1. THAKAR SINGH*, CHARANPREET SINGH AND JASHANJOT KAUR [Productivity and quality of hybrid rice in relation to different plant spacings and nitrogen levels under transplanting conditions]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 1-5 (2014). Department of Agronomy Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India *(e-mail : thakar1962@yahoo.com)

 

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2013 at Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to investigate the effect of plant spacings and nitrogen levels on growth and yield in hybrid rice SVH 005 under transplanting conditions. The results showed that plant height, panicle length, grains/panicle, 1000-grain weight, straw yield and nitrogen uptake were not significantly influenced by different plant spacings and nitrogen levels. The effect of plant spacings and nitrogen levels was significant on effective tillers/m², days taken to panicle emergence and grain yield. Highest grain yield (92.1 q/ha) was recorded when 100 kg N/ha was applied at 20 x 10 cm spacing which was statistically at par with 125 and 150 kg N/ha at 20 x 10 cm spacing but significantly better than all other treatment combinations. Closer spacings of 20 x 10 cm also took less number of days to panicle emergence as compared to wider spacings of 20 x 15 cm and 20 x 20 cm. Transplanting of rice at 20 x 10 cm spacing with application of 100 kg N/ha also recorded highest number of effective tillers/m², gross returns and net returns as compared to other spacings and nitrogen levels.

2. P. K. Suryawanshi, J. B. Patel and N. M. Kumbhar [Assessment of SWI techniques with varying nitrogen levels for improving yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 6-9 (2014). Regional Research Station Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388 110 (Gujarat), India

 

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2009-10 to study the assessment of SWI techniques with varying nitrogen levels for improving yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Effect of four spacings (S₁ : 10 x 20 cm, S₂ : 15 x 20 cm, S₃ : 20 x 20 cm and S₄ : 22.5 cm line sowing) was studied on three levels of nitrogen (N₁ : 100 kg N/ha, N₂ : 125 kg N/ha and N₃ : 150 kg N/ha). The maximum growth, yield attributing characters, grain yield (4,204 kg/ha), straw yield (6,111 kg/ha), grain protein content, available soil nutrients after harvest and net returns (Rs. 35,373/ha) with CBR of 2.95 were obtained from 20 x 20 cm cross sowing technique. Different levels of nitrogen significantly influenced growth, yield attributing characters, yield, grain protein content and available soil nutrients after harvest. The highest grain yield (4,126 kg/ha), straw yield (6,135 kg/ha) and net returns of Rs. 33,791/ha with CBR 2.80 were recorded from 150 kg N/ha. The interaction effects of spacings and nitrogen levels were significant in respect of straw yield and protein content. Highest straw yield (6,765 kg/ha) was obtained at 20 x 20 cm spacing using 150 kg N/ha with net returns of Rs. 38,345/ha.

3. Xiujuan Hou, Jianming Li, Le Wei, Bo Zhang, Wenjie Chen, Dencai Liu, Baolong Liu* AND Huaigang Zhang** [Dough quality of wheat flour with low HMW-GS relative content]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 10-14 (2014). Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota (AEPB) North-west Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Qinghai Xining-810 008, China *(e-mail : blliu@nwipb.cas.cn; **hgzhang@nwipb.cas.cn)

 

ABSTRACT

In this article, flour with gradient relative content of high-molecular-weight glutenin sub-units (HMW-GS) is obtained by mixing the flour of transgenic line with completely silent HMW-GS and wild line, with their dough quality measured. The results show that the gluten formation could not be detected when the relative HMW-GS content was less than 16%. If the content of HMW-GS is 16-24%, the soft gluten could be formed, but the gluten with great force could not be detected. When HMW-GS relative content is greater than 48%, some glutenin will form gluten with great force, and some glutenin will form gluten with weak force. The gluten index is always about 92% in 64-100% HMW-GS relative content. The regression analysis indicated that SDS sediment value, development time and tolerance index were related linearly to the HMW-GS content, while the time to breakdown and become stable was exponentially relative.

