Arid Zone Research Institute Research Articles

Effect of Seed Coating and Pelleting on Germination, Plant Establishment and Seed Yield in Cumin (<i>Cuminum cyminum</i> L.)

An investigation to study the effect of seed coating and pelleting on germination, plant establishment, and seed yield of cumin was conducted at ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, during the Rabi season in the year 2016 and 2017. The field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, comprising 18 treatments in three replications. Results revealed that, pelleting of seeds with lignite + Azospirillum significantly increased per cent field emergence (91.5%), plant height, umbels per plant, seeds per plant and seed yield as compared to other treatments. But seed yield parameters viz. days required for 50% t field emergence, plant height at harvesting time, days required for 50% flowering and seed test weight did not show significant variation with other treatments. Furthermore, an experiment on the storability of pelleted seeds in terms of germination percentage was conducted in a laboratory, and it was found that seeds pelleted with lignite and Azospirillum recorded the highest germination percentage (67%) at the end of a 6-month storage period. Overall, seed pelleting treatments with lignite + Azospirillum improved crop establishment, growth, and seed yield, and the pelleted seeds can also be stored for 6 months under ambient conditions.

Preface

Peer review statement We are the editorial board of the 2nd International Scientific Conference of Water- 2023 (ISCW-2023) declared that all papers published in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing, and accepted based on the reviewers’ comments in the double-blind peer review process. Each referee’s report was judged by at least one editor, to give the final decision. PREFACE: 2nd International Scientific Conference of Water- 2023 (ISCW-2023) The ISCW-2023 conference intends to bring together junior and senior, international and national researchers, scientists and scholars interesting in the field of water harvesting and desertification combat. We think the conference will offer an excellent opportunity for networking with other members and exchange knowledge and explore the most recent developments in the sustainable development of water resources and ecosystems, management of water resources in arid and semi-arid regions, modern techniques for water harvesting and conserving in dry regions, in addition to water quality and biodiversity. ISCW-2023 is a prestigious event organized by the Center of Upper Euphrates Basin Development, University of Anbar, with a motivation to provide an excellent international platform for academicians, researchers, engineers, industrial participants and budding students around the world to share their research results with the global experts. We cordially invited participants from all over the world who wish to share their best practices and research findings in ISCW-2023 and enlighten their new ideas to make this event growing from strength to strength.Participants will be offered the opportunity to contribute to the conference in various roles: they can discuss keynotes, produce a poster presentation and submit full research or review articles. Articles submitted to the conference should report original high-quality and previously unpublished results. Submission of a manuscript implies that it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. All submitted articles will be subjected to a double-blind peer-review process. Novelty, relevancy, language standards, references, and many other factors are considered for the evaluation process. The conference nominated Prof. Nadhir Al-Ansari (Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Lulea University of Technology, Arab Open Academy in Denmark), Prof. Dr. Cj (Coen) (Ristsema Chairholder Soil Physics and Land Management, Washington University & Research), and Dr. Mohamed Ouessar (Applied Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Eremology and Combating Desertification, Arid Zone Research Institute) as keynote speakers. ISCW-2023 will be held basically via physical attendance (In-person) for two days 15th - 16th March 2023 in Ramadi, Anbar, Iraq. Each participant will be given approximately 10 minutes to view the most important findings of his/her research, and 5 minutes to discuss these results. Sincerely yours, Prof. Dr. Ayoob Obaid Alfalahi Department of Plant Protection College of Agriculture / University of Anbar / Anbar / IRAQ Editor-in-chief /ISCW-2023 List of Committees (ISCW-2023) are available in the pdf.

EFFICIENCY OF NITROGEN FIXING, NODULATION FORMATION, PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZING BACTERIA AND PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA ON YIELD OF CHICKPEA

