Showing papers in "Legume Research in 2016"

Effect of INM on nodulation, yield, quality and available nutrient status in soil after harvest of greengram

Abstract: A field experiment was carried out at Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) during kharif season of 2013 to study the influence of integrated nutrient management on greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. Three sources of nutrients viz. inorganic, organic and bio-fertilizers were used in twelve combinations with randomized block design. Among different combinations, significant improvement in number of nodules/plant (80.97), dry weight of nodules (32.89 mg/plant), yield attributes, seed yield (12.34 qt/ha), harvest index (28.32%), nutrient content, available NPK and organic carbon after harvest in soil were recorded with application of nutrients through 75% RDF + 2.5 t/ha vermicompost + rhizobium + Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) as compared to other combinations and control, but it was at par with 100% RDF + 2.5 t/ha vermicompost and 100% RDF + rhizobium + PSB.

Response of mungbean to NPK and lime under the conditions of Vindhyan region of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted for the management of soil acidity with fertility and lime levels to sustain the productivity of acid soil of Vindhyyan region of Uttar Pradesh (India) Results of the study demonstrated that significant improvement in plant height (4923 cm), number of nodule (7695), dry weight of nodule (4975 mg), highest LAI (445), yield parameters, yields, protein (2139%), nutrient content and total NPK uptake (9668 kg/ha ) were recorded with 100% RDF Similar results were observed for all growth and yield parameters such as protein (%), nutrient (%) and total NPK uptake by crop with application of 200 kg lime/ha A significantly higher seed yield (622 q/ha) was recorded with 100 % RDF + 200 kg lime/ha as compared to other treatment combinations, which was at par with 100 % RDF + 300 kg lime/ha and 125 % RDF + 300 kg lime/ha

Investigation of feed value of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) harvested at different maturity stages

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the green herbage and dry herbage yield, chemical and nutritional values and RFV of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at different stages of maturity under Isparta ecological conditions in 2012. To achieve this goal random sampling plots was created according to an experimentation pattern, and the number of harvests was determined according to regional conditions. In chemical analysis, the following samples were analyzed for Dry Matter (DM), Crude Protein (CP), Ether Extract (EE), Ash, Crude Fiber (CF), Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE), Notral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), as well as macro and micro minerals. The highest total green herbage yield was 9609.33 kg/da during the budding period, which decreased by 28% with maturity. The highest total dry matter yield, which depends on hay yield, was determined as 1742.63 kg/da at the beginning of the flowering period. The highest CP was determined during the budding period and decreased with maturity. DM, CS, NDF and ADF content increased while ash, Digestible Dry Matter (DDM), Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN), Dry Matter Intake (DMI), Metabolisable Energy (ME), Net Energy Lactation (NEL), and Digestible Energy (DE) content decreased with maturity. The highest RFV was determined during budding and the beginning of the flowering periods. Taking both yield and feed value results into consideration based on Isparta's conditions, the best harvesting period of alfalfa was determined to be at the beginning of the flowering period.

Cluster bean [cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.], an importantindustrial arid legume: A review

Abstract: Cluster bean is an important legume cultivated mostly on marginal and sub marginal lands of arid and semi-arid regions. Overall, India produces around 80% of global cluster bean production. It is cultivated on more than 4 m ha in India, Rajasthan alone accounts for around 80% of the area and production. Owing to its demand in the international market, it has been introduced in the non-traditional growing areas like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Further, its cultivation is also being taken up under irrigated conditions during summer. Cluster bean seed (endosperm) is a source of a natural hydrocolloid (galactomannan/‘guar gum’). The gum has unique abilities with multiple commercial applications like textile, printing, paper, cosmetics, mining, pharmaceutical, petroleum, natural gas, well drilling and oil industries. Green pods are nutritionally rich and are routinely consumed as vegetable especially in northern and western parts of India. Additionally, cluster bean has been reported to have beneficial effects when cultivated as an intercrop. Cluster bean meal (high protein content) obtained from seed coat and germ cell is an excellent feed for monogastric animals. Cluster bean cultivars with high gum content (>32%) and viscosity (4000-5000 cps) are more preferred for export. The value of cluster bean exports from India has increased from Rs 242 crores (1994) to Rs 2100 crores (2012-13). This review presents the various aspects of cluster bean cultivation and its emergence as an important industrial crop.