4. MEHDI EBRAHIMI , ARASH ROOZBAHANI* AND MAHDI BAGHI [Effect of potash fertilizer and amino acids on yield components and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 15-21 (2014). Department of Agronomy & Plant Breeding Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran *(e-mail : aroozbahani@gmail.com)

 

ABSTRACT

In order to evaluate the use of potash fertilizer and amino acids on the yield and yield components of maize, a factorial experiment based on complete block design with three replications in 2013 in Research Farm of College of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen Branch in Damavand was conducted. The first factor, potassium fertilizer was investigated in four levels of non-application (control), application of potassium sulphate, application of nano potassium fertilizer and combined application of potassium sulphate and nano potassium fertilizer; the second factor, amino acid was investigated in three levels of non-application of amino acid (control), foliar application of amino acid and amino acid water-soluble application. The investigated traits were number of ears per plant, number of grains per row, number of grains per ear, number of rows per ear, biological yield and grain yield. respectively. Results showed that the effect of potash fertilizer and amino acid had significant effects on the investigated attributes. Mean comparison showed that the solution of the amino acid with the combined application of potassium sulfate and potassium nano fertilizer had greatest impact on the grain yield.

5. AMIT KUMAR, PAWAN KUMAR, RAJESH GERA, MANOJ KUMAR AND ISHMADHU [Effect of integrated nutrient management on crop yield, available nutrient status and microbial status of soil in pearl millet-wheat cropping system]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 22-26 (2014). Department of Agronomy CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India

 

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was undertaken to study the nutrient uptake in pearl millet-wheat cropping system influenced by various fertilizer levels applied through organic and inorganic sources. The investigation was carried out at CCS Haryana Agricutural University, Hisar consisting of 12 treatments laid out in randomized block design during 2009-10. The findings showed that integrated nutrient supply had beneficial effect on yield and enhanced the microbes’ counts and establishment of soil.

6. R. D. Nigade*, P. N. Gajbhiye and S. M. More [Integrated nutrient management studies in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 27-31 (2014). Zonal Agricultural Research Station, NARP, Shenda Park, Kolhapur-416 012 (Maharashtra), India *(e-mail : ramnigade@gmail.com)

 

ABSTRACT

Field experiment was conducted at Kolhapur, Maharashtra during kharif seasons of 2007-09 to study the effect of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on crop yield of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) and soil properties. The results revealed that, on Entisols of sub-montane zone of Maharashtra, application of recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (60 : 30 NP kg/ha) recorded the highest grain and biological yield (2.92 and 4.07 t/ha) and B : C ratio (1.34).

7. SARBJIT SINGH, J. S. DEOL AND A. S. BRAR [Growth and yield of kabuli gram (Cicer arietinum L.) as influenced by plant growth regulation and sowing time]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 32-37 (2014). Department of Agronomy Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India

 

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2011-12 to study the effect of plant growth regulation and sowing time on growth and yield of kabuli gram. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications. The main plots comprised three dates of sowing i. e. October 10, October 25 and November 10. The growth regulation practices viz., detopping, mepiquat chloride (MC) @ 250 ppm and MC @ 500 ppm applied as foliar spray at 40 and 70 days after sowing (DAS) along with unsprayed control were kept in sub-plots. November 10 sown crop produced significantly higher dry matter (39.5 g/plant), more number of primary (5.3) and secondary (17.3) branches, flowers (88.6) and pods (55) per plant, and grain yield (21.1 q/ha) than October 10 and October 25 sown crop. MC @ 500 ppm applied at 70 DAS produced significantly higher grain yield (18.13 q/ha) which was statistically at par with MC @ 500 ppm (17.47 q/ha) applied at 40 DAS. Detopping failed to influence the seed yield significantly over control. Higher concentration of MC significantly increased the number of branches, flowers and pods per plant than its lower concentration and detopping. Foliar application of MC significantly increased the total chlorophyll and chlorophyll ‘a’ content.

