Showing papers in "Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences in 2007"

Development of polymeric seed coats for seed quality enhancement of soybean Glycine max

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during 2004-05 to study the seed quality enhancement of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) using polymeric/clay seed coats. Twelve polymers-based and 1 clay-based seed coats were prepared and compared with the commercial formulation of Thiram 75 DS for seed quality enhancement of soybean seed under storage. The carriers employed included acacia, tragacanth, rosin, ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, polyethyl methacrylate, methyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and Agrimer VA 6 and the clay bentonite. The polymer-coated seeds in general deteriorated at a slower rate compared with the control and revealed high germination percentage over the control. Apparently the coats acted as barriers to the moisture and checked the deterioration of seed. These also prevented the proliferation of storage fungi over an elevated period. Among all the polymers, polyethy1 methacrylate, polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl pyrrolidone were found to be significantly superior (P = 0.01) in maintaining the soybean seed quality during storage. On perusal of correlation matrix (germination, vigour and moisture), it was observed that the moisture content of seed revealed significant negative correlation with seed germination (0.8776), seed vigour (0.7240). These products were useful in improving the storability of the seed by checking the fungal infestation and enhancing the overall seed quality during storage

Effect of nitrogen and sulphur fertilization on yield attributes, productivity and nutrient uptake of aromatic rice (Oryza saliva)

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2003 at the research farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effect of N and S levels on productivity and nutrient uptake in aromatic rice. The experiment was carried out with 16 treatments combinations of 4 N levels (0,50, 100 and 150 kgha) and 4 S levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) in factorial randomized block design replicated thrice. Growth and yield attributes, grain, straw and biological yields increased significantly with N and S levels. The increase in grain yield due to application of 100 and 150 kg N/ha over control was 1.99 tonneslha and 1.95 ronneska and in terms of percentage increase was 49.5 and 48.5% respectively. The percentages increase in the grain yield of rice at application of 20,40 and 60 kg $/ha over the control were in the order of 6.5,7.3 and 8.8% respectively. Various N and S levels had a significant effect on N, P, K and S uptake by grain, straw and their total. Based on the total N uptake (grain + straw) there was 49.9, 63.9 and 70.4% increase in the N uptake over the control with 50, 100 and 150 kg Nka, respectively. From this field study it can be concluded that aromatic rice requires 100 kg N and 20 kg Slha for increased productivity and uptake of N, P, K and S, under transplanted puddled condition.

Efficient management of fertilizer nitrogen in wet direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa) in northwest India

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during 2000-02 and 2004 to study the optimum rate, source and schedule of N application for wet-direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) on a Typic Ustrochrept during the s u b e r monsoon (June- October) rainy seasons. The N-response of wet-direct seeded rice ranged from 80-120 kg /ha, beyond which the yields leveled off. Response to applied N was not influenced by farmyard manure application. Application of 120 kg Nlha in 3 equal split doses at 20,40 and 60 days after seeding gave maximum grain yield and N use efficiency of wet-direct seeded rice. Performance of polymer-coated urea applied in a single dose at seeding in wet-direct seeded rice was as good as urea applied in 4 split doses. Total N uptake and, the recovery and agronomic efficiencies of applied N were maximum at 80 kg Nlha. Grain yield of wet-direct seeded rice was on a par with that of transplanted rice.

Potential role and influence of zero tillage technology on energy saving in rice (Oryza sativa)- wheat (Triticurn aestivum) system

Abstract: influence of zero-tillage technology on productivity and energy saving in rice-wheat system with two tillage methods, three fertility levels and five time of nitrogen application schedules for sustainable and ecofriendly agriculture. On the basis of two years field study it may be safely concluded that the zero tillage sowing was more remunerative in terms of labour, fuel and energy saving than the conventional method of sowing besides showing statistical parity for wheat grain yield. Zero tillage also recorded higher energy use-efficiency and energy productivity than conventional tillage method of sowing. Increasing fertility level from 75 to 125 per cent of recommended dose decreased energy use efficiency and energy productivity significantly. Application of nitrogen in three splits recorded higher energy use efficiency and energy productivity than treatments receiving nitrogen in two splits.

