CCS Haryana Agricultural University Research Articles

Effects of Different Nutrient Management Methods on Growth and Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of the year 2022-2023 at the KVK Farm, Mahendergarh of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during Rabi season 2022-23 with the objective to study the effect of different nutrient management practices on growth and yield of barley. The experiment containing eleven treatments viz. Control, 100% RDF (60 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 + 15 kg K2O ha-1, 100% RDF) + Azotobactor + PSB, 50% RDF + Azotobactor + PSB, 50% RDF + 50% RDN through Vermicompost, 50% RDF + 50% RDN through Vermicompost+ Azotobactor + PSB, 75% RDF + Azotobactor + PSB, 75% RDF + 25% RDN through Vermicompost, 75% RDF + 25% RDN through Vermicompost + Azotobactor + PSB, 100% RDN through vermicompost and 100% RDN through vermicompost + Azotobactor + PSB. All the growth and yield parameters increased significantly with75% R.D.F + 25% N through Vermicompost. The growth characters like plant height (cm) and number of tillers/mrl were significantly higher under 75% R.D.F + 25% N through Vermicompost + Azotobactor + PSB as compared to other nutrient combinations. The yield components like spike length (cm), number of grains spike-1, grain yield (kg ha-1) and straw yield (kg ha-1) were significantly higher under 75% R.D.F + 25% N through Vermicompost+ Azotobactor + PSB. Harvest index and 1000-grain weight (g) were not influenced significantly due to different nutrient combinations The nitrogen and protein content in grain were obtained higher with 75% R.D.F + 25% N through Vermicompost + Azotobactor + PSB which was significantly higher than rest of treatments. Thus, it can be concluded that a dose of 75% R.D.F + 25% N through Vermicompost + Azotobactor + PSB may be most suitable nutrient combination for achieving higher growth and yield of barley.

Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under Different Levels of Fertilizer and Vermicompost Grown under Every Furrow and Alternate Furrow Irrigation Methods

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2021-22 at the Agronomy Research Farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar in a split-plot design with two vermicompost levels i.e., vermicompost @ 1.5 t ha-1 and vermicompost @ 3.0 t ha-1, two irrigation methods i.e., every furrow irrigation and alternate furrow irrigation method as the main plot treatments and three fertilizer levels at N40P20, N60P30 and N80P40 kg ha-1 as subplot treatments and replicated three times. Among the vermicompost levels, vermicompost at 3.0 t ha-1 recorded significantly higher no. of tillers; yield attributes i.e., no. of effective tillers (12.88%), spike length (14.49%), no. of grains per spike (13.85%), 1000-grain weight (10.57%) and yield i.e., grain yield (11.00%), biological yield (10.75%) than vermicompost at 1.5 t ha-1. Among methods of irrigation, every furrow irrigation recorded significantly higher in no. of tillers, yield attributes i.e., no. of effective tillers (13.68%), spike length (14.49%), no. of grains per spike (11.51%), 1000-grain weight (9.37%); yield (grain yield (17.15%), biological yield (22.08%) and economics (gross and net returns (15.52 and 25.66%) than alternate furrow irrigation. Among fertilizer level, application of N80P40 recorded significantly higher no. of tillers, spike length, no. of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight; yield (grain yield (13.02%), biological yield (15.81%), and economics (gross and net returns (13.72 and 24.49%) over other levels of fertilizer. Based on the study, it was found that vermicompost level, method of irrigation and fertilizer level has significant effect on no. of tillers, available NPK content in soil, yield attributes, yield and economics of barley.

Mean Performance and Genetic Variability Exploration for Fruit Yield and its Attributing Traits in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

The present study was conducted to access the relative performance, genetic variability, genetic advance and heritability in thirty genotypes of tomato crop. The crop was sown under Randomized Block Design (RBD) in three replications at Regional Research Station Karnal, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, during the Autumn Winter season of 2021-22. The observations were recorded for eight parameters pertaining to the fruit yield and its attributing traits in tomato. Statistics from analysis of variance showed substantial differences among the genotypes that unveils the plausible presence of significant genetic variability which could be positively exploited in crop improvement programs. The results obtained in the experiment showed that Pusa Ruby (38 days) was earliest to flower in 50% plants followed by EC-631351 (40 days). Genotype Selection 7 took the least (66) number of days to first picking and genotype Kashi Hemant took the maximum (155 days) number of days to last picking. Genotype EC-615056 recorded the maximum (57.71 g) average fruit weight and genotypes namely EC-631457, EC-631357 and Pusa Early Dwarf observed highest fruit yield per plant. Narrow differences were recorded for the phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation for all the characters, which denotes that environment had very little influence in expression of the characters and phenotype truly represents the genotype. High to moderate magnitude of genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation was recorded for almost all the characters in our investigation. Plant characters days to first picking, days to 50% flowering, days to last picking, plant height at harvest recorded high (>70%) magnitude of heritability in broad sense implying least influence of environment over these characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for characters like days to 50% flowering and plant height at harvesting.