Chickpea is an important nodules producing pulse crop of Thal. To enhance nitrogen fixation for higher yield, the effect of bacterial strains on nodulation was evaluated for yield contributing traits of chickpea at Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Pakistan during 2019-20. Six Rhizobium inoculations i.e. Providencia vermicola, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus mojavensis, Mesorhizobium ciceri-11, Mesorhizobium ciceri-1 and Bacillus subtilis were tested on two chickpea genotypes i.e. Bhakkar-2011 and Thal-2020. A consortium of six bacterial strains was applied at the time of sowing as a seed coating on a sandy soil. Results showed a significant increase in height/plant, nodulation, 100 grain weight, pods/plant and grain yield (kg/ha) due to bacterial inoculation. Nodules/plant were also increased from 44.08 to 76.16. Maximum number of nodules plant-1 were counted as 76.16 with 2.59 g fresh and 0.64 g dry weight per plant in treatment combination viz. Thal-2020 × RP08+RS14+RZ11 thus showing the specific symbiotic relationship among the genotypes and Rhizobium inoculum. In comparison to the control, the PSB, nitrogen-fixing bacteria and rhizobium inoculum results were 52 % increase in pods/ plant. The maximum number of pods/plant (116.00) and100 grain weight (27.73 g) were recorded in V1 × T1 (RP08+RS14+ RZ11). The weight of 100 grains was increased by 40% over the control. T1 had the highest 100 grain weight of 27.73 g, followed by V1 x T3 with a 100 grain weight of 26.22 g. PSB, nitrogen fixation bacteria and PSB inoculation substantially improved pulse crop 100 grain weight and yield. Thal-2020 had the highest grain yield of 3732 kg/ha, while V2 (Bhakkar-2011) had the lowest at 3516 kg/ha. Inoculation with rhizobium consortium improved grain yield by 30% (2617 to 3732 kg/ha). Hence, it was concluded that among all the treatments of Rhizobium consortium, N-fixing bacteria and PSB influenced a beneficial effect on chickpea grain yield quality and quantity.

Morphological variability and genetic potential of henna (Lawsonia inermis) germplasms in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan

Henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) is a commercial and export-oriented important perennial shrub used in the ornamentation of palm, feet, dyeing of hair, etc. Developing high-yielding varieties and elite plant materials are the best method to increase the productivity and quality in henna. An experiment was conducted at research farm of ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Pali-Marwar, Rajasthan during 2018–22 in Randomized block design to assess variability among morphometric traits and genetic parameters for dry leaf yield and attributing characters in Henna. The results indicated that among 19 germplasms maximum dry leaf yield and minimum number of inflorescence was recorded in CZ-RSPH-8 followed by CZ-RSPH-15. The accession CZ-RSPH-9 (2.33%) exhibited the highest lawsone content (%) followed by CZ-RSPH-8 and CZ-RSPH-15. The estimates of phenotypic co-efficient variation (PCV) were higher than the respective genotypic co-efficient variation (GCV). The number of inflorescences registered high heritability with high genetic advance. Path analysis exhibited the direct effect of the number of inflorescence with dry leaf yield. Cluster analysis revealed two major clusters classified into 6 and 13 germplasm which depicts the diverse degree of relatedness among different accessions.

EVALUATION OF CHICKPEA ELITE LINES AGAINST ASCOCHYTA BLIGHT AND FUSARIUM WILT

Low yield of chickpea in Pakistan is due to the existence of wilt and blight diseases. Screening of existing germplasm against diseases is pre requisite for crop improvement. Pathogens of wilt and blight diseases were isolated from diseased samples and inoculum was prepared. Forty one chickpea genotypes containing approved varieties, advance lines etc., were screened in blight and wilt inoculated nurseries under controlled conditions separately. The experiment was laid out under augmented design. The experiment was conducted at Arid Zone Research Institute, Bhakkar, Pakistan during 2019-2021. Data for each disease was collected according to respective disease scales. The scale (1-9) was used for recording the data. Out of total forty-one genotypes, only two varieties (Bittal-16 and Niab-16) were moderately resistant, sixteen genotypes were susceptible and the rest were highly susceptible to Ascochyta blight disease. The level of resistance in blight experiment was 3.27% while susceptibility level was 96.72%. In case of second experiment of chickpea wilt was sown in sick plot. For Fusarium wilt, four genotypes (TG 1708, TG 1710, TG 1712 & TG 1808) were found resistant, fifteen were moderately resistant, twelve were susceptible and the remaining were highly susceptible. The resistant level in this experiment was 6.5%, moderately resistant was 24.59% and remaining susceptible and highly susceptible was 73.77%. The genotypes showed resistance against Ascochyta blight and Fusarium wilt can be utilized in future breeding programs to develop high yielding disease resistant cultivars of chickpea.

