Showing papers in "Agricultural science digest in 2006"

Variability and character association studies in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract: Studies on variability, correlation and path-coefficients were made on single plant yield and its components in 34 rice genotypes. CSR 23, TRY1, CO 43, IR 71910-3R-2-1, IR 72048-B-R-l 1-1-1 and AD 01004 were identified as promising genotypes for multiple desirable traits. High hertability and genetic advance were obtained for the traits days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, productive tillers/plant, panicle length, grains/panicle, 100 seed weight and single plant yield. Spikelet fertility exhibited high heritability and moderate genetic advance. Single plant yield was positively and significantly correlated with days to 50 per cent flowering, productive tillers/plant, panicle length and grains/panicle and hence can be taken as indices for improving yield in rice. The correlated traits except panicle length exhibited high positive direct effects towards single plant yield.

Genetic divergence studies in maize {Zea mays (L.)}

Abstract: Genetic divergence through D2 statistics in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, maize inbreds {Zea mays (L.)} revealed the existence of considerable diversity. The accessions were grouped in seven clusters. The cluster III was the largest with 20 inbreds followed by cluster III and IV with seven and five inbreds respectively. The grouping of inbreds showed the occurrence of genetic divergence in them. The highest inter clusters distance (D2 = 162.12) was noticed between cluster IV (UMI 37, UMI 35, UMI 426, UMI189, UMI21) and cluster VI (UMI 410, UMI 430). Intercrossing among the genotypes belonging to cluster V, VI and VII was suggested to develop high yielding inbreds with desirable characters.

Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis studies in okra {abelmoschus esculentus (l.) moench}

Abstract: The genetic variability, correlation and path coefficients analyses were studied in 22 diverse genotypes of okra for fruit yield and its component traits during summer 2003. The values of PCV were higher than that of GCV values for all the seven traits indicating influence of environmental effects in expression of these traits. The GCV, heritability and genetic advance as percentage of mean were higher for fruit yield, average fruit weight, plant height and fruit length which might be attributed to additive gene action resulting their inheritance. The fruit yield was significant and positively correlated with fruit length and average fruit weight. Path coefficients revealed that fruit girth had the maximum direct effect followed by fruit length towards fruit yield. Thus, the fruit yield in okra can be improved by selecting for higher fruit length, fruit girth and average fruit weight simultaneously.

Genetic variability for seed yield and its component traits in soybean

Abstract: Genetic variability, broad sense heritability and expected genetic advance for seed yield and its component traits were studied in 55 diverse genotypes of soybean {Glycine max (L.) Merr.} which were collected from different soybean growing states of India The highest genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for number of pods/plant followed by seed yield/plant. High heritability was observed for all the characters studied in soybean. Further, plant height, number of clusters/plant, number of pods/plant and seed yield/plant had high genetic advance coupled with high heritability which suggested that these four traits are under the control of additive gene action and can be improved through simple selection procedures.

Sodium azide induced high yielding early mutant in lentil

Abstract: Seeds of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) var. Pant L-406 (microsperma)were treated with sodium azide (SA). The treated population showed an increased range of induced variability for various quantitative characters. Few early and high yielding mutants were selected from the M3 population.

Genetic variability and character association studies in rice (oryza sativa l.)

Abstract: Thirty two genotypes of rice were evaluated for seven traits during 2002 to estimate genetic variability and interrelationship among them. A wide range of variation was recorded for all the traits. Highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variations were recorded for grain yield (t/ha). A high estimate of heritability coupled with high genetic advance for height suggested the predominance of additive gene action for this trait. Study of genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients indicated that biological yield per plot and harvest index were significantly and positively associated with grain yield. It is suggested that selection for these two traits might be helpful in enhancing the grain yield.

A study on correlation and path analysis of seed yield and yield components in sunflower (helianthus annuus l.)

Abstract: Correlation studies in sunflower revealed that seed yield was positively associated with yield components. Among yield components, correlation of number of filled seeds per head was maximum followed by 100 seed weight, seed filling per cent, head diameter, plant height and stem diameter. Path coefficient analysis showed that the direct effect on seed yield was maximum for number of filled seeds per head followed by 100 seed weight. The maximum indirect effect for any character was through number of filled seeds per head and 100 seed weight, those themselves were major direct contributors of seed yield in sunflower.

