Agricultural Research Station Research Articles

Impact of Zinc and Silica Solubilizing Bacterial Consortia on Soil Nutrient Availability and Direct Sown Paddy

Effect of zinc and silica solubilizing bacteria and their consortia on paddy was studied under field conditions at Agricultural Research Station, Janagamaheswarapuram, Andhra Pradesh. Thirteen treatments were assessed for availability of nutrients viz., Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and Silica in soil and concentration of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in plant at 45, 90 and 120 days after sowing (DAS).Significantly highest nitrogen (198.9, 262.3 and 240.2 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (36.7, 64.7 and 40.6 kg ha-1), potassium (221.4, 349.6 and 263.5 kg ha-1), zinc (0.86, 1.14 and 0.98 ppm) and silica (66.8, 98.9 and 84.8 ppm) were recorded in T13 (RDF + ZnKJJ-4 & ZnPGG-1 + SiKPP-1 & SiPYY-3) at 45, 90 and 120DAS, respectively. In the plant, nitrogen (0.89, 1.10 and 0.98 %), phosphorus (0.46, 0.67 and 0.58 %) and potassium (1.87, 2.29 and 1.98 %) were significantly highest at 45, 90 and 120DAS, respectively, in T13. There was increase in the available nutrient content upto90 DAS which then decreased at 120DAS. It is inferred that consortia of two zinc solubilizing and two silica solubilizing microorganisms (T13) is useful for increased availability of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and Silica in soil and increased uptake of NPK by rice plant, which in turn reduce exogenous chemical fertilizers.

Genetic Variability Studies for Morpho-Physiological and Yield-attributing Traits in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.)

Foxtail millet is an underutilized crop which has high nutritional values and wide genetic resources, possessing the ability to tolerate several abiotic stresses efficiently. Those resources must be used in order to improve desired traits, primarily yield attributes. This investigation was carried out to assess the genetic parameters, such as variability, per se performance, heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM) for sixteen morpho-physiological, yield-attributing traits in fifty foxtail millet germplasm accessions at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal during Rabi, 2023-2024. The study revealed the wide range of variation for all studied traits and that the accessions SiA 3290, SiA 4345, and SiA 4391 had potential for most traits and a high grain yield per plant. Thus, after multilocation testing, these accessions might be exploited for commercial cultivation. The assessment revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was slightly greater than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), indicating the influence of the environment on the manifestation of these traits. It was also observed that the traits viz.., photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, abortive grain rate, and grain yield per plant had high PCV and GCV and these traits significantly contributed to the overall variability and scope for selection. High heritability in combination with high GAM was observed for photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, 1000-grain weight, fodder yield per plant and grain yield per plant. This indicates that, these traits are mostly governed by additive genes and thus making them suitable for simple direct selection to improve these traits and further breeding efforts focused on increasing yields.

Generation Mean Analysis for Estimating Gene Action, Heterosis and Inbreeding Depression in Yield and Foliar Disease Resistance in Three Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Crosses

This study was conducted at the Sakha Agricultural Research Station farm over three growing seasons (2019/20, 2020/21, and 2021/22) to introduce new faba bean genotypes possessing high yield potential and increased resistance to foliar diseases. The research involved six populations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, and BC2) from three crosses (Cross-1: Santamora x Foal Sbai Labiade, Cross-2: Santamora x Misr 3, and Cross-3: Cairo 4 x Misr 3), analyzed using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Generation mean analysis revealed significant mid and better parent heterosis for most traits, indicating over-dominance. Inbreeding depression manifested negatively for chocolate spot and rust diseases but positively for seed count and seed yield per plant across all crosses. Non-allelic interactions were present for all traits, and dominance gene effects were more influential than additive gene effects for most traits. Mean performance analysis showed that F1 populations had lower disease reactions, but higher yields compared to the better parent, while F2 populations displayed greater genetic variability due to segregation. Heterosis was significant for yield and its components across all crosses but less beneficial for disease resistance. Inbreeding depression was significant and negative for disease reactions but positive for yield traits. The study found high broad-sense heritability for all traits, suggesting potential for phenotypic selection. Narrow-sense heritability values were moderate for qualitative traits and lower for quantitative traits. Genetic advance under selection indicated the highest gains were associated with moderate heritability values. Significant non-allelic interactions suggested the need for specific breeding strategies, with dominance gene effects more pronounced than additive effects. These findings support the feasibility of selecting high-yielding, disease-resistant faba bean genotypes through targeted breeding methods, aligning with previous research on the genetic inheritance of these traits.