Exogenous proline application enhances the efficiency of nitrogen fixation and assimilation in chickpea plants exposed to cadmium

Abstract: Seeds of chickpea were sown in the pots supplemented with 0, 25, 50 or 100 mg of cadmium per kg of soil. At the stage of 30 days after sowing (DAS), the raised plants were sprayed with 20 mM proline except for the control plants which received double distilled water (DDW). The increasing degree of damage caused by the increasing concentration of Cd in soil was partially overcome by proline application. The treatment of 25 mg Cd fed plants with 20 mM proline increased significantly the nodulation parameters, leghemoglobin and carbohydrate content, leaf nitrogen and root nitrate content, activity of enzymes nitrogenase (E.C 1.18.6.1), nitrate reductase (E.C. 1.6.6.1), glutamine synthetase (GS) (E.C 6.3.1.2), glutamate synthase (GOGAT) (E.C 1.4.7.1) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) (E.C 1.4.1.3) over that of the control. The value of these parameters was found to be at par with that of the control in the plants exposed to 50 mg Cd per kg of soil and also treated with 20 mM proline. However, the treatment was not found to be effective in alleviating the adverse effects of 100 mg Cd per kg of soil.

Productivity, relative yield and plant growth of forage corn intercroppedwith soybean under different crop combination ratio

Abstract: An experiment was carried out to evaluate influence of different crop combination ratios of corn and soybean in terms of forage yield in corn-soybean intercropping. The experiment compared both corn and soybean as monocultures and in different intercropping ratios from 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 of corn to soybean. The crop combination ratio had significant effects on physiological traits and dry matter yield of forage. The ratio of 75:25 and 50:50 recorded DM yields similar to those of monocropped corn (14.77 t/ha). Relative yield total (RYT) values of intercropping were higher than that of monocrop corn and soybean. Mixtures with 50:50 combination ratio had higher mean total relative yield values (1.15) in comparison with the other ratios. Land equivalent ratio (LER) increased with corn-soybean intercropping and the highest total LER value was recorded with 50:50 ratio (1.13). The crop ratio of 50:50 gave the best combination based on DM yield, relative yield, LER of the combined forage.

Effect of intercropping of corn and soybean on dry matteryield and nutritive value of forage corn

Abstract: Cereal-based forage production could be considered to have potential to supply great deal of energy-rich feed in animal diets. Experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of corn-soybean combinations of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in addition to monocrops of corn and soybean to detremine forage dry matter (DM) yield and quality in corn-soybean intercropping. The crop combination ratio had significant effects on dry matter yield and nutritive quality of forage. The ratio of 75:25 and 50:50 recorded DM yields similar to those of monocropped corn (14.77 t/ha). Forage quality in terms of crude protein (CP) (75:25 ratio 12.75%, 50:50 ratio 13.73% and 25:75 ratio 14.68%) was improved by intercropping due to higher nitrogen availability for corn in intercropping compared with its sole crop (10.83% CP). Increase ratio of corn in corn-soybean mixture, negatively affectd neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) of forage and declined with increasing ratio of soybean plants. Combination ratio of 50:50 gave higher protein yield (1886.45 kg/ha) than other crop combination ratio. Among all the combination ratios, the 50:50 corn-soybean ratio was the optimum giving highest forage yield, protein content as well as protein yield.

AMMI & GGE biplot analysis of multi environment yield trial of soybeanin North Western Himalayan state Uttarakhand of India

Abstract: The investigation was carried out to study Genotype × Environment (G×E) interaction for seed yield in 36 soybean genotypes including check PS1092 over 3 diverse environments represented by different altitudes in Uttarakhand. Grain yield performances of soybean genotypes were evaluated during Kharif 2013 season using a randomized complete block design. The AMMI analysis indicated that environment, genotypes and genotype by environment interactions had significantly affected seed yield and accounted for 9.76, 28.97 and 47.55% of the total variation, respectively. GGE biplot clearly displayed interrelationships between test locations as well as genotypes and facilitated visual comparisons based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The first two principal components PCI and PCII were used to create a two-dimensional GGE biplot that accounted for 45.68 and 38.88% variations respectively and based on discriminating and representative ability, E2 (Majhera) was most suitable location for selecting generally adapted genotypes. Soybean genotype C1 (PS1539) was identified as ideal genotype with high yield and low G×E interaction i.e. high stability.

