Showing papers in "Annals of Agricultural Research in 2014"

Effect of different nitrogen levels and biofertilizers on growth, yield and nutrient content of Chrysanthemum

Abstract: A pot experiment was conducted in the screen-house of the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2011-12 and 2012-13 to investigate the effect of different levels of nitrogen (0, 10, 20 and 30 g/m2) and biofertilizers (Azotobacter andAzospirillum) on growth, yield and nutrient content of Chrysanthemum. The interaction effect of different levels of nitrogen and biofertilizers on number of branches per plant was found to be non-significant during both years of experimentation. The fresh weight of plant was found to be significant during both the years. In the year 2011-12, the maximum fresh weight of plant (102.36 g) was noticed with the application of Azospirillum along with nitrogen 20 g/m2, whereas, in second year, it was maximum (103.45 g) with the application of Azospirillum in combination of nitrogen 30 g/m2. The maximum dry weight of plant (10.52 and 10.50 g) was observed in the application of Azospirillum along with nitrogen 20 g/m2, which was at par with Azospirillum along with nitrogen 30 g/m2 (10.06 and 10.40 g). The maximum flower yield per plant (59.16 and 67.22 g) was recorded with Azospirillum application alongwith nitrogen 20 g/m2. However, in second year, it was at par with Azotobacter in combination of nitrogen 20 g/m2 (61.70 g). In the year 2011-12, the maximum nitrogen content (4.79%) was recorded in Azospirillum along with nitrogen 30 g/m2, whereas, in the next year, it was recorded maximum (4.65%) in Azotobacter along with nitrogen 30 g/m2, which was at par with Azospirillum along with nitrogen 30 g/m2 (4.55 %). Interaction effect of nitrogen and biofertilizers on phosphorus and potassium content were found to be non-significant during both the years of investigation.

Fertility levels and biofertilizers on nutrient concentrations, uptake and quality of groundnut

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during kharif , 2011 to find out the effect of fertility levels and biofertilizers on nutrient concentration and their uptake on quality of groundnut. Results revealed that each successive increase in recommended dose significantly increased phosphorus concentration in kernel, total uptake of N, P and K, oil content in kernel, oil yield (926 kg/ha) and net returns (Rs51261/ha). However, nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in haulm, protein content in kernel at par with75% recommended dose. Among biofrtilizers, application of Rhizobium , phosphorous solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) being at par with each other, significantly increased nitrogen and phosphorus concentration in both kernel and haulm, total uptake of N, P and K, protein and oil content in kernel, oil yield and net returnsover control. Am ong biofertilizers, maximum values were recorded with Rhizobium and least with VAM.

Yield and gap analysis of wheat productivity through frontline demonstrations in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan

Abstract: Front line demonstrations on wheat variety Raj-4083 were conducted on farmers' fields in district Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan) during rabi season of the year 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13. About 10.95 per cent higher grain yield was recorded under demonstrations over the farmers' practices. The extension gap, technology gap and technology index were observed to be 409 kg per ha, 359 kg per ha and 7.98%, respectively. An additional return of Rs. 7887 per ha was obtained with an additional investments of Rs.1552 per ha coupled with scientific monitoring of demonstrations and use of other non-monetary factors. Fluctuating MSP and or sale price of wheat during different years also influenced the economic returns per unit area. On average basis, the incremental benefit: cost ratio was found as 5.08.

Effect of sulphur and zinc application on growth and productivity of soybean [Glycine max. (L.) Merrill] in northern plain zone of India

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2009 and 2010 at Agronmical Research Farm of Amar Singh College Lakhaoti,Bulandshahr(CCS University, Meerut) with five levels of sulphur (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg S/ha) and four levels of zinc (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg Z/ha) to study the sulphur and zinc requirement of soybean and its effect on yield and their availability status in the soil. The highest yield of soybean was recorded under 40 kg S/ha, it was closely followed by 30 kg S/ha and application of Zinc @ 30 kg/ha recorded higher yield as compared to its lower levels. Available status of sulphur and zinc in soil after harvest of soybean crop was found non-significant.