Genetic Divergence in Sunflower

Abstract: Twenty nine genotypes of sunflower were studied for their genetic divergence by D2 analysis. The genotypes were grouped into 7 clusters. Based on the inter cluster distance and cluster mean for various character, potential parents were identified from clusters I, VII and VI for hybridization programme. The character days to first flowering contributed more towards genetic divergence.

Variability and correlation studies in quantitative traits of finger millet (eleusine coracana gaertn)

Abstract: Varietal improvement for grain yield is mainly dependent upon the extent of genetic variability present in the population. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for number of productive tillers per plant, number of fingers per ear and total dry matter production. Moderate (53.19% for main ear length) to high (95.55% for harvest index) estimates of heritability (broad sense) was obtained for almost all the characters studied. Number of productive tillers per plant, number of fingers per ear, test weight, total dry matter production and harvest index possessed high heritability coupled with high estimates of genetic advance, it can be suggested that additive gene effects for these characters are present, hence selection at phenotypic level for these traits would be more effective. High heritability estimates accompanied by low genetic advance as observed for days to 50% flowering may due to non-fixable gene effects. Correlation analysis revealed that total dry matter production showed a positive and highly significant association with test weight (0.458) grain yield showed a positive and highly significantly correlated with test weight (0.458), total dry matter production (0.585) and harvest index (0.597), hence grain yield could be improved through these characters. Significant positive regression coefficient was observed between grain yield and dry matter production (r2= 0.3747).

Effect of plant growth regulators on growth, yield and quality of okra {abelmoschus esculentus (l.) moench}

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted, to study the effect of plant growth regulators on growth, yield and quality of okra Cv Parbhani Kranthi It revealed that maximum plant height was observed in the plots sprayed with GA 200 ppm, while spraying the plants with NAA 200 ppm resulted in increase in number of leaves, leaf area, plant dry weight, number of fruits, fruit girth, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield (t/ha) and ascorbic acid content over the control (sprayed with distilled water) The growth retardant CCC 400 ppm found to be increased total chlorophyll content in both leaves and fruit and decreased days to 50 per cent flowering However, increased fruit weight was observed by spraying Marwelstim 2ml per L Plant growth regulators were foliar sprayed on 30 and 45 days after sowing

Genetic divergence for important quantitative traits in indian mustard {Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss}*

Abstract: Genetic Divergence, assessed in sixty genotype of Indian mustard using D2 statistic for fifteen developmental characters, showed grouping of the genotype into four clusters. Cluster I was the largest, consisting of fifty genotypes. Cluster II showed maximum genetic distance from cluster IV, suggesting wide diversity between them. Siliqua length, seed yield/plant, 1000-seed weight and number of days to maturity was the highest contributors to D2 values. Two clusters consisting of six genotypes have been judged as improvement programme on the basis of their intercluster distances and higher cluster mean values for the aforesaid four characters.

Phenological development, yield and yield attributes of different wheat genotypes as influenced by sowing time and irrigation levels

Abstract: A field experiment was carried out in split plot design replicated thrice with main plot treatments comprising of six combinations of two dates of sowings and three irrigation levels and six genotypes of wheat in sub plots. The delayed sowing on 25th December in comparison to timely sowing on 20th November reduced the numbers of effective tillers per plant, grains spike−1 and 1000 grain weight by 4.8, 12.0 and 18.5 per cent, respectively. About 50 per cent reduction in the grain yield was recorded. The water stress during reproductive or vegetative phase under restricted irrigation caused significant reduction in yields and yield attributes. The highest yield was obtained in PBW-343 genotype.

