Volume 29, Number 2(March, 2005)
ABSTRACT ABSTRACT The experiments were conducted during 2001-02 and 2002-03 on the farmers’ fields at 10 locations covering two farmers in each of the five villages of Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh. Application of 80 : 40 : 30 kg NPK/ha+20 kg P2O5/ha to rice and 10 kg N/ha to utera crop lentil gave the maximum yield as well as net return upto Rs. 13472/ha, nearly double to that of the farmers’ practice of fertilizer management where partial dose of FYM and urea-N was given to the rice crop only. The second last fertilizer treatment was 80 : 30 kg NK/ha to rice and 10 kg N+60 kg P2O5/ha to utera crop of lentil (Net return Rs. 12215/ha). Thus, it is safer to raise total net income by more than double by applying higher fertilizer dose to both the crops under residual soil moisture. SUKHVINDER SINGH and D. S. KLER [Effect of bed planting, seed rate and mepiquat chloride treatment on nitrogen content, protein content and soil nitrogen status in gram (Cicer arietinum L.)]. Crop Res. 29 (2) : 182-184 (2005). Department of Agronomy & Agro-meteorology Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted during winter season of 2001-02 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to study the effect of three planting techniques (Bed II, Bed I i. e. 2 and 1 row per bed and conventional flat sowing), two seed rates (40 and 60 kg/ha) and two growth modification treatments (Mepiquat chloride MC spray @ 1250 ml/ha and water spray control at flower initiation) on the nitrogen and protein content in grain and straw and nitrogen status of the soil. Nitrogen content in grain and straw was highest in Bed II (3.51 and 0.64%) followed by Bed 1 (3.32 and 0.57%) and flat (3.19 and 0.54%), respectively. Similar trend was observed for protein content. Soil nitrogen status after harvest of crop at 0-15 cm soil depth showed non-significant increase at 15-30 cm soil depth. Seed rate of 60 and 40 kg/ha did not vary significantly for nitrogen and protein content in seed and straw. Application of mepiquat chloride resulted in significantly higher nitrogen and protein content in grain and straw. S. L. PATIL1 [Dry matter production, yield, water use efficiency and economics of winter sorghum varieties under drought conditions in vertisols of South India]. Crop Res. 29(2): 185-191 (2005). Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute Research Centre, Bellary-583 104 (Karnataka), India. ABSTRACT ABSTRACT A field experiment on mustard was conducted on the Farm of Department of Agronomy, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during rabi season of 2001-02 to study the effect of irrigation, phosphorus and sulphur on the uptake and availability of sulphur, nitrogen and phosphorus. Five irrigations applied as pre-sowing and at 0.60 IW : CPE ratio recorded maximum sulphur, phosphorus and nitrogen content in seed and straw. After harvest sulphur, nitrogen and phosphorus contents in soil were maximum with three irrigations applied as pre-sowing and at flowering (55 DAS) and grain filling stage (70 DAS). A. K. DOLUI and N. BANERJEE [Sorption and desorption of sulphate in two alfisols and an inceptisol]. Crop Res. 29 (2) : 198-209 (2005). Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science Institute of Agricultural Science Calcutta University, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, India. ABSTRACT Two red lateritic soils, one red lateritic soil (Salbani series) in West Midnapore district, West Bengal and one red lateritic soil (Madnahari series) in Jamui district, Bihar and one old alluvial soil (Chitrokut series) in Chitrokut district, Madhya Pradesh, India having gradients in physical and chemical characteristics were studied to relate sulphate sorption and desorption to soil factors. Sorption isotherms were described by the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The sorption capacity of soils varied widely and followed the order : Salbani > Madnahari > Chitrokut. The fraction of added sulphate sorbed followed the same trend of amount of sulphate extracted by Kp4 (500 mg plant-1) and sulphate affinity constant but not the sulphate sorption maximum, maximum sulphate buffering capacity (K. Smax) estimated by the Langmuir isotherm, Freundlich constant K’ measures the strength of the sorption and maximum recovery per cent. Correlation coefficients among sorption parameters of S and soil factors were examined. S. A. OLAKOJO,J. O. S. KOGBE and B. A. OGUNBODEDE [Evaluation of some newly developed open pollinated maize (Zea mays L.) varieties in a rainforest ecology]. Crop Res. 29(2): 210-215 (2005). Institute of Agricultural Research and Training