8. SUBHASH C. BIYAN*, POOJA DHUPPAR AND D. SARVESHWARA RAO [Integrated nutrient management assessment for increased mungbean crop yield]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 38-41 (2014). Department of Botany Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed University), Agra-282 110 (U. P.), India *(e-mail : subhash.biyan@gmail.com)

 

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was carried out to find the response of farm yard manure, chemical fertilizer and biofertilizer on mungbean crop at experimental farm of Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra during kharif seasons of 2009 and 2010. The experiment consisted of five treatments and five replications and impact of the treatments was observed on yield and yield parameters of mungbean crop. The application of farm yard manure+chemical fertilizer increased the grain and biological yield of mungbean (38.2 and 50.6% and 44.1 and 43.2%, respectively) in the two years. Seed inoculation with biofertilizer also influenced the yield of mungbean significantly, while combined treatment of biofertilizer+chemical fertilizer increased the grain yield by 58.7 and 67.4%, respectively, in 2009 and 2010.

9. C. M. DESAI, G. N. PATEL, D. M. PATEL, C. K. DESAI and B. I. MISTRY [Effect of liquid bio-nutrients in conjuction with inorganic fertilizers on yield, quality and nutrient uptake by summer cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 42-46 (2014). Department of Agronomy S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar-385 506, District Banaskantha (Gujarat), India

 

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of liquid bio-nutrients along with inorganic fertilizers on yield, quality and uptake of nutrients by summer cowpea at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during summer 2012. The results of experiment showed that foliar spray of Panchgavya @ 6% at flowering+soil application of Jivamrut @ 500 l/ha at 20 DAS along with 75% RDF proved superior and registered significantly higher seed yield, stover yield, root nodules per plant as well as quality attributes viz., protein content and chlorophyll index of cowpea leaves. It also improved N and P content in seeds and stover and total uptake of N and P by summer cowpea.

10. Mohsen Soghani*, Mehrdad Yarnia, Farzad Paknejad, Farhad Farahvash and Saeid Vazan [Effect of methanol on physiological indexes, yield and yield components and quality traits of soybean in different irrigation conditions]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 47-56 (2014). Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran *(e-mail : m.soghani@gmail.com)

 

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted at the research field of Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch to investigate the effects of methanol on physiological indexes, yield and yield components and quality traits of soybean (Glycine max L.) in cropping seasons of 2012 and 2013. Aqueous solutions 0 (control), 7, 14, 21 and 28% (v/v) of methanol as well as three levels of irrigation 40, 65 and 70% soil water depletion were factors of this study. These solutions were applied over head three times in two-week intervals on foliage parts of soybean. According to the results, the maximum crop growth rate was observed in irrigation treatment after 40% water depletion. Also, this treatment produced the maximum leaf area index in all samplings and as the amount of light absorbed by the plant during growth stage is the determinant factor in dry weight production, the amount of cumulative dry weight production was higher compared to the other treatments. Also, with the increase in stress intensity, the amount of pod growth rate decreased, as the other growth indexes. Moreover, the biological yield had reduction in the second year compared to the first year. The cause can be probably related to the increase in average temperature and lack of rainfall during flowering and pod stages of soybean in this year. Finally, it has been recognized that for the qualitative traits, the treatments with the highest amount of seed oil content have the lowest amount of seed protein content.

11. V. Venkatachalapathi and S. B. S. N. Rao [Performance of groundnut varieties under different dates of sowing and irrigation regimes]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 57-60 (2014). Agricultural Research Station Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Anantapur-515 001 (A. P.), India

ABSTRACT

 

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Anantapur under AICRP on Agrometeorology during kharif seasons of 2009 and 2010 on red sandy loam soil to study the performance of groundnut varieties at different dates of sowing and irrigation regimes. Crop without irrigation (rainfed) recorded 32.6% lower yield as compared to stress free crop (irrigated crop). The crop sown during July 1st FN gave significantly higher pod yield (1667 kg/ha) compared to July 2nd FN (1411 kg/ha) and August 1st FN over K-134 (1308 kg/ha) and K-1271 (1250 kg/ha). Interaction effects indicated that the maximum pod yield was gained with K-6 variety under both irrigated and rainfed conditions and in all dates of sowing. Similarly, significantly higher pod yield was obtained with K-6 variety under early sowing (July 1st FN).