Stress Management Practices in Rainfed Sorghum (K12) on Yield, Economics and Plant Nutrient Uptake Through Foliar Plant Nutrition Under Typical Vertisols (Typic chromusterts) of Semiarid Region

ABSTRACT Foliar fertilization has great potential to give higher yields under intensive cropping system and in enhancing the crop tolerance to drought conditions. Different responses of yield to foliar fertilization are probably associated with incorrect timing of application, use of inappropriate fertilizer and lack of concern of soil available nutrients and environmental conditions. Though soil application of nutrients cannot be replaced totally with foliar fertilization, but under various situations like rainfed condition, foliar nutrition can play very important role in enhancing crop yield and nutrient use efficiency. Focusing on this, a field experiment was conducted in the Agricultural Research Station, Kovilpatti, under rainfed situation from 2017 to ‘20 to evaluate the response of foliar application of plant nutrients sprayed during moisture stress condition and to improve the growth and yield of sorghum under rainfed condition. This experiment was laid out in split plot design with replicated thrice and the treatments consisted of main plots: M1 – foliar spray during dry spell, M2 – foliar spray after relieving of stress/dry spell (with favorable soil moisture) and subplots: S1 – urea@1%, S2 – urea@2%, S3 – water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5%, S4 – water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% + recommended dose of micronutrient for foliar spray (to be decided based on soil test: zinc, boron, iron, manganese, etc.), S5 – ZnSO4@0.5%, S6 – water spray, S7 – control (no spray of any material/water) under rainfed vertisols of semiarid region. The obtained results showed that the application of water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% sprayed during the dry spell significantly increased the plant height, earhead length and grain test weight. This attributes resulted in higher grain yield (1448 kg ha−1), stover yield (2288 kg ha−1), net returns (Rs. 8748 ha−1), B:C (1.16) and rainwater use efficiency (3.85 kg ha−1-mm) when compared to other practices in rainfed sorghum. There is a gradual increase in total major plant nutrient uptake, viz. nitrogen (22.3 kg ha−1), phosphorus (4.56 kg ha−1) and potassium uptake (26.0 kg ha−1) with the foliar application of water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% applied during the dry spell condition (S3) during drought stress condition (M1). Foliar application of nutrients along with soil application has several advantages in supplementing the nutritional requirements of crops such as rapid and efficient response by the plants, less product needed and independence of soil conditions. Foliar nutrition designed to eliminate the problems like fixation and immobilization of nutrients. Hence, foliar nutrition is recognized as an important method of fertilization during the dry spell under rainfed condition in modern agriculture.

Assessment of Genetic Variability in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Genotypes

The present investigation was carried out at New Orchard, Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Raichur, during late Kharif 2021-22 using thirty-one genotypes and laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. High magnitude GCV and PCV were reported for the traits viz., fruit yield per hectare, fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, plant height, leaf area per plant, number of ridges on fruit surface, fruit girth and fibre content indicates that maximum variability exists in these traits. The traits viz., number of nodes per plant, fruit length, ten fruits weight, shelf-life, stem girth, harvesting period and first flowering node recorded the medium GCV and PCV values. While, low GCV and PCV values were observed for the characters viz., number of leaves per plant, chlorophyll content, days to 50 per cent flowering and days to first flowering showing little variability for these characters. High heritability accompanied by high genetic advance over per cent mean was observed for number of ridges on fruit surface, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per hectare, fruit girth, leaf area per plant, plant height, number of nodes per plant, fruit length, fibre content, stem girth and ten fruits weight which indicates additive gene effects and selection based on these characters may be effective. Hence, characters showing high to moderate values of PCV, GCV and high estimate of heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean were considered as most important characters and selection of these traits will be more effective in improvement of fruit yield per plant.

Genetic Validation of Advanced Backcross-derived Rice Lines for Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) Resistance via SSR Markers

Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), referred to as the brown planthopper (BPH), is a serious threat to paddy cultivation. It inflicts damage by feeding on rice plants and serves as a vector for the rice ragged stunt virus and the rice grassy stunt virus, both of which contribute to significant yield losses. The research was conducted during kharif-2021 at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Warangal. SSR markers RM 3766 (for the Bph3 gene) and RM 586 (for the Bph4 gene) were used for molecular confirmation of resistance in BPH. The study revealed the presence of resistance genes in all resistant and moderately resistant lines, except Siddhi-BC2F6 BPH-BL-24, which was heterozygous (partial resistance) for Bph3, and Siddhi-BC2F6 BPH-BL-11 and Siddhi-BC2F6 BPH-BL-52, which were heterozygous (partial resistance) for Bph4. This genetic validation using SSR markers not only confirms the successful introgression of resistance traits but also enhances the efficiency of breeding programs aimed at developing durable BPH-resistant rice cultivars.