Protective role of gamma amminobutyric acid on Cassia italica Mill under salt stress

Abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of salinity stress on growth of Cassia italica and role of gamma amminobutyric acid (GABA) in mitigating the salt stress induced damaging effects. Antioxidant activity, level of endogenous growth hormones and other biochemical parameters were evaluated. Salt stress enhanced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in the enhanced lipid peroxidation which was however reduced by application of GABA. Increased lipid peroxidation in salt stressed plants caused an obvious reduction in the total lipid content as compared to GABA treated plants. The antioxidant enzymes were higher in GABA treated plants which indicated a reduction of oxidative damage.

Amelioration of salt stress in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) by coinculation of ACC deaminase-containing rhizospheric bacteria with Mesorhizobium strains

Abstract: Chickpea is a major legume crop grown in the semi-arid tropics and its yields are adversely affected by salinity. In this study, 55 rhizobacterial isolates obtained from the chickpea rhizosphere soil were screened for their salt tolerance. At 3% NaCl concentration, 41.8% rhizobacterial isolates formed colonies varying from 0.5-10 mm size and only 10.9 per cent isolates showed growth at 4% NaCl concentration. Significant growth on ACC supplemented medium plates was observed in 32.7% rhizobacterial isolates. Coinoculation studies with ACC+ as well as ACC- Mesorhizobium and rhizobacterial isolates were made on chickpea under chillum jar conditions containing sloger’s broth with salt (EC, 4dS/m) and without salt. Coinoculation of Mesorhizobium isolate MBD26 (ACC+) and rhizobacterial isolate RHD18 (ACC+) formed 59 nodules/plant and caused 112.9% increase in plant dry weight as compared to uninoculated control plants at 50 days of plant growth, whereas in the presence of salt, only 31.2% increase in plant dry weight was observed in comparison to uninoculated plants. At 80 days of plant growth, coinoculation of Mesorhizobium isolate MBD26 (ACC+) with rhizobacterial isolate RHD18 (ACC+) further increased the nodule number (78 nodules/plant) and 141.9% increase in shoot dry weight was observed as compared to uninoculated plants. Thus, it was concluded that coinoculation of ACC+ Mesorhizobium and rhizobacterial isolates showed more stimulatory effect on nodulation and plant biomass under normal and salt amended treatments.

Growth stimulation of clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) by coinoculation with rhizosphere bacteria and Rhizobium

Abstract: Clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] is an important commercially utilizable crop grown in arid zone of India. Microorganisms present in the rhizosphere of this crop produce various plant growth-promoting substances and enhance the availability of nutrients to the plants. Therefore, fifty five bacterial isolates obtained from the rhizosphere of clusterbean were explored for beneficial characteristics. Twenty rhizobacterial isolates produced indole acetic acid ranging from 3.9 to 24.7 µg/mL. Only six isolates HCS7, HCS19, HFS7, HFS9, HFS10 and HFS12 showed d-aminolevulinic acid production varying from 1.3 to 7.0 µg/mL. Fourteen isolates showed solubilization of potassium on mica containing Aleksandrov medium plates. Stimulation of root and shoot growth of clusterbean seedlings on water agar plates was observed by inoculation of eleven rhizobacterial isolates at 5 and 10 days of growth whereas some isolates showed stunting effect on the growth of shoot and root as compared to uninoculated seedlings. At 60 days of plant growth, inoculation of Bradyrhizobium strain GSA11 and Rhizobium strain GSA110 showed significant nodulation and their inoculation resulted in 141.94 and 151.43% gains in shoot dry weight, respectively under chillum jar conditions. Coinoculation of Bacillus isolate HCS43 with Rhizobium strain GSA110 formed 48 nodules/plant and plant dry weight was enhanced by 190.09% in comparison to uninoculated control plants.