Utilization of harvested rainwater for ensuring green-fodder availability in arid Rajasthan

The efficient use and management of natural resources are important factors for success in agricultural farming. An experiment was conducted on round the year fodder production at ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, Rajasthan during 2017–18 to 2019–20 by harvesting rainwater from the rooftop of buildings and irrigating crops using a solar operated water pump though drips and micro-sprinklers for efficient use of harvested water. In the 3 m inter-row spaces of bajra napier hybrid (BNH) variety CO 4, three legumes Vigna unguiculata (cowpea), Clitoria ternatea (butterfly pea) and Lablab purpureus (sem) received 40 and 60 kg P/ha, grown as intercrops during the rainy (kharif) season and lucerne in succession on residual P during winter (rabi) season. Among three kharif legumes, significantly higher green (11.19 t/ha) and dry (1.60 t/ha) fodder yields were recorded with cowpea that received 60 kg P/ha. An average 243.97 t/ha green and 37.55 t/ha dry fodder yields was recorded from the system in which share of BNH in green and dry fodder yield was 67.57 and 61.81% respectively. BNH gave 164.85 and 23.21 t/ha green and dry fodder from six cuts, kharif legumes contributed 7.43 t/ha in the green fodder and 1.12 t/ha in dry fodder from a single cut and lucerne produced 71.53 t/ha green and 10.32 t/ha dry fodder from the seven cuts in a year. This system has the capacity to meet out the green fodder requirement of 4–5 adult cattle unit (ACU) round the year from the land unit of 0.1 ha.

Effects of Non-genetic Factors on Production and Reproduction Traits in Tharparkar Cattle under Arid Region of Rajasthan

Background: Tharparkar is one of the important milch breed of cattle for the arid western region of India, which has the capacity to withstand harsh desert climatic conditions and has high thermo-tolerance gene (Bhat et al. 2016) with better reproductive efficiency and milk production. Methods: The present investigation was undertaken on 422 lactation record of 95 cows spread over 30 years from 1990 to 2020, available at ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur (Rajasthan). Various lactation and reproduction traits in Tharparkar cattle were analysed by using Linear Mixed Model methodology. Result: The overall least-square means were 1803.05±31.59 litre for 305-days lactation yield, 1915.38±36.87 litre for total lactation yield (TLY) in 313.12±4.28 days of lactation length (LL). The peak yield (PY) was 10.29±0.12 litre and days to attain peak yield was 68.12±2.16 days of calving. The least-square means of dry period (DP) and calving interval (CI) were 114.23±4.81 and 427.01±5.49 days, respectively. Significant improvement in production and reproduction traits was observed may be due to selection of high yielding animals and improving management condition of herd. Rigid culling of animals should be followed after 5th lactation onwards to make the dairy farm profitability. Non-significant effect of season of calving indicated the adaptive character against the extreme climatic conditions of the arid zone.

Techno-Economic analysis of CAZRI Solar Dryer

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is one of the major horticultural produce and an important source of income as well as livelihood in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and North-eastern part of India. However, it is also full of nutritional and functional health benefits. Despite all the advantages associated with the fruit, shorter shelf life is major hindrance in attaining its potential economic benefit to the farmers. Apricot drying is most common in these regions t raditionally done by the farmers. Solar dryer developed by ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) at its regional station, Leh is helping in extending shelf life of apricot and its availability throughout the year. This study was carried out during 2017–19 aimed to estimate the techno-economic benefit on adoption of the dryer by individual farmer or processor. It is found that adopter need to make investment of `1.10 lakh in fixed capital and requires `1.22 lakh annually to process one metric tonnes of the fruit. The annual cost of production was determined as `133,000 with depreciation of `11,000 for project of 1 metric tonne fresh fruit. Estimates indicate that adopter could generate net income of `78,000 annually. Profitability analysis yielded net profit ratio, pay-back period, benefit-cost ratio and break-even point of 37%, 1.23 years, 1.52, and 123.50 kg, respectively.

Epidemiology of Haemoprotozoal Infection of Small Ruminants in Surrounding Region of Arid Zone Research Institute of District Kohat, Pakistan

Epidemiology of Haemoprotozoal Infection of Small Ruminants in Surrounding Region of Arid Zone Research Institute of District Kohat, Pakistan

Antioxidant status and their enhancements strategies for water stress tolerance in chickpea.

