Showing papers in "Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences in 1995"

Use of organic manure and fertilizer in rice (Oryza sativa) wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system for sustainability

Abstract: A long-term field experiment was initiated in 1984 on a sodic soil (pH 8.8 and exchangeable sodium 27%) to study the effect of organic manures, fertilizers and their integrated use in rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) cropping system. During initial years (1984-87) 25- 50% substitution of fertilizers through organic sources (farmyard manure, green-manure and wheat straw) reduced the rice yield by 6-23% compared with 100% fertilizers alone. In the following years, 25-50% N through farmyard manure or prickly sesban (Sesbania aculeta (Retz.) Pers.; syn S. cannabina Pers. var cannabina Baker] green-manure along with 50-75% fertilizers to rice gave either equal or more yield compared with 100% NPK fertilizers (120 kg N/ha, 26.2 kg P/ha, 33.2 kg K/ha) alone. Farmyard manure and green-manure of prickly sesban were found superior to wheat straw for grain yield and NPK uptake. The organic source with fertilizers decreased the soil pH, electrical conductivity and exchangeable sodium (%) at faster rate and depleted micronutrient cations (Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe) at slower rate than inorganic fertilizers alone.

Performance of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) seed primed with growth-regulators and inorganic salts

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during 1991-92 and 1992-93 to study the effect of priming the seed of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) with growth-regulators and inorganic salts on its performance. Seeds of ‘HD 2380’ and 'VL 616' were primed for different durations of 1-24 hr at 20°C in dark, with growth hormones [indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) and abscisic acid] and inorganic salts (potassium, calcium and triadimefon). In general seed priming with most of the treatments significantly improved the seed performance in laboratory in terms of germination (%), germination time and seedling growth (length and dry matter). Varietal response was specific to each priming treatment. In 'HD 2380' maximum germination was observed with GA 3 (20 ppm), KNO 3 (50 ppm) and CaS0 4 (75 ppm), whereas in 'VL 16', auxins (IAA and IBA) and potassium salts (KH 2 P0 4 and KN0 3 ) were most effective for germination and mean germination time. The seedling growth was highest with KNO 3 (100 ppm) in 'HD 2380', whereas CaCl 2 (50 and 100 ppm), indole-3.butyric acid (20 ppm) and triadimefon (20 ppm) were more effective in 'VL 616'.

Effect of yield potential, drought escape and drought tolerance on yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in different stress environments

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 1988 and 1989 and the dry season of 1989 and 1990 to study the effect of yield potential, drought escape and tolerance on the grain yield of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend. Stuntz] under stress. Different types of drought and heat stress occurred, viz moderate and severe post-flowering drought and sevcrepre-flowecing drought, combined with either high or low temperature during grain filling. Yield potential was only related to yield under stress when pre-flowering drought was combined with low temperatures. Escape was the predominant factor if temperature was high, except if combined with pre-flowering drought, in which case tolerance became more important. These results show that for stressed environments, selection for yield potential is of limited use. The importance of escape and tolerance, however, depends on the timing and intensity of stress occurrence. If pearl millet-growing regions can be charaoterized based on occurrence of abiotic stress, breeders can select more efficiently for plant traits that enhance stress adaptation in specific target environments.

Relative abundance of insect visitors on flowers of major subtropical fruits in Himachal Pradesh and their effect on fruit set

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during 1992 und 1993 to study relative abundance of insect visitors on flowers ' Dashehari' mango (Magnifera Indica L.), 'Dehradun' litchi (Litchi chinensis Son.,) and citrus (Citrus spp.), and their effect on fruit set. Out of 34 insect species recorded on the flowers of loose-skinned mandarin or santara (Citrus reticulata Blanco), malta (C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck), kinnow mandarin (C. nobilis lour. x C. deliciosa Tenore), mango and litchi, 15 belonged to Diptera, 13 to Hymenoptera, 4 to Coleoptera and 1 each to Ledipotera and Hemiptera. Of these insect species, italian honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) was the main pollinator in Citrus spp., little-bee (A. florea L.) and hover-fl; (Episyrphus 1betreatus Deg.) on litchi and flies belonging 10 family Calliphoridae (order Diptera) on mango, Mango proved to be highly cross-pollinated crop with maximum increase (infinite) in fruit set (%), followed by malta ( 193.47) and litchi (148.12) with pollinators.