Nutritional profiling of two underutilized wild edible fruits Elaeagnus pyriformis and Spondias pinnata

Abstract: Many wild and underutilized edible fruits belonging to different families are found in the remote North- Eastern state of Manipur, India. These fruits may serve as natural source of food supplement to the human beings. Two wild edible underutilized fruits Elaeagnus pyriformis of Elaeagnaceae and Spondias pinnata of Anacardiaceae families were found to have very high nutrient compositions suitable for human health with medicinal properties. Standard protocols for biochemical analysis were employed for nutrient analyses. Spondias pinnata has showed potential contents of antioxidant activity (IC 50 518μg ml -1 ), ascorbic acid (87mg100g -1 ) and protein of 18.20mg100g -1 . While total soluble sugar, reducing sugar and non- reducing sugar was high in Elaeagnus pyriformis with values of 33.9mg100g -1 , 17.8mg100g -1 and 16.1mg100g -1 respectively. Significant correlation was observed between ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity of both the fruits. Slightly acidic of medium pH with 77.23% and 82.02% moisture content was recorded in Spondias pinnata and Elaeagnus pyriformis respectively. The work is a brief highlight on these two wild fruits to generate information about their favorable nutritive values as compared to well known fruits.

Influence of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on growth and yield of rice in Tarai region of Uttarakhand

Abstract: The present paper deals with the effect of organic and inorganic sources of nutrient on growth and yield of rice in rice-wheat cropping system. The field experiment was conducted at the Norman E.Borlaug Crop Research Centre of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar, Uttarakhand, India on mollisol. Green manuring of Sesbania rostrata (SR) (42.8 t/ha green fresh biomass at 60 days stage) with FYM (5 t/ha) produced significantly higher grain yield (6.5 t/ha) than other treatments except FYM 10 t, N 180 P 60 K 40 and N 200 P 60 K 40 . These treatments also produced significantly higher biological yield than recommended dose of fertilizer (N 120 P 60 K 40 ). The different treatments were found to have significant bearing effect on height and dry matter accumulation. Dry matter accumulation at maximum tillering stage was highest with FYM + SR and significantly higher than all treatments except SA + N 0 P 60 K 40 and N 200 P 60 K 40 . The significant result were showed by the use of organic sources i.e. Sesbania rostrata green manuring with FYM 5 t, FYM 10 t and integrated use of N 120 P 60 K 40 + straw burned and SA + N 0 P 60 K 40 in rice in intensive rice-wheat cropping system.

Relative efficacy of seed priming with potassium nitrate and tap water in relation to germination, invigoration, growth, nitrate assimilation and yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)

Abstract: A Field experiment was conducted over two consecutive years (2009-10 and 2010-11) at the research farm of Directorate of Seed Research, Mau to study the effect of potassium nitrate and tap water on seed quality parameters, growth and yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.). Six varieties of pigeonpea viz: 'NDA 1', 'Bahar', 'LRG 30', 'UPAS 120', 'TS 30' and 'Pusa 2002-2' were primed with three concentrations (0.30, 0.40 and 0.50 %) of KNO3 and tap water for 6 hours and one unprimed set was kept as control. Results based on two years data revealed that pigeonpea seeds primed with KNO3 and tap water significantly enhanced the seed germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index I and II and finally test weight and grain yield over unprimed control in allthe varieties. Among KNO3 concentrations, 0.30% showed significantly higher values in above characters over rest of KNO3 concentrations including tap water. Deteriorations in seed quality parameters, growth and yield of pigeonpea varieties were noticed when the concentration of potassium nitrate exceeded beyond 0.30%. Pigeonpea varieties differed significantly in respect ofall characters studied. Economics of all the treatments including control was calculated on per hectare basis.