Impact of Different Plant Densities and Fertilizer Levels on Yield Attributes, Yield and Fibre Quality Characters of Bt Cotton in HDPS

Adopting a high-density planting system in cotton cultivation has resulted in increased yields compared to traditional methods. Despite the clear benefits, farmers face various challenges throughout the cultivation process, from sowing to harvesting. However, selecting appropriate plant spacings, fertilizer levels and implementing tailored cultivation techniques can significantly enhance productivity. A field experiment was conducted at Siddapur research farm, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal, Telangana, India during kharif 2023 to investigate the “Impact of different plant densities and fertilizer levels on yield attributes, yield and fibre quality characters of cotton in high density planting system (HDPS)”. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (factorial) and replicated thrice, consisting of 12 treatment combinations comprising of three plant spacings S1: 80 x 20 cm (62,500 plants ha-1), S2: 90 x 15 cm (74,074 plants ha-1), S3: 90 x 60 cm in factor I and four fertilizer levels (F1: 100%RDF, F2: 125%RDF, F3: 100%RDF + Microbial consortia, F4: Control) in factor II. Both the factors significantly influenced the number of bolls per plant, number of bolls m-2 and seed cotton yield per hectare. The results revealed that higher no. of bolls plant-1 were recorded in 90 x 60 cm (18,518 plants ha-1) however, higher no. of bolls m-2, seed cotton yield (2233 kgha-1) obtained from higher plant density (74,074 plants ha-1) with the spacing 90 x 15 cm. Boll weight was not significantly influenced by varied plant spacings and fertilizer levels. Among the different levels of fertilizer, 125%RDF recorded highest no. of bolls per plant, no. of bolls m-2 and seed cotton yield (2362 kgha-1). Fibre quality characters viz., Upper half mean length(mm), micronaire(µginch-1), tenacity(gtex-1) and uniformity index (%) were not significantly influenced by both plant spacings and fertilizer levels as they are primarily governed by genetic makeup of cotton genotypes. For optimum seed cotton yield, cotton should be sown at closer spacing 90 x 15 cm and the application of 125%RDF was economically feasible in high density planting system.

Evaluation of the Performance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus l. Moench) Genotypes for Growth, Yield, and Quality Parameters

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the performance of okra genotypes for growth, yield and quality parameters. Okra is often cross-pollinated and is grown primarily for its fruits, which have various culinary uses. Tender fruits are commonly boiled or used in sliced and fried dishes. Okra fruits are also dried in the sun, canned, or dehydrated for preservation during the off-season. The study was carried out at New Orchard, Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Raichur, during late Kharif 2021-22 using thirty-one genotypes (including the check variety Arka Anamika) and laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) among genotypes for all traits studied. Genotype OPL-2127 recorded the highest plant height (96.52 cm), stem girth (14.26 mm), number of leaves per plant (23.20), leaf area index (3.08), number of nodes per plant (13.60), chlorophyll content (59.61 SPAD readings), fruit length (18.69 cm), fruit yield per plant (293.53 g), fruit yield per hectare (16.4 t) and it is found to be superior over the other okra genotypes under the study. The highest fruit girth (41.36 mm) was noted in the genotypes OPL-2108. The genotype OPL-2119 recorded the minimum number of days to 50 per cent flowering (38.00) which indicates the earliness of the genotypes. OPL-2023 recorded the highest fibre content (16.09 %). The genotypes OPL-2127, OPL-2121, OPL-2116, OPL-2115 and OPL-2113 were found to be superior okra genotypes for yield and quality and they can be used in future breeding and crop improvement program.