Water stress executes severe influences on the plant growth and development through modifying physio-chemical properties. Therefore, a field experiment was designed to evaluate the antioxidant status and their enhancements strategies for water stress tolerance in chickpea on loam and clay loam soils under agro-ecological conditions of Arid Zone Research Institute, Bahawalpur (29.3871 °N, 71.653 °E) and Cholistan farm near Derawer (28.19°N, 71.80°E) of Southern Punjab, Pakistan during winter 2014-15. Experimental treatments comprised of two chickpea cultivars i.e. Bhakhar 2011 (drought tolerant) and DUSHT (drought sensitive), two water stress levels i.e. water stress at flowering stage and water stress at flowering + pod formation + grain filling stage including well watered (control) and two exogenous application of osmoprotectants i.e. glycine betaine (GB) 20 ppm and proline 10 uM including distilled water (control). Results indicated that water stress at various growth stages adversely affects the growth, yield and quality attributes of both chickpea cultivars. Exogenous application of GB and proline improved the growth, yield and quality parameters of both chickpea cultivars even under water stress conditions. However, superior results were obtained with exogenously applied GB on Bhakhar 2011 under well-watered conditions. Similarly, foliar spray of GB on chickpea cultivar Bhakhar 2011 under stress at flowering + pod formation + grain filling stage produced maximum superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase contents. These results suggested that application of GB mitigates the adverse effects of water stress and enhanced tolerance in chickpea mainly due to higher antioxidant enzymes activity, demonstrating the protective measures of plant cells in stress condition. Hence, antioxidants status might be a suitable method for illustrating water stress tolerance in chickpea.

Performance evaluation of PCM based solar concentrator type desalination device

Thar desert of Rajasthan is one of the most water-stressed states in India and has limited surface water resources, and available groundwater is brackish water; therefore, it must be distillate or purified. In the present paper, we develop a concentrating solar thermal desalination device. This system was assembled by dish concentrator, vessel, SS-based condensing unit, stand and jar for distillate water. Also, paraffin wax of melting temperature 58–60 °C was used in this study as a phase change material to increase the water temperature and heat the water. A year-round performance analysis was carried out during 2020 at ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, India. The maximum productivity with PCM is 7.12 lit day−1, and without PCM is 6.52 lit day−1 during May 2020. The monthly average distillate obtained from the PCM-based desalination unit is 4.51 lit.month−1, and without PCM, the distillate yield is 3.84 lit.month−1.Incorporating paraffin as a PCM to the concentrating desalination system increased system working hours and increased system productivity by about 109%. The maximum average daily efficiency of the parabolic concentrating solar thermal desalination device varied from 13.5 percent in January to 34.8 percent in May. The economic analysis of the concentrating solar thermal desalination device revealed that the high value of the internal rate of return IRR (87.2 percent) and low value of the payback period (1.40 Years) makes the unit very cost-efficient. Therefore, this solar desalination device can be successfully used to desalinate the saline water in rural areas of the Thar desert of Rajasthan to meet the requirement of potable water. This present study contains valuable information, particularly for researchers, industrialists, and investors interested in solar-based water desalination system investment in hot arid areas of India.

Techno-economic evaluation of different agri-voltaic designs for the hot arid ecosystem India