Efficacy of pre-and post-emergence herbicides in onion and their carry over effect on the succeeding crops

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted during the rabi seasons of 2007-08 and 2008-09 Junagadh (Gujarat) to study the effect of pre-and post-emergence herbicides for weed management in onion and their persistence. The results indicated that all the treatments reduced the density of major weed species of onion and dry weight of weeds. Growth and yield attributes and bulb yield were increased significantly over unweeded check. Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.9 kg ha -1 showed its negative effect on germination, plants height and dry matter accumulation of indicator plant sorghum at 30 DAS which was disappeared at 60 DAS. Similarly, post-harvest study on succeeding crops of groundnut, green gram, maize and ladies fingers indicated that there was no residual phytotoxic effect of either pre- or post- emergence herbicides tested in onion.

Impact of phosphate solubilizing fungi on the soil nutrient status and yield mungbean (Vigna radiate L) crop

Abstract: To enhance the availability of P and other macro and micro nutrients from the fertile calciorthent soil, phosphorus solublizing fungi (PSF) were isolated from the rhizoshere of the agricultural/ horticultural crops. The P solublizing potential of PSF was tested under in-vitro and in-viv o conditions. Penicillium citrinum isolate6 exhibited the maximum and constant P solublization potential throughout the incubation period in the presence of TCP (Tri-calcium phosphate) in Pikovskaya's medium. On the basis laboratory experiment, three fungi ( Aspergillus niger isolate 2, Aspergillus niger isolate 3 and Penicilliun citrinum isolate 6) were selected for pot experiments, to test their efficacy on nutrient availability as well as on growth promotion of mungbean crop. Stimulatory effect of Aspergillus niger isolate 3, Aspergillus niger isolate 2 + Aspergillus niger isolate 3 and Aspergillus niger isolate 2+ Penicillium citrinum isolate 6 was recorded on N, P and K availability in soil, respectively. Combination of Aspergillus niger isolates with PSB significantly enhanced the Mn availability. While Aspergillus nige r isolate 2 inoculation exhibited pronounced effect on Zn and Cu availability. Most of the biometric parameters were increased with the inoculation of fungal combination. The result indicates that the effective strains of Aspergillus and Penicillium can be used for nutrient availability and crop production in calcium rich soil.

Heritability and genetic advance in vegetable pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Abstract: Ten pea genotypes crossed in a diallel mating design excluding reciprocals were evaluated with their 45 F1's along with parents in a randomized block design in three replications at the Department of Vegetable Science, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kalyanpur, Kanpur, during winter season 2007-08. The heritability and genetic advance were studied for all the traits under study. The estimates of heritability varied from 9.12 % (pod width) to 63.25% (number of first fruiting node). The heritability estimates were moderate for pod length and shelling percentage; low for pod width and ash content. For remaining characters, estimates of heritability were high. Genetic advance was highest for number of pods per plant while four characters viz. plant number of pods per plant, plant height, length to first fruiting node and days to flowering showed high genetic advance (more than 30%), while pod width showed lowest genetic advance. Other traits showed moderate genetic advance. The consequences of heritability coupled with genetic advance showed that four characters viz. number of pods per plant, plant height, length to first fruiting node and days to flowering had high heritability as well as high genetic gain, thus, these characters may be improved through selection method.

Irrigation management for improving productivity nutrient uptake and water-use efficiency in system of rice intensification: a review

Abstract: System of rice intensification (SRI) technique is a relatively recent innovation in the rice cultivation. It was developed to enable resource constrained farmers to raise rice production and income without relying on purchased external inputs, which they cannot afford. Recently, this system of rice growing has drawn much attention for its apparent success in increasing productivity of rice fields. With SRI methods, rice yields exceeding 15 t ha-1 have been reported. This method has now spread to more than 60 countries of the world and more than 5 million farmers are using one or the other recommended practice of SRI. Researches with SRI world-over have revealed that high yields from the SRI method are the consequence of improvement in plant environment rather than enhancement of physiological potential of the plant itself. Use of young seedlings, additions of organic manures, wider spacing, and greater aeration from intermittent irrigation have been reported to mediate high yields under SRI. Irrigation at 2-5 days after disappearance of ponded water (DADPW) have been shown to save irrigation water as high as 50% with higher or marginally low yields and higher B:C ratio compared to conventional flooding. Water-use efficiency (WUE) in conventional transplanted rice is only 20-30%. However, SRI could improve WUE by 68-94% and irrigation WUE by 100-130% over traditional flooding. In general, concentration and uptake of N, P, Zn and Cu have been higher under alternate wetting and drying condition while concentration and uptake of K, Fe and Mn have been found to be higher with continuous flooding.

