±0.12-2.62±0.07 and 1.09±0.08-1.19±0.11, 1.14±0.12-1.20±0.08 mg/kg, respectively. Thus, this study will be helpful for the decontamination of highly sewage irrigated affected soils. 13. VIJAY KUMAR*, POONAM, INDU, RICHA AND SAHIL KUMAR [Isolation and characterization of potential P- solubilizer rhizobacteria from rhizosphere of wheat (Tritium aestivum) from lower Himalayan zone of Himachal Pradesh]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 355-362 (2022). Division of Microbiology, School of Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences Career Point University, Hamirpur-176041 (Himachal Pradesh), India *(e-mail : vijaybhatiadreams@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Inorganic fertilizer is an essential component of the modern agricultural system. The overuse of fertilizer brought serious problems to the present and future generations like polluted air, water, soil, degraded lands, depleted soils and increased emissions of greenhouse gases. The excessive use of chemical fertilizers from the last decade in the agricultural system of India showed harmful effects on soil structure, soil microbial diversity, soil texture and water holding capacity of soil. Therefore, the present investigation was an attempt to isolate and identify the most potent PGPR and to check their efficacy for P- solubilization. In total,48 bacterial isolates were isolated from three different sites of Hamirpur district. The total rhizobacterial population on nutrient agar medium harboured the maximum (250×105 CFU/g soil) microbial population at Deotsidh. However, population of PGPR isolates on Pikovskaya’s agar was found highest at site Deotsidh (220×105 CFU/g soil). In case of Jensen’s medium, maximum rhizobacterial populations were found highest at site Deotsidh (200×105 CFU/g soil). In the case of King’s B agar, maximum rhizobacterial population was found at site Deotsidh (230×105 CFU/g soil). Among 48 isolates, 37 isolates were found positive for P-solubilization. 14. N. DEEPAK ROSHAN, SYED ABUL HASSAN HUSSAINY*, R. DURAI SINGH AND V. K. PAULPANDI [Vegetation analysis on the mountain slopes of Yanaimalai in southern Tamil Nadu]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 363-367 (2022). Department of Agronomy Agricultural College and Research Institute (TNAU), Madurai-625 104 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : thesyedhussainy@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Yanaimalai hill in Southern Tamil Nadu is a rocky granite hill having vegetations in the cracks and crevices. The hill absorbs and irradiates heat waves more in summer making vegetation limited. Despite high temperature and erratic weather conditions, certain vegetations survive. A study on identifying the vegetation can pave way for future breeding programmes. Therefore, this study was undertaken during May 22 to June 5, 2022 to identify the vegetation and classify into weeds, shrubs and trees. Fifty sites identified on the mountain slopes and various phytosociological parameters, viz. weed density, relative density, frequency, relative frequency, abundance, importance value index and summer dominance ratio were estimated. From the study, it was confirmed that vegetation species such as Cleome viscosa, Tephrosia purpurea, Cymbopogon citratus, Canthium spp., Morinda tinctoria and Wrightia tinctoria were predominant. Based on the findings, the identified species can be used for further genetic study on high temperature and drought tolerance for various breeding programmes. 15. RAPUNGA FLORY H* AND ARVIND KUMAR CHAURASIYA [Influence of maturation on the nutrient retention and sensory evaluation of fermented beverages developed from blood fruit (Haematocarpus validus) and aonla (Emblica officinalis)]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 368-374 (2022). Department of Horticulture North-Eastern Hills University Tura, Meghalaya-794002, India *(e-mail : flory.rapu21@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Perishability is a major problem in highly nutritional fruits like aonla and blood fruit and moreover, the fresh consumption of these fruits is less for which consumption as fermented beverages is a right choice. Therefore, investigation was conducted at the Horticulture department laboratory, North-Eastern Hills University, Tura Campus, Meghalaya during 2019-20 with a view to analyze the nutritional characteristics and sensory parameters during aging process of fermented beverage. The experiment was carried out by blending different proportions of blood fruit and aonla with two sugar sources(palm and cane jaggery) and laid out in factorial completely randomized design with three replications and 11 treatments. From the investigation, it was observed that there was decrease in TSS, total sugar, anthocyanin and b-carotene, while ethyl alcohol, titratable acidity and sensory evaluation score increased after six months of storage in ambient temperature. Maximum ethyl alcohol and sensory score were observed by blending blood fruit: aonla (70:30%) with 20°B palm jaggery, maximum anthocyanin in 100% blood fruit with 20°B cane jaggery, maximum b-carotene in 100% aonla with 20°B palm jaggery, highest ascorbic acid and titratable acidity in 100% aonla with 20°B palm jaggery. At the end of aging, the wine prepared using cane jaggery had better retention of anthocyanin and b-carotene than fermented beverages prepared using palm jaggery. From the present study, it can be concluded that blood fruit and aonla can be used for production of rich extremely palatable fermented beverages using palm and cane jaggery, thus, provide an avenue to preserve nutrients and vitamins of the fruits during peak season and add variety to the drinks. 