Compatibility of fungicides with Trichoderma harzianum

Abstract: Laboratory experiment was conducted to test the possibility of combining Trichoderma harzianum a potential bio-control agent with fungicides commonly recommended viz., captan, thiram, carbendazim and thiophanate methyl for seed treatment against soil borne diseases. Maximum inhibition (100%) was recorded with carbendazim @ 0.1 and 0.2 per cent concentration at 24 hrs. incubation followed by 96.88 and 88.44 per cent inhibition at 24 hrs. with thiophanate methyl @ 0.1 and 0.2 per cent concentration, respectively. All the tested concentrations of captan and thiram @ 0.1 and 0.2 per cent concentration at 72 hrs. incubation period recorded less than 20 per cent inhibition of T. harzianum.

Heterosis in Sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Abstract: Three promising hybrids viz., NTJ 3 x CSV 13, NTJ 4 x NJ 2575 and NJT 4 x SPV 1532 with desirable heterobeltiosis for grain yield and panicle weight were identified for further exploitation in sorghum breeding programs during 2002–03.

Bulb yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.) as affected by application rates of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during winter of 2000–2001 to find out the effect of application of N and K levels on onion bulb yield, quality of crop and the uptake of nutrients by the crop. Treatment consisted four nitrogen and potassium levels 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha−1. The bulb yield was significantly higher at 150 kg N ha−1 it increased to the tune of 27.40 per cent, respectively over control, however, it significantly increased with the application of potassium at 100 kg K2O with the 14.85 per cent over control. Similarly dry matter yield, protein per cent and N, P, K, S contents as well as uptake of N, P, K and S were increased significantly over control with the application of 150 kg N ha−1 but in the case of 150 kg ha−1K2O application results were found to be non significant.

Heterosis in sorghum {Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench}

Abstract: The six different parents of sorghum were crossed in 6 x 6 diallel fashion (excluding reciprocals) during kharif 2002. The six parents and their 15 crosses alongwith checks were grown in randomized block design with three replications during kharif 2003. Observations were recorded on 13 different characters. The analysis of variance revealed the significant differences existing among the genotypes, viz., parents, crosses and parents v/s crosses for all the characters except dry stem weight incase of parents while dry stem weight and days to physiological maturity incase of parents v/s crosses. The crosses SPV 1518 x IS 18580, IS 18580 x Raj. 13 and SPV 1514 x Raj 36 showed high heterosis over mid parent and better parent for grain yield per plant, panicle weight and panicle length. In addition to this, crosses SPV 1518 x IS 18580 and SPV 1514 x Raj. 36 also showed good heterosis for stover yield and contributing traits viz., leaf length, leaf width and number of leaves per plant. Thus, these crosses in future can be exploited easily for dual purpose attributes by conventional breeding procedure (Pedigree method).

Heterosis and combining ability in indian bean {Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet}

Abstract: Heterosis and combining ability for 12 characters including pod yield per plant in Indian bean were studied in diallel crosses involving eight diverse genotype, excluding reciprocals. The hybrid JIB (P) 4 x Danitiwala Local found highly heterotic foe pod yield per plant (105.16%), plant height (25.82%) and for pod girth (28.25%). The components of variances due to gca and sca revealed the predominance of additive gene action for all the characters under study. The entry JIB (P) 4 was found to be good general combiner for pod yield per plant and number of pods per plant. The crosses JIB (P) 4 x Dantiwada Local and JIB (V) 7 x JIB (V) 15 were identified as the best combinations which could be exploited for improving pod yield in Indian bean.

Heterosis in indian bean

Abstract: Heterosis for pod yield and its component traits was studied in 21 crosses of Indian bean {Lablab purpureus(L) Sweet, syn. Dolichos lablab L.}. High magnitude of heterotic effect was detected for pod yield per plant and its component characters. Heterosis in pod yield was reflected through number of branches per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod and number of pods per plant in most of the crosses.

Integrated weed management in drum seeded rice

Abstract: Field experiment was conducted during the Samba season of 2002–03. Seven weed control treatments were tested in randomized block design with three replications. The yield attributes and grain yield were significantly increased by the weed control treatments. Pre emergence application of pretilachlor + safener + conoweeding + hand weeding followed by hand weeding twice recorded higher grain yield of 5.83 and 5.69 t/ha respectively.