Bioefficacy evaluation of different herbicides on weed population, grain yield and nutrient uptake in direct seeded puddled rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract: The field study was conducted during kharif 2010 at N.E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre of G.B. PantUniversity of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar to evaluate the efficacy of different herbicides for direct seeded puddled rice. Nine weed control treatments were laid out in randomized block design with four replications. Results revealed that the major weed species in experimental site were Echinochloa colona L., Echinochloa crusgalli L., Cyperus rotundus L., Cyperus difformis L. Caesulia axillaris L. and Commelina benghalensis L. Grasses constituted the highest percentage (59.17) of weed population followed by broad leaves (23.85). Among the herbicides, lowest weed population was observed with the application of penoxsulam 25 g/ha at 30 and 90 DAS. The highest grain yield (4.56 t/ha) was recorded in weed free check treatment followed by two hand weeding treatment (4.09 t/ha) which was statistically at par with penoxsulam 25 g/ha, bispyribac sodium 25 g/ha and pyrazosulfuron ethyl 20 g/ha. All the weed control treatments caused significant reduction in uptake of nutrients by weeds over weedy check.

Growth and yield of soybean as influenced by maize + soybean intercropping systems and nitrogen levels

Abstract: A field investigation was conducted at Amar Singh College, Lakhaoti, Bulandshahr during kharif seasons of 2009 and 2010 to study the growth and yield performance of soybean under maize + soybean intercropping systems and nitrogen levels. Soybean grown as intercrop registered significantly higher growth and yield up to application of 40 kg N/ha to maize crop. The higher levels at 80 kg and 120 kg N/ha failed to produce significant effect. Similarly, the grain and stover yield showed significant improvement up to 80 kg N/ha. Increase in nitrogen upto 80 kg N/ha to maize crop did not show any adverse effect on soybean since except basal dose, the fertilizers were applied only to maize crop row zone. Maize + soybean intercropping led to efficient use of land and higher economic return. Interaction effect between cropping systems and N levels was not significant. The benefit : cost ratio was enhanced with maize + soybean intercropping in additive series and was superior as soybean improved the fertility status of soil.

Effect of nitrogen levels and biofertilizers on growth and yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under north western Rajasthan

Abstract: The field experiment was conducted at Research Farm, College of Agriculture Bikaner,Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agriculture University, Bikaner.The maximum grain and stover yield were obtained under 40 kg N/ha which was at par with 20 kg N/ha and significantly superior to control. This treatment gave 24.97 and 17.57 per cent higher grain and stover yield over control, respectively. Harvest index did not influenced by nitrogen levels.Significantly highest grain (2267 kg/ha) and stover (3636 kg/ha) yield were obtained with Azotobacter + PSB, whereas, lowest grain (1653 kg/ha) and stover (3050 kg/ha) yield under no biofertilizers treatment.Conclusion may be drawn, dose of 40 kgN/ha and seed inoculation with Azotobacter + PSB enhance growth, yield attributes and yield of pearl millet.

Evaluation of different intercropping systems for productivity and economics in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during kharif season 2011 under "All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Forage Crop" at Farm of Agriculture College, Jabalpur to evaluate different maize based intercropping system for productivity and economics ". The intercropping of maize with soybean, ricebean and cowpea with 1:1 and 1:2 ratio gave higher maize equivalent yield than sole crop. The intercropping of maize with soybean 1:2 ratio possessed the maximum energy interception, energy utilization, PAR interception, PAR utilization and also gave the higher LER 1.57 than other treatments. The intercropping of maize with soybean 1:2 ratio was more remunerative and gave maximum yield, net return and B:C ratio.