The rising trend of solar PV generation from ground based installations has led to competition for land between agriculture and PV generation. The solution to this challenge lies in the agri-voltaic system (AVS). The AVS systems allows agricultural activities on land while provides opportunity for PV generation and thus returns additional income from land. Therefore, the Governments of many countries e.g. Japan, France, USA, South Korea, and China have already introduced policies for installation of AVS on agricultural land. Following this trend, policy to install AVS in farmers field has also been launched in India under the national level scheme called KUSUM (Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahaabhiyan) targeting for energy security and upliftment campaign for farmers. Under the scheme, subsidy is gurranted for installation of PV power plants in farmers field with a capacity between 0.5 and 2 MWp and on-grid net metering connection of the PV power plant. After announcement of the scheme, there has been increasing interests for installation of AVS by farmers, however, limited knowledge on techno-economic performance of the system, field scale installations of it has been hindered. In the present study, techno-economic analysis of different designs of AVS systems (105 kWp) established at ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute has been evaluated with several combinations of rainfed and irrigated crops. Field performance of the AVS system of 105 kWp has been used to extrapolate cost and returns for 520 kWp system, which lies in the range of KUSUM target. Five AVS designs were considered in the study: extrapolated into 520 kWp AVS and compared theoretically with the price and returns of a photo-voltaic ground-mounted (PV-GM) plant the same capacity. Among five designs of PV arrays in the AVS, the one-row full density photovoltaic array with irrigated brinjal recorded the highest combined net returns of PV + crop components followed by rainfed snap melon. Based on the highest returns per hectare basis, the economic analysis of AVS design for rainfed and irrigated crops is compared to PV-GM. The higher values of life cycle benefit (LCB) could lead to higher net present worth (NPW) of AVS over PV-GM. The higher values of internal rate of return (IRR) in AVS lead to quicker repayment of investment cost as indicated by the pay-back period (PBP), which is shorter by 0.5 and 1.14 years in AVS one row PV array in rainfed and irrigated as compared to PV-GM (8.61 years). Moreover, the one row PV array with irrigated had the lowest Levelized cost of electricity generation (LCOE) (INR 3.17 kWh−1), which is much lower than the prevailing electricity tariff (INR 5.0 kWh−1). Hence, it is inferred that crop production can be very economical for an AVS. AVS technology shows flexibility up to 6% escalation in cost with no escalation in returns, as is indicated by sensitivity analysis. One row full density with irrigated is found the best system based on sensitivity analysis and economic feasibility. The economic analysis of AVS designs in this study is similar to the cost of other PV systems worldwide. Therefore, all PV systems analyzed represent a relatively safe investment.

Effect of Presowing Treatments on Seed and Seedling Quality Attributes of an Endemic Agroforestry Tree Acacia nilotica subsp. cupressiformis (J.L. Stewart) Ali and Faruqi

Background: Acacia nilotica var. cupressiformis is an evergreen multipurpose leguminous tree species which is suitable to agroforestry purposes and mainly distributed in Western parts of Rajasthan in India particularly Pali and its adjoining areas. The species has many advantages, however the natural germination in wild is very limited due to its hard seed coat dormancy. Methods: The experiment was conducted to study the effect of presowing treatment on seed coat of A. nilotica var. cupressiformis seeds with ten treatments in Completely Randomized Block Design at ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Pali Marwar. The treatments were replicated thrice. Result: Among the treatments, maximum germination and higher values was obtained in sand paper scarification with water soaking for 12hrs (T2) followed by mechanical scarification with sand paper (T1), acid scarification (50% for 20 min) (T7) and acid scarification (98% for 10 min) (T5). Further, the present study aims to initiate the research areas for conservation and utilization of A. nilotica var. cupressiformis in Western parts of Rajasthan and other parts of India.

Evaluating effect of cover crops on runoff, soil loss and soil nutrients in an Indian arid region

ABSTRACT Estimates of the soil and nutrient losses are essential for design and planning of soil conservation measures in Indian arid region. This study aims at estimating rainfall-runoff, soil and nutrient losses from different cover crops, and to identify the best cover for checking soil loss. The study is conducted for 2013–2015 in research farm of the Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Station, Bhuj, Gujarat, India. Ten treatments comprising four sole-crop, that is, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), green gram (Vigna radiata), and cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and four cereal-legume intercropping with two controls (cultivated and unplowed fallows) are undertaken in randomized block design with three replications. Multi-slot divisors are fabricated and installed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is performed, and their interrelationships are explored. The highest soil loss is recorded from cultivated fallow (108.03 ± 49.95 kg.ha−1.yr−1) and unplowed fallow (78.95 ± 28.42 kg.ha−1.yr−1). Green gram is found effective in controlling soil loss as sole-crop (event-wise soil loss ~0.54–33.94 kg.ha−1) as well as intercropping with sorghum (event-wise soil loss ~0.60–23.37 kg.ha−1) and pearl millet (event-wise soil loss ~2.45–31.11 kg ha−1). ANOVA revealed significance (p < .05) of runoff-generating rainfall, crop cover, and their sole- and intercropping practices. Values of coefficient of determination (R2) indicated highly correlated (R2 ≥ 0.75) relationships of rainfall-runoff for all treatments, rainfall-soil loss for sole cereals and cultivated fallow, and runoff-soil loss for pearl millet and intercropping with green gram. This study concludes that cereal-legume intercropping diminishes the adverse impact of raindrops on soil erosion and crop production.