A new viral ringspot disease of citrus (Citrus species) in India

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during 1990--1993 to study ringspot disease of citrus (Citrus spp), its distribution, host range, etiological agent and economic importance. A disease with ringspot symptoms was found widely distributed in most commercial citrus cultivars, viz. 'Malta', 'Mosambi' and 'Satgudi' of sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Pers.] 'Nagpur Orange' and 'Kinnow Mandarin' of mandarin (C. reticulata Blanco); and 'Kagzi Lime' and 'Kagzi Kalan' of lime [C. auran tifolia (Christen.) Swingle]. The disease was found transmitted by grafting and dodder (Cuscula reflexa Roxb.) from citrus to citrus but not by sap, seed, soil and 4 aphid species, viz cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover), green citrus aphid (A. citricola van der Goot), groundnut aphid (A. craccivora Koch) and green peach aphid [Myzus persicae (Sluz.)]. Three types of filamentous particles of 640 nm X 15 nm, 690 nm X 9 nm and 2 250 nm x 40 nm were found associated with the disease in purified as well as in leaf-dip preparations. Particles of 2250 nm x 40 nm were in the form of tubules and were recorded for the first time with viral infection in citrus and helped in diagnosis of the disease. Host range, virion morphology and presence of tubules indicated that the citrus-ringspot disease in India is different from the ringspot and psorosis diseases reported earlier from other parts of the world. In 'Kinnow Mandarin' the disease caused 20.54-98.38% loss in yield.

Genotype x environment interaction in rice (Oryza sativa)

Abstract: Duc to wide variation in the altitude of Sikkim the average yield of rice (Olyza salivu L.) fluctuates according to change in environ­ mental cOllditions. Therefore, identification of high-yielding and stable genotypes is very important. Hence the present study was under­ taken with 15 promising genotypes of rice to identify high-yielding and stable genotypes undel' different environmental conditions. Fifteen promising genotypes of rice ('RCPL 3-2', 'ARU 3', 'Tura 490', 'VL 23', 'pp 9-25 155-45', 'RCPL 3-6" 'Kanchan I', 'Kanchan 4', 'Bhallprabha', 'CSR 635-49', 'Giza 14', 'MW 10', 'Pusa 33', 'Attey' and 'Sarassa') were grown under 6 environments during the rainy season of 1992 and 1993 at Tadong, Pakyong and Nazitam, in ran­ domized block design with 3 replications. The plot size was 2 m X 2 m with inter-row and intra-row spacings at 20 em x 20 cm. Rccommt:nded package of practices was fol­ lowed. Observations were recorded on 5 plants for plant height, effective tillers/plant, panicle length, grains/spike, 100-seed weight and grain yield. The mean data were used for stability analysis following Eberhati and Russell (1966). Analysis of variance showed that sig­ nificant differences existed among the varieties for plant height, effective tillers/ 1.2Scientist (Plant Breeding), .1Joint Director JSoi1 Cliemis!, Dcrartnwnt of Agriculture, GaI'em­ ment of Sikkilll plant, panicle length, grains/spike, (OO-seed weight and grain yield in ditTerent environ­ ments. Pooled analysis also indicated highly significant differences among the genotypes and environments for all the characters under study, indicflting the presence of variability both among the genotypes and en­ vironments. The mean squares for genotype X environment (G X E) interaction were sig­ nificant for all the characters, indicating there­ by the differential response of the genotypes to different environments. The mean squares for G X E (linear) were significant for plant height, effective tillers/plant and grain yield. This indicated that the major com­ ponent for differences in stability was due to linear regression and the perfonnance can be predicted in the environments for these characters. To assure the stability of genotypes linear regression could be regarded as a measure of response of a particular genotype and devia­ tion frol11 regression should be considered as a better measure of stability (Jatasra and Paroda 1979, Becker 1981). Hence the mean performance of the genotypes along with both parameters, i.e. regression coefficient (bi) and deviation from regression (S2di), are dis­ cussed for plant height, effective tillers/plant and grain yield. The genotypes 'RCPL 3-2', 'RCPL 3-6', 'Kanchan 4', 'Giza 14', 'MW 10' and 'Sarassa' were identified stable genotype for

Biological control of Phytophthora root-rot of coorg mandarin (Citrus reticulata) by Trichoderma species grown on coffee waste