Development of High Yielding Deep Water Rice Variety MTU 1184 Suitable for Semi-Deep Flooded Ecosystem of South Eastern Region of India

In recent years due to heavy and intense rainfall and cyclonic storms, paddy crop is experiencing damage due to flooding. If the flood water stagnation remains for more than a week the varieties are unable to sustain and there by the yield levels are drastically reduced. Hence, there is a need to develop submergence tolerant variety to minimize the yield losses. Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Regional Agricultural Research Station, Maruteru has developed flood tolerant variety MTU 1184 through conventional plant breeding using PLA 1100 and BM 71 as parents. The flood tolerant rice culture was extensively evaluated for yield in semi deep water ecosystem at RARS, Maruteru over the years of kharif, 2012 to kharif, 2016 in Station yield trials. The variety recorded superior grain yield (4370 kg/ha) against check PLA 1100 (3811 kg/ha) and yield advantage over check was 14.67%. The entry was tested in AICRIP trials from 2014 to 2017 at RARS, Maruteru and the results revealed that MTU 1184 registered 4650 kg/ha and found to be significantly superior over the national check, Sabitha (3703 kg/ha) and the per cent increase over check was 25.57. The variety recorded a mean grain yield of 4281 kg/ha and found to be significantly superior over the national check, Sabitha (3011 kg/ha) and yield advantage was 1270 kg/ha and per cent increase over national check was 42.17 and zonal check Poornendu in 8 locations of six states of south eastern region. Multi location testing of the variety from 2015 to 2017 revealed that the variety has out yielded (5370 kg/ha) and found superior over the best check PLA 1100 (4290 kg/ha) and the per cent increase over check was 25.18. Minikit testing in 890 locations for a period of three years from 2016 to 2018 revealed that the average mean yield of the variety over three years was 6039 kg/ha against local popular check PLA 1100 (5700 kg/ha) and per cent increase over check was 6.0 when tested in Andhra Pradesh.

STUDY REGARDING THE QUALITATIVE AND YIELD CARACHTERS VARIABILITY FOR SOME WHITE MUSTARD GENOTYPES

The purpose of this study was to obtain knowledge about the variability of the quantitative and qualitative traits for 9 genotypes of different genetic origin white mustard. This study was carried out for three years in the pedoclimatic conditions of the Agricultural Research and Development Station Lovrin. Ten parameters were taken into study, namely: silique length, number of branches/plant, number of grains/silique, number of silique/plant, number of seeds/plant, hectoliter weight, TSW, oil production and content. In order to determine the correlation coefficient, the data of the experiment were processed in Past 4 - statistical analysis software. The graphical representations were created in Microsoft Office Excel software.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS REGARDING THE EFFECTS OF GREEN MANURES ON WHEAT CULTIVATION ON THE ACIDIC SOILS OF THE NORTH-WEST REGION OF ROMANIA

This study addressed the burgeoning interest in ecological agriculture, emphasizing sustainable and regenerative practices. Among these, the utilization of green manures emerged as pivotal for enhancing soil health and augmenting the yield of nutritionally dense crops. Five plant species (triticale, peas, soybeans, sunflower, and rapeseed) were selected for incorporation, sown during the summer, and subsequently integrated into the soil while still in their vegetative phase, preceding the optimal sowing window for wheat. The experiment encompassed three repetitions for the principal crop, of wheat implemented through split-plot design. Each repetition comprised both a fertilized and an unfertilized plot, further sub-divided, with certain segments receiving fungicidal treatment and others left untreated. The experimental setup was situated on an albic luvisol, exhibiting humus content ranging from 1% to 1.8% in the plow layer, coupled with an acidic pH range of 4.2 to 5.3. The trial site was located within the experimental fields of the Plant Protection Laboratory at the Livada Agricultural Research and Development Station, Satu Mare County. The primary aim of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of green manures, including their synergistic interplay with chemical fertilizers (calcium ammonium nitrate 27% N), on wheat. Evaluative parameters encompassed yield metrics, weed infestation levels, disease and pest resistance, along with the quality attributes of the principal crops. Ultimately, the study sought to furnish a encompassing comprehension of the advantages conferred by this regenerative agricultural practice, within the contemporary framework of ecological and agronomic imperatives. In conclusion, the inaugural year of experimenting with green manures did not yield an immediate augmentation in crop yield. However, it became evident that additional fertilization was required to fully harness the benefits of green manures. Encouragingly, the data spotlighted a propitious finding—green manures bolstered the disease resistance of wheat, implying enduring advantages for crop health. Furthermore, the adoption of rapeseed and peas as green manure crops, demonstrated a noteworthy reduction in weeding, affording an economical and pragmatic edge for sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, when amalgamated with chemical fertilizers, the interaction with green manures evinced an augmented production capacity, underscoring the potential for a synergistic strategy in maximizing crop output. These revelations highlight the significance of a holistic and integrated approach to agricultural methodologies, underscoring the value of amalgamating green manures with judicious fertilization strategies. As we persist in our exploration and refinement of these techniques, the potential for enhancing both productivity and sustainability in our agricultural systems remains considerable, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and efficient food production process.