Wilt disease suppression and yield enhancement in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) by application of Pseudomonas fluorescens-based biopesticide (Biofor-Pf) in Assam

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during 2003-05 to explore effective organic substrate-based biopesticide 'Biofor -Pf by using virulent cells of bacterial antagonist Pseudomonas fluorescens strain PfD-1. Three organic substrates, viz vermicompost, farmyard manure and mustard oil cake were compared for mass multiplication of the bacterial antagonist. Vermicompost-based biopesticide showed effective results in suppression of bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum Yabuchi et al.) incidence in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum (L.) Mill.). Quantitative aspect of population dynamics ofP. fluorescens at different days of storage was made to evaluate the shelf-life of the biopesticide and found that P. fluorescens maintained a steady population count up to 250 days of storage at room temperature. The biopesticide combination of vermicompost, P. fluorescens, carboxy methyl cellulose and mannitol showed best shelf-life as it maintained highest population recovery at different days of storage. Application of this biopesticide with maximum shelf-life as combination of seed treatment, root application, soil application at transplanting and soil application at 30 days after transplanting showed minimum wilt incidence (8.83%), maximum yield (72 kg/plot) and highest population count (58.93 x 10 8 cfu/ml) ofP. fluorescens in the tomato rhizosphere. A negative correlation between the population ofP. fluorescens and per cent wilt incidence, between per cent wilt incidence and yield and a positive correlation between the population of P. fluorescens and the yield was recorded.

Integrated weed management in soybean (Glycine max)

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during (kharif) 2004 at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to find out effective weed management in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. The pre-emergence applications of pendimethalin 0.45 kg/ha + hand weeding 30 days after sowing, clomazone 1 kg/ha + hand weeding 30 days after sowing, alachlor 2 kg/ ha, clomazone 1 kg/ha and 2 hand weedings at 30 + 45 days after sowing controlled weeds effectively and provided high grain yields of soybean. Uncontrolled weeds resulted in 40.2 and 42.3% yield reduction as compared to two hand weedings and the highest yield providing treatment respectively.

Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advances in chilli (Capsicum annuum)

Abstract: The present investigation was carried out to fi nd out the Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) in Central Uttar Pradesh during Rabi season. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design. All the treatments were randomly distributed among the plots and replicate three times. Transplanting of seedlings was done at spacing of 45x60 cm. The observations were recorded on fi ve plants per plots for days to fl owering, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, leaf area, pedicle length, fruit length, fruit width, days to fi rst harvest and fruit yield per plant. The genotypes Azad mirch-1, Sel-16 and 7919 performed better in terms of leaf area had maximum value (116.38), succeeded by fruit yield per plant red ripe (85.40), fruit width (38.23), number if branches per plant (34.43), days to 50% fl owering (32.46) ,days to fi rst harvest (27.83), pedicel length (27.78) , fruit yield per plant (17.73) , fruit length (16.64) and plant height (12.76).

Effect of types of organic manure on growth, yield and quality parameters of ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during 2003-2005 in an Alfisol at Umiam, Meghalaya, to study the effect of type of organic manure and compost teas on growth, yield and quality of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) in comparison to inorganic fertilizer (control). Highest rhizome yield (24.93 tonnes/ha) was obtained from poultry manure + CT 2 which was significantly higher than other treatments (24.25 tonnes/ha) except poultry manure. Use of organic manure and compost teas in some cases enhanced quality and reduced input cost. Application of organic materials reduced soil acidity and improved organic matter and available nutrients of the soil.