12. CHARANPREET SINGH AND THAKAR SINGH [Effect of intercropping oats fodder on growth and phenology of gobhi sarson (Brassica napus L.)]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 61-66 (2014). Department of Agronomy Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India

 

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was carried out at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to study the effect of intercropping oats fodder on growth and phenology of gobhi sarson. The findings of this study indicated that growing of oats fodder as an intercrop significantly influenced the growth of gobhi sarson at 60, 90, 120 DAS and at harvest. At 60 and 90 DAS, variety GSC-6 recorded higher plant height, DMA and LAI at 60 DAS than variety GSL 1, whereas at 90 DAS and above, variety GSL 1 recorded higher plant height, DMA and LAI than variety GSC 6. Both varieties at wider row spacing of 90 cm in intercropping systems recorded significantly lower DMA and LAI as compared to their sole crops. Highest LAI of 5.29 and 4.98 was recorded by variety GSL 1 and GSC 6, respectively, at 90 DAS. Intercropping of oats fodder as an intercrop did not significantly affect the phenology of both the varieties of gobhi sarson. Irrespective of intercropping systems, variety GSL 1 took 100.3 to 102.0 days for 50% flowering, whereas variety GSC 6 took 63.8 to 65.0 days for 50% flowering. The number of days taken to 50% siliquae formation by variety GSL 1 was 107.5 to 109.8, whereas variety GSC 6 took only 74.5 to 76.0 days for 50% siliquae formation. Both the varieties took statistically equal number of days for 50% siliquae formation in their respective intercropping systems as compared to their sole crops. Variety GSL 1 took 155.0 to 157.0 days for maturity, whereas variety GSC 6 took 144.0 to 145.5 days for maturity, irrespective of intercropping systems. All the intercropping systems recorded significantly higher gobhi sarson equivalent yield than sole gobhi sarson.

13. B. H. VARPE*, R. R. ACHARYA, J. A. SHAIKH AND S. S. CHRISTIAN [Interrelationship and contribution of yield components of fruit yield in bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.]]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 67-71 (2014). Main Vegetable Research Station Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388 110 (Gujarat) India *(e-mail : balvarpe@gmail.com)

 

ABSTRACT

An investigation was carried out for analysis of correlation coefficient and path coefficients in 44 genotypes of bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.] during summer season of 2010. Correlation computed between fruit yield and its components indicated a positive and significant correlation of fruit yield with primary branches per plant, fruit length, number of fruits per plant and total sugar content. Whereas days to opening of first male flower and first female flowering node showed significant and negative correlation with fruit yield. Path coefficient analysis clearly indicated that due emphasis should be given on the characters like days to open first female flower, fruit weight, primary branches per plant and number of fruits per plant for improving the yield of bottle gourd.

14. R. K. BORAH AND D. BAGLARI [Evaluation of traps against Bandicota bengalensis in rice field at the Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 72-75 (2014). Department of Entomology Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785 013 (Assam), India

 

ABSTRACT

An investigation was carried out at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Titabor and Instructional-cum-Research Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during 2011-12 and 2012-13 in boro and sali seasons, respectively, to evaluate local bamboo traps as well as sherman trap against field rodents in rice. The traps were evaluated in different crop growth stages against field rodents in terms of live burrow count (LBC/ha), trapping index (TI) as well as per cent cut tillers damage. In the present investigation, the performance of bamboo traps in the three growth stages of rice was significantly better than the sherman traps in both the seasons. In boro rice, placement of bamboo traps at maximum tillering, panicle initiation and flowering stage, the LBC/ha was 4.93,10.66 and 17.66, respectively, as compared to sherman traps where the LBC/ha was 5.63,12.33 and 19.66 respectively. The trapping index due to placement of bamboo traps at maximum tillering (2.43), panicle initiation (8.66) and flowering stage (11.06) were recorded, whereas the corresponding values in case of sherman traps were 2.36, 7.33 and 9.53, in the maximum tillering, panicle initiation and flowering stage, respectively. The per cent cut tillers in bamboo traps recorded at maximum tillering stage was 3.46, panicle initiation 6.64 and flowering stage 8.32 and the placement of sherman traps at maximum tillering, panicle initiation and flowering stages recorded were 3.73, 6.93 and 9.30% cut tillers which showed significant variation. The effect of bamboo and sherman traps in terms of LBC/ha,TI and cut tillers damage were similar when applied at the maximum tillering, panicle initiation and flowering stage of sali rice.