Abstract: A study was conducted during 1989-1992 to find out the potential of biological control of root-rot of coorg mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) caused by Phytophthora nicotianae Breda de Haan var parasitica (Dastur) Waterhouse and P. colocasiae Racib. Trichoderma harzianum Rifai, virde Pers. ex S F Gray and Gliocladium virens Miller, Giddens & Foster, were found widely distributed in Citrus orchards, with population of 200-2000 colony-forming units/g soil. Seventeen isolates were found highly antagonistic to both Phyphthora spp under in-vitro condition. For large-scale multiplication of these fungi, local waste (coffee-cherry husk, fruit skin and berry mucilage; poultry manure and mushroom-grown waste) was found suitable, giving 20-30 million colony-forming units/g substrate. Pot trials amended with coffee-cherry husk and poultry manure in 1 : 2 decreased feeder root-rot and increased the growth of coorg mandarin seedlings. It was on a par with best fungicide treatments like Akomin 0.3%, metalaxyl + mancozeb (Ridomil MZ) (0.25%) spray, or drenching of chlorothalonil (0.2%). Isolates E, T3, 3HR and D of T. harzianum and isolate B of T viride grown on cofee-cherry husk decreased the feeder root-rot and increased the plant growth when applied @ 1 % inoculum in soil. Thus native Trichoderma spp can be multiplied on large scale on easily available coffee waste and applied in the root zone of coorg mandarin plants either alone or with fungicide sprays tor effective management of root-rot.

Effect of integrated weed management on weed growth, nutrient uptake, economics and energetics in rainfed upland rice (Oryza sativa)

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during wet season of 1991 and 1992 at Ranchi, on integrated weed management for weed growth, nutrient uptake, economics and energetics in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.). Integration of pre-emergent butachlor @ 1.5 kg/ha, benthiocarb @ 1.5 kg/ha, oxyfluorfen @ 0.2 kg/ha or oxadiazon@ 0.75 kg/ha with weeding by wheel hoe at 30 days after sowing controlled the weed density and dry weight of weeds in direct-seeded rice. Reduction in nutrient depletion by weeds due to integrated weed management was 44.4 kg N/ha. 10.5 kg P/ha and 20 kg K/ha compared with the weedy control. The application of herbicides alone saved 33. 7 kg N/ha, 4.1 kg P/ha and 14.2 kg K/ha only. The average increase in nutrient uptake by rice was 16.6 kg N/ha, 11.0 kg P/ha and 27.0 kg K/ha with integrated weed management and 10.0 kg N/ha. 6.4 kg P/ha and 14.5 kg K/ha with pre-emergence application of herbicides alone compared with the weedy control. Integrated weed management was comparable with weed-free practice up to 60 days after seeding and hoeing thrice by wheel hoe for grain yield of rice. Combined application of oxadiazon@ 0.75 kg/ha pre-emergence + hoeing at 30 - days after sowing gave the maximum net return (Rs. 2 392/ha), and showed benefit: cost ratio 1.71, energy-use efficiency 7.97 and energy productivity 944 g/mega cal.

Effect of crop-establishment and tillage practices on yield and economics of irrigated rice (Oryza sativa) - wheat (Triticum aestivum) system

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during 1991-92 and 1992-93 to evaluate the crop-establishment and tillage practices for irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) system in decreasing labour or energy requirement of the system. Grain yield of rice and wheat was not affected significantly due to different methods of rice crop establishment and tillage practice followed in wheat. However, higher total productivity of 9.30 tonnes/ha was recorded under direct-seeded, puddled condition, followed by transplanting (9.10 tonnes/ha) and direct-seeded, dry condition (8.99 tonnes/ha). Owing to substantial saving of labour under direct-seeded, puddled condition higher net return of Rs 147 41/ha was obtained compared with Rs 13 498/ha under direct-seeded, dry condition and Rs 12981 /ha under transplanting. Different tillage practices adopted for wheat cultivation gave similar yields and indicated that reduced tillage (with 1 harrow + 1 cultivator) was more remunerative than optimum tillage (wilh. 2 harrows + 2 cultivators) owing to substantial saving of Rs 406/ha under the reduced tillage.