Effect of phosphorus and sulphur fertilization on productivity and nutrient uptake of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at Baraut (U.P.) to study the effect of phosphorus and sulphur fertilization on pigeonpea during kharif season of 2008 and 2009. Application of 80 kg P 2 O 5 /ha and 60 kg S/ha with PSB inoculation significantly improved growth and yield attributes and seed yield of pigeonpea. Uptake of N, P, K and S also increased with application of phosphorus (up to 80 P 2 O 5 /ha) and sulphur (up to 60 kg S/ha) and PSB inoculation. Mean increases in seed and straw yield with 80 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 were 27.72 and 14.10%, respectively, over control. Similarly, 30 kg S ha -1 increased the seed and straw yield by 21.02 and 10.20%.

Effect of integrated nutrient sources on fodder yield and quality of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) moench.) and phillipesara (Phaseolus trilobus) intercropping system

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 2007 and 2008 to evaluate the effect of ecofriendly source of nutrients on fodder production and quality of sweet sorghum and phillipesara intercropping system. The growth parameters, viz. plant height, dry matter accumulation, quality parameters, viz. crude protein content and yield, digestibility and green- and dry-fodder yield of sweet sorghum increased in both sole and intercropping systems due to application of all integrated sources of nutrients; significantly higher values of these parameters were recorded with application of 50% nitrogen through inorganic source + 50% through vermicompost. However, all growth parameters except plant height, and green- and dry-fodder yield of phillipesara were significantly higher under sole crop compared to its intercropping with sweet sorghum. Irrespective of nitrogen sources, intercropping system recorded LER of about 1.5 which indicates tremendous advantage of intercropping sweet-sorghum with phillipesara.Total productivity of the systems in terms of dry 'pachang' equivalent yield and gross returns were twice higher and B:C ratio was thrice higher in sole cropping of phillipesara than intercropping with sweet sorghum. Among nitrogen sources,supply of 50% of recommended N through inorganic source + 50% through vermicompost was most productive and remunerative.

Productivity and economics of clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) as influenced by phosphorus fertilization and biofertilizers in western Rajasthan

Abstract: Clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] commonly known as guar, is an important self pollinated leguminous crop. Clusterbean is drought resistant crop and cultivated mostly in medium textured sandy soil of the arid and semiarid areas. Cluster bean is grown for different purposes, such as vegetables, green fodder, green manure and seed. Its seeds contain 20-32 per cent gum, so clusterbean is the main raw material for gum industries. India produces 80% of total clusterbean produced in the world and has unique status in the cultivation of clusterbean because of congenial climatic condition for the crop growth. Clusterbean is grown in arid zones of Rajasthan and some parts of Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh; together they contribute approximately 90% of total area and production in India. Total area under the crop in India was around 34.02 lakh hectares with an annual production of 19.71 lakh tonns (Anonymous, 2012 a). In Rajasthan, total area under clusterbean was 30.00 lakh hectare with production of 15.46 lakh tonns (Anonymous, 2012 b), contributing 78.43 percent of total production. The productivity of clusterbean in Rajasthan is 515 kg/ha which is far below its potential yield. The low productivity of this crop is mainly due to the limited use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and cultivation of traditional low yielding varieties. The soils of Rajasthan are low in organic matter content and poor in nitrogen and phosphorus. Introduction of an efficient strain of Rhizobium in such soils may help in boosting up production, increased Rhizobia population and consequently more nitrogen fixation. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria change the unavailable phosphorus of soil in to available form. Thus, application of phosphorus and inoculation of seeds with Rhizobium and Phosphate solubilizing bacteria increase nodulation, crop growth, nutrient uptake and crop yield (Srivastava and Ahlawat, 1993). Keeping in view, the present study was undertaken to find out the effect of biofertlizers and phosphorus on clusterbean.