15. VANDNA JOGANI* AND PRIYA JOHN** [Evaluation of different application methods of Trichoderma harzianum (Rifai) against fusarium wilt of tomato]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 76-79 (2014). Department of Plant Pathology Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari-396 450 (Gujarat), India *(e-mail : vandna.jogani@gmail.com; **priyajohn75@gmail.com)

 

ABSTRACT

Three different application methods of Trichoderma harzianum viz., seed treatment, soil application and combination with fungicides were against wilt disease of tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Among the different seed treatment methods (bio-priming during and after imbibitions, seed coating, wheat bran based (WBB) and talc based formulations, tested maximum seed germination (78.33%) and disease control (66.53%) were observed in bio-priming during imbibitions. Among the delivery of different formulations (bagasse+T. harzianum 10 and 5%, WBB, talc based, farm yard manure based) of T. harzianum in soil significantly lowered disease incidence (17.67%) and maximum disease control (77.82%) was recorded in WBB formulation which was statistically at par with bagasse+T. harzianum 10% (20.00 and 74.89%). Among combination treatments, a combination of FYM+T. harzianum 50 g/kg (SA)+carbendazim 2 g/kg (ST) proved superior to higher germination (84.33%) and disease control (86.60%).

16. D. D. Tiwari, Nirmal Kumar Katiyar* and S. B. Pandey [Appraisal of available sulphur and micronutrient status in south-west plain zone soils of Agra, Uttar Pradesh]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 80-83 (2014). Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur-208 002, (U. P.), India *(e-mail : nirmalkatiyar83@gmail.com)

 

ABSTRACT

Two hundred GPS based surface soil samples, taken from a soil depth of 0-15 cm from all 15 blocks of district Agra, Uttar Pradesh covering a distance of 5 km each, were collected during April and May 2010. The available S, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn and B were analyzed in the collected soil samples. The results indicated that all the blocks showed the deficiencies of S, Zn and B to the extent of 17 to 33%, 14 to 50% and 14 to 33%, respectively. Striking the block Pinahat (66%) and Fatehpur Sikri (33%) were deficient with available iron. Considering the Agra district as a whole, the deficiencies of S, Zn, B and Fe were 25.0, 34.0, 24.0 and 9.50%, respectively. No deficiencies of Cu and Mn were observed under study.

17. D. D. Tiwari, Nirmal Kumar Katiyar* and S. B. Pandey [Delineation of available sulphur and micronutrient status in central plain zone soils of district Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 84-87 (2014). Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur-208 002 (Uttar Pradesh), India *(e-mail : nirmalkatiyar83@gmail.com)

 

ABSTRACT

Two hundred and one GPS based surface soil samples from soil depth of 0-15 cm were collected from all eight blocks of Kannauj district, Uttar Pradesh during October and November 2010 covering a distance of 5 km between two sampling sites. The collected soil samples were analyzed for available S, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn and B. The analytical results showed that the deficiencies of these nutrients were in the order of Zn 25.37%, S 22.89%, B 12.44%, Fe 12.43, Cu 10.44 and Mn 8.46% in the soil samples of district Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh. Considering critical nutrient index as 1.5, none of the analyzed nutrients comes in low category.

18. M. Begum* and S. Mondal** [Evaluation of rice germplasm for their phytate phosphorus, total phosphorus and arsenic content in grains]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 88-91 (2014). Department of Plant Physiology Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252 (West Bengal), India *(e-mail : minsura_08@rediffmail.com; **smondalbckv@rediffmail.com)

 

ABSTRACT

Arsenic is a potential contaminant of groundwater as well as soil in many parts of the world. Elevated soil arsenic levels resulting from long term use of arsenic contaminated groundwater for irrigation may inhibit seed germination and seedling establishment of rice, the country’s main food crop. A study was conducted to evaluate rice germplasm for their phytate phosphorus, total phosphorus and arsenic content in grain and their correlation. Results revealed that the genotypes varied with their accumulation of phytate P, total P and arsenic content in grain. Results also showed that arsenic concentration of grains bore strong and negative association with total P concentration of grain. Phytate P appeared to have no bearing with arsenic concentration of grains of the genotypes.