Pollination control in relation to seed yield and effect of temperature on pollen viability of maize (Zea mays)

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during winter season of 1990-91 and 1991-92 to determine the effect of pollination control on seed yield and yield components, and of temprature on pollen viability of 'Barnali' maize (Zea mays L.). Compared with open-pollinated ones, the ears covered with perforated polyethylene bags before silking stage (control) produced only 33% seeds/ear and gave 41% less seed yield. The plants with regular removal of silk before pollen shedding (semi- control) produced 73% seeds/ear and gave 80% seed yield compared with open-pollinated ones which produced 8.06 tonnes/ha. The control gave 8% more 1000-seed weight and the semi-control 3% more compared with open-pollinated plants. Pollen viability decreased significantly with increase in temperature, but the duration or specific temperature regime did not show any significant effect. Translocation of stem reserves at pre-silking to developing seed and harvest index in the control and semi·control plants were significantly lower than in the open-pollinated plants.

Growth, water use and yield of indian mustard (Brassica juncea), gram (Cicer arietinum) and lentil (Lens culinaris) grown as sole crops and intercrops with three moisture regimes

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during winter season of 1988-89 and 1989-90 on intercropping indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L) Czernj. & Cosson], gram (cicer arietinum L.) and lentil (Lens culnaris Medikus) on a well-drained sandy-loam soil under 3 levels of irrigation. Indian mustard and legume were planted in ratio 2 : 1, keeping monocrops of indian mustard and legume as the controls. Growth and productivity of indian mustard and legumes were higher than of monocultures. Dry-matter accumulation was the highest (1 117 g/m 2 ) in sole indian mustard. Irrigation led to higher amount of dry-matter accumulation than no irrigation. Two irrigations resulted in the highest leaf-area index in all the cropping systems. Indian mustard + gram intercepted higher percentage of light. Consumptive water Use of indian mustard was higher (31.438 cm) than of gram (25.408 cm) and lentil (25.99 cm). Intercropping indian mustard proved advantageous in utilization of soil moisture under irrigated condition. Moisture extraction from 0-15 cm soil layer was maximum (25.80%) in all the systems of cropping and levels of irrigation. Productivity/unit land of indian mustard + gram or lentil was higher than of the respective monocultures. All intercropping treatments of indian mustard + legumes were greater in relative crowding coefficient, land-equivalent ratio, monetary advantage, relative net return, area-time equivalent ratio and relative value total, giving greater productivity/unit land than monocultures.

Performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in relation to small canary grass (Phalaris minor) under different levels of irrigation, nitrogen and weed population

Abstract: A 3-year field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 1986-87 to evaluate the performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend . Fiori & Paol.) under different levels of irrigation, nitrogen und weed population. It was laid out on a deep, well-drained, sandy-loam soil of Ludhiana, with 18 combination comprising 2 irrigation regimes based on Irrigation water: cumulative pan evaporation (IW:PAN-E) ratio of 0.4 and 0, 8, 3 levels of N (80, 120 and 160 kg N/ha) and 3 weed population intensities (0, 40 and 80 plants/m 2 ) of small canary grass (Phalaris minor Retz.). Weed-population Intensity of 40 and 80 plants/m 2 decreased the grain yield of wheat by 21 and 23% respectively. the nitrogen x weed population interaction was not significant. Irrigation regime had no significant effect on the grain yield of wheat. There was high depletion of soil moisture from the soil profile in the presence of weeds and higher levels of N.

White muscardine fungus (Beauveria bassiana) pathogenic to different stages of rice hispa (Dicladispa armigera)

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during summer, autumn and spring seasons of 1990, 1991 and 1992 to study the infection of the white muscardine fungus (Beauveria bassiana(Bals.) VuilL] on eggs and adults of rice hispa [Dicladispa armigera (Olivier)] (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields of Sibsagar district. The field and laboratory tests, confirmed its pathogenicity on eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. In the field, infection on egg was 16.95-45.1%, depending on the season: being more than that during other stages. Low (1.67%) to very high (40.63%) level of infection of adults was also observed in summer, autumn and spring seasons.