Field screening of rice germplasm for resistance against brown plant hopper, Nilaparvata lugens (STAL)

Abstract: A total of 178 rice genotypes from various station and national trials were evaluated for resistance against brown planthopper (BPH) under natural infestation condition during kharif 2011 at CCS HAU, Rice Research Station, Kaul, Kaithal. The results revealed that only 5 genotypes viz ., CN 1724-9-4-5, MAUB-181, ACC-451 and IR 79584-38-2-1-9 were resistant, 28 were moderately resistant, 102 moderately susceptible and the rest were susceptible (43) to brown planthopper.

Growth, yield attributes and quality of summer greengram (Vigna radiata L.) as influenced by nitrogen and irrigation levels

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Directorate of Seed Research, Mau, U. P. during summer season, 2011 to evaluate the effect of irrigation and nitrogen applications on growth, yield and quality of green gram ( Vigna radiate L.) cv. HUM 12. Result showed that 20 kg N ha -1 as basal and 20 kg N ha -1 as split + one irrigation at flower initiation gave maximum plant m -2 , plant height, number of branches plant -1 and number of trifoliate leaves plant -1 followed by 15 kg N ha -1 as basal and 15 kg N ha -1 as split + one irrigation at flower initiation and 10 kg N ha -1 as basal and 10 kg N ha -1 as split + one irrigation at flower initiation and lowest in control. The seed yield of green gram significantly higher over control due to increasing the number of pods plant -1 (43.4), pod length (10.4 cm), number of seeds pod -1 (10.5), test weight (46.3 g), yield per plant (5.60 g) and seed yield (16.6 q ha -1 ). The highest germination percentage, vigour index, nitrate and nitrite reductase activity were observed with 20 kg N ha -1 as basal and 20 kg N ha -1 as split + one irrigation at flower initiation (100.0). The maximum seedling dry weight was recorded with application of 10 kg N ha 1 as basal and 10 kg N ha -1 as split + one irrigation at first flower initiation stage (156.0) which was on par with 40 kg N ha -1 as basal.

Regulation of shoot growth and flowering in mango cv. gulab khas by paclobutrazol

Abstract: Paclobutrozol (cultar) was used to induce flowering in mango cv. Gulab Khas during off year. It was applied in both on and off years. Effects were more pronounced in off year than on year. It was found that soil application of paclobutrazol @ 5 g a.i. per tree was most effective to induce more number of flowering shoots and improved the fruit set and fruit retention during the off year (1996 and 1999). Highest yield during off year was recorded under soil application of paclobutrazol @ 5gm a.i. per tree followed by 10 g a. i. per tree being 70.50 and 68.70 kg per tree, respectively. Soil treatment with paclobutrazol also improved the fruit quality attributes.

Effect of source and levels of sulphur on yield and nutrient uptake by pearl millet

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted at Gwalior (M.P.) during rainy season of 2008 and 2009 to evaluate the effect of sources and levels of sulphur on productivity of pearl millet. The results revealed that each successive increase in the level of sulphur up to 40 kg S /ha significantly increased the grain and stover yield and total uptake of N, P and S in crop. However, protein yield, available N, P and S in soil after harvest of the crop were recorded to be increased up to 60 kg / ha. Amongst the various source of sulphur tested, ammonium sulphate was the best in respect of grain and stover yield, protein content as well as uptake of nutrients by the crop and also available N status in soil.