19. SUBASH CHAND*, SANJAY KUMAR AND B. P. S. GAUTAM [Suitability and profitability of medicinal and aromatic plants on different sodic soils]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 92-94 (2014). Faculty of Agriculture, Baba Raghav Das Post Graduate College, Deoria D. D. U. Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), India *(e-mail : Subashc7@gmail.com)

 

ABSTRACT

The world demand for medicinal and aromatic plant products is growing at the rate of 7.5% per annum. To meet the world demand, an experiment was conducted during 2007-09 (1st year) and 2009-11 (2nd year) at College Research Farm, Baba Raghav Das Post Graduate College, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, India on various sodic soils. The main objective of the experiment was to select the suitable and profitable medicinal and aromatic plants in different sodic soils. Experimental results showed that palmarosa produced highest oil yield 154.25, 145.75, 145.00 and 144.10 kg/ha followed by other plants under various sodic soils. Profitability of experiment indicated that palmarosa gave highest net returns of Rs. 71675, 62125, 61750 and 60160/ha with more benefit : cost ratio of 1.97, 1.55, 1.54 and 1.47 followed by other plants under various sodic soils. On the basis of results, palmarosa plant was more suitable and profitable under various ranges of sodic soils. Therefore, if managed judiciously, sodic soils can be successfully utilized for growing of palmarosa, lemon grass and khus without using amendments.

20. C. R. Koyani, P. K. Chovatia and N. M. Thesiya [Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth, yield attributes and yield of direct-seeded rabi fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 95-97 (2014). Department of Agronomy Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh-362 001 (Gujarat), India

 

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of the year 2011-12 to study the response of direct-seeded rabi fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) to varying levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. There was a significant effect of nitrogen and phosphorus levels on plant height, number of branches per plant, number of umbels per plant, umbellates per umbel, seeds per umbel, test weight, stover yield and seed yield. Significantly the highest seed yield (18.67 q/ha) was recorded under 120 kg N/ha (N₃) which was at par with 90 kg N/ha (N₂). Application of phosphorus at 60 kg P₂O₅/ha (P₂) registered significantly the highest seed yield and found at par with 30 kg P₂O₅/ha (P₁).

21. L. S. Yadav [Field performance of tractor attached with winch on tea farms in north-east India]. Crop Res. 48 (1, 2 & 3) : 98-104 (2014). Department of Agricultural Engineering North-Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology Deemed University under M. H. R. D., Govt. of India, P. O. Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh-791 109, India

 

ABSTRACT

A study was carried out to evaluate field performance of tractors attached with winch during 2011-13, on tea plantations, located in Lakhimpur and Sonitpur districts of Assam. It was found during study that average number of uprooted tea bushes by two years’ old tractors was on higher side (19.14%) than that of 9 to 10 years’ old tractors. While average hourly fuel consumption and average unit cost of uprooting tea bushes of 9 to 10 years’ old tractors were more (26.19 and 19.17%, respectively) as compared with two years’ old tractors. It revealed that higher size tractors (45 hp) were suitable for carrying out low load operations after eight years of their purchase and use for uprooting tea bushes. Abrupt engaging and disengaging power from power take off shaft to reel of winch adversely affected life of tractors. Fan belt of tractor and chain and sprocket of winch were found critical wearing spare parts to be kept in reserve with tractor. The major cause of bend in power take off shaft was abrupt transmission of power from this shaft to reel of winch. While breakage of wire rope was due to rusting and corrosion caused by lack of care and maintenance. The major cause of injuries and swellings of fingers of workers was use of ropes possessing rusted and broken wires. It was found essential to carry extra fuel, lubricants, tools, wooden blocks, rope, jack, spade, etc. and 3-4 hand gloves for safety of hands of workers, while proceeding to tea plantation for uprooting old tea bushes. Evening maintenance after completion of work and checks in next morning were found increasing utilization hours of tractors and winches during day time.