Study of genetic variability, character association, path analysis and selection parameters for heterotic recombinant inbred lines of garden peas (Pisum sativum var. Hortense L.) under mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract: The present investigations involving forty five diverse pea recombinant inbreds and three standard checks were carried out for two successive years during 2011-2012 and 2012-13. The objective of the study was to ascertain genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path coefficient among yield and other horticultural and quality traits and identification of superior recombinants for their utilization in crop improvement programme. Wide range of variability was observed for most of the characters under study. The magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) for all the traits. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variations were recorded for protein content, ascorbic acid, plant height and pod yield per plant for both the years. Pod yield per plant and plant height exhibited high heritability associated with high genetic advance in the respective years indicating the additive gene action for their expression and are likely to respond better to selection. Pod yield showed a positive and significant correlation with number of pods per plant, pod length and number of seeds per pod both the years. Path analysis revealed that number of pods per plant and pod length have highest positive direct effect both the years and thus it may be treated as selection criteria for isolating higher yielding genotypes in garden peas. In heterosis study, some of the recombinant inbreds were found superior over standard checks which include L-14 and L-13 for pod yield/plant, number of pod/plant and earliness. These findings can be further utilized to develop and enhance the yield potential of garden pea.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi alleviate salt stress in lupine (Lupinus termis Forsik) through modulation of antioxidant defense systems and physiological traits

Abstract: The present study was carried with the aim to demonstrate and examine the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth, anti-oxidants metabolism and some key physio-biochemical attributes including the osmotic constituents in Lupinus termis exposed to salt stress. Salt stress (250 mM NaCl) reduced growth, AMF colonisation, relative water content and chlorophyll pigment content. However, AMF ameliorated the negative effect of salinity on these growth parameters. Salt stress increased the activities of key antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POD). Inoculation of AMF enhanced the activities of these enzymes and caused an increase in the accumulation of osmotic components resulting in the maintainence of tissue water content. Proline, glycine betaine and sugars increased with salinity stress and AMF inoculation. Plants subjected to salt stress showed considerable variations in the endogenous levels of growth hormones. Reduced lipid peroxidation and increased membrane stability in AMF inoculated plants and enhanced activity of anti-oxidants enzymes confers the role of AMF in assuaging the salt stress induced deleterious effects.

Nutritive values of soybean silages ensiled with maize at different rates

Abstract: One of the major uses of soybean crops [Glycine max (L.) Merril] is as silage. However, due to its unpleasant odour and relatively high butyric acid content, soybean silage is not readily preferred by animals. Because it does not have a regular fermentation, easily fermented forage resources are needed to obtain quality silage. To improve the quality of the silage, soybeans can be mixed with an appropriate amount of maize (Zea mays L.). In this study, we examined the quality and properties of maize (M) and soybean (S) silages of different mixtures (100% M, 100% S, 10% S + 90% M, 20% S + 80% M, 30% S + 70% M, 40% S + 60% M, 50% S + 50% M, 60% S + 40% M, 70% S + 30% M, 80% S + 20% M and 90% S + 10% M). For this purpose, each plant species was grown separately, and the maize was harvested when the plants reached the doughy stage. The harvest was performed using a single row maize harvester that chops the plants into 1.5–2 cm pieces. The fresh plant material from each species was then mixed in different proportions and squeezed before being transferred to 1.5 L anaerobic jars (Le Parfait, France). The jars were opened after a 60-day ensiling period. Then, the dry matter rate, pH, silage loss, fleig point, crude protein content, ADF content and NDF content of the silages were determined. The results showed that an increase in soybean rate in the mixture decreased the dry matter rate. Conversely, the silage pH, crude protein content and ADF content increased. Our results suggested that producing quality silage required the soybean material to be mixed with a minimum of 50% maize.