Obafemi Awolowo University, P. M. B. 5029, Ibadan. ABSTRACT Nine improved open pollinated (OP) maize varieties were evaluated in a replicated trial for their yield potentials, agronomic characteristics and disease reactions in the rainforest ecology of south-western Nigeria for two cropping seasons. The results showed that the varieties differed significantly for days to 50% anthesis (tasselling and silking), plant and ear heights as well as grain yield. Year effect was significant for leaf blight (Helminthosporium maydis) and maize rust (Pucinia polysora) disease ratings, while variety x year interaction was also significant for leaf spot (Curvularia lunata) and rust (P. polysora) suggesting the need to focus on these two diseases in breeding for forest adaptable maize varieties. Character means were generally significant among the varieties except for disease ratings. Tolerance to H. maydis was significantly better in 1998 with rating of 1.33 compared to 1.58 in 1999. This significant effect slightly reduced mean grain yield from 3.37 t/ha in 1998 to 3.31 t/ha in 1999. Three varieties ART-4-1-2-8, ART3C3-Y are ART5C3-Y were the most promising varieties based on grain yield and disease ratings with yield advantages of 13.90, 16.67 and 27.78% over the best check. S. A. OLAKOJO andJ. O. S. KOGBE [Development and evaluation of some yellow hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) varieties in a rain forest ecology]. Crop Res. 29(2): 216-222 (2005). Institute of Agricultural Research and Training Obafemi Awolowo University, P. M. B. 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan. ABSTRACT Eight yellow hybrid maize varieties were developed and evaluated together with two checks for yield performance and resistance to downy mildew disease of maize at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan in 1997 and 1998. Mid-parent heterosis in the hybrids varied between 189.77 (96012) and 662.26 (96018), while variety x year interaction was highly significant for downy mildew (DM) disease rating. DM incidence was significantly higher in 1997 than in 1998, while variety differed significantly for all the agronomic traits except anthesis silking interval (ASI) at P<0.05. Character means were also significantly different in the hybrid maize varieties showing the diverse nature of their genetic make-up. Grain yield followed the trend in the mid-parent heterosis, with hybrids 96013, 96017, 96014 and 96018 recording high heterosis of 325.53, 557.56, 482.40 and 662.26, respectively. Grain yield of 5.48, 6.74, 7.28 and 8.09 t/ha was also obtained from these hybrids indicating their suitability for cultivation in forest agroecologies of south-western Nigeria. Similarly, yield trend moved alongwith the downy mildew resistance (DMR) curve in this study. The lower the DMR rating, the higher the grain yield obtained. Yield advantages of between 2.8 and 155.2% were obtained over the best check (Western yellow). Important factors that are necessary for maize improvement especially for the adaptation to the forest humid ecologies are discussed. W. B. AKANBI, A. O. TOGUN1, J. A. ADEDIRAN2, O .S. OLABODE and J. O. OLANIYI [Effect of split application of organo-mineral fertilizer on okra growth, nutrient uptake and fruit yield]. Crop Res. 29 (2): 223-229 (2005). Department of Agronomy Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. ABSTRACT In two seasons and at two locations the effect of maize stover compost in combination with mineral fertilizer and their methods of application on growth, nutrient uptake and yield of okra was studied. The treatments used were recommended dose of mineral fertilizer, 60 kg N+30 kg P2O5+20 kg K2O, recommended dose of N through compost (4 t/ha), half recommended dose of N each through compost (2 t/ha) and fertilizer (30 kg N/ha) and non -fertilized control. Sub-treatments included three timings (single, 2 and 3 split) of application of the fertilizer combination. The results of the investigation showed that highest crop growth, nutrient uptake and fruit yield could be realised by combined application of 2 t/ha compost and 30 kg N/ha fertilizer. The efficiency of the fertilizer could be increased through 2-split application of the fertilizer combination. V. K. DUA, P.M. GOVINDAKRISNAN and S.S.LAL [Effect of potato (Solanum tuberosum)+maize (Zea mays) intercropping on production potential and various competition indices in the hills of Himachal Pradesh]. Crop Res. 29 (2) : 230-235 (2005). Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla-171 001 (H. P.), India. ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted at Shimla during 1999 and 2000 in potato+maize intercropping to study the advantages of intercropping and to find out the suitable combination and seed rates of intercrops. The highest yields of individual crops were obtained in their respective pure crop stands, however, the land equivalent ratio (LER) was highest (1.296) when potato and maize were sown in alternate rows with normal population of potato and 150% of normal population of maize. The relative crowding coefficient (RCC) value of maize crop indicated that there was always an yield advantage and maize was more competitive than potato in all the intercropping situations. Similarly, the aggressivity values showed that maize was a ‘dominant’ species, whereas potato was a ‘dominated’ species in all the intercropping situations. The maximum advantage from intercropping was obtained when potato and maize were sown in alternate rows with normal population of potato and 150% of normal population of maize. SANJEEV SINGH1 [Evaluation of certain mutant lines of Basmati rice in M3 generation]. Crop Res. 29 (2): 236-241 (2005). Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding Institute of Agricultural Sciences Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005 (U. P.), India. ABSTRACT The mean performance and extent of variation among 19 promising mutant lines derived from Taraori Basmati and Pusa Basmati 1 of rice were evaluated for different yield and quality traits in M3 generation. The eight mutant lines (TBM2, TBM3, TBM4, TBM5, TBM8, TBM9, PBM2 and PBM3) showed significant improvement in grain yield/plant over respective parents. The study also revealed a significant improvement in the mean performance of the selected mutant lines for different yield and/or quality traits. O.P.KHEDAR, R.V.SINGH and MAHESH SHRIMALI [Genetic architecture of grain yield and associated characters in macaroni wheat (Triticum durum Desf.)]. Crop Res. 29(2): 242-246 (2005). R. A. U. Agricultural Research Station, Durgapura, Jaipur-302 018 (Raj.), India. ABSTRACT The combining ability analysis was conducted in 10 genetically diverse parents of macaroni wheat crossed in a diallel design excluding reciprocals and resulting 45 F1s, F2s (obtained from F1) and parents were evaluated under three different sowing dates in RBD with three replications. The combining ability analysis indicated that both gca and sca variances were significant on pooled basis for grain yield and associated characters, suggesting the importance of both additive and non-additive gene actions in the inheritance of these characters. However, gca : sca ratio showed the preponderance of additive effects for spike length, tillers per plant and 100-grain weight, and non-additive effects for grain yield per plant. Genotype x Env., gca x Env. and sca x Env. variances were also significant for most of the traits indicating non-linear response of genotypes, gca and sca variance to the varying environments. On the basis of gca effects and per se performance on pooled basis parents Raj 911, Raj 1555, Raj 6495 and PDW 215 emerged as good general combiners. The sca and per se performance were not perfectly related in all the cases. DEV VART, J.S.HOODA and B.P.S.MALIK [Variability and association studies in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]]. Crop Res. 29(2): 247-251 (2005). Department of Plant Breeding CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India. ABSTRACT Correlation and path coefficient analysis were carried out in 56 genotypes of soybean. Phenotypic coefficient of variation was slightly higher than that of genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits. Heritability (B. S.) estimated was high for all the characters except for pods per plant, whereas expected genetic gain in term of percentage of mean was highest for clusters per plant and lowest for days to maturity. Traits with high heritability and high genetic advance also had moderate to high GCV and PCV and vis-á-vis. In most of the characters, the magnitude of correlation coefficients at genotypic level was highe than the corresponding phenotypic level and thereby indicated the stong inherent association between these characters. Harvest index had highest positive direct effect (0.728) on seed yield. The overall results indicated that significant positive correlations with seed yield were due to relationship between biological yield and pods per plant and hence referred as most cordial component of yield. N. KISHORE and L.N.SINGH [Variability and association studies under irrigated and rainfed situations in the sub-montane region in forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]]. Crop Res. 29 (2) : 252-258 (2005). Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062 (H. P.), India. ABSTRACT The material for the present study consisting of 30 genetically diverse strains of fodder sorghum and 11 hybrids of sorghum and Sudan grass grown under both irrigated and rainfed conditions for two years revealed sufficient genetic variability among the genotypes for all the characters studied. The mean square values obtained in both the environments (irrigated and rainfed) differed significantly, especially for days to 50% flowering, plant height and flag leaf area. High estimates of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variability for green fodder and dry matter yield were also recorded. The heritability estimates were high for days to 50% flowering and crude protein percentage and moderate for almost all the traits. High genetic advanc was observed for days to 50% flowering, flag leaf area, green fodder yield and dry matter yield under irrigated conditions. Correlation and path analysis showed that selection for tall height, high leaf number and increased leaf area will result in increased fodder yield in sorghum in the sub-montane region. M.A.PATEL, U.G.FATEH, J.S.PATEL, D.H.PATEL and S.SRIRAM [Heterosis in sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.)]. Crop Res. 29(2): 259-264 (2005). A. I. C. R. P. on Medicinal and Aromatic Crops Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand-388 110 (Gujarat), India. ABSTRACT The study of heterosis provides information on probable gene action and helps in sorting out desirable gene combinations. Therefore, an experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications at Oil Seed Research Station, GAU, Sardar Krushinagar considering 36 genotypes of sesamum [eight parents (five kharif and three semi-rabi) and their 28 hybrids excluding reciprocals]. The heterosis varied in intra and inter seasonal cross combinations. High heterosis was observed for number of branches per plant and seed yield per plant, moderate heterosis for plant height and number of capsules per plant and low heterosis for number of capsules on main stem, length of capsules, 1000-seed weight and oil content. Desired heterosis was not observed for days to flower initiation and days to maturity. The hybrids PT 64 x AST 32 registered highest significant heterobeltiosis followed by PT 64 x Mrug 1, AST 32 x Mrug 1 and PT 64 x TC 25 for seed yield and number of capsules per plant. The parents of all these crosses are suitable for kharif season. These four hybrids are suggested for isolating high yielding pure lines through suitable breeding technique. A.J.SAIKIA, N. HAZARIKA, A.C.BARBORA and S.C.BORAH [Effect of NPK levels on growth and development of Khasi mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) seedlings at nursery stage]. Crop Res. 29 (2): 265-267 (2005). Citrus Research Station Assam Agricultural University, Tinsukia-786 125 (Assam), India. ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted at the nursery of Citrus Research Station, Assam Agricultural University, Tinsukia during 2000, 2001 and 2002 to find out the optimum level of NPK for optimum growth and development of the Khasi mandarin seedlings to minimize the nursery period. The experiment was laid out under randomized block design with four replications consisting of five treatments in each viz., T1 – Control (without application of NPK), T2 – 4 : 7 : 5 NPK ratio, T3 – 8 : 7 : 5 NPK ratio, T4 – 4 : 14 : 5 NPK ratio and T5 – 4 : 7 : 10 NPK ratio. For all the treatments, the final volume of nutrient mixture was made by mixing it with soil at the ratio of 1 : 9. This mixture of soil and nutrient was applied @ 5 g/seedling at fortnightly interval in case of each treatment. Amongst the various treatments, application of NPK at the ratio of 4 : 7 : 5 (T2) produced the maximum growth and development of the seedlings at the nursery stage. Maximum seedling height, girth at collar, number of leaves, length of root, fresh and dry weights of the shoot and root systems were also recorded under this treatment. Under the best treatment (T2) the seedlings attained plantable size within one year, thereby facilitating to reduce the noraml nursery period from three years to one year. This was followed by T4 and lowest growth and development was observed under T1 (control). RENUKA M. DESHPANDE, S.R.DALAL, V.S.GONGE, ANJALI D. MOHARIYA and A.A.ANUJE [Effect of phosphorus and potash on growth, flowering and yield of gerbera under polyhouse conditions] Crop Res. 29(2): 268-271 (2005). Department of Horticulture Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444 104 (M. S.), India. ABSTRACT A pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of phosphorus and potash on growth, flowering