Effect of organic fertilizer and amino acids on the vegetative growth of young pomegranate trees Punica granatum L. c.v. “Wonderful”

The experiment was conducted on a pomegranate field located in a deciduous fruit orchard at the Agricultural Research and Experimentation Station, which is associated with the College of Agriculture at the University of Kirkuk in the Republic of Iraq. The experiment took place during the 2023 season. The study incorporated 2 variables. The experiment consisted of 2 factors: the first factor included 5 levels of organic fertilization (0, 250 and 500 g tree-1 of residue poultry and 15 and 30 g tree-1 of humic acid) and the second factor involved spraying with 3 concentrations of amino acids (0-, 5- and 10- mL L-1). The experimental design used was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) within factorial experiments, with 2 factors and 3 replicates. The study involved a total of 90 young pomegranate trees, with 2 trees assigned to each experimental unit. The data were analyzed using Duncan's multinomial test at a significance level of 0.05. Applying 500 g of chicken waste per tree resulted in a notable enhancement in vegetative development, namely in stem length. The leaf area and dry weight of the leaves were measured at 6.45 cm2 and 54.67 % respectively. The level of 30 g tree-1 of humic acid resulted in a significant increase in the stem diameter, branch length and branch diameter, which was recorded at 23.16 mm, 39.98 cm and 6.30 mm respectively, compared to the control treatment. The application of a 10 mL L-1 concentration of amino acids led to a notable enhancement in the observed traits (stem length and branches, their diameters, leaf area and dry weight of leaves) in comparison to the control treatment. The mutual influence of organic fertilizer and spraying with amino acids resulted in a noticeable and statistically significant effect. This effect was particularly evident when using a level of 500 g tree-1 of chicken waste for fertilization and a concentration of 10 mL L-1 of amino acids for spraying, as it positively impacted most parameters.

Evaluating the Influence of Different Agronomic Strategies on the Growth and Development of Maize (Zea mays L.) Grown in Rice Fallows of Northern Telangana Zone

Aims: To study the changes in plant height, dry matter production, leaf area and plant population under different tillage practices, irrigation and nitrogen levels in rice fallow maize. Study Design: Split- split plot design. Place and Duration of Study: Regional Agricultural Research Station farm, Polasa, Jagtial during rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in split- split plot design with twelve treatment combinations that includes 2 main plot, 3 sub plot and 2 sub-sub plot treatments which are replicated thrice. The treatments are as follows: Main plots: T1- Zero tillage, T2- Conventional tillage (tillage with cultivator twice fb rotovator twice); Sub plots: I1- Irrigation at 60% ASM, I2- Irrigation at 40% ASM and I3- Irrigation at six critical stages; and Sub-sub plot treatments: N1- 100% RDN (240 kg ha-1) and N2- 120% RDN (288 kg ha-1). Results: Results indicated that highest mean plant height was recorded in conventional tillage (65.8, 204.4 & 210.9 cm) and in N2 treatment (64.6, 201.3 & 207.6 cm) during sixth leaf, silking and physiological maturity respectively. Irrigations showed non-significant effect during sixth leaf and during other two stages I3 treatment has recorded higher plant height (200.1 & 206.6 cm). Similar results were obtained in case of leaf area. The mean dry weight was also higher in conventional tillage (17915 kg ha-1), I3 treatment (16789 kg ha-1) and N2 (16418 kg ha-1). The initial plant population was higher in conventional tillage (7.2 plants m-2) than that of zero tillage and irrigation & nitrogen levels has no effect on population. Conclusion: All the growth parameters were significantly affected by tillage, irrigation and nitrogen levels at all the stages except the influence of irrigation on plant height at sixth leaf stage. Plant population was significantly affected by tillage but non-significant effect was recorded by irrigation an nitrogen levels. Interaction was found between irrigation and nitrogen levels in-case of dry matter production.