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on earliness and yield of brinjal hybrid cobh 1

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted during 2000–2001 in two seasons viz., kharif and rabi to find out the effect of different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus (with a constant dose of 100 kg K ha−1) on earliness and yield of COBH 1 hybrid brinjal. Under 175: 100 kg of NP ha−1 the earliest flowering was obtained during kharif (36.95 days from planting) as well as rabi season (35.85 days from planting). The total yield per hectare was significantly increased with increasing doses of N and P. The highest yield was obtained from 200: 100 kg NP ha−1 during kharif as well as rabi seasons.

Bioefficacy of Certain Acaricides against Chilli Mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks)

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during kharif - 2001 to evaluate the bio-efficacy of certain newer acaricide molecules against the chilli mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks). The study revealed that the acaricide, Fenpropathrin @ 2 ml/lit exhibited 82.16 and 81.32 per cent reduction of mite population over control at three days after first and second application, respectively with the maximum yield of 2074 kg/ha as against 1537 kg/ha in untreated check.

Effect of chemical weed control on nutrient uptake by wheat and associated weeds

Abstract: Field study was conducted to quantify the relative uptake by wheat and associated weeds under the influence of new herbicides. Minimum NPK uptake by weeds was registered, when weeds were controlled by 2, 4-D (ester) 400 + isoproturon 750 g ha−1, which was followed by sulfosulfuron 25 and 30 g ha−1. Conversely, maximum NPK removal by wheat was registered under the influence of 2, 4-D (ester) 400 + isoproturon 750 g ha−1, the results of which were followed by sulfosulfuron 30 g ha−1in the order of significance.

Economics of chilli processing in Rajasthan

Abstract: The study was conducted in Jodhpur District of Rajasthan state. In total, 12 processing units were selected randomly and interviewed for the study. The findings indicated that the cost of processing per quintal of chilli was Rs. 180.06, Rs. 167.30, Rs. 234.42 for small, medium and large units, respectively. Margin of processors increases with the increase in the size of processing unit. Value addition by investment rupee as processing cost and returns to per rupee investment, also increases with the increase in the size of processing unit. All the processing units were operating above the break even quantity in the study area.

Effect of levels and frequency of zinc sulphate application on its content and uptake by maize and sunflower in their sequential cropping system

Abstract: Field experiments involving maize var. CO. 1 in rabi season followed by sunflower var. CO. 2 in kharif season in a sequence were carried out to study the influence of levels and frequency of zinc sulphate application on zinc removal pattern during the year 1999–2000 and 2001-2002. The pooled analysis of experiment results revealed a distinct trend of zinc concentration and total uptake by maize and sunflower crops. As regards maize, application of zinc sulphate @ 37.5 kg ha−1 to first crop followed by 12.5 kg ha−1 to all subsequent crops in a sequence recorded the highest zinc content in grain (78 mg kg−1) and straw (75 mg kg−1) and application of zinc sulphate once at higher level (50 kg ha−1) for first crop alone (Maize) resulted in the highest total up take of zinc by grain and straw together (1289 g ha−1) and these were comparable among themselves. In respect of sunflower, application of zinc sulphate @ 12.5 kg ha−1 to every crop recorded the highest zinc content in seed (81 mg kg−1) and in stover (67 mg kg−1) and the highest zinc uptake of 431 g ha−1.

Induced mutations affecting quantitative characters in mungbean

Abstract: An attempt has been made to evaluate quantitative characters viz., fertile branches per plant, pods per plant and total plant yield in M2 and M3 generations following mutagenesis with EMS (ethylmethane sulphonate) and SA (sodium azide) in mungbean {Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek} var. Pusa Baisakhi. The number of fertile branches per plant, pods per plant and yield increased significantly after mutagenic treatments. The induced genetic variability was higher in treated populations than the control.