16. P. Santosh Kumar*, M. Chandra Surya Rao, Anant Tamang and U. Shiva Kumar1 [Effect of plant growth regulators on growth, yield and quality attributes of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.)]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 375-379 (2022). 1MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture 1Centurion University of Technology and Management, Parlakhemundi-761211, Odisha, India *(e-mail : s_polaki@yahoo.com) ABSTRACT Plant growth regulators are called as magic chemicals which are new generation agrochemicals. Exogenous application of plant growth regulators in small quantity can alter the sequence of male and female flowers, if applied at 2 or 4 leaf stages, the critical stage at which the suppression or promotion of either sex is possible. Therefore, a field experiment was carried out during Rabi, 2021 at Horticulture Research Farm, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Parlakhemundi, Odisha to study the influence of plant growth regulators on growth, yield and quality attributes of watermelon. The experiment was laid out under randomized block design with nine treatments namely 2, 4-D (25 and 50 ppm), NAA (100 and 150 ppm), GA3 (30 and 40 ppm), TIBA (20 and 25 ppm) and control (distilled water)replicated thrice. Two sprays of plant growth regulators were done at 2nd and 4th true leaf stages. The results revealed that growth characters such as length of the main creeper (2.08 m), number of sub creepers per plant (4.40) and chlorophyll content (61.93 and 48.91 at 30 and 60 DAS) were highest in treatment (GA3 @ 40 ppm). The chlorophyll content at 90 DAS was highest (21.39) in treatment (NAA @ 100 ppm). The highest fruit yield plant-1 (17.51 kg) and fruit yield per hectare-1 (44.17 t) was recorded in treatment (GA3 @ 40 ppm). The quality attributes such as Total Soluble Solid (TSS) (10.66%) and total sugars (15.03 %) were noted highest in treatment (GA3 @ 40 ppm). Among the different plant growth regulators spraying of GA3 @ 40 ppm found effective in enhancing the growth, yield and quality attributes of watermelon. 17. SHALINI RAWAT*, PRITAM KALIA AND NAVODIT GOEL [Standardization of an efficient protocol for transformation in Indian cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) var. botrytis]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 380-385 (2022). Amity Institute of Biotechnology Amity University, Sector 125, Noida-201 313 (Uttar Pradesh), India *(e-mail : shalinibiotech05@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Cauliflower is an important Cole crop grown all over the world for its nutritional benefits. But it is encountered by a serious problem caused by the insect-pest attack. Plutella xylostella is one such insect which causes huge losses. An efficient and simple method for genetic transformation and regeneration of Indian cauliflower, Brassica oleracea var. botrytis has to be developed. Hence, optimization of the plant transformation is a pre-requisite for successful transformation process. Therefore, we worked on this objective at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India, and optimized the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol in Indian cauliflower, Pusa Snowball K1 and Pusa Snowball KT25 varieties for developing insect resistance against P. xylostella using Bt genes. The Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation process was utilized for carrying out the transformation and the explant was obtained from the seedlings germinated from the seeds of the respective variety and used for genetic transformation process. The transgene integration and expression were later confirmed by PCR and RT-qPCR, respectively. Moreover, insect bioassay showed that transgenic plants effectively controlled the Diamond back moth infestation concerning to the control plants indicating the presence of resistance developed against the insect. Hence, this protocol efficiently regenerated transgenic plants that led to the resistance against biotic stress, specific to the insect Diamond back moth. 18. C. VENKATESH*, S. KAMALAKANNAN, K. HARIPRIYA AND K. DHANASEKARAN [Effect of nano zinc and boron on growth and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu, India]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 386-390 (2022). Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture Annamalai University, Chidambram-608 002 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : c.venkatabi@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Foliar application is the most efficient method of correcting nutrient deficiencies and increasing crop yield and quality. Nano-fertilizers have a regulated release kinetics to specific sites, making them a smart delivery system. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at farmer’s field of Panjappalli village, Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu, India during 2021. To find out the effect of nano zinc and boron on growth and yield of cabbage, the experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 12 treatments replicated thrice. Foliar sprays of micronutrients were given as zinc sulphate @ 0.5%, borax @ 0.25%, nano zinc @ 24 and 30 ppm through Zn EDTA, boron @ 160 and 200 ppm through solubor. The results showed that treatments of irrigation 1.0 PE+100% RDF through fertigation + nano zinc @ 30 ppm through Zn EDTA + boron @ 200 ppm through solubor significantly registered the maximum plant height (31.3 cm), plant spread (61.66 cm), number of non-wrapping leaves (22.83) and leaf area (1618 cm2) at 90 DAT. The same treatment had recorded the highest yield attributes head diameter (18.62 cm), head length (13.53 cm), head volume (1449 cc), head weight (1376 g/plant), yield/plot (74.55 kg) and yield (58.47 t/ha). Therefore, the present investigation concluded that for the better production value of cabbage, application of irrigation @ 1.0 PE+100% RDF through fertigation + nano zinc @ 30 ppm through Zn EDTA + boron @ 160 ppm through solubor was done. 19. Susmita Chakraborty* and A. K Chaurasiya [Agro-morphological characterization of bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.] germplasms in Garo hills, Meghalaya]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 391-398 (2022). Department of Horticulture North-Eastern Hill University, Tura Campus, Chasingre, Tura-794002 (Meghalaya), India *(e-mail : jstsusmy@gmail.com) ABSTRACT The field experiment was carried out at Horticulture Farm, Department of Horticulture, North Eastern Hill University to evaluate bottle gourd germplasms for horticultural traits and to identify superior genotypes in 30 local bottle gourd genotypes during 2018 and 2019. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications. The germplasm lines have been collected from places of Garo Hills districts of Meghalaya. The collected accessions exhibited a wide range of morphological diversity for qualitative as well as for quantitative traits. The grand mean of yield of marketable fruit (kg/plant) was 32.39 kg with the lowest fruit yield/plant of 14.87 kg recorded in GHA-18 and the highest fruit yield of 63.74 kg, fruit yield/plant recorded in GHGA-8. A wide range of variation was recorded for all the characters which indicated that there was better scope for selection for the improvement of these characters. 20. R. SURIYA* AND P. MADHANAKUMARI** [Optimization of yield and quality parameters in snake gourd using integrated nutrient management (Trichosanthes cucumerina L.)]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 399-406 (2022). Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608 002 (Tamil Nadu), India (e-mail : *suriyarajass14@gmail.com; **hortmadhana@gmail.com) ABSTRACT The intensive use of inorganic fertilizer in agriculture for ensuring the world food security caused so many health problems and unrecoverable environmental pollution. In view of this context, a study was conducted during two seasons viz., season I (August-November 2021) and season II (January-April 2022) at Karur district, Tamil Nadu, India to study the influences of organic manures and bio-stimulants on the yield and quality parameters of snake gourd. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments replicated thrice. Organic manures used for the study were farm yard manure, vermicompost, phosphobacteria applied as basal form and the biostimulants like seaweed extract and effective microorganism were foliar sprayed on three stages i.e. 20, 35 and 50 days after sowing for both the seasons. Among two seasons, the maximum yield and quality parameters were obtained during season I (August to November). Results revealed that the application of vermicompost and seaweed extract along with recommended dosage of fertilizers increased number of fruits/vine (20.32 for season I and 18.05 for season II), single fruit weight (490.26 g for season I and 486.40 g for season II), fruit yield/vine (9.94 kg for season I and 8.88 kg for season II), total soluble solids (2.87 °Brix for season I and 2.83 °Brix for season II), ascorbic acid content (4.76 mg 100/g for season I and 4.70 mg for season II) and reduced crude fibre content (15.94% for season I and 16.53% for season II). The experiment revealed that the yield and quality parameters were highly influenced by the application of vermicompost (5 t/ha) and seaweed extract (3 ml/litre) along with recommended dosage of fertilizers which is an environment friendly option for sustainable agriculture. Among the two seasons tested, season I (Aadi pattam) was found to be the best season when compared to season II. 21. BHAWNA, INDU KUMARI, NEHA SALARIA* AND ARPANA DEVI [Role of soybean (Glycine max) on the fruiting enhancement of chilli (Capsicum annuum) under intercropping system]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 407-414 (2022). Department of Life Sciences