Effect of foliar application of growth activator, promoter and antioxidant on seed quality of soybean

Abstract: Loss of seed quality in soybean is a serious problem in tropical and subtropical region. Foliar application of salicylic acid (SA), GA3 and acetyl salicylic acid (50 ppm) at seedling and pod filling stage, K2HPO4 (2%), α-tocopherol (100 ppm) at flowering and pod filling stage was done on soybean varieties-NRC 7 and JS 335. Foliar application of SA showed positive effect on seed yield, seed health, germination and seed vigour during storage. Plant height was significantly improved by the GA3 spray in both the varieties. Significantly higher seed yield was obtained with foliar spray of αtocopherol. Application of SA was found effective to protect plants from various diseases to get quality seed. α-Tocopherol and K2HPO4 treatment significantly reduced MDA production in seeds. α-Tocopherol application increased super oxide dismutase activity as a result the lipid peroxidation of seed during storage was significantly reduced. Application of αtocopherol, K2HPO4 and salicylic acid improved the storage or keeping quality of soybean seed.

Technological and extension yield gaps in Greengram in Pali district of Rajasthan, India

Abstract: The technological gap between existing and recommended technologies of greengram crop was studied during 2012, 2013 and 2014. The study in total 40 frontline demonstrations was conducted on farmers ’fields in five adopted villages. The findings of the study revealed that improved technology recorded a mean yield of 982 kg/ha which was 35.5% higher than obtained with farmers ’practice (755 kg/ha). The study exhibited mean extension gap of 267 kg/ha, technology gap of 368 kg/ha with mean technology index of27.3%. An additional investment of Rs. 1470/ha coupled with recommended nutrient, water management, plant protection measures, scientific monitory and non-monetary factors resulted in additional mean returns of Rs.10970/ha. Higher mean net income of Rs. 46030/ha with a Benefit: Cost ratio of 4.3 was obtained with improved technologies in comparison to farmers ’practices (Rs. 38775/ha). The frontline demonstrations conducted on greengram at the farmers ’field revealed that the adoption of improved technologies significantly increased the yield as well as yield attributing traits of crop and also the net returns to the farmers.

Growth and developmental responses of Callosobruchusmaculatus (F.) on various pulses

Abstract: A laboratory experiment was conducted on the developmental biology of pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) on five different pulses viz., black gram, green gram, chickpea (Desi), cowpea and pea. Significantly highest numbers of eggs, shortest post-oviposition, adult longevity and total life periods was recorded on cowpea. The beetle laid maximum eggs (89.3) on cowpea and minimum on pea (50.7). Maximum eggs were laid on first day of oviposition and lasted for eight days. Hatching of eggs was maximum on green gram (98.1%) and minimum on cowpea (94.3%). The oviposition period, post-oviposition period, incubation period, larval-pupal period, total life period and adult longevity were in the range of 6.6 to 7.9, 1.09 to 2.6, 4.3 to 5.1, 20.1 to 37.2, 31.6 to 39.1 and 11.0 to 13.1 days, respectively on various pulses. No significant differences were found in oviposition period, post-oviposition period, incubation period, total life period and adult longevity on various pulses. The adult emergence was maximum on chickpea (96.7%) and minimum on pea (52.3%).

Modified atmosphere storage technique for the management of pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis in Horse gram

Abstract: The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of modified atmosphere with elevated levels of CO2 against pulse beetle, C. chinensis in stored horse gram. Seeds were artificially infested with C. chinensis and exposed to CO2 (30%, 40% and 50 %) and packed in air tight containers. Concentrations of 40% and 50% CO2 not only checked seed infestation but also checked the progeny production of pulse beetle and reduced the weight loss of seed compared to normal atmosphere. Storage of horse gram seeds in CO2 rich atmosphere also maintained seed quality without any detrimental effect on germination and seedling vigor up to six months of storage.

Effect of phosphorus and zinc nutrition on growth and yield of fodder cowpea

Abstract: An experiment consisting of four phosphorus levels (0, 40, 60 and 80 kg/ha P2O5) and five zinc levels (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg/ha ZnSO4) was laid out in randomized block design in factorial mode to find out the effect on yield and quality of fodder cowpea [Vigna Unguiculata (L.)Walp.]. Growth parameters viz. plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, leaf length, leaf width and leaf stem ratio were improved with the application of 60 kg/ha P2O5 and 20 kg/ha ZnSO4. Application of 60 kg/ha phosphorus recorded 27.64 t/ha yield, which was 7.50 and 55.6 % higher than 40 kg/ha and no phosphorus application, respectively. Application of zinc in the form of ZnSO4 @ 20 kg/ha increased significantly the green fodder yield (25.89 t/ha). Interaction effect of phosphorus and zinc application was found significant with respect to green fodder, dry matter yield and nutrient uptake. Yield, phosphorus and zinc uptake in cowpea fodder were showing declining trend at combination of application rate more than 60 kg/ha P2O5 and 20 kg/ha ZnSO4.