Effect of growth regulators on fruit characters and seediness in ivy gourd (coccinia grandis l)

Abstract: Field experiment was conducted on Ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis L) during kharif 2003, to study the effect of different growth regulators viz., GA, NAA and 2, 4, D on fruit characters and seediness. The results showed significant differences and the longest fruit (5.95 cm) was obtained with GA 100 ppm, followed by NAA 400 ppm and all other treatments were superior to control (5.00cm). Among the different treatments, GA3 100 ppm and 2, 4, D 100 ppm were found to be more effective on fruit girth, which recorded 5.71 and 5.70 cm respectively. GA3100 ppm (13.25 g) and GA3200 ppm (12.75 g) gave significantly superior individual fruit weight over control (8.03g). Among the treatments, GA3 100 ppm (1.72 g) and NAA 400 ppm (1.73 g) produced lesser amount of seeds and gave better individual fruit weight.

Response of varying levels of npk fertilization on elephant foot yam grown as intercrop in arecanut plantation

Abstract: Field experiment was conducted during 2000 and 2001, with five levels of NPK (kg/ha) viz., 75:25:75; 100:50:100; 125:75:125; 150:100:150 and 175: 125:175, to find out their effect on growth and yield of elephant foot yam and also to study the effect of intercrop on the growth of main crop. The soil was gangetic alluvial with sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral pH, good water holding capacity and moderate soil fertility status. The maximum plant length (89.5 cm), girth (19.2 cm), diameter of corm (21.32 cm), average weight of corm (2.21 kg) and yield (57.29 t/ha) were recorded with highest NPK level (175:125:175 kg/ha) but maximum canopy spread (123. 1 cm) and breadth of corm (11.64 cm) were observed with NPK level (150:100:150). The growth rate of different vegetative parameters of arecanut in inter-cropped block was more as compared to monocrop block. The results revealed that fertilizer schedule comprising 175:125:175 NPK (kg/ha) may be recommended for obtaining higher yield of elephant foot yam grown as intercrop in the young arecanut plantation without hampering the growth of main crop.

Potential of campoletis chlorideae uchida in the natural control of helicoverpa armigera (hubner) infesting various crops at ludhiana (punjab)

Abstract: Field collected 377 Helicoverpa armigera (Hiibner) larvae from the chickpea, Egyptian clover, sunflower and tomato crops from January 1998 to May 1999, in and around Ludhiana District (Punjab state) were analysed symptomatically (retarded growth, decreased feeding, tendency to remain at the bottom of the rearing containers and sluggishness) for detecting any incipient parasitisation during laboratory rearing. The Campoletis chlorideaeUchida was the only parasitoid detected, causing 20.9±2.9, 24.9±1.8, 20.0 and 25.9 per cent natural mortality of H. armigera larvae brought from chickpea, Egyptian clover, sunflower and tomato crops, respectively. Mean natural parasitism varied between 22.3±3.7 per cent during 1998 and 22.9±2.4 per cent during 1999 irrespective of fields visited in different agro-ecosystems. Being an important parasitoid, the C. chlorideae needs conservation for exploiting its potential in the four crops studied.

Variability parameters for yield and its components in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Abstract: High phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) was observed for seed yield per plant followed by number of filled seeds/head, harvest index, number of unfilled seeds/head and 100 seed weight. The characters plant height, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity showed close correspondence between GCV and PCV, while number of unfilled seeds/head, harvest index, number of filled seeds per head and seed yield per plant were the most affected by environment. Selection for seed yield per plant, number of filled seeds/head, 100-seed weight and harvest index, possessing high GCV, heritability and genetic advance are expected to result in genetic improvement for these characters.

Comparative study of maize cultivars (Zea mays L.) with intercrop (Vigna mungo L.) under two levels of fertilizers

Abstract: A field experiment to study the yield of maize cultivars (Zea mays L.) Durga hybrid and Jaunpur yellow with or without intercrop of urd (Vigna mungo L) under two levels of fertilizers (120, 60, 60 and 140, 90, 70 kg NPK/ha) was studied. The maximum yield (60.41 q/ha) was found to be with hybrid maize intercropped with urd when fertilized with 140, 90, 70 kg NPK/ha. The number and weight of grains cob -1 and 1000 grain weight (248.9g) was also found to be maximum with 140, 90, 70 kg NPK/ha.