Arni University, Kangra-176 401 (Himachal Pradesh), India *(e-mail : salaria.neha3@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Intercropping is an agricultural approach in which two or more crop species, cohabit for a period of time. Intercropping is viewed as a sustainable, environmentally friendly and profitable cropping strategy by its proponents. The field work was carried out in the agricultural land of Arni University, Distt. Kangra of Himachal Pradesh during the months of June-August 2021. The main objective of present study was to make people aware about intercropping system so that they can adopt these agricultural practices and apply them for good crop production. In the current study, intercropping leguminous plant Glycine max was grown with non-leguminous vegetable crop Capsicum annuum in order to achieve higher productivity of non-leguminous crop plants. Different morphological parameters including plant height, leaf length, number of leaves, leaf breadth and fruit size were measured and recorded weekly. Findings of present investigation indicated that plant height (46.89±0.01 cm), leaf length (7.56±0.06 cm), leaf number (33.66±0.33 cm), leaf breadth (4.47±0.03 cm) and fruit size were significantly increased and it ensured that the leguminous crop soybean (Glycine max) had a favourable impact on non-leguminous vegetable crop (Capsicum annuum) production. Future explore in this field may help farmers in order to improve yield stability and to minimize risk of crop failure. 22. S. R. Harish Chandar*, A. Ponselvan, Sakhamuri Veera Vishnu, Pusarla Susmitha, Pushpalatha Ganesh and K. Krishnam Raju [Studies on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance of EMS induced mutant population in paddy (Oryza sativa) cv. BPT 5204]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 415-419 (2022). Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi-761 211 (Odisha), India *(e-mail : harishchandar1998@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Genetic variability in plant population is crucial for crop improvement. Induced mutation is one of the potential tools for generating more variability which has been successfully exploited for improving several traits in many crop plants including rice. This research was conducted during kharif 2021 at Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. This study was aimed at determining the selection criteria for M2 generation of rice variety BPT 5204 through genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance analysis. Analysis of variance indicated that the mean sum of squares due to genotypes was significant for all the characters (P>0.05 and P>0.01) which revealed that there was considerable genetic variability amongst the material under study. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was significantly higher in magnitude than as usual of genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits under each analysis. High heritability (above 60%) was observed for plant height (75.93%), number of tillers/hill (64.20%), productive tillers/hill (81.54%), sterile grains/plant (92.28%), panicle length (69.49%), flag leaf length (63.29%), flag leaf width (89.77%) and grain yield/hill (68.68%). Genetic advance as per cent of mean was high for traits number of tillers per hill, productive tillers/hill, sterile grains/plant, panicle length, flag leaf length and flag leaf width. 23. M. BALASUBRAMANIAN AND S. VENNILA* [Genetic diversity, correlation and path co-efficient for yield and yield associated traits in rice (Oryza sativa)]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 420-426 (2022). Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture Annamalai University, Chidambaram-608 002 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : lak.mirvp@gmail.com) ABSTRACT The present investigation was conducted to assess the high grain yielding varieties and their related traits for evolving better genotypes for further breeding programme. Twenty-five rice genotypes were collected from different geographical regions of Tamil Nadu to discern the extent of divergence, variability and character association. The analysis of variance exposed the presence of significant differences among all the genotypes for eight characters studied and indicated the occurrence of considerable amount of deviation in the genotypes. In D2 analysis, 25 rice genotypes were grouped into six clusters. The maximum intra-cluster distance was registered in cluster III (31.88). The maximum inter-cluster distance was found between cluster II and cluster IV (144.96). IR 64, PMK 3 and CO 51 were the potential donors and could be used as a parent as they possessed high per se for yield and majority of its attributes. Number of grains/panicle, 1000-grain weight, plant height, days to 50% flowering and grain yield/plant were the major contributors towards the total genetic divergence among the traits studied. The genetic correlation revealed that number of tillers/plant and panicle length showed positive and significant association with respect to number of productive tillers/plant and number of grains/panicle at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. So, it may be inferred that selection and manoeuvring of anyone of the traits viz., number of productive tillers/plant and panicle length were likely to improve grain yield/plant. Path analysis indicated that number of productive tillers/plant, 1000-grain weight and number of grains/panicle exerted maximum positive direct and all identified genotypes with their resulted traits would be obliging to progress or deploy for further breeding programme. 