Volume 53, Number 3&4 (May & July 2018)
1. Saddam A. Al-Dalain, Ghaid J. Al-Rabadi*, Rolf Nieder, Mohamed Alnawaiseh, Alwin Küsters, Peter, J. Torley, Adel H. Abdel-Ghani and Farh Al-Nasir [Plant-soil-nutrient status of vegetables and wheat grown on calcareous soil]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 109-116 (2018). 1Department of Animal Production Faculty of Agriculture, Mutah University, Al-Karak 61710, Jordan *(e-mail : ghaid78@yahoo.com)
ABSTRACT
Calcareous soil is extremely important in determining nutrient status and availability when applying different fertilizers to different crops associated with or without irrigation. The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional status (nutrient availability) of different plants grown in two different ecosystems dominated with calcareous soil : Ghor Alsafi (eggplants, tomato and beans) as an example of irrigated area and the Karak Mountain Area (wheat) as an example for non-irrigated area. Physiochemical properties in soils and nutrients concentrations (C, Fe, Mn, Zn, available P, available and non-available K) in soil and plant leaves were analyzed. This study showed that N concentration in soil from both Ghor Alsafi (ranged from 4.4-5.1 mg/g) and the Karak Mountain Area (1.9-3.2 mg/g) was relatively low. This study showed that Fe content in vegetables grown in Ghor Alsafi was about 3 to 5 fold higher than the recommended maximum Fe concentration. The concentration of other nutrients (N, K, Zn and Mn) in investigated vegetables fell within the recommended concentrations range (38.3-39.7 mg/g, 36.6-39.5 mg/g, 21.7-27.3 ppm and 49.2-102.6 ppm, respectively). Phosphorus content in vegetables grown in Ghor Alsafi and in wheat grown in different locations in the Karak Mountain Area was about 5?6 fold higher than the recommended P concentration. Our results indicated that the high levels of P (ranged from 3.28-3.43 mg/g) and Fe (ranged from 340.4-551.3 ppm) in vegetables grown in Ghor Alsafi and high levels of P (ranged from 2.2-2.52 mg/g) in wheat in the Karak Mountain Area can be attributed to high levels of fertilizer application.
2. Aditya Kumar Singh* [Assessment of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth as affected by different levels of NPK]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 117-122 (2018). Deendayal Research Institute Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ganiwan-210 206, Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh), India *(e-mail : adityakumarsinghupc@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted to investigate the combined effect of NPK (Nitrogen, phosphorus and potash) on the growth of wheat cultivar Super Golden. Objective of the study was to determine effects of different levels of NPK on growth by wheat (Triticum eastivum L.) variety. The thrice replicated treatments (T0 : 0-0-0 NPK, T1 : 30-0-20 NPK, T2 : 60-0-0 NPK, T3 : 120-0-0 NPK, T4 : 0-15-50 NPK, T5 : 0-30-0 NPK, T6 : 0-60-10 NPK, T7 : 120-60-50 NPK and T8 : 60-30-25 NPK) kg/ha were tested in randomized block design (RBD). Treatment plot site was situated in longitude 2501909.0 latitude 08100359.9 and height 102 meter at sea level. The results revealed that highest growth parameters replied significantly to NPK fertilizers. The highest growth was recorded with the application of 120-60-50 NPK (kg/ha) and lowest concluded treatment combination was T0 (0-0-0) NPK (kg/ha).
3. GAURAV*, S. K. VERMA, A. C. MAURYA AND SUSHIL KUMAR [Effect of crop establishment methods and weed management practices on narrow leaf weeds in kharif maize (Zea mays L.)]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 123-126 (2018). Department of Agronomy Institute of Agricultural Sciences Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005 (Uttar Pradesh), India *(e-mail : suniliari@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was carried out on maize during kharif seasons of 2015 and 2016, involving three crop establishment methods (ridge and furrow, conventional flat-bed and raised-bed planting) and seven weed management practices [tembotrione 100 g/ha at 30 DAS, tembotrione 125 g/ha at 30 DAS, atrazine 1 kg/ha (PE) followed by one hand weeding at 30 DAS, atrazine (1 kg/ha, PE) followed by 2,4-D at 30 DAS (0.5 kg/ha), pendimethalin (1kg/ha, PE) followed by one hand weeding at 30 DAS, weeded check and weed free]. It was undertaken in split-plot design with three replications at Varanasi. Results showed that crop establishment methods and weed management practices significantly (P=0.05) influenced the density of narrow-leaf weeds in maize. Among the crop establishment methods, raised-bed planting recorded lower density of narrow-leaf weeds at all the stages of observation during both the years. With respect to weed management practices, application of atrazine 1 kg/ha (PE) followed by 2, 4-D (0.5 kg/ha) at 30 DAS performed significantly better over rest of the treatments and recorded lower density of narrow-leaf weeds at all the growth stages (40, 60 DAS and at harvest) during both the years. Based on the study results, the combination of raised-bed crop establishment method and atrazine 1 kg/ha (PE) followed by 2, 4-D (0.5 kg/ha) recorded lower density of narrow-leaf weeds in kharif maize.