Effect of Zinc and Silica Solubilizing Microbial Consortia on Soil and Plant Nutrient Status in Paddy

Effect of zinc and silica solubilizing bacteria and their consortia on paddy was studied under pot culture conditions at Agricultural Research Station, Janagamaheswarapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India. Thirteen treatments were assessed for availability of nutrients viz., Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and Silica in soil and concentration of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in plant at 45, 90 and 120 days after sowing (DAS). Significantly highest nitrogen (189.3, 249.4 and 239.7 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (34.6, 61.8 and 38.5 kg ha-1), potassium (214.2, 347.9 and 232.1 kg ha-1), zinc (0.78, 0.99 and 0.86 ppm) and silica (60.1, 90.8 and 78.4 ppm) were recorded in T13 (RDF + ZnKJJ-4 & ZnPGG-1 + SiKPP-1 & SiPYY-3) at 45, 90 and 120DAS. In plant, nitrogen (0.79, 0.99 and 0.89 %), phosphorus (0.37, 0.58 and 0.49 %) and potassium (1.78, 2.18 and 1.89 %) were significantly highest in T13. There was increase in available nutrient content upto 90 DAS which then decreased at 120DAS. It is inferred that consortia of two zinc solubilizing and two silica solubilizing microorganisms (T13) is useful for increased availability of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and Silica in soil and increased uptake of NPK by rice plant.

Molecular characterization and evaluation of different irrigation regimens on yield and other agronomic traits of some Egyptian wheat cultivars

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the optimal irrigation needs of six popular Egyptian bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars and to establish baseline effect of reduced irrigation on yield. The varieties included were Sids1, Sids14, Sakha94, Sakha95, Gemmiza12, and Shandawee1. The experiment was conducted at two different locations, Nubaria and Sids Agricultural Research Stations, Egypt over two consecutive seasons, 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. There was a reduction in yield with the decrease in the number of irrigations. However, several cultivars performed better for yield and other traits with one less irrigation than the current irrigation practices in the region. Therefore, the study may help revise irrigation recommendations. Overall, the cultivars Sakha95, Sids1, and Sids14 were taller and had more kernels per spike, higher seed index, and greater grain yield under reduced irrigations and showed the best drought tolerance index. The tested bread wheat cultivars were genotyped using Inter-Retrotransposon Amplified Polymorphism (IRAP) and Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers which showed relation among the cultivars. Among the two types of markers, IRAP was better than SCoT markers for reliability and robustness. Among the six cultivars, 58% of the IRAP markers detected polymorphism as compared to 38% with SCoT markers. The two wheat cultivars Sids1 and Sids14, which performed better for important agronomic traits under water stress conditions, could be used as donors for the national wheat breeding program for drought tolerance.

Field evaluation of UASD Bt-cotton Event-78 based early segregating generations for cotton leaf hopper

UASD Bt cotton Event-78 based early segregating generations (F2 & F3) derived from three diverse crosses were evaluated for field incidence of cotton leaf hopper during kharif-2021 & 2022 at Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Dharwad. A total 600 F2 plants from the crosses viz., UASD Bt-78 х DHS-29, UASDBt-78 х Suvin and Suvin х UASD Bt-78 were screened of which 103,100 and 102 plants respective to the three crosses were found to be resistant. The segregation of F2 population for the jassid tolerance deciphered the implicit “Inhibitory epistasis” mechanism of host plant resistance. Further evaluation of F3 families of these crosses leads to identification of 103 resistant lines from all the three crosses, the mean leafhopper population ranges from 0.67- 2.67 leafhoppers / 3 leaves with the LHRI score of 1.

Integrated Management of Stem and Root Rot of Cowpea Caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi.) Goid. using Fungicides, Bioagents and Organic Manures

Background: Cowpea crop is affected by various biotic and abiotic stresses which are responsible for its poor quality and low yield resulting in severe economic losses. Among the root diseases, stem and root rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina is an important disease causing the yield losses ranging from 50-55 per cent. So, there is a need to formulate suitable management practices against root rot. Methods: Field experiment was laid-out in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23 to determine the efficacy of economically viable and effective fungicides, bioagents and organic manures against stem and root rot of cowpea. The per cent disease incidence and yield per hectare were taken into consideration for statistical analysis. Result: In laboratory experiments, it was found that, the seed dressing fungicides mancozeb 50% + carbendazim 25% WP and carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5% DS were the most effective against M. phaseolina. Similarly, among the bioagents tested, T. harzianum was the most effective followed by T. Viride and P. fluorescens. A two-years evaluation of nine integrated treatment modules for rabi seasons revealed that, seed treatment with carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5 % WS resulted in the lowest disease incidence and the highest grain yield, 100 seed weight and B:C ratio. Cowpea stem and root rot incidence was increased with soil temperature and decreased with soil moisture.