24. C. KATHIRVELU, L. GOPIANAND, S. M. SURESHKUMAR AND G. BARADHAN* [Futuristic scope of weed suppressing butterflies in coastal agricultural ecosystem]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 427-432 (2022). Lepidoptera Research Laboratory Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : g.baradhan@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Butterflies are among the most attractive and colourful organisms on the planet, with a high aesthetic value. These are bio-indicators of the environment and ecosystem. The adults of butterflies are pollinating many plant species and their young ones (larva) feed on crop plants and weeds. The presence of weed-eating butterflies in agro-ecosystems has made a significant contribution to natural weed suppression thereby reducing the consumption of herbicides. In this context, an attempt was made to survey for butterflies in the coastal agro-ecosystem of selected localities in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu during winter season 2021-22. Butterflies survey was done twice a month in the study area and the larval weed host plants were also documented. The results of the study showed that a total of 188 weed suppressing butterflies which comprised six species and five genera were observed from the study area under the families Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae and Hesperiidae of the Order Lepidoptera. Among the species of weed suppressing butterflies, Hypolimnas misippus was found maximum in the survey followed by H. bolina of Nymphalidae family. The important weed hosts found in the study area were Cleome viscosa, Portulaca oleracea, Abutilon indicum, Corchorus depressus, Achyranthes aspera and Amaranthus viridis. The diversity of weed suppressing butterflies in the study area of coastal district offers a possible exploitation and scope in weed management in agro-ecosystems naturally. 25. S. SUDHASHA*, P. BALABASKAR AND A. ESWARAN [Aerobiological dynamics of Bipolaris oryzae in the rice agroecosystem and its impact on rice brown spot disease severity]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 433-441 (2022). Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture Annamalai University, Annnamalai Nagar-608 002 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : sudhashapat@gmail.com) ABSTRACT Rice brown spot disease (RBS), caused by seed-borne and air-borne pathogen Bipolaris oryzae, appears throughout the rice growing season. Considering its polycyclic nature and its significance in yield loss, a one-year (2019) aerobiological study was carried out at Thiruthani (13°11N 79°38E) village in Thiruvallur district during two seasons viz., kharif (April 2019 to July 2019) and rabi (August 2019-December 2019). B. oryzae airspora contributed to an average of 20.7% annually. Amongst the barren land conditions, it contributed 11.83%, whereas during rabi 32.52% and kharif 18.04%. The average length (range 40.0-129.8) and average breadth (range 13.17-23.92) of B. oryzae spores were used to calculate dvolume (range 20.54-42.03) and aspect ratio (2.29-6.85). The intra-diurnal behaviour pattern indicated that B. oryzae airspora percentage contribution was highest at 12 noon-1 p.m. (55.64%) in rabi crop and two peaks at 10-11 a.m. (19.56%) and at 12 noon-1 p.m. (19.09%) in kharif crop. The calculated correlation coefficient R value revealed that relative humidity (kharif R=0.9879, rabi R=0.9977) and precipitation in kharif (0.9279) were positively correlated, while the temperature in rabi was negatively correlated with the RBS pathogen airspora percentage. Both the airspora percentage contributions of the RBS pathogen and the PDI were highly correlated (R=0.9002 in kharif, R=0.9874 in rabi). In the Step-Down regression analysis, R2 value (regression coefficient) unveiled that relative humidity (R2 value=0.99760 in kharif, 0.9954 in rabi), precipitation (R2=0.8480) and wind speed (R2=0.7319) in kharif, and temperature in rabi (R2=0.8862) had a greater impact on the RBS pathogen airspora per cent contribution. The airspora B. oryzae per cent contribution aggravated disease occurrence and reflected in the PDI (R2 = 0.8103 in kharif, R2=0.9748 in rabi). The calculated P value and OD ratio supported the significance of the experimental results. 26. MUKESH KUMAR, DAMA RAM, VIKAS KHANDELWAL, ANAND CHOUDHARY*, MAHENDRA KUMAR SARAN AND A. L. YADAV [Screening of different pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) genotype against blast disease of pearl millet caused by Pyricularia grisea (Cooke) Sacc.]