Effect of nutrient management on growth, productivity and nutrient uptake of rainfed clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)in arid region

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2004 and 2005 to study the effect of chemical and biofertilizer on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of rainfed clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L) Taub) Significant improvement in growth, yield and nutrient uptake was recorded with sole and integrated application of nutrients through chemical fertilizers and bio fertilizers Application of chemical fertilizers registered significant improvement in seed yield over control and magnitude of increase with application of 50, 75 and 100 % of recommended dose of fertilizer (20 kg N, 40 kg P 2 O 5 /ha) was 211, 456 and 509 % over the control respectively Association between Rhizobium and phosphate solublising bacteria was synergistic and inoculation of both fertilizers significantly improved the seed yield Inoculation of Rhizobium, phosphate solublising bacteria and Rhizobium + phosphate solublising bacteria recorded 210, 140 and 246 % higher seed yield than the control respectively Integration of biofertilizer with chemical fertilizer @ 50 % recommended dose of fertilizer brought significant improvement in yield and nutrient uptake over the respective sole application of chemical and biofertilizer and was comparable with application of 100 % recommended dose of fertilizer

Effect of integrated nutrient management practices on productivity of durumm wheat (Triticum durum) in the Vertisols of central India

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during 2000-01 and 2001-02 on fine-textured Vertisols at Indore to study the effect of combined use of farmyard manure and poultry manure with 50 and 100% NPK on productivity, grain quality and profitability of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). The grain yield of durum wheat was significantly increased with integrated use of 50% or 100% NPK + poultry manure @ 2.5 tonnes/ha or farmyard manure @ 10 tonnes/ha compared with inorganic fertilizers alone. The yield improvement was 13.5 and 22.9% and 11.4 and 14.5 % with farmyard manure and poultry manure at 50 and 100% recommended NPK respectively over the sole application of inorganic. The highest productivity was obtained when these organic sources were applied along with 100% NPK, indicating that NPK fertilizers alone did not provide adequate and balanced nutrition to realize the potential yield of the crop. Quality parameters of durum grains, viz protein content and hectolitre weight increased, while yellow berry content decreased with increasing levels of NPK compared with control. Sole application of inorganic fertilizers was equally efficient with their combined use with organics in improving the quality parameters.

Yield advantage and reciprocity functions of wheat (Triticam aestivum) + Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) intercropping under varying row ratio, variety and fertility level

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during winter seasons of 1999-2000 and 2000-01 at Varanasi to assess the effect of varying row ratio, mustard variety and fertility levels on various competitive functions in wheat (Triticum aestiwn~L .) +Indian mustard (Brassicajurzcea Czern & Coss ) intercropping. Mustard was found dominant and aggressive as compared to wheat. Wheat and mustard under 8: 1 and 5: 1 row ratios proved more remunerative and recorded higher yield advantage than 2: 1 row ratio as judged by land equivalent ratio and relative crowding coefficient. Significantly higher aggressivity (1.034) and competitive ratio (2.245) of mustard was noticed under wheat + 'Vardan' mustard intercropping which caused drastic reduction in wheat yield. Consequently, the total land equivalent ratio and relative crowding coefficient of the system was markedly higher with 'Sanjucta Asesh' that gave maximum monetary advantage. Increasing fertility up to highest level correspondingly enhanced competitive ratio and aggressivity of mustard. However, the reverse trend was observed on wheat for these indices. The maximum total land equivalent ratio of 1.085 and net return was observed with the application of 100% recommended fertilizer to both the component crops.

Effect of trees on colonization of intercrops by vesicular arbuscular rnycorrhizae in agroforestry systems

Abstract: A study was conducted (during 2004-05) to access the effect of trees on colonization of intercrops by vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae in agroforestry systems under and outside tree canopy in 43 tree crop combinations. Trees acted as vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculum reservoir for intercrops in most of the combinations. During rainy (kharif) season colonization index of intercrops was significantly more under tree canopy in all 24 tree-crop combinations as compared to respective values outside tree canopy. During winter (rabi) season colonization index of intercrops was significantly more under tree canopy only in 5 combinations, viz ber (Zizyphus rnauritiarla L.) + wheat (Triticurlz aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol), neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) + wheat, neem + gram (Cicer arietinu~tl L.), neem + pea (Pisurn sativunz L.) and teak(Tectorzagrandis L.E) +gram, than outside tree canopy. The index of the intercrops was at par under and outside tree canopy in remaining 14 combinations. A net-house study under different shade levels showed that heavy shade reduced vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in wheat when winter was at its peak. Results on effect of different shading conditions on microclimate of net house indicated that with increase in per cent shade, soil moisture increased and soil surface temperature, sub soil temperature at 10 cm depth and lux meter reading at 12 noon decreased.