and yield of gerbera under polyhouse conditions in factorial completely randomised block design with four levels each of phosphorus (0, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 g/m2) and potash (0, 10, 12.5 and 15 g/m2). The results indicated that height of plant, number of leaves per plant and number of flowers per plant were increased with increasing levels of phosphorus and potash. The days required for flower bud appearance and flowering were minimum in higher levels of phosphorus and potash. All the observations were found to be superior in the plants supplied with 12.5 g P2O5/m2 and 15 g K2O/m2. D.R.NANDRE, N.D.JOGDANDE, S.R.DALAL, A.B.BANSODE and BHARATI S. CHAUDHALE [Effect of azotobacter on growth and yield of china aster under reduced nitrogen doses]. Crop Res. 29 (2) : 272-274 (2005). Department of Horticulture Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444 104 (M. S.), India. ABSTRACT An investigation was carried out to study the effect of Azotobacter on growth and yield of china aster under reduced nitrogen doses at Floriculture Unit, Department of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during the year 2002-03. Results indicated that plant growth parameters i. e. plant height, stem girth, branches per plant, leaves per plant and leaf area per plant and flower yield were recorded maximum in soil application of Azotobacter alongwith 75% nitrogen. RAJ PAL SINGH, B.S.BENIWAL and M.S.JOON [Effect of different shade intensities on growth, flowering and yield of chrysanthemum cv. Vasantika]. Crop Res. 29(2): 275-276 (2005). Department of Horticulture CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India. ABSTRACT An experiment was carried out in the Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2003-04. One month old rooted cuttings of Vasantika cultivar were transplanted in the month of August in 50 and 75% shade intensities alongwith open field conditions. Maximum plant height (78.00 cm) and stalk length (13.74 cm) were observed in 75% shade intensity, whereas maximum number of flowers (47.82) and flower yield (68.91 g) per plant were recorded in 50% shade intensity. In open condition, all the growth, flowering and yield parameters were observed on lower side. S.K.PANDEY, S.V.SINGH1 and P.MANIVEL [Genetic variability and causal relationship over seasons in potato*]. Crop Res. 29 (2): 277-281 (2005). Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla-171 001 (H. P.), India. ABSTRACT Genetic variability and character association studies over two seasons in 35 potato genotypes for nine characters indicated that chip colour recorded the highest genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) followed by average tuber weight, marketable tuber yield and number of tubers per plant. All the traits, except number of shoots, leaves and chip colour showed high heritability estimates combined with high genetic advance. Marketable tuber yield, average tuber weight and number of leaves per plant showed significantly positive association with total tuber yield. The path coefficient analysis revealed that marketable tuber yield, chip colour, tubers per plant and plant height recorded positive direct effect on tuber yield. Based on the studies on variability, correlation and causal relation of various characters, marketable tuber yield and number of tubers per plant were the most important traits contributing to total tuber yield, and these traits may be given due consideration during selection. ANITA SINGH, J.P.S.GAUTAM, MEGHA UPADHYAY and ARADHNA JOSHI [Manifestation of heterosis in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) for growth and flowering characters]. Crop Res. 29 (2): 282-284 (2004). Department of Vegetable Science G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263 145 (Uttaranchal), India. ABSTRACT Eight lines of tomato were crossed with eight pollen parents. Sixteen parents and eight F1 hybrids were grown in randomized block design with three replications. The extent of heterosis for plant height over better parent was 16.80%, 8.69% for number of primary branches, 10.90% for days to 50% fruit set, 27.27% for number of flowers/cluster and 12.50% for number of flower clusters/plant. ANITA SINGH, J.P.S.GAUTAM, MEGHA UPADHYAY and ARADHNA JOSHI [Heterosis for yield and quality characters in tomato]. Crop Res. 29 (2) : 285-287 (2005). Department of Vegetable Science G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar-263 145 (Uttaranchal), India. ABSTRACT Eight F1 hybrids and their 16 parents were grown in randomized block design in three replications. The extent of heterosis over better parent was 63.30% for fruit weight, 25% for number of locules/fruit, 23.33% for number of fruits/plant, 109.11% for yield/plant, 192.30% for yield/ha, 29.03% for TSS and 32.25% for ascorbic acid content. The cross NDT-15 x Pant T-5 manifested maximum heterosis for fruit number and total yield. S.M.GUJAR, A.D.WARADE, ANJALI MOHARIYA and D.H.PAITHANKAR [Effect of dates of sowing and nitrogen levels on growth, seed yield and quality of coriander]. Crop Res. 29(2): 288-191 (2005). Department of Horticulture Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444 104 (M. S.), India. ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted during 2000-01 to study the response of CS-4 variety of coriander for seed production on different dates of sowing (25 September, 10 October, 25 October and 9 November) and four nitrogen levels (0, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha-1). The results indicated that the maximum values were recorded for all the characters when the seeds were sown on 10 October followed by 25 October. With increasing levels of nitrogen, all the characters showed favourable response. The significantly highest seed yield (8.67 q ha-1) was recorded when the seeds were sown on 10 October in combination with the application of 100 kg N ha-1. A.J.KURUMKAR, V.K.MAHORKAR, D.H.PAITHANKAR and A.D.WARADE [Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus levels on growth and seed yield of ambrette (Abelmoschus moschatus Medic)]. Crop Res. 29 (2): 292-295 (2004). Department of Horticulture Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444 104 (M. S.), India. ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted on ambrette with four levels of nitrogen (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg ha-1) and three levels of phosphorus (0, 25 and 50 kg ha-1) during kharif season of 2000-01 at Nagarjun Medical Plant Garden of Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. Plant height, number of internodes, test weight, seed yield per plant and seed yield/ha were significantly influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus levels, while the number of branches, length of internodes, length and diameter of fruit and number of seed per fruit were significantly influenced only by nitrogen levels. Maximum seed yield was obtained with the application of 75 kg N ha-1 and 50 kg P2O5 ha-1. K.KARUNANITHI, L.SARALA, A.KARTHIKEYAN, S.MANI1 and G.MANICKAM [‘Vilankulam’ symptoms of coconut–Causes and remedies]. Crop Res. 29(2): 296-299 (2005). T. N. A. U. Coconut Research Station, Veppankulam-614 906 (Tamil Nadu), India. ABSTRACT Production of coconut in Tamil Nadu is affected very much due to various diseases and physiological disorders. Recently, a dreaded problem referred as ‘Vilankulam’ symptom is found to occur in the newly planted young coconut plantations of Tamil Nadu. Seedling mortality due to ‘Vilankulam’ symptoms of coconut in the diseased gardens ranged from 8.89 to 58.6% with a mean incidence of 26.13%. Poor availability of plant nutrients in the soil as well as the inefficient foraging of the roots of the young palm are the main cause for the syndrome. To reclaim the salinity and sodicity of soil, suitable measures are suggested. R.S.MANN and K.K.SHUKLA1 [Screening and mechanisms of resistance in rice against yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker)]. Crop Res. 29 (2) : 300-305 (2005). Department of Plant Breeding Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India. ABSTRACT Twelve scented rice genotypes were screened at three different dates of transplanting under field conditions and characterized for mechanisms of resistance against yellow stem borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) under screen house conditions at PAU, Ludhiana. The rice genotypes could not be differentiated on the basis of damage reaction at dead heart (DH) stage against YSB if scored at 30 days after transplanting at all the three dates of transplanting. Four genotypes viz., IET 9691, Redjolele, Pakistan Basmati and Bindli Semi-dwarf were scored resistant/moderately resistant both at dead hearts (50 DAT) and white ear stages in early and normal transplanting dates. Late transplanting proved ineffective for screening due to low insect population level. These four genotypes also possessed better antixenosis for egg laying and antibiosis for larval survival, larval weight and pupal weight against YSB as compared to the susceptible variety Basmati 370. SHIKHA AGARWAL, A.K.SHARMA and R.G.SAINI [Temperature related seedling infection type variation of some known leaf rust resistance genes against race 63 from India]. Crop Res. 29 (2): 306-309 (2005). Department of Genetics & Biotechnology Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India. ABSTRACT Single gene lines (Lr lines) carrying the leaf rust resistance genes Lr2a, Lr2b, Lr2c, Lr2d, Lr3(ka), Lr11, Lr12, Lr39, Lr40 and Lr42 and a susceptible cultivar Agra Local were assessed for their temperature sensitivity against race 63. The leaf rust resistant lines with the genes Lr2a, Lr2b, Lr2d, Lr3(ka) and Lr11 showed resistance at 14.5° and 20°C but these lines expressed susceptible reaction at 30°C. The leaf rust resistant lines Lr2c and Lr12 showed resistance at 14.5°C only. The lines with the genes Lr39, Lr40 and Lr42 were susceptible at 14.5° and 20°C but these lines were resistant at 30°C. B.K.SHARMA1, SATYAVIR, M.S.BENIWAL and R.K.YADAVA2 [Genetical analysis of diallel crosses involving resistant and susceptible cultivars for flag smut in bread wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) em. Thell.]]. Crop Res. 29 (2): 310-315 (2005). Department of Plant Pathology CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India. ABSTRACT Combining ability estimates derived from 6 x 6 diallel in bread wheat cultivars indicated that cultivars WH 283 and HW 971were good general combiners for grain yield/plant and 100-grain weight, respectively. The flag smut susceptible cultivar HD 2009, however, had good general combining for number of grains/spike. For the per cent flag smut incidence the cultivar HI 977 was having best general combining ability. The sca effects indicated that two cross combinations viz., HI 977 x WH 147 and HD 2329 x HD 2009 hold promise as indicated by desired magnitude for per cent flag smut incidence and most of the components of grain yield per plant. S.N.PATRA and A.N.DEY1 [Propagation of bamboo through flute technology enhances wasteland rehabilitation]. Crop Res. 29 (2): 316-323 (2005). Department of Forestry Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar-751 003 (Orissa), India. ABSTRACT Advancement in science and technology is heading towards urbanization on one hand and keeping farmers away from traditional subsistence agriculture on the other because they are unable to go for high input agriculture. By the process the productive land remains fallow for few years, ultimately adding to the wasteland area. This has resulted not only in degradation of land and loss of soil, water and nutrients but also increasing gap between demand and supply of food grains and forest produces for day to day requirements. Rehabilitation of wasteland is only possible by adopting integrated land use system with proper technology and suitable species which will reclaim the land deterioration status leading to multiple production. The study was undertaken at Dixitpara (adopted village of O. U. A. T.) of Khurda district of Orissa state to revegetate wasteland with local bamboo (Bambusa nutans). Two year old bamboo laid in long trench (15 cm x 15 cm) in the months for February-March with internodes filled with water through augerhole. Profuse sprouting was initiated after seven days. The height in one month reached 135 cm, whereas the formation of rhizome occurred after eight months of plantation in the main field ensuring full size culm in the next year and harvest after three years. This method is found to be suitable for sustainable production with high productivity besides reclamation of the wasteland. This low cost technology is applicable for rural people for cash generation from their backyards as well as from wastelands with maintaining the balance of ecosystem. KULWINDER K.GILL, HARPREET SINGH and G.S.BAINS [PET estimation at Ballowal Saunkhri by various methods and its relationship with mesh covered pan evaporation]. Crop Res. 29 (2) : 324-329 (2005). Department of Agronomy & Agrometeorology Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India. ABSTRACT Mesh covered pan evaporation at Ballowal Saunkhri was correlated with potential evaporation (PET) computed by using empirical methods of Thornthwaite (1948), Papadakis (1965) and Modified Penman method (1975). Weather data for the last 11 years period from 1992 to 2002 for Ballowal Saunkhri were used to work out PET by various methods. Linear regression equations were fitted between monthly PET by each method and the measured pan evaporation. It was observed that pan evaporation correlated well with monthly PET having R2 values of 0.89, 0.73 and 0.67 for Modified Penman, Papadakis and Thornthwaite method, respectively. K.K.SINGH, KALYAN SINGH, C.S.SINGH and RAGHAVENDRA SINGH1 [Nitrogen nutrition in rice–A review]. Crop Res. 29(2): 330-336 (2004). Department of Agronomy Institute of Agricultural Sciences Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (U. P.), India. ABSTRACT