Integrated weed management in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) underrainfed conditions of Karnataka, India

Abstract: A field investigation was carried out during winter seasons of 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 at Agricultural Research Station, Gulbarga (Karnataka) to evaluate the effect of pre and post emergence herbicides on weeds and productivity of chickpea cv. JG-11. Ten treatments were tested in randomized block design with three replications. Among the herbicidal treatments, pendimethalin 38% CS 0.75 kg a.i ha-1PE + hand weeding (HW) at 30-35 days after sowing (DAS) and pendimethalin 30% EC 0.75 kg a.i ha-1+ imazethapyr 2% 1.0 kg a.i ha-1 PE + one hoeing at 30-35 DAS recorded significantly higher seed yield (1198 kg ha-1), net returns (Rs. 25107 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.10) and lower weed dry weight (11.3 g m-2) and higher weed control efficiency (83%) than all other herbicidal treatments except two hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS. It may be inferred from the present investigation that these herbicidal treatments could be used effectively as an alternative for controlling weeds and obtaining optimum seed yield of chickpea under rainfed conditions of Karnataka.

Biochemical and molecular characterization of DAPG-producing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract: Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) thrive in the rhizosphere of plants and play a beneficial role in plant growth, and development along with biocontrol activities. The present study was undertaken with the aim of developing rhizobacterial inoculants for groundnut for enhancement of growth and yield and suppression of major soil-borne fungal diseases caused by Sclerotium rolfsii (stem rot) and Aspergillus niger (collar rot). Out of a total of 154 rhizobacterial isolates obtained from groundnut rhizosphere, 78 isolates were selected on the basis of in vitro antifungal activities against three major soil-borne fungal pathogens of groundnut, i.e. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillusflavus and Sclerotium rolfsii. The selected isolates were further screened for the production of 2, 4-Diacetylphloroglucinol (2, 4-DAPG) by the gene specific PCR amplification of phlD gene. A total of 11 rhizobacterial isolates were found to have DAPG-producing genes and selected for further studies. Gene specific primers were also used for characterization of the isolates for plant growth-promoting and biocontrol traits. The qualitative and quantitative estimation of the various attributes of the isolates were also carried out. Majority of the isolates showed production of IAA, siderophores and fluorescent pigments. The DAPG-producing rhizobacterial isolates have great potential as bio-inoculants for groundnut crop for suppressing soil-borne fungal pathogens and to enhance growth and yield.

Genetic improvement of two cultivars of Vicia faba L. using gamma irradiation and ethyl methanesulphonate mutagenesis

Abstract: The present experiment was conducted to induce genetic variation using gamma irradiation and ethyl methanesulphonate mutagenesis and isolate and analyze the desirable mutant lines of Vicia faba L. var. Vikrant and PRT-12 in the M3 generation. The seeds of the mutant lines isolated from 3rd generation plants were analyzed for different parameters including total protein content, protein profiles and mineral content using Lowry method, Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively. SDS-PAGE profile of mutants from variety Vikrant showed more polymorphism and expression of proteins than mutants isolated from variety PRT-12. Mutant seeds showed significantly higher protein content (0.18 to 1.29%) and mineral content (0.21 to 2.98 mg.g-1) compared to the controls. The mutants selected from variety Vikrant showed more increase in protein and mineral contents than the mutants selected from PRT-12. The selected mutant lines may serve as a valuable genetic material to breed for the improvement of protein and mineral contents in faba bean and other valuable crop plants.