Effect of tillage packages and herbicides on energy and economics of wheat in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) system

Abstract: Rice ( O y a sativa L.) - wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) cropping system is one of the most common and widely adopted cropping systems under irrigated conditions. Conventional tillage practices followed by farmers after transplanted rice involves high use of machines, labour and energy as it is done to change the low permeability soil sfzucture created for rice to well aerated structure for wheat (Sharma et al. 2002).....

Alleviation of salinity stress during seed germination in wheat (Triticum aestivum) by potassium applications

Abstract: A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted during 2004 to study the influence of potassium on 'Tir' wheat (Triticum aestivum, L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) under salt stress. Potassium (K2SO4) was added to soil at 8 levels (0, 100,200, 300,400,500,600,700 mg K/kg dry soil) under salinity stress, and non-salinity condition was used as a control. Soil salinity used in the experiment with salinity concentrations at 8 mmhos/cm. NaCl significantly decreased emergence percentage, dry shoot and root weights, shoot K+:Na+ ratio, Chlorophyll a and b contents and osmotic potential, whereas it increased proline concentrations compared to non-salinity condition in wheat seedlings. The potassium application had positive effects on salinity and alleviated negative effects of salinity on wheat seedling Potassium application significantly increased emergence percentage, dry shoot and root weights, shoot K+:Na+ ratio, chlorophyll a and b contents and osmotic potential, whereas proline concentration decreased in wheat plants under salt stress

Diagnostic petiole nntrieant norms and identification of yidd limiting lnutrrients in papaya (Capz'ea papaya) using diagnosis and recommendation integrated system

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during 2004-05 to study the petiole nutrient norms using diagnosis and recommendation integrated system from 60 papaya (Carica papaya) gardens. A total of 300 samples were collected (sixth petiole from apex) to analyze for macro and micronutrients for establishment of the data bank. The whole population was divided into 2 sub-groups, namely low and high yielding by using diagnosis and recommendation integrated system and thus selected 45 nutrient expressions as diagnostic norms. These expressions had shown higher variance and lower coefficient of variation that are found to have greater diagnostic precision, viz N/P (6.368), N/K (0.571), Mg/N (0.899), N/Zn (0.045), Ca/Mn (0.062), Ca/Zn (0.115), Mg/Zn (0.039) and S/Zn (0.010) etc. The nutritional balance index indicates the overall imbalance of the nutrient-based on sum of the indices irrespective of sign. The diagnosis of nutrient imbalance through diagnosis and recommendation integrated system indices indicated that the most common yield-limiting nutrient is zinc, followed by potassium. In addition, 5 nutrient ranges have been derived using mean and standard deviation as low, deficient, optimum, high and excess for each nutrient to serve as a guide for diagnostic purpose. The optimum N ranged from 0.91 to 1.44%, P from 0.12 to 0.28%, K from 2.22 to 3.75%, Ca from 2.65 to 4.19%, Mg from 0.67 to 1.37% and S from 0.18 to 0.37%. Among the micronutrients the optimum Zn ranged from 17 to 40 ppm, Fe from 33 to 92 ppm, Mn from 34 to 60 ppm and Cu from 6 to 12 ppm for papaya.

Effect of irrigation schedule on growth, yield and economics of spice crops

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2001-02 and 2002-03 at the instructional farm of the University, Raipur to investigate the effect of irrigation schedule in spice crops grown after medium duration rice. The treatments comprising six irrigation schedule, viz no irrigation, one irrigation at 35 days after sowing, 2 irrigations at 35 and 75 days after sowing, 3 irrigations at 35,60 and 85 days after sowing, irrigation schedule at 0.6 IW/CPE and at 0.8 IW/CPE were tested on 4 crops, viz coriander, black cumin, fenugreek and chickpea (check). The results of experiment on effect of irrigation schedule on productivity potential of spice crops revealed that the irrigation schedule at 0.8 IW/CPE gave significantly higher growth characters like plant height, number of branches, shoot and root dry biomass, seed yields, chickpea equivalent yield and net return and B:C ratio. However, all these characters are mostly comparable with the irrigation schedule at 0.6 IW/CPE and three irrigations at 35.60 and 85 days after sowing. Among the crops, highest chickpea yield, gross and net return and B:G ratio recorded with fenugreek. In general, all the three spice crops performed superior than the chickpea in regard to chickpea equivalent yield, net return and B:C ratio.