Plant architecture evolution for higher yields in cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) under arid conditions

Cluster bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] is an annual legume well adapted to limiting soil moisture and wide range of temperature fluctuations. In order to realize the potential of the crop, systematic cluster bean improvement efforts in India were initiated since 1961. Early released varieties were identified through multilocation germplasm testing. Selections, hybridization and mutagenesis have been contributing to recent varieties with more shares emanating from hybridization. Some of the earlier released varieties are still popular with the farmers. The traits responsible for high yield in guar varieties have not been analyzed and probably resulting in release of similar types with no or marginal gains. Hence, present investigation was undertaken to evaluate popular varieties with respect to seed yield and other associated morpho-physiological traits. Thirty varieties procured from the Agriculture Research Station, Durgapura (SKRAU, Bikaner), CCHAU, Hisar and CAZRI, Jodhpur were evaluated during kharif 2013, 2014 and 2015 at the Central Research Farm, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, India. The analysis of variance indicated non-significant variation for important yield and yield attributing traits like pods/plant, pod length, seed weight and nodes per plant. The various traits like branches per plant, number of clusters and pods per cluster complemented so as to have comparable number of pods per plant and yield. Most of the contribution to variance comes from environments indicating adaptive plasticity in cluster bean irrespective of varieties. The varieties released meticulously incorporated early partitioning and increased proportion of reproductive phase for high yield.

Yield and Nutrition of Moth Bean-Mustard Rotation in Soils Amended with Tree Leaf Litters in the Arid Region of Rajasthan

Background: The incorporation of leaf litters in agroforestry systems can meet a significant share of nutrients demand and improve crop yield. The Citrus aurontifolia, Aegle marmelos and Cordia myxa (among fruit trees) and Colophospermum mopane, Acacia senegal, Acacia tortilis, Dalbergia sissoo (among trees) are well-adapted species to the arid environment. Unfortunately, little work has been done in the past to study the influence of leaf litters of these species on yield and nutrition of crops grown in arid region. Therefore, the present experiment was planned to study the influence of leaf litters of Colophospermum mopane, Acacia senegal, Acacia tortilis, Dalbergia sissoo, Citrus aurontifolia, Aegle marmelos and Cordia myxa on yield and uptake of nutrients in moth bean and Indian mustard in arid region. Methods: Field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Bikaner in moth bean-mustard rotation during 2010-11 and 2011-12 by incorporating leaf litters of seven tree species i.e. Mopane (Colophospermum mopane), Gum acacia (Acacia Senegal), Umbrella tree (Acacia tortilis), Indian rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo), Sour lime (Citrus aurantifolia), Assyrian plum (Cordia myxa) and Bengal quince (Aegle marmelos) in randomized block design with three replications. Grain and straw yield was recorded and analysed for N, P and K content. Result: The maximum grain yield of moth bean and its residual effect on mustard was observed in the soils amended with leaf litters of Citrus aurontifolia followed by Aegle marmelos and Dalbergia sissoo. The total uptake of N, P and K was significantly higher in the treatments of Citrus aurontifolia and Aegle marmelos, which was due to the higher dry matter production of crops, faster rate of litter decomposition and higher release of nutrients.

Seed Village Program: A Practical Approach for Combating Malnutrition and Nutritional Security in an Arid Zone.

Despite implementation of the organized seed program, there exists an alarming gap between the demand and supply of quality seeds. The immediate increase in the productivity and production of these crops can be achieved by a higher distribution of quality seeds of high-yielding varieties. In this context, the concept of a seed village is gaining momentum. Bearing the above facts in mind, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Pali, India, introduced the seed village program to selected villages in the year 2018 to 2019. Under this initiative, quality seeds of improved varieties of prominent local crops were distributed by the KVK to the identified farmers in the area as per an annual program. A number of training sessions on seed production technology were also arranged for technology empowerment of the participating farmers in the seed villages, and they were also trained for isolation distance, sowing techniques, seed treatment, off-type plant, and other agronomic practices. The farmers used these quality seeds and undertook their own seed multiplication within the operational area, which showed a considerable spread of improved varieties in nearby villages. For wheat, from an initial start of 10 farmers the variety spread to 8 villages covering 17 ha of area. For barley, the varietal spread was observed in 10 villages covering an area of 20 ha. In the case of chickpea, the variety spread to an area of 19 ha, with mustard the spread included 8 villages covering an area of 30 ha, with green gram the spread included 7 villages covering an area of 15 ha, and in the case of sesame the spread included 9 villages covering an area of 33 ha. Thus, there is vast scope to produce quality seeds in most crops for which the seed village concept is a practical approach and needs to be promoted to facilitate the production and timely distribution of quality seeds of desired varieties at the village level.