Impact of foliar application of seaweed saps on yield, nodulation and nutritional quality in green gram (Vigna radiata L)

Abstract: Seaweeds are marine macro algae, which form an important component of the marine living resources of the world. To evaluate the efficiency of seaweed (Kappaphycus and Gracilaria) saps on growth, yield and nutrition of Vigna radiata, an experiment was conducted during spring 2012 under field conditions. The ten treatments comprised two seaweed saps (K-sap & G-sap), four concentrations of each sap (2.5, 5, 10 and 15%), 7.5% of K-sap + 50% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers) and control. The highest grain yield of 557 kg ha−1 was harnessed due to two foliar applications of 10% K-sap + RDF. Increase in yield due to K-sap ranged between 29.32 to 33.81% while due to G-sap it was 25.74 to 26.15%. Foliar application of K-sap influenced the number and dry weight of root nodules at flowering. Application of seaweed saps also enhanced quality of grains in terms of protein, P and K content.

Influence of seed polymer coating with micronutrients and foliar sprayon seed yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur to study the influence of seed polymer coating with micronutrients and foliar spray on seed yield of chickpea. The experiment consisted of seventeen different seed polymer coating and foliar spray treatments with various combinations of ZnSO4, boron, ammonium molybdate, FeSO4 including control. Among the different treatments imposed, seed polymer coating ( @ 6 ml/kg) of chickpea seeds with the combination of ZnSO4 + Boron + Ammonium molybdate + FeSO4 (each @ 2 g/kg) of seed along with two foliar sprays (0.5 % + 0.2 % + 0.1 % + 0.5 %, respectively, ZnSO4 and FeSO4 in EDTA form) at an interval of 10 days during flowering stage (50 and 60 DAS) recorded significantly higher leaf area index, chlorophyll content, plant height, effective root nodules plant-1, pods plant-1, seed yield compared to all other treatments and control.

Effects of seed priming on biochemical parameters and seed germination in cowpea [vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]

Abstract: Cowpea seeds lose their vigour during storage at high temperature and high relative humidity Present study was conducted to invigorate the performance of high and low vigour seeds (exposed to 45 ± 2o C and 100% RH) by seed priming with different chemicals and concentrations (GA3 (100ppm); CaCl2 (10-3M); Ammonium Molybdate (10-3M); KBr (10-3M); Mg (NO3)2 (10-3M); ZnSO4 (10-3M); hydro primed and dry seed (control) at 15o C for 24 hours Priming was effective in reducing the time for 50 % germination and mean germination time and increased the germination percentage in low vigour seeds, while energy of germination and final germination percentage in normal seeds displayed a minor increase Priming of normal / low – vigour seeds improved the vigour of seedling in terms of seedling length and their dry weight and seedling vigour index Seed priming of fresh and accelerated cowpea seeds increased the electrical conductivity of seed leachate, cell membrane stability, total protein content, a – amylase activity, peroxidase activity and dehydrogenase activity over control dry seeds Esterase and peroxidase enzymes were completely lost as a result of accelerated ageing, which showed reappearance after priming Priming showed little improvement in the banding pattern and intensity of enzyme in normal seeds

Mitigation of drought stress by foliar application of salicylic acid and potassium in mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract: An experiment was conducted to investigate the mitigation of drought stress by foliar application of salicylic acid and potassium in mung bean. Treatments comprised of three drought stress (control, drought stress at flowering stage and drought stress at flowering and pod formation stages) and foliar application salicylic acid (100 ppm) alone and in combination with potassium (1%). Irrigation missing at flowering stage, affected less the growth and yield as compared with irrigation missing at both flowering and pod formation stage. Exogenous application of salicylic acid and potassium could mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress significantly.

Evaluation of morphological diversity of field pea [Pisum sativum subsp. arvense (L.)] germplasm under sub-tropical climate of Manipur

Abstract: An investigation was carried out to evaluate 51 diverse field pea genotypes at Langol Research farm, ICAR, RC, NEH region, Manipur centre for nine yield related quantitative traits and four morphological qualitative traits for practical field pea improvement in Manipur. The combined analysis of variance of genotypes for all the nine traits was found to be significant. The amount of variability in one variable as a linear function of another variable was also measured through phenotypic and genotypic correlation among nine quantitative traits. The pod number per plant, seed number per pod and 100 seed weight showed significant positive correlation with seed yield per plant both at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Multivariate analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that three principal components (PCs) accounted for > 75% of the total variation. The genotypes were grouped into seven clusters using distance based Agglomerative “Average linkage” method. Three genotypes IPF-5-19, EC-8495, HUDP-15 belonging to cluster II and DDR-30, early maturing variety belonging to Cluster VI were found promising in terms of seed yield for the region.