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 442-446 (2022). Department of Plant Pathology COA Jodhpur (Agricultural University, Jodhpur), Rajasthan-342 304, India *(e-mail : anandparoda84@gmail.com) ABSTRACT The utilization of resistant varieties is a classical approach to prevent the catastrophic losses caused by pearl millet blast with reduction in the cost of production and increased yield. Therefore, a study was conducted during the kharif 2020 at collage farm, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur to identify resistance sources against blast disease in pearl millet crop. Thirty-one pearl millet hybrids along with one susceptible check were screened against blast disease caused by Pyricularia grisea under field condition. Among them 24 hybrids showed 12-33% disease severity with disease rating scale 2-3 were considered moderately resistant. Four hybrids showed 34-55% disease severity and disease rating scale 4-5 were considered moderately susceptible. Three hybrids showed 56-77% disease severity with disease rating scale 6-7 and therefore were considered susceptible and one hybrid showed >78% disease severity with disease rating scale 8-9 was considered highly susceptible. None of the cultivars showed highly resistant and resistant reaction under field condition. 27. ESHITA GUPTA, PRATYAY VAIBHAV AND ARCHNA KUMAR* [Orientation response of Cotesia plutellae Kurdjumov (Hymenoptera : Braconidae) towards nineteen straight-chain hydrocarbons]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 447-451 (2022). Amity Institute of Biotechnology Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida-201 313 (Uttar Pradesh), India *(e-mail : akumar21@amity.edu) ABSTRACT The Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov) (Hymenoptera : Braconidae) is a larval endoparasitoid of the major crucifer pest, diamondback moth Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera : Plutellidae). The oriental responses of C. plutellae towards 19 straight-chain hydrocarbons were scrutinized by Y tube choice bioassays. Stimulation for parasitoid elicited on application with 10 and 100 mg/l concentrations varied for each hydrocarbon. The study was conducted during the cole crop cultivation season in the winters of 2021-22 (January 2021-March 2022 at 28°32’7.8612’’ N, 77°23’27.7044’’ E). Out of all selected 19 hydrocarbons, Icosane emerged to be the best attractant with the highest percentage effectiveness of 1200%. The least attractancy was exhibited by Docosane. The possible behavioural manipulation of this specialist parasitoid using the desired concentration of hydrocarbon may be formulated and browbeaten for effective biological control of the diamondback moth. 28. M. JAMUNASRI, LAKSHMI PRABHA M.* AND REYA ISSAC [Evaluating the efficacy of isolated bacterial strain on the biodegradation of polystyrene (thermocol)]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 452-459 (2022). Department of Biotechnology Karunya Institute of Technology and Science, Coimbatore-641 114, Tamil Nadu *(e-mail : lakshmi@karunya.edu) ABSTRACT Polystyrene (thermocol) is a widely used plastic in many aspects of human life and in industries due to various useful characteristics, however, it is very stable and extremely hard to degrade in the environment after disposal causing evolution of secondary pollutants. Biodegradation could be a sustainable approach in managing the disposal of these wastes wherein microorganisms through their enzymatic activity could degrade polystyrene. With this view, a study was designed during 2021 at Karunya Institute of Technology and Science to evaluate the potential of bacteria harbouring in polystyrene waste dumped. Our present investigation reveals the studies on biodegradation of polystyrene and has potential to explore and give direction for future studies. 29. DEBARATI NANDI, ANINDA CHAKRABORTY*, TUFLEUDDIN BISWAS, DURGADATTA MEHER AND ADITYA PRATAP SINGH [Role of trichomes in plant defence – A crop specific review]. Crop Res. 57 (5&6) : 460-475 (2022). Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Kharagpur-721 302 (West Bengal), India *(e-mail : aninda.chakraborty@cutm.ac.in) ABSTRACT Trichomes have long been investigated as an initial line of defence against insect herbivores. The structure, categorization and diversity of trichomes in flowering plants, as well as their mechanisms of action against abiotic and biotic stresses, are discussed. Plant-herbivore interactions are complicated interactions involving intricate networks of chemicals, signals and tactics to overcome each other’s defences. To gain nutrients from host plants, herbivores employ a variety of feeding techniques. Plants respond by activating several defence mechanisms. Context of this review is based over the research on herbivore-trichome interactions and how trichomes are involved in both direct and indirect plant defences. Importance of trichome exudates like terpenes, acyl sugars, phenyl propanoid derivatives, methyl ketones, flavonoids and defensive proteins have been discussed. In our study, we emphasized on the relevance of trichomes as a reliable indicator of plant defence and how it is involved in defence responses of some economically important crops. Finally, we suggest several promising new study avenues for future work on trichomes and trichome-mediated responses. ********************