4. V. M. Patel* and R. B. Ardeshna [Intercropping of mungbean at different row patterns under various row spacings of rabi castor (Ricinus communis L.)]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 127-130 (2018). Pulses & Castor Research Station Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari-396 450 (Gujarat), India *(e-mail : vinaypatel@nau.in)
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2012-13 to 2014-15 on vertisols of Navsari, Gujarat to study the feasibility of intercropping of mungbean at different row patterns under various row spacings of rabi castor (Ricinus communis L.). Number of branches per plant was noted significantly higher under sole castor sown at 180 x 60 cm being at par with 150 x 60 cm spacing than other treatments. Whereas yield attributes viz., spike length, number of spikes per plant, number of capsules per plant, test weight as well as seed yield and oil content of castor remained unaffected due to various treatments, however, they were found higher with sole castor than castor intercropped. Among intercropping systems, two rows of mungbean in between castor sown at 150 cm row spacing gave significantly higher castor seed equivalent yield and oil yield of castor than sole mungbean. Similarly, castor sown at 150 x 60 cm as a sole recorded higher net returns (Rs. 44247/ha) and B : C ratio (2.64) closely followed by treatment T6 (Castor sown at 150 x 60 cm spacing with two rows of mungbean as intercrop) for net returns (Rs. 43695/ha) and treatment T3 (sole castor sown at 150 x 60 cm) for B : C ratio (2.59).
5. A. Mahalingam*, N. Manivannan, S. Lakshmi Narayanan and S. Sowmya Sree [AMMI analysis of phenotypic stability in greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] genotypes over seasons]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 131-134 (2018). National Pulses Research Centre (TNAU) Vamban, Pudukkottai-622 303 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : mahalingamcpbg2008@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
The present investigation on G x E interaction was carried out with additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model to analyze the seed yield of 19 greengram genotypes inclusive of two check varieties viz., CO 8 and VBN(Gg) 3. All the 19 genotypes were evaluated for two years over four seasons viz., kharif 2015 and rabi 2015-16, kharif 2016 and rabi 2016-17 at National Pulses Research Centre, Vamban. Genotypes VBN(Gg) 3, VGG 15030 and VGG 15035 were less interacting genotypes with high seed yield. These genotypes may be recommended for both the seasons viz., kharif and rabi seasons. Among environments, kharif seasons are less interacting environment.
6. Kuljit Kaur* and K. S. Saini [Performance of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) under different row spacings and genotypes]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 135-137 (2018). Department of Agronomy Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India *(e-mail : Kuljitkaur91@rediffmail.com)
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Punjab) during kharif 2015 to study the effect of five row spacings (45, 50, 60, 75 and 90 cm) on growth and yield of two pigeonpea genotypes viz., AL 15 (Determinate) and PAU 881 (Indeterminate). The objective of the study was to investigate the performance of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) under different row spacings and genotypes. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (Factorial) with four replications. It was observed that performance of wider row spacing (60 cm) performed significantly better as compared to other row spacing treatments. Similarly, AL 15 (Determinate) also performed significantly better than PAU 881 (Indeterminate) in all the growth parameters and yield. The wider row spacing i. e. 60 cm (14.92 q/ha) and AL 15 (13.24 q/ha) had significantly higher seed yield than other treatments.