Effect of irrigation and phosphorus on safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) yield in Rajasthan

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during winter season of 1990-91, 1991-92 and 1992-93 to study the effect of irrigation and phosphorus levels on yield of safflower (Carrhamus tintortus L. ). Two irrigations applied to safflower either at rosette + flowering or rosette + seed-setting stages gave significantly higher yield (1.52 tonnes/ha), yield attributes (16.7 heads/plant and 18.1 seeds/head), net return (Rs 6 340/ha) and benefit : cost ratio (.1.47) compared with l irrigation. Applicatitln 0f 26.4 kg P/ha gave significantly higher seed yield (1.43 tonnes/ha) and oil yield (439 kg/ha) than the control and 13.2 kg P/ha. However, irrigation level did not affect the oil content in seed. Interaction effect irigation and P on seed yield was significant. Application of P @ 26.4 kg/ha gave additional net return of Rs 1 095/ha compared with 13.2 kg/ha and of Rs 2 470/ha compared with the control. Highest mean consumptive use (377 mm water) was recorded when safflower received 3 irrigations (rosette + flowering + seed-setting stages) and highest water-use efficiency (4.37 kg/ha-mm) was obtained when 2 irrigations were applied at rosette + seed-setting stages.

Effect of basal and post-flood nitrogen fertilization on performance of rice (Oryza sativa) under conditions of intermediate deep-water and simulated flash-flooding

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during rainy seasoll of 1991 and 1992 at Cuttack to study the effect of basal and top-dressing of nitrogen (0,20 and 40 kg N/ha) on growth and yield of direct-sown 'Gayatri' rice (Oryza sativa L.) under conditions of intermediate deep-water (0-50 cm) and simulated flash-flooding (submergence at 75 days after germination for 10 days). Flash-flooding decreased the tillers/m 2 (18.3%). dry-matter accumulation (47.4%) and grain yield (31.3%) compared with the natural submergence of intermediate water depth. However, the adverse effect was more pronounced on plants grown without N than with 40 kg N/ha at sowing. Basal application of 40 kg N/ha increased the grainyield (+ 1.01 tonnes/ha) significantly due to better initial crop vigour, leading to higher number and weight of panicles at maturity. The beneficial effect of N fertilization was due to higher tiller survivability and dry-matter production. Top-dressing 20 kg N/ha at 85 days after germination. (after termination of flash·flooding) increased the yield sigllificantly under submerged condition (+ 0.25-0.56 tonne/ha), particularly when basal N was not given, but did not prove effective under submergence-free condition. The result indicated that loss in yield due to flash·flooding could be compensated partially by N fertilization at sowing and after the submergence stress.

Genetic variability and correlation in onion (Allium cepa)

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during thc winter season of 1990-93 to study genetic variability and correlation in 9 cultivars ('Nasik Red', 'N 53', 'VL 1', 'VL 3', 'Multiplier', 'Bombay White', 'Bombay Red', 'Gujarat White' and 'Puna Red') of onion (Allium cepa L.). Bulb weight, bulb yield/ha and dry leaves/plant had high genotypic coefficient of variation (21.95, 20.72 and 20.28 respectively), heritability (97.88, 96.95 and 95.92% respectively) and genetic advance (44.80, 42.05 and 40.96% respectively). Bulb yield showed strong positive correlation with bulb weight and neck girth.

Current status and new norms of nitrogen nutrition for grapevine (Vitis vinifera)

Abstract: A survey was conducted in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. to study the nutritional status of nitrogen in grapevine (Vuis vinifera L.) and soils of vineyards. The new norms for classification of N status in plants and soils were developed using diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS). The optimum N in petiole was 0.5~I .25% in I Anab-e-Shahi' and 0.87-1.61% in 'Thompson Seedless'. The optimum status of available N in soil of ‘Anab-e-Shahi' was 179-628 ppm and of 'Thompson Seedless 103-262 ppm. For 'Anab-e-Shahi' the optimum dose of N was 1.09-3.48 and 1.16-3.75 kg/plant/year for Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka respectively, and for 'Thompson Seedless' was 0.28-0.74, 0.58-1.54 and 0.35-0.93 kg/plant/year for Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka respectively.