Knowledge and Access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) services among Research Faculties of CCS HAU, Hisar

The study was carried to determine the knowledge and access of ICTs services among the research faculties of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. All the colleges of university were selected. Data were collected personally from 120 research faculties selected by simple random sampling technique through a structured questionnaire and analyzed with the help of appropriate statistical tools by using 26 version (SPSS). The findings revealed that majority of the respondents were male having age between 37-47 years with PhD with NET having service experience of 6-10 years belonged to nuclear type of family and had medium family educational status. Knowledge and access regarding MS office and online ICT applications was medium to high among majority of the respondents. Moreover, knowledge and access regarding internet were medium to low while knowledge and access regarding scientific portal/website/tools was found low among respondents.

Effect of Varieties and Nutrient Treatments on Physiological and Phenological Parameters of Summer Greengram (Vigna radiata L.)

The present investigation was conducted during the summer season of 2020 at Regional Research Station (Bawal), CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to study the response of greengran to different varieties and nutrients treatments. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with four replications. The main plot consisted of varieties (MH-421, MH-318 and SML-668) and sub-plot consisted of nutrient treatments (Control, 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 75% RDF + 25% FYM + Rhizobium + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), 50% RDF + 50% FYM + Rhizobium + PSB). The findings suggest that variety MH-318 gave significantly higher no. of branches, leaf area, leaf area index (LAI) and leaf area duration (LAD) as well as phenological traits such as days taken to 50% flowering (days) over SML-668 and MH-421. Among the nutrient treatments, application of 75% RDF + 25% FYM + Rhizobium + PSB demonstrated superior performance across physiological (no. of branches, leaf area, LAI and LAD) and phenological traits (50% flowering) over 100% RDF, 50% RDF + 50% FYM + Rhizobium + PSB and control. Thus, a combination of variety MH-318 with 75% RDF + 25% FYM + Rhizobium + PSB helps in enhancing the physiological and phenological parameters of greengram without negative influence on plant and the environment.

Evaluation of Some Green Gram Genotypes against Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius and Leafhopper, Empoasca kerri Pruthi under Field Conditions

Studies were carried out on 51 genotypes of green gram, evaluated to identify the genotypic response against whitefly, leafhoppers and yellow mosaic virus infestation during kharif, 2010 at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Out of 51 genotypes, MH 732, MH 717, MH 719 and MH - 125 (Basanti) and MH 717 harboured minimum population of whitefly (2.68 /cage/plant), green leafhopper (0.45 /cage/plant), brown leafhopper (0.15 /cage/plant) and mixed (green and brown) leafhopper (0.69 /cage/plant), respectively, as compared to maximum whitefly population observed on genotype SM 9-117 (8.30 /cage/plant), green leafhopper on MH 809 (1.12 /cage/plant), brown leafhopper on MH 748 and MH 808 (0.41 /cage/plant) and mixed leafhopper counts recorded on SM 9-113 (1.49 /cage/plant). Genotype MH 742 affected least 2.80 per cent with the incidence of YMV as compared to maximum (56 per cent) incidence on SM 9-112. Highest grain yield (908 kg/ha) was obtained from the genotype MH 742 as compared to 355 kg/ha lowest observed from the genotype SM 9-112.