Effect of management practices on growth of white siris (Albizia procera), grain yield of intercrops, weed population and soil fertility changes in agrisilviculture system in semi-arid India

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during 2000-04 at Jhansi to analyze the effect of management practices, viz T 1 , trees allowed to grow naturally + crop; T 2 , pruning of trees up to 70% plant height + crop; T 3 , T 1 + root barrier + crop; T 4 , T 2 + root barrier + crop; T 5 , T 1 + irrigation as per requirement of crop; T 6 , T 2 + irrigation as per requirement of crop; T 7 , pure tree (without crop) and T 8 , pure crop (without tree) on growth of tree, yield of intercrops, weeds and soil fertility in white siris [Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth.]-based agrisilviculture system. Among all management practices, trees allowed to grow naturally (T, T 3 and T 5 ) significantly had higher tree growth (height, dbh and crown diameter) as compared to pruning of tree up to 70% plant height (T 2 , T 4 and T 6 ). The grain yield of intercrops, viz blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper and Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj & Coss.] was significantly higher (0.59 and 1.22 tonnes/ha respectively) in pruning of tree up to 70% plant height than trees allowed to grow naturally during all the years except first year. The yield of intercrops with root barrier (T 3 and T 4 ) was higher (0.44-0.60 tonnes/ha blackgram and 1.02-1.19 tonnes/ha mustard) than without barrier (T 1 and T 2 ), In case of Indian mustard, irrigation given to the crop as per requirement (T 5 and T 6 ) significantly gave higher yield (25%) than the crop received one- irrigation (T 1 to T 4 ). The grain yield of pure crop (without tree) was higher compared to agrisilviculture. The weed population and dry weight of weed was significantly less in pure crop (without tree) than agrisilviculture at I year age of tree but weed population and weed dry weight was significantly less in agrisilviculture than pure crop at 4 years age of tree. Integration of A. procera with crop also brought improvement in soil fertility in terms of organic carbon, available N, P and K.

Evaluation of salt-tolerance in finger millet (Eleusine coracana) genotypes at seedling stage*

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during 2005 to evaluate 19 finger millet (Eleusine cracana L. Gaertn.) genotypes for their response to salinity at seedling stage under laboratory conditions. Significant difference was observed anlong the genotypes at different stress levels. All the 5 traits, viz germination, root length, shoot length, seedling length and vigour index declined with increasing salt stress in all the genotypes. However, 'CO 12', 'GPU 48', 'Indaf 5' were highly tolerant, while 'CO 11 ' was highly susceptible.

Dormancy, sprouting behaviour and weight loss in Indian potato (Solanum tuberosum) varieties

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during 2004 and 2005 to study the dormancy period, sprout growth and weight loss of 37 Indian potato (Solanurn tuberosurn L.) varieties to estimate the variability in various keeping quality attributes in them. Dormancy period was the longest in 'Kufri Sindhuri' and shortest in 'Kufri Lauvkar'varieties. The number of sproutslper tuber were maximum in 'Kufri Anand' and minimum in 'Kufri Safed' after 60 days of sprouting. Highest length of the longest sprout (5.3 cm) was recorded in 'Kufri Alankar' and 'Kufri Chipsona 1' and lowest (2.1 cm) in 'Kufri Surya' by 60 days. The per cent weight loss after 60 days of sprouting was higher in varieties 'Kufri Jeevan' (12.6%) and 'Kufri Swama' (11.7%) and was lower in varieties 'Kufri Safed' and 'Kufri Chandramukhi' (4.6 and 5.2% respectively). A significant correlation existed between weight loss and number and length of sprouts, whereas with dormancy period, weight loss showed negative correlation.The study indicated that varieties with longer dormancy period, lower number of sprouts per tuber and slower rate of sprout growth are expected to have better keeping quality and hence limited weight loss during storage. Therefore the study suggests potato breeders to consider keeping quality as one of the important characteristic during screening of hybrids.