Determination of actual evapotranspiration for summer clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) using mini-lysimeters in hot arid zone of India

A field experiment was conducted for three consecutive years 2015-17 during the summer season at the experiment farm of ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur to determine the actual evapotranspiration of clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] using mini-lysimeter by imposing different levels of irrigation based on cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) 50 mm irrigation at 100, 80, 60 and 40% of CPE. Three year averaged actual crop ET was observed 686, 554, 454 and 340 mm under 100, 80, 60 and 40 % irrigation levels, respectively. The highest crop ET was recorded under 100% followed by 80, 60 and 40 % irrigation levels. However, maximum water productivity (0.35 kg m-3) at 80% irrigation level, while the lowest (0.21 kg m-3) was observed at 40% irrigation level.The results also indicated that to achieve maximum water productivity, crop ET would need to be at least 554 mm and the crop can save 19.2% (132 mm) of water with a compromise in yield reduction by 10.4% (225 kg).

Interactive effect of FYM and mulching on productivity and water use efficiency of squash melon (Citrullus vulgaris var. fistulosus) grown with supplemental irrigation in hot arid region of Rajasthan

Squash melon (Citrullus vulgaris var. fistulosus Steward) is a rainfed crop in arid region but in these areas, the rainy days are very less. Due to this reason, the farmers could not get desired yield. Hence supplemental irrigation with water conservation practices is required for getting the economic return from this crop. Hence an experiment was conducted at ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Bikaner, Rajasthan to study the effect of three mulching treatments (No mulching, straw mulching (2.5 tonnes/ha) using local shrub Leptadenia pyrotechnica and black polyethylene plastic mulching of 25 micron thickness) and four FYM doses (0, 20, 30 and 40 tonnes/ha) on growth, yield, WUE and economics of Squash melon grown with supplemental irrigation during kharif seasons of 2012 and 2013. Vine length, numbers of fruits per plant and yield of squash melon were significantly influenced by FYM, mulching and their interaction during both the years of experiment. Application of FYM caused significant improvement in squash melon yield up to 30 tonnes/ha. Averaged across mulching treatments, application of FYM @ 20, 30 and 40 tonnes/ha resulted 47.8, 79.5 and 88.4% higher yields compared to control. Application of mulch brought significant improvement in yield and yield components and the response of mulch varied with the level of FYM application. Plastic and straw mulching resulted 26.6 and 48.6% higher yield over no-mulch treatment. Straw mulch recorded the longest vine length, the highest numbers of fruits per plant and yield. The highest yield was recorded with application of 30 tonnes FYM /ha combined with straw mulch.

Yield Performance of Some Lentil Genotypes over Different Environments

Core Ideas Genotype × environment interaction among 11 genotypes was highly significant over three different locations. Genotype NL 96475A was most stable for all environments. Genotype NL 96680 was suitable for low‐performing environments. The assessment and measurement of yield stability of a genotype over environments is an important component of a certain breeding program. Ten elite genotypes of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) and one check variety were evaluated for their adaptability at three different locations of Punjab Province, viz—Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad; Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Chakwal; and Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI), Bhakar. Trials were conducted during two consecutive years (2013–2014). Genotype × environment interactions (of crossover nature) among 11 genotypes and 3 environments were observed to be highly significant. Mean seed yield was found maximum for NL 56‐1 (718 kg ha−1) followed by NL 96475A (709 kg ha−1) during 2013. However, NL 96475A had shown stable performance at different locations and was better responsive to favorable conditions having high regression coefficients. NL 96680 also appeared to be a stable genotype for low‐performing environments, as it had a regression coefficient less than unity. In the year 2014, the same genotypes, NL 96475A and NL 96680, had shown stable performance. NL 96475A was found suitable for all environments, and NL 96680 was suited to a low‐performing environment. On the basis of these observations, it has been concluded that NL 96475A was the most stable genotype with mean yield greater than the grand mean, nonsignificant estimates of unit regression coefficient, and deviation from regression.