Morphological Trait based Genetic Divergence and Correlation in Barley Genotypes for Drought Tolerance

An experiment was conducted to explore the genetic diversity for the selection and utilization of drought-tolerant barley genotypes in future breeding approaches for yield enhancement. The experimental material comprised thirty barley genotypes planted at the Barley Research Area, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, under drought conditions during 2015-16 and 2016-17. All the genotypes were classified into four distinct clusters. Cluster IV occupied the maximum number of genotypes, i.e. 17, followed by cluster I with eight genotypes. Cluster II and III possessed three and two genotypes, respectively. The average inter-cluster distance was found to be highest between clusters II and III (261.7), followed by clusters III and IV (188.1), while the lowest inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters II and IV (73.8). Cluster I, comprised of eight genotypes, exhibited maximum germination per cent. Cluster II consisted of three genotypes, characterized by high initial vigour, early heading and minimum plant height. Two genotypes from cluster III exhibited minimum internode length, longest spike, and maximum number of tillers per meter and were also found promising for the traits viz., culm thickness, number of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight and grain yield per plot. Cluster IV, being the largest one, had 17 genotypes with the characteristic features of early maturity. Number of effective tillers per meter showed significant positive correlation with grain yield per plot. This trait could be used as a key component in the screening and selection of drought-tolerant genotypes. The improvement in barley could be achieved through the use of genotypes namely JB 481 and Lakhan assigned in clusters III. These genotypes might be considered as potential parents to obtain high heterotic response and accordingly better segregant for grain yield under drought condition.

Assessment of foliar application of nutrients on yield and quality of guava (Psidium guajava)

Present study was carried out during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2020–2022 at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to assess the effect of foliar application of nutrients on the yield and quality aspects of rainy season guava (Psidium guajava L.). Experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) comprised of 4 different foliar applications of zinc sulphate, viz. ZnSO4 @0% (Control); ZnSO4 @0.3%; ZnSO4 @0.6%; ZnSO4 @0.9%; and 4 foliar applications of potassium sulphate, viz. K2SO4 @0% (Control); K2SO4 @1.0%; K2SO4 @1.5%; and K2SO4 @2.0, and replicated thrice. However, foliar application of ZnSO4 @0.9% was found to be the best treatment in improving the fruit yield (46.2 kg/plant), fruit weight (135.2 g), fruit length (6.10 cm) and fruit breadth (5.64 cm) of rainy season guava (cv. L-49). Similarly, ZnSO4 @0.6% was found best for increasing the TSS (total soluble solids) (10.6 B) and ascorbic acid content (187.4 mg/100 g pulp). On the other hand, K2SO4 @2.0% increased the fruit yield (45.4 kg/plant), fruit weight (135.2 g) and ascorbic acid content (190.3 mg/100 g pulp) of guava fruit. The maximum N, P, K and Zn content for nutrient analysis in leaf was noted under foliar application of ZnSO4 @0.9% and K2SO4 @2.0%. The maximum N and Zn content in fruit was observed due to application of ZnSO4 @0.9% and maximum P and K content was observed with treatment ZnSO4 @0.6%. Similarly, K2SO4 @2.0% increased the N, P, K and Zn content of guava fruit.

Effect of phosphorus and sulphur levels on biomass partitioning in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Groundnut is an important oilseed crop and belongs to the family Leguminosae. However, the productivity of groundnut in India is less as compared to average productivity of the world. The main cause of low groundnut production is an unbalanced and insufficient usage of nutrients. Because groundnut is a legume-oilseed crop, it has a high phosphorus, calcium, and Sulphur demand. Therefore, this field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2021 at crop physiology field lab, Department of Agronomy, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four phosphorus levels (Control, 40, 50, 60 kg P2O5/ha) in main plots and four Sulphur levels (Control, 25, 50, 75 kg S/ha) in sub-plots with three replications. Result revealed that application of 60 kg P2O5/ha resulted in significantly higher total plant biomass and its partitioning into different plant parts viz, leaves, stem, root and pod at different growth stages in groundnut followed by 50 kg P2O5/ha. Among Sulphur levels application of 75 kg S/ha record higher total biomass and its partitioning at all growth stages followed by 50 kg S/ha. So, to obtain a higher total biomass and its partitioning, the crop may be fertilized with phosphorus and sulphur levels of 50 kg/ha each.

Effect of Organic Treatments on Growth Parameters of Guava (Psidium guajava L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the year 2020-21, at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Centre of Excellence for Organic Farming, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Different combinations of organic and microbial sources of nutrients (Poultry Manure, Vermicompost, FYM, Jeevamrit, Azotobacter and PSB) replicated thrice in Randomized Block Design. The maximum plant height (172.67 cm), plant spread (241.71 cm), stem girth (167.33 mm) and leaf area (62.47 cm2) were recorded at last stage of growth with FYM + Poultry manure + Azotobacter + PSB application followed by plant height (170.24 cm), plant spread (237.32 cm), stem girth (165.46 mm) and leaf area (61.29 cm2) in FYM + Poultry manure + PSB and minimum under control. Therefore, on the basic of results FYM + Poultry manure + Azotobacter + PSB found best for plant growth parameters.