Study of Adding Different Levels of Aqueous Extract of Cloves to Water and Its Effect on the Productive Traits of Broilers

This experiment was conducted in the poultry field belonging to the Agricultural Research and Experimentation Station at the College of Agriculture / Karbala for the period from 10/6/2022 until 11/9/20123. The current study aimed to demonstrate the effect of using different levels of aqueous extract of clove powder added to drinking water and its effect on some productive traits of broiler chickens. A cage with dimensions of 1.5 x 1 m, with 30 chicks for each treatment, with three replicates of the treatment (10 chicks for each replicate), and with four treatments, namely T1, the control treatment without any addition. As for treatments T2, T3, and T4, aqueous extract of clove powder was added to it in three concentrations (10, 20, and 30). ml/liter of drinking water, respectively. The results of the experiment indicated a significant improvement (p≤0.05) in the productive characteristics of the clove powder aqueous extract treatments. Treatment T4 (30 ml/liter of drinking water) witnessed a significant improvement (p≤0.05) in body weight and weight gain and an increase in the food conversion factor with a decrease Significant (p≤0.05) in the percentage of deaths, compared to the control treatment.

Spatio-temporal monitoring of plant water status using optical remote sensing data and in situ measurements

Water content as an important physiological status variable in plants, is closely linked to transpiration, photosynthesis, water stress, and biomass productivity. Obtaining plant water information that provides sufficient spatial and temporal resolution for such applications remains a challenge. In this study, the data distribution space of fractional vegetation cover (FVC) and shortwave infrared transformed reflectance (STR) with linear and nonlinear edges was used to monitor plant water content. Four indicators of plant water status, equivalent water thickness (EWT), leaf water content (LWC), relative water content (RWC), and leaf water potential (LWP), were measured in a 10-ha corn field at the Karkaj Agricultural Research Station of Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran. Furthermore, the Sentinel-2 Level 2 prototype processor (SL2P) was utilized to estimate EWT and compare the results with FVC-STR space. The FVC-STR space with nonlinear edges (FSNLE) provided better estimation accuracy of plant water status than the FVC-STR space with linear edges (FSLE). The root mean square errors of the EWT, LWC, RWC and LWP estimates for FSLE were 0.00306 g/cm2, 4.03 %, 6.56 %, and 0.38 bar, respectively, while those for FSNLE were 0.00303 g/cm2, 3.75 %, 5.57 %, and 0.37 bar, respectively. In addition, the R2 value for FSNLE was higher than that for FSLE (0.43–0.70 vs. 0.39–0.64). The RMSE and R2 for SL2P were 0.0041 g/cm2 and 0.401, respectively. Among the four measured indicators, the highest and lowest estimation accuracies in both FSLE and FSNLE were obtained with EWT and RWC, respectively. It can be concluded that FVC-STR space model based on Sentinel-2 imagery data provide acceptable accuracy for estimating plant water content. The FVC-STR space with nonlinear edges provided a better estimation accuracy for plant water indicators than the FVC-STR space with linear edges.

Growth Response and Economics Variability in Hybrid Pigeonpea to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization

Aims: To study the growth response and economic variability in hybrid pigeonpea to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization. Study Design: Factorial randomized block design. Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted on deep black cotton soils of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam during kharif season, 2018-19 in hybrid pigeonpea (ICPH-2740). Methodology: The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) comprised of four levels of nitrogen in first factor (N1: 20 kg ha-1, N2: 40 kg ha-1, N3: 60 kg ha-1, N4: 80 kg ha-1) and three levels of phosphorus allotted to second factor (P2O5) (P1: 50 kg ha-1, P2: 75 kg ha-1, P3: 100 kg ha-1). Results: The higher values of grain yield (1900 kg ha-1 & 1833 kg ha-1), net returns (Rs.60522/- & Rs.57181/-) and B:C ratio (1.62 & 1.54) were found with application of nitrogen (60 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (75 kg ha-1), respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded that in Krishna agro-climatic zone of Andhra Pradesh, an application of 60 kg N ha-1 and 75 kg P2O5 ha-1 was applied for getting economically higher grain yield in hybrid pigeonpea.