Effect of nitrogen, farmyard manure and non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria on yield, nutrient uptake and soil fertility in upland rice (Oryza sativa)

Abstract: was most suitable for the upland paddy production (3.9 tonneslha) with adequate nitrogen build up in Alfisol of Meghalaya. Key words: Nitrogen, Farmyard manure, N fixing bacteria, Upland rice, Acid Alfisol The soils of Meghalaya are rich in total N due to presence of high amounts of organic matter, however, the rate of mineralization is low due to acidic nature of soils irrespective of organic matter status. Therefore application of N fertilizer is necessary to meet the N requirement of crops to achieve the optimum productivity. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important crop of Meghalaya ,and responds well to fertilizer N and the use of farmyard manure and Azolla alone and along with fertilizer N (Patiram et al. 200 1, Majumdar et al. 2005). The use of costly inorganic N fertilizer can be minimized by using various organic sources like biofertilizer, vermicompost etc bespdes farmyard manure and compost. The information regarding the use of non-symbiotic N fixing bacteria (Azotobacter, Azospirillum) in conjunction with fertilizer N and organic manures for rice cultivation and the

Genetic analysis and correlation in sweet corn (Zea mays) for quali(y traits, field emergence and grain yield*

Abstract: Sweet corn (Zea mays L. var rugosa) is most popular in USA, Canada, Japan and Taiwan. In India, sweet corn is cultivated mainly in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra but it is gaining importance in other parts of country as well. Sweet corn is consumed at immature grain stages of endospenn at 20-22 days after fertilization in various forms. Nearly all-commercial sweet corn is based on one or more homozygous recessive alleles (Coe and Polaco 1994) that alter the kernel carbohydrate content. Traditional sweet corn variety is homozygous for 'six' mutation with more sugar content (5-1 1%) compared to field corn and contains phytoglycogen, a water soluble polysaccharide giving creamy texture to kernels

Validation of integrated pest management modules for castor (Ricinus communis ) in in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract: An experiment was conducted during 2001-04 to develop and validate location-specific and cost effective integrated pest management modules under real farm situation. Biointensive integrated pest management and chemical insecticide intensive integrated pest management modules were compared with non integrated pest management module 1 (farmers practice with wilt resistant castor variety 'Jyoti') and 2 (farmers practice without 'Jyoti') under farmers conditions in Andhra Pradesh. Both biointensive and chemical insecticide intensive integrated pest management modules were effective in reducing insect pest population compared to non-integrated pest management modules. In the integrated pest management modules average seedling blight and Botrytis incidence ranged from 0.95 to 1.13 and 7.30 to 7.89% compared 6.15-6.95 and 10.43-16.64% in non-integrated pest management modules, respectively. fncidence of Fusariurn wiIt was nil in integrated pest management modules and non-integrated pest management module 1 compared to 24.4 1 % in non-integrated pest management module 2. Average castor seed yield recorded in biointensive integrated pest management module was 519, 536, and 760 kg/ha and cost:benefit ratio was 1:2.49,1:3.17 and 1:3.35, whereas in chemical insecticide intensive integrated pest management module average yield was 529,542 and 767 kg/ha with C:B ratio of 1 :2.26,1:3.04 and I :3.14 compared to non-integrated pest management module 2 with seed yield of 433, 398 and 512 kg/ha and C:B ratio of 1 : 1.78,1;2.2 1 and 1 :2.32 during 2001-02,2002-03 and 2003-04 respectively. Non integrated pest management module1 recorded seed yield of 497 and 630 kg/ha with C:B ratio of 1 :2.82 and 1:2.67 during 2002-03 and 2003-04, respectively.