Interactive Effects of Grafting Time and Technique on the Sprouting Time and Growth of Guava Grafts (Psidium guajava L.)

The present study was conducted during June to September, 2021 at the experimental orchard of the Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Haryana, India to investigate the impact of propagation methods, time, and varieties on the success rate of guava (Psidium guajava L.) propagation. The treatments were arranged in a three factorial layout using a Randomized Complete Design with three replications. In the months of June, July, August, and September, two different cultivars (L-49 and Hisar Safeda) and four different propagation techniques (Patch budding, T-budding, Wedge grafting, and Inarching) were applied six times each. The results revealed that wedge grafting exhibited the shortest time to sprout (14 days), whereas inarching displayed the longest duration for sprouting (54.33 days). The 2nd fortnight of July and the 1st fortnight of September demonstrated the most favorable time for bud sprouting. Moreover, Hisar Safeda exhibited superior performance compared to L-49 in terms of earlier sprouting and better growth. Therefore, propagation of guava using wedge grafting techniques during the months of July and September can be recommended for the study area and areas with similar agro-ecologies so as to achieve successful grafting within the shortest feasible timeframe. These findings offer crucial insights for agricultural practitioners seeking enhanced propagation techniques and optimal timings, thereby fostering improved guava cultivation practices and augmenting yields in similar agricultural settings.

Effect of Crop Establishment Methods and Nitrogen Levels on Phenology, Quality, Nutrient Content and Uptake of Coarse Rice

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2020 at the farm of College of Agriculture, Kaul (Kaithal) of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The objective of the experiment was to study the response of a short-duration non-scented rice variety called HKR-48 to nitrogen fertilization under two different methods of crop establishment. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RBD) factorial design with the two establishment methods (direct seeding and transplanting) as main plot treatments and six levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 kg/ha) as sub-plot treatments, with three replications. The results of the experiment showed that the transplanted crop took longer to initiate tillering, anthesis (flowering), and reached maturity slightly earlier compared to the direct-seeded crop. However, both establishment methods showed similar timing for panicle emergence. The methods of crop establishment did not have a significant effect on kernel length, kernel breadth, NPK content, and protein content of the grains. However, the transplanted crop had improved hulling, milling, and head rice recovery compared to the direct-seeded crop. With increasing nitrogen levels, there was a delay in the days taken to attain tillering, panicle emergence, anthesis, and physiological maturity, following a graded response. The kernel length and breadth were not influenced by the graded doses of nitrogen. However, the quality parameters such as hulling, milling, head rice recovery, and protein content of the grains improved significantly with increasing nitrogen levels. The phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content in the grain and straw remained unaffected by the different nitrogen doses, except for nitrogen content. The uptake of NPK by the crop (grain and straw) showed an increasing trend with higher nitrogen application

Effect of seed priming on germination parameters of Bael (Aegle marmelos Corr.) under laboratory conditions

The current experiment was conducted during 2020-21 at the Microbiology Laboratory, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station Bawal to examine the impact of bio-inoculants and chemicals seed priming on bael seed germination. There were 15 seed priming treatments i.e., control, IBA @ 100 ppm and 50 ppm for 24 hours, NAA @ 50 and 100 ppm for 24 hours, GA3 @ 50 and 100 ppm for 24 hours, KNO3 @ 1 per cent for 24 hours, Azotobacter (HT 54) for 30 minutes, Trichoderma viride for 30 minutes, Rhizobium (CK 16) for 30 minutes, PSB (P 36) for 30 minutes, hot water for 30 minutes, nitric acid for 3 minutes, sulphuric acid for 3 minutes. Among different seed priming treatments, shortest germination time (12.7 days) was recorded with sulphuric acid for 3 minutes in agar medium at 28 ⁰C under laboratory conditions and the highest germination percentage (83.3 %), dry weight per seedling (153.2 mg), seedling length (12.2 cm) and vigour index I (976) and II (12256) were observed when bael seeds primed with GA3 @ 100 ppm for 24 hours under laboratory conditions.