Achievements and prospects of breeding researches on soybean (Glycine max) in India

Abstract: In India 50 varieties of soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] have been bred, for cultivation in the tropical agriculture of5 agro-climatic zones. Varietal improvement for genetic enhancement of yield, stability under vagaries of monsoon, good seed longevity, early maturity, resistance to pod shattering as well as against biotic and abiotic stresses have was thrust areas in domestic breeding of soybean. The major achievements were the development of varieties with high yield, pod-shattering resistance. early maturity improved seed longevity and resistance to yellow mosaic virus, e.g. varieties 'PK 472', 'JS 71-05', 'JS 335', 'PK 416'. 'Bragg', 'Pusa 16', 'NRC 2' and 'JS 80-21'. Various sources for seed longevity and resistance to pod shattering as well as important diseases and pests are being used in the domestic breeding programme to evolve varieties resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. Hybridization of genetically divergent parents having high harvest index, high biomass yield,long seed-filling duration and good general combining ability can result in transgressive segregates for higher seed yield(3.5-4.0 tonnes/ha). Breeding of varieties with higher seed yield (2.5-·3.0 tonnes/ha) in early-maturing group (85 -105 days, depending on the agro-climatic zone), with improved resistance to pod shattering (up to 10 days after maturity), and good seed longevity (ability to retain seed viability of> 70% after 8-9 months of storage under ambient Condition), suitable for mechanical harvesting are the thrust areas of soybean breeding research for future. As chemical characters are of economic importance in soybean, researchers have identified lines having higher oil content (22-23%), low linolenic acid (25 g/kg) and absence of lipoxygenase isoenzymes or trypsin-inhibitor activity. Beany flavor in soybean is due to linolenic acid and lipoxygenase enzymes present in it at maturity. These lines can be used to incorporate the desirable qualities into improved Indian varieties of soybean.

Effect of isoproturon, sowing method and seed rate on weeds and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during winter season of 1989-90 and 1990-91 to study the effect of isoproturon, sowing method and seed rate on weed management in 'WH 423' wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend Fiori & Paol.). Cross-row sowing significantly reduced the dry weight of weeds both in the weedy control and plots treated with isoproturon @ 0.75 kg/ha. In the weedy control the dry weight of weeds at 90 days after sowing decreased from 134.9 g/m 2 at 100 kg seed/ha to 96.1 g/m 2 at 175 kg seed/ha. Based on the average of seed rate and weed-control treatments, cross-row sowing increased the average wheat yield by 0.44 tonne/ha compared with line sowing. Seed@ 100 and 175 kg/ha gave an average wheat Yield of 4.57 and 5.44 tonnes/ha respectively. Isoproturon@ 0.75 kg/ha applied 20 days after sowing gave 52% more average grain yield of wheat than the weedy control.

Fertilizer schedule for yield of fresh fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) grown in lower Benue river basin of Nigeria

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during 1991 and 1992 cropping seasons to determine appropriate schedule of N, P and K for growth and development of fluted pumpkin (Telfailia occidentalis Hook. f.) in acid sandy soil. Vine number, length of vines, girth and fresh-matter yield were measured at 2-week intervals after fertilizer application. P alone at 22 kg/ha gave the highest fresh-matter yield (5.04 kg/plant), followed by 22 kg P/ha +42 kg K/ha (4.98 kg/plant) and SO kgNlha+22 kg P/ha (4.89 kg/plant). These yields were significantly different (P = 0.05) from treatments and combinations without P. NPK applied in 2 splits (4 and 8 weeks after germination) gave fresh-matter yield of 5.45 kg/plant compared with 4.16 kg/plant produced by single application of NPK or 4.76 kg/plant given by 3 splits of NPK. Fresh-matter yields obtained from band or broadcast application (6.4 and 6.3 kg/plant respectively) were significantly different (P = 0.05) from ring application or point placement methods (4.7 and 4.4 kg/plant respectively). Band application of NPK therefore proved a superior method of fertilizing fluted pumpkin.

Effect of nitrogen and sulpbur application on grain and oil yields, nutrient uptake and protein content in transplanted gobhi sarson (Brassica napus subsp oleifera var annua)

Abstract: A field study was conducted during winter season of 1988-89 and 1989-90 on N· and S·deficient Tolewal sandy-loam (Typical Ustisamments) soil, to investigate the effect of nitrogen and sulphur application on the transplanted gobhisarson (Brassica napus L. ssp oleifera DC. var annua L.). Pooled data of both the years showed that grain yield increased linearly from 0.85 tonne/ha in the control to 1.78 tonnes/ha on application of 100 kg N/ha. The maximum yield was obtained when N and S were applied together. Combined application of N and S significantly increased their concentration and uptake (kg/ha) in the grain, with positive and significant N x S interaction. Protein content in grain increased greatly from 12.7% in the control to 24.2% under N and S treatment. Application of 100 g N/ha + 20 kg S/ha increased. the oil yield to 999 kg/ha compared with 452 kg/ha in the control.