Effect of phosphorus and sulphur fertilization on growth and yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under loamy sand soils of Rajasthan

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner in Rajasthan during kharif 2009 on loamy sand soil. The experiment consisting of four levels of phosphorus (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg/ha) and four levels of sulphur (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg/ha) thereby making sixteen treatment combinations was laid-out in randomized block design and replicated thrice. Sesame variety ‘RT- 127’ was used as a test crop. Results showed that progressive increase in level of phosphorus upto 30 kg/ha significantly increased the growth attributing characters of sesame viz ., plant height, number of branches per plant, crop dry matter accumulation at most of the stages and yield attributes like number of capsules per plant, seeds per capsule and test weight over preceding levels. It also recorded significantly higher seed (933 kg/ha), stalk (3385 kg/ha) and biological yield (4318 kg/ha) in comparison to lower levels of phosphorus and provided net returns of Rs 34666 with a B: C ratio of 2.88. However, it was found at par with 45 kg P/ha. Results further indicated that application of sulphur at 30 kg/ha, remaining at par with 45 kg/ha, significantly enhanced the growth and yield attributing characters as well as yield of sesame. It increased the seed and stalk yield by margin of 30.7 and 28.4 per cent than control, respectively. It also fetched significantly higher net return (Rs 34,507/ha) and B : C ratio (2.89) than lower levels of sulphur. Nutrient-use efficiency for P and S showed inverse trend with increase in their levels.

Assessment of high yielding varieties of rice (Oryza sativa) for integrated rice-fish-horticulture farming system under lowland ecosystem of north eastern India

Abstract: Field trials were conducted during 3 years from 2010-12 to assess the performance of high yielding varieties of rice for rice-fish-horticulture farming system under lowland rice ecosystem at Regional Rainfed Lowland Rice Research Station, Gerua, Asom. Among the rice varieties, Swarna performed better when water level was low during tillering stage. The new submergence tolerant variety Swarna sub-1 was not superior to Swarna when mean water depth remained below 40 cm. Ranjit, the popular high yielding variety for shallow lowland performed consistently better under ricefish system. Performance of tall and lodging susceptible varieties like Jalpriya and Mahsuri were inferior to semi-dwarf high yielding varieties under shallow low land situation. Rice varietySwarna recorded highest B: C ratio of 1.83 followed by Ranjit (1.82) and Swarna Sub1 (1.75).

Rice productivity and nutrient-use efficiency as influenced by nutrient management in long-term rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) system

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2011 at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to evaluate the effect of nutrient management on rice productivity and nutrient use efficiency under long–term rice–wheat cropping system. The highest grain yield (6.22 t/ha) was obtained with N180 P80 K40 + Zn + FYM which was statistically higher than all the treatments except N120 P40 K40 + Zn + FYM (6.20 t/ha) and N120 P40 K40 + FYM (6.19 t/ha). Agronomic efficiency and apparent recovery of N and P were recorded higher with treatments N120 P40 K40 + Zn + FYM (26.8, 80.3 and 65.2, 55.8) and N120 P40 K40 + FYM (26.7, 80.1 and 67.0, 54.0). In case of K, treatments N120 P40 K40 + Zn + FYM, N120 P40 K40 + FYM and N180 P80 K40 + Zn + FYM recorded higheragronomic efficiency as well as apparent recovery. Physiological efficiency of N was found to be higher with treatments N180 P80 K40 + Zn + FYM, N120 P40 K40 + Zn + FYM and N120 P40 K40 + FYM, respectively, and for P and K with treatment P40 K40. N harvest index was recorded higher with control, treatments N120 P40 and P40 K40 for P and treatments N180 P80 K40 + Zn and N120 P40 K40 + Zn for K.

Response of variety and population density on yield attributes and yield of boro rice (Oryza sativa)

Abstract: The present study was conducted at the Agronomy Field, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), during boro season (November 2010 to April 2011) to investigate the influence of population density on growth and yield of inbred and hybrid boro rice. The treatments consisted of four varieties viz., BRRI Dhan 28, BRRI dhan 29, BRRI Hybrid Dhan 2 and ACI Hybrid Dhan 2 and four population density viz. 1, 2, 3 and 4 seedlings hill -1 . The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The effect of variety, population density hill -1 and their interaction showed significant variation in respect of yield contributing parameters and yield. ACI Hybrid Dhan 2, 2 seedlings hill -1 and their combination increased yield attributing parameters, grain and straw yield for boro season.