Evaluation of Different Gerbera Varieties for Vegetative Growth under Protected Environment

The vegetative growth of gerbera varieties (Szogun, Kormoran, Salsa and Feliks) was studied at Agri-Tourism Centre, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the year 2019-20 under different growing conditions. Among the varieties Szogan recorded maximum plant spread (74.95 cm) and leaf length (37.38 cm). Whereas, Salsa showed maximum number of leaves per plant (21.47), plant height (32.73 cm) and leaf width (14.68). While, comparing growing conditions plants grown under polyhouse produced maximum plant spread (68.55 cm), number of leaves (22.67), leaf length (35.85 cm) and leaf width (13.68 cm), whereas, maximum plant height (30.11 cm) was recorded in plants grown under shade net followed by polyhouse (29.08 cm).

Effect of Crop Establishment Methods and Nitrogen Levels on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Coarse Rice

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 at farm of College of Agriculture, Kaul (Kaithal) of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to investigate the response of short duration non-scented rice variety HKR-48 to nitrogen under two different methods of crop establishment. The experiment was laid out in RBD factorial design consisting of two establishment methods i.e. direct seeded (DSR) and transplanted (TPR) as main plot treatments and six different levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg/ha) in sub- plots with three replications. The experiment showed that plants grown under the DSR method had greater height and tiller production at all growth stages but experienced higher tiller mortality later on. DSR also resulted in higher early-stage dry matter accumulation compared to TPR, but there was no significant difference at later stages or at harvest. Although the number of effective tillers did not significantly differ between DSR and TPR, DSR had 16% more grains per panicle with the same test weight. However, the transplanted crop had a significantly higher grain yield (11.9%) compared to the direct-seeded crop. Increasing nitrogen dosage up to 120 kg N/ha positively influenced growth parameters and yield-contributing characters. There was no significant difference between 120 kg N/ha and 150 kg N/ha in respect of growth indicators. Grain yield was significantly enhanced with increased nitrogen dosage, but the difference between 120 kg N/ha and 150 kg N/ha was not significant.

Performance of Clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) Varieties under Different Temperature and Relative Humidity Profiles

A study was performed at Department of Plant Pathology during year 2020, CCS Haryana Agricultural University to find the effect of different growing environments on temperature and humidity profile development, yield and its attributes in clusterbean crop. Three varieties of clusterbean varieties i.e. HG 365 (V1), HG 563 (V2) and HG 2-20 (V3) with each sown at three different dates of sowing i.e first (D1), third (D2) and fourth (D4) week of July in factorial randomized block design and replicated thrice. The diurnal range of temperature profiles at the emergence stage and flowering stage were higher in the crop sown in the first fortnight of July as compared to the second and third fortnights of July. Crops sown in the fourth week of July had a greater diurnal range of relative humidity profiles at the vegetative and pod formation stage while at flowering stage higher diurnal variation were present in first week of July sown crop. However, among different cultivars of clusterbean, no variation in temperature and humidity profile were observed. Significantly higher number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, harvesting index, grain and straw yield were found in D1 (first week of July) and V2 (HG 563) as compared to remaining dates of sowing and varieties, respectively.

Zero-tillage in Mung Bean-Wheat Cropping System: Impact on Soil Properties and Crop Productivity

Background: Inclusion of legume crops in efficient cropping system is important to maintain soil bio-physical property for sustainable production systems. Conservation agriculture (CA) practices have been demonstrated to be successful in cereal based systems. But the information on zero-tillage as CA practice in legume based systems is lacking, which may further help in conservation of soil resources on sustainable basis. Hence study on impact of zero-tillage on soil biological and physico-chemical properties was undertaken at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Bawal (Rewari), India during 2019-20 and 2020-21. Methods: The soil of experimental site was loamy sand in texture and low in organic carbon, N and P, while medium in K. The treatments included nine tillage combinations for crop establishment under mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system (MWCS) viz., Zero-tillage mung bean (ZTM) fb zero-tillage wheat (ZTW), ZTM fb reduced tillage wheat (RTW), ZTM fb conventional tillage wheat (CTW), reduced tillage mung bean (RTM) fb ZTW, RTM fb RTW, RTM fb CTW, Conventional tillage mung bean (CTM) fb ZTW, CTM fb RTW, CTM fb CTW. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Result: After two years, there was no change in soil texture and EC of the soil due to different crop establishment methods, while the bulk density of upper soil layer (0-15 cm) decreased marginally under system-based ZT method. The Infiltration rate increased with decrease in the frequency of tillage in both the crops. Organic carbon in upper layer increased while pH decreased marginally under ZTM-ZTW as compared to CTM-CTW. Available N and P showed increasing trend with decrease in number of tillage operations after two years of MWCS. Tillage practices had no significant effect on available K. The grain yield of wheat was not influenced by tillage during 2019-20, but in 2020-21 it was significantly higher under ZT wheat sown after ZTM (5025 kg ha-1) than RTW (4622-4722 kg ha-1) and CTW (4593-4641 kg ha-1), irrespective of tillage practices in mung bean. The seed, stover and biological yields of mung bean were similar under all crop establishment methods in MWCS. This indicated sustainability of zero-tillage methods of establishment in MWCS.