7. R. K. Dwivedi* and K. P. Dwivedi [Effect of phosphorus, sulphur and biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of lentil (Lens culinaris L.)]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 138-140 (2018). J. N. K. V. V. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Damoh-470 661 (Madhya Pradesh), India *(e-mail : dwivedirajesh101@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted during rabi seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17 to study the effect of P, S and biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of lentil cv. PL-5. Plant height, branches/plant, pods/plant, grains/pod, 1000-grain weight, seed weight/plant and grain yield were maximum at 60 kg P2O5/ha, 30 kg S/ha and seed inoculation with Rhizobium+PSB biofertilizers. Similar was the case with grain protein, protein yield and net returns. The additional net returns due to P60, S30 and Rhizobium+PSB were Rs. 8689, 2643 and 3237/ha, respectively, over their respective controls. The combined influence of these inputs augmented the yield and net returns of lentil over their separate effects.
8. DAKSHA R. PATEL, P. P. CHAUDHARI* AND J. M. PATEL [Yield and nutrient uptake of summer cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) as influenced by seed priming with different plant geometry and nutrient management]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 141-146 (2018). Directorate of Research Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar-385 506, Banaskantha (Gujarat), India *(e-mail : ppc.sdau2014@sdau.edu.in)
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted on loamy sand soil of Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during summer 2016 to study the effect of seed priming on summer cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) under different plant geometry and nutrient management. Sixteen treatment combinations comprising two spacings (45 x 15 and 45 x 30 cm) with or without seed priming and four nutrient management viz., 100% RDF through fertilizer, 50% RDF through fertilizer+50% RDF through FYM, 50% RDF through fertilizer+50% RDF through vermicompost and 50% RDF through fertilizer+50% RDF through castor cake were evaluated in factorial randomized block design replicating three times. The results revealed that significantly higher number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod and dry weight of root nodules per plant were found with wider spacing of 45 x 30 cm with seed priming. Significantly higher seed (1067 kg/ha) and stover (2133 kg/ha) yields of summer cowpea were produced when the crop was sown at 45 x 15 cm spacing with seed priming. Maximum N and P uptake was noted with 45 x 15 cm spacing with seed priming. Whereas available N, P2O5 and K2O status in soil was non- significant under different spacings with or without seed priming. With regards to nutrient management, application of 50% RDF through fertilizer+50% RDF through castor cake recorded higher plant height, pod length, number of seeds/pod, number of pods/plant and dry weight of root nodules and this was reflected in marked effect in increasing seed (1067 kg/ha) and stover (2144 kg/ha) yield. Significant response in N and P uptake was observed with the application of 50% RDF through fertilizer+50% RDF through castor cake. While higher value of available of N, P2O5 and K2O status was noted with an application of 50% RDF through fertilizer+50% RDF through FYM.
9. P. R. ChaudhAri, N. H. Desai, P. P. ChaudhAri and K. V. Rabari* [Status of chemical properties and available major nutrients in soils of Patan district of Gujarat, India]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 147-153 (2018). Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar-385 506 (Gujarat), India *(e-mail : kiranrabari26@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Total 360 soil samples were collected from nine talukas of Patan district to analyze the soil reaction (pH), electric conductivity (EC) and organic carbon available major nutrients (N, P and K) by multistage random sampling during April 2016. Soils of Patan district are neutral to moderately alkaline in reaction (pH range 7.00 to 9.25; mean 8.14), soluble salt content (EC – range 0.05 to 9.10 dS/m; mean 1.01 dS/m) and low in organic carbon content (OC – range 0.03 to 1.38%; mean 0.33%) indicating poor fertile soil. The nutrient index for available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium varied from 1.13 to 1.68 , 1.83 to 2.48 and 2.2.0 to 2.90, respectively. This represented that the soils of Patan district were low in available nitrogen (232.28 kg/ha), adequate in available phosphorus (49.35 kg/ha) and very high in available potassium (413.46 kg/ha). Soil available nitrogen and phosphorus showed positive correlation with organic carbon and potassium, respectively.
10. Pooja Ahlawat, Suman Bala* and Jitender Kumar [Effect of post-harvest treatments of gum arabic, calcium lactate and glycerin on biochemical constituents of kinnow]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 154-159 (2018). Department of Botany & Plant Physiology CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India *(e-mail : sumanmalika14@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
‘Kinnow’ mandarin is an attractive and nutritious fruit available only for a short period due to its perishable nature. In the present study, the effect of different post-harvest treatments and storage conditions on the post-harvest quality of ‘kinnow’ up to 49 days was examined. There was no decay loss observed up to 21st day of storage after that decay loss increased up to 49th day of storage in all treatments at all periods of storage. All coatings were effective to check the decay loss and minimum decay loss was observed in calcium lactate 3% + glycerin 2.5% up to 42 days of storage, whereas on 49th day glycerin 2.5% was most effective to decrease the decay loss. With progression of the storage period, acidity, specific gravity and juice content decreased. Maximum acidity, juice content and specific gravity were observed in fruits coated with gum arabic 10%. All coatings were effective to maintain the quality of the kinnow fruits. However, gum arabic 10% coating was the most effective to minimize the decay loss and maintained the acidity, specific gravity and juice content at all periods of storage.