Tillage and crop establishment practices for improving productivity of maize (Zea mays) under different weed control methods

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during rainy season 2004 and 2005 at New Delhi to study the effect of tillage and crop establishment practices on growth and yield performance of maize (Zea mays L.), weed infestation, nitrogen uptake and economics. Tillage and crop establishment practices, viz conventional tillage - flat bed, conventional tillage - narrow-bed (ridge and furrow), conventional tillage - broad-bed, minimum tillage - flat bed, and stale seed-bed - flat bed (included in 2005 only) were combined with weed control methods, viz unweeded control, atrazine @ 1 kg/ha as pre-emergence, atrazine + manual weeding at 30 days of growth, and atrazine + paraquat as directed spray at 35 days of growth in a splitplot design replicated thrice. The mean loss in grain yield of maize due to unchecked weed infestation was 43.5-46.4%. Adoption of stale seed-bed practice (in 2005) caused reduction in weed count (18.8-34.1%) and dry weight (21.3%) as compared with that of conventional tillage - flat bed. The highest grain yield (2.90 tonnes/ha) was obtained under stale seed-bed, which was significantly more (13.7%) than conventional tillage - flat bed. Bed planting systems resulted in similar weed infestation but a relatively higher grain yield (6.9-14.6%) as compared with that of conventional tillage - flat bed. Minimum tillage gave the lowest yield (2.30-2.60 tonnes/ha) due to poor growth of maize plants associated with higher weed infestation. Pre-emergence application of atrazine provided good early control of the few broad-leaved species, viz Trianthema portulacastrum L. and Digera muricata (L.) Mart.; syn D. arvensis Forsk, while the grassy weeds dominated by Echinochloa colonum Medik were only partially controlled. Supplementation with manual weeding or paraquat directed spray after a month of growth was necessary to achieve season-long control of weeds and higher productivity of maize. Nitrogen uptake by maize increased while that by weeds decreased under the treatments that provided effective control of weeds and improved growth and yield performance of maize. Regression analysis also indicated that yield and N uptake of maize were negatively correlated with that of weeds (r = - 0.937** and - 0.958**). Unweeded control recorded negative returns under all tillage practices (- 682 to - 1 594 Rs/ha), while the highest net returns/Re invested were under stale seed-bed along with atrazine + paraquat (0.565), followed by atrazine + manual weeding (0.512). Growing maize by adopting stale seed-bed practice and controlling weeds with atrazine as pre-emergence and paraquat as post-emergence directed spray is recommended for higher productivity and profitability.

Effect of crop establishment methods and weed control practices on weed dynamics, productivity,nutrient removal by weeds vis-a-vis crop and quality of aromatic rice (Oryza sativa)"

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during rainy season (kharif of 2002 on sandy clay-loam soil of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New DeIhi to assess the effect of crop establishment methods and weed control practices on weed dynamics, productivity, nutrients removal by weeds vis-Avis crop and quality of aromatic rice. The total weed population at 100 days after sowing was significantly lower under broadcast method than zero-till and bed planting. Among herbicidal treatments, flufenacet @ 0.20 kg ai/ha as pre-emergence + hand weeding at 40 days after sowing brought about maximum reduction in weed population and their weed dry weight followed by butachlor @ 1 kg ai/ha as pre-emergence + hand weeding at 40 days after sowing. Depletion of N, P and K by weeds was markedly higher in weedy check (85.3 kg N, 10 kg P and 117.4 kg m a ) . Broadcast and zero till methods resulted an increase of 50 and 42% in grain yield and 42 and 46% in straw yield, respectively over bed planting. The former two methods proved statistically superior to later one. Uptake of N, P and K by rice grain as well as straw was significantly higher under broadcast and zero-till methods than bed planting. Hand weeding resulted in maximum increase in effective tillers (105.5/m2) and number of grainslpanicle (157.8) and proved superior to the rest of the weed control treatments. Hand weeding recorded in significant increase in both grain (2 401 kglha) and straw (5 229 kgka) yields followed by flufenacet @ 0.20 kg aiha as pre-emergence + hand weeding at 40 days after sowing. Grain quality parameters, viz hulling (%), milling (%), head rice recovery (%), grain length and breadth before and after cooking, grain length: breadth ratio before and after cooking of aromatic rice remained unaffected due to different crop establishment methods and weed control treatments. In broadcast method, protein yield (1 35 kgha) was significantly higher compared to bed planting but similar to zero till method (128 kg/ha). All the weed control treatments resulted in significant increase in protein yield compared to weedy check