Moisture conservation and zinc fertilization impacts on quality, profitability and moisture use indices of chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.) under limited moisture conditions

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2012-13 and 2013-14 to study the effect of moisture conservation and zinc fertilization on quality, nutrient uptake, profitability and moisture use indices of chickpea in pearlmillet-chickpea cropping sequence under limited moisture conditions. Moisture conservation and zinc fertilization brought considerable improvement in quality, nutrient uptake, profitability and moisture use indices of chickpea during both the years of study. Chickpea planted under flat bed with 5.0 t/ha crop residue recorded significantly higher protein yield and total uptake of N, P and K during both the years of study as compared to flat bed without crop residue and flat bed with 2.5 t/ha crop residue. However, in terms of protein content during 2012-13 and soil profile temperature during both the years all the treatments received crop residue remained at par with each other and proved significantly superior over flat bed without crop residue. Planting of chickpea under narrow bed and furrow fetched significantly higher net returns (₹55,871 and 55,263/ha) and production efficiency (₹372.5 and 337.0/ha/day) and moisture use efficiency (12.34 and 11.05 kg/ha-mm) during both the years of study over flat bed without crop residue and flat bed with 2.5 t/ha crop residue. Whereas, this treatment recorded significantly higher B:C ratio over flat bed with 5.0 t/ha crop residue. Under zinc fertilization, direct application of 5.0 kg Zn/ha significantly improved the protein content in grain during 2013-14 and protein yield, total uptake of N and P, net returns and production efficiency during both the years of investigation over lower levels. But application of 5.0 and 2.5 kg Zn/ha being at par with each other proved significantly better over control in terms of protein content during 2012-13 and total uptake of P, B:C ratio and moisture use efficiency of chickpea during both the years. Residual effect of zinc fertilization was also found to be significant on chickpea. The significant improvement in quality, nutrient uptake, profitability and moisture use efficiency were observed only up to 2.5 kg Zn/ha.

Abiotic stresses alter expression of S-Adenosylmethionine synthetase gene, polyamines and antioxidant activity in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.)

Abstract: Expression of S-Adenosylmethionine synthetase (SAMS) gene in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) was analyzed by qRT PCR during abiotic stresses viz., drought, heavy metal (CdCl2) and cold. Maximum expression of SAMS gene in the leaves were observed at 3 days after drought stress with 15% PEG. Conversely, its expression was not detected in leaves and roots at cadmium stress but transcripts were down regulated as compared to the control. After 6 days of stress expression of SAMS gene was increased in leaves and roots as compared to the control but it was lower than its expression at 3 days after stress. The activities of antioxidative enzymes like glutathione reductase, glutathione-s-transferase, ascorbate peroxidase and metabolite constituents like polyamines and glycine betaine were also analyzed. The activities of antioxidative enzymes and concentration of glycine betaine showed remarkable increase in response to all stresses, except ascorbate peroxidase in heavy metal stress.

Population dynamics of major defoliators (semiloopers and tobacco caterpillar) in soybean crop

Abstract: A study was carried out to find out the effect of various weather parameters on the occurrence of major defoliators in soybean crop. Semilooper larval population was recorded late July/early August and their peak activity observed during 33-34, 33-36 and 37-39 standard weeks, in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Among the weather factors, morning relative humidity showed significant (r=0.954) and positively, highly influence on the larval population per mrl whereas evening humidity (r=-0.644) and sunshine hrs (r=-0.367) negatively and significantly influence the larval population per mrl. The various weather parameters significantly caused 92 per cent variations in larval population per mrl. The moth catches of Spodoptera litura increased from late-August to late-September and this trend was almost similar in different kharif seasons observed. Larval population of S. litura positively correlated with pheromone trap catches during 2014.