11. O. Jongkey and B. N. Hazarika* [Standardization of leaf nutrient status of Khasi mandarin by correlation of leaf nutrient status, fruit yield and quality]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 160-166 (2018). College of Horticulture and Forestry Central Agricultural University, Pasighat-791 102 (Arunachal Pradesh), India *(e-mail : bnhazarika13@yahoo.co.in)
ABSTRACT
The experiment was carried out in 16 different selected orchards of the Aalo belt of Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh. Soil and leaf analysis for all the selected orchards were done and correspondingly yield and yield attributing characters were recorded. Data were analyzed statistically using randomized block design (RBD) and correlation analysis for soil with leaf nutrient content and leaf nutrient content with fruit yield and quality were carried out. Correlation studies indicated that fruit yield and quality parameters were positively and significantly correlated with leaf N, K, and Ca content. Other elements like Mg, S, Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe had moderately positive effect on the fruit yield and quality parameters on both the years.
12. Jahnobi Borthakur*, D. N. Hazarika, Supriya Langthasa, R. K. Goswami and M. K. Kalita [Characteristics of few commercial and indigenous cultivars of banana grown in Assam]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 167-170 (2018). Department of Horticulture B. N. College of Agriculture (AAU) Biswanath Chariali, Biswanath-784 176 (Assam), India *(e-mail : borthakur.jahnvi24@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Characteristics of few commercial and indigenous banana cultivars of Musa AAA group, namely, Jahaji, Barjahaji, Maan Jahaji, Suti Jahaji, Grand Naine, Giant Governor, Amritsagar, Sahabkal, Red Banana and Tulshi Manohar were studied in the Instructional cum Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Biswanath College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Biswanath Chariali during 2013-14. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Among the different cultivars, Red Banana recorded the highest number of functional leaves per plant. The longest fingers were produced by Grand Naine followed by Sahabkal, Barjahaji and Amritsagar, while the other cultivars produced comparatively shorter fingers. Yield and yield attributing characters were found to be significant among all the cultivars. Among the cultivars, Grand Naine recorded the highest number of hands (10.72/bunch), number of fingers (135/bunch), length of finger (20.05 cm), pulp : peel ratio (2.87), bunch weight (24.66 kg/bunch) and yield (55.91 t/ha) with the longest peduncle (52.33 cm). Though the heaviest fingers were produced by Red Banana (161.41 g/finger) but the number of hands (4/bunch), number of fingers (43.60/bunch), bunch weight (9.05 kg/bunch) and yield (20.52 t/ha) were observed to be the lowest with shortest peduncle length (29.0 cm) in Red Banana.
13. M. SUGUNA DEVAKUMARI* [Evaluating the plant response of MLSS (Mixed liquor suspended solids) based biofertilizers in tomato]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 171-173 (2018). Department of Agriculture Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore-641 114 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : sugunadevakumari@karunya.edu)
ABSTRACT
Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) is the concentration of suspended solids in an aeration tank during the activated sludge process, which occurs during the treatment of waste water. Mixed liquor is a combination of raw or unsettled wastewater or pre-settled wastewater and activated sludge within an aeration tank. MLSS consisted mostly of microorganisms and non-biodegradable suspended matter. Unlike previous research, this study aimed at evaluating the possibility of using primary wastewater from aeration tank containing high suspended solids (MLSS) from paper factory as the whole nutrients source for beneficial microbial growth. The beneficial microbes were then mixed with suitable carrier and used for plant growth promotion. The results of the above study revealed that the MLSS based biofertilizer was equally efficient with conventional biofertilizers in promoting the germination and growth of tomato.