Effects of Herbicides and Nano Urea Mixture on Weeds, Yield Attributes and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is second most important staple crop in India after rice. Weeds have emerged as the major biotic stress in wheat. Post-emergence herbicidal combinations are used widely to control the complex weed flora in wheat crops. A field experiment was carried out to study the “Effects of herbicides and nano urea mixture on weeds, yield attributes and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum)”. The experiment was performed in randomized blocked design with three replications and fourteen treatments in Rabi season 2022-23 at Agronomy Research Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Significantly minimum weed count (1.52 m-2) and dry weight (1.49 g m-2) and maximum weed control efficiency (88.6%) of Phalaris minor and broadleaved weeds (87%) was recorded with application of clodinafop + metribuzin 60 + 210 g ha-1 with nano urea 3 ml L-1 followed by clodinafop + metribuzin 60 + 210 g ha-1 at 90 DAS. In case of yield attributes i.e. number of effective tillers per meter row length (92.5), spike length (11.4 cm), number of grains spike-1 (55.9) and 1000-grain weight (43.8) were higher with application of clodinafop + metribuzin 60 + 210 g ha-1 with nano urea 3 ml L-1 followed by clodinafop + metribuzin 60 + 210 g ha-1. Grain yield (5876 kg ha-1) and B:C (1.94) was recorded higher with application of clodinafop + metribuzin 60 + 210 g ha-1 with nano urea 3 ml L-1 followed by clodinafop + metribuzin 60 + 210 g ha-1 which was significantly higher than weedy check but at par with the weed free treatment.

Response of bio-extract coatings on decay, carotenoid and enzymes activity ofKinnow (<i>Citrus reticulata</i>)

Kinnow is a well-known mandarin grown in Haryana. Edible coatings are useful for controlling ripening by reducing the oxygen penetration into the fruits, thus, reducing metabolic activity and softening of fruits. Present study was carried out during 2019 and 2020 at Horticulture Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana. Kinnow fruits were treated with different bio-extract coatings, viz. Aloe vera extract, til oil, CMC, lac coating, lemongrass oil and commercial coating. The carotene content of the fruits did not differ significantly irrespective of the coatings. Decay loss and activities of pectin methyl esterase and cellulase were minimum resulting in better retention of the firmness in Aloe vera extract coated fruits. Minimum polygalacturonase activity was noticed in commercial coating treated fruits.

Heat tolerance indices as tools for characterizing resilient wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i>) RILs population under thermal stress

The escalating impact of heat stress on agriculture due to climate change has necessitated the development of heat- tolerant crop varieties. To address this, a study was carried out at research farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana during winter (rabi) seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20 under two different environments (normal and late sown). Evaluation of multiple stress indices and their relationship with grain yield per plot was done using 200 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Positive correlation was observed between grain yield and stress tolerance index, mean productivity, geometric mean productivity, harmonic mean and mean relative performance, while negative correlations existed with heat susceptibility index, tolerance, stress susceptibility index and reduction under stress conditions. Stepwise regression analysis revealed the importance of mean productivity, yield index, geometric mean productivity, stress tolerance index, and reduction in predicting grain yield. Principal Component Analysis highlighted the significance of tolerance and reduction in explaining the variance, with PC-1 labeled as the resilience and stress tolerance component and PC-2 as the yield stability and performance component. These findings were able to select 13 most heat tolerant RILs, performing better than national level check genotype WH730 and emphasized the role of stress indices especially HSI and TOL in characterizing genotypic responses to heat stress and guiding the selection of heat-tolerant genotypes for sustainable crop improvement. In the context of heat stress tolerance, understanding and harnessing transgressive segregants could lead to the development of crop varieties that not only tolerate, but thrive in challenging environments, ensuring sustainable food production under changing climatic conditions.