Resource-use efficiency in production of groundnut in Rajasthan: an economic analysis

Abstract: Groundnut is known as king of vegetable oilseed in India. It is regarded as poor man's almonds since it contains about 25 per cent protein, 45 per cent edible oil and 26 per cent carbohydrates besides other essential nutrients. The present investigation was carried out to study the resource-use efficiency aspects of groundnut crop. Among the all factors of production seed, fertilizers, irrigation and human labour observed as key factors in production of groundnut with 78 per cent R2 value showed that the factors involved in production have great role in increasing the production of groundnut. The key factors such as seed with coefficient 0.35, fertilizers 0.23, irrigation 0.36 and human labour 0.62 indicated increases on these variables have great scope in increasing the production. The coefficients of these inputs indicated that as rupee one spent (unit) on seed, fertilizer, irrigation and human labour in production of groundnut crop would add about Rs.141, Rs. 41, Rs. 632 and Rs.40 to the value of marginal productivity in groundnut crop. Thus, investment on these input considerable amount add a value of marginal productivity in groundnut crop in the study area.

Effect of nitrogen levels and planting geometry on growth, herbage and oil yields of patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) under humid sub-tropical climate of North Eastern Himalayas

Abstract: A field experiment was carried out during February - July 2012, at Nagicherra, (Tripura West), to study the effect of nitrogen levels and plant geometry on growth, herbage and oil yield of patchouli under humid sub-tropical North Eastern Himalayan Region of India. Results revealed that application of 140 kg N/ha under square planting (50 × 50 cm spacing) produced highest fresh herbage, dry herbage, oil yield and essential oil content as compared to all other nitrogen levels and planting geometry.

Diversification of rice (Oryza sativa L.) based cropping systems for higher productivity and benefits on dominant soil series of upper Brahmaputra valley, Asom

Abstract: On-farm field experiments on rice based cropping systems were conducted in split-split plot design during 2005 to 2007 on four dominant soil series viz ., Lahangaon series (Aeric Fluvaquents), Bhogdai series (Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts), Matikhola series (Typic Endoaquepts) and Teok series (Typic Fluvaquents) of Jorhat district, Asom such as rice-fallow, rice -potato, rice -pea and ricemustard at two levels of management i.e. farmers practices (FP) and recommended package of practices (RPP). The experimental results showed that the productivity of rice-potato system under RPP was recorded rice equivalent yield (REY) of 15.66 t/ha in Lahangaon series followed by Bhogdai (13.84 t/ha) and Matikhola (11.11 t/ha), whereas, rice -pea system performed well in Teok series under flooded situation (10.1 t/ha). Thus rice -potato is most productive and remunerative cropping system under RPP over FP at all the soil series but best results were recorded at Lahangaon series.

Effect of weather on mustard dynamics under semi-arid environment

Abstract: Field experiments were carried out on sandy loam soil of Indian Agricultural Research Institure (New Delhi) farm area with mustard cultivars Pusa Jaikisan and Varuna which were grown for two consecutive rabi seasons (2000-2001 and 2002-2003) at ten different dates following recommended agronomic practices. Irrespective of sowing dates and crop season LAI, CGR, PGR, total biomass and seed yield were higher in Pusa Jaikisan than in Varuna. Values of crop growth parameters and seed yield were maximum when crop was sown between 15th and 29th October in both the cultivars and seasons which might be due to crop sown in this period were exposed to the optimum thermal environment for growth and development. The value of LAI, total biomass production, CGR and PGR were higher in first crop season than the second crop season in all sowing dates in both the cultivars. A significant reduction of seed yield both in Pusa Jaikisan and Varuna in second season was probably due to prevailing cold spell coupled with low bright sunshine hours during the month of January and February, 2003 that might have caused reduction in LAI, CGR, PGR and biomass production resulting lower seed yield.