14. MAJJIGA KOMALA*, N. MEENAKSHI GANESAN, M. KUMAR, K. MANONMANI, L. MAHALINGAM AND N. PREMALATHA [Studies on per se performance and ratooning ability for yield and fibre quality traits in intraspecific cotton hybrids]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 174-178 (2018). Department of Cotton, Centre for Plant Breeding & Genetics Agricultural College & Research Institute (TNAU), Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu), India *(e-mail : komalayadav89@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
The significant differences among parents and F1 hybrids for yield components and fibre quality traits, indicated the presence of genetic diversity among them. Among the parents, TSH 0499 line and KC 3 tester exhibited a fair performance for investigated traits and also for good ratooning ability. Therefore, these parents had a potential to be exploited for the development of the efficient cotton hybrids. Among the tested F1 hybrids, TSH 0499 x KC 3 and BGDS 1063 x KC 3 hybrids expressed good performance and ratooning ability for investigated traits. The results of this study would provide insight into the understanding of genetic variance present in various intraspecific cotton hybrids.
15. C. G. Chaudhary, P. P. Chaudhari* and B. T. Patel [Effect of phosphorus and PSB on nutrient content and uptake by fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 179-182 (2018). Directorate of Research Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar-385 506, Banaskantha (Gujarat), India *(e-mail : ppc.sdau2014@sdau.edu.in)
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2015-16 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar to study the effect of phosphorus and PSB on growth and yield of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). Twelve treatment combinations comprising three levels of phosphorus (0 kg/ha, 20 kg/ha and 40 kg/ha) and four levels of PSB (No PSB, seed inoculation of PSB, soil application of liquid PSB and seed inoculation of PSB+soil application of liquid PSB). The results revealed that phosphorus application @ 40 kg/ha, surpassed rest of the treatments bearing maximum values of P content in seed and straw as well as uptake of N and P by seed and straw of fenugreek. Nitrogen content in seed and straw did not affect significantly due to phosphorus levels. Among the levels, phosphorus application @ 40 kg/ha significantly built up P2O5 status of soil after harvest of crop. In case of PSB, seed inoculation of PSB+soil application of liquid PSB treatment significantly improved the N and P uptake by seed and straw of fenugreek. Similarly, P2O5 status of soil was built up due to seed inoculation of PSB+soil application of liquid PSB over rest of the treatments.
16. Y. R. SINGH, R. KHUNJAMAYUM, A. NONGTHOMBAM, T. P. CHANU, K. M. DEVI, R. S. ASEM, K. TAMREIHAO*, D. S. NINGTHOUJAM** AND A. I. DEVI [Plant growth and grain yield production of black rice as influenced by Ochrobactrum intermedium AcRz3, an endophyte associated with medicinal plant]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 183-191 (2018). Microbial Biotechnology Research Laboratory (MBRL) Department of Biochemistry Manipur University, Canchipur-795 003 (Manipur), India *(e-mail : tammasi2009@gmail.com; **debananda.ningthoujam@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
Endophytic bacteria Ochrobactrum intermedium AcRz3 obtained from ethnomedicinal plant Acorus calamus rhizome exhibited growth inhibition against five fungal pathogens, showing highest and lowest inhibition percentage of 73 and 65 against Rhizoctonia solani and Helminthosporium oryzae. Isolate showed positive results for chitinase, protease and lipase but negative for , 1-4 glucanase production. The strain could produce 29.61 µg/ml of IAA and 72% of siderophore. It could solubilize significant amount of P up to 102 µg/ml. The strain showed negative results for ACC deaminase production. The strain enhanced seed germination and significantly promoted the growth of black rice seedlings. The strain significantly promoted the growth and grain yield production of black rice plants under net house conditions. Similar results were also observed under R. solani challenged conditions. The isolate significantly protected the lesion caused by R. solani. Endophytic strain AcRz3 associated with medicinal plant had great potential to be exploited for application as biocontrol and biofertilizing agents for rice production.
17. A. Ray*, P. Sashankar, B. N. Chakraborty and U. Chakraborty [Alternaria alternata : A new pathogen of Citrus reticulata in North Bengal, India]. Crop Res. 53 (3&4) : 192-193 (2018). Immuno-Phytopathology Laboratory Department of Botany University of North Bengal, Darjeeling-734 013 (West Bengal), India *(e-mail : rayasit453@gmail.com)
ABSTRACT
The major health problem of Citrus reticulata observed in the North Bengal is the fruit drop of both the young and mature fruits. And the round brownish black spots were observed in the dropped fruits. The isolated fungal pathogen was found to be Alternaria alternata by morphological and molecular studies. The potential of the pathogen was measured by the Koch’s postulates and the new pathogen was detected in North Bengal, India.
*********************************