Crops Research Research Articles

Influence of Vermicompost, Neem Cake and Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield and Economics of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

The findings of the present investigation titled, Influence of vermicompost, neem cake and biofertilizers on growth, yield and economics of Green gram (Vigna radiata L.), carried out during the kharif season of 2023 at the Baba Farid Institute of Technology's Crop Research Farm in Dehradun. It is situated between latitude 30.3436 and longitude 77.9367. The Shivalik hills and the lower Himalayas in the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana are home to the extraordinarily wide and lengthy valley known as the doon valley. The investigation was conducted in Randomized Block Design consisting of 10 treatment combinations with 3 replications and was laid out with the different treatments allocated randomly in each replication. Application of vermicompost (1.25t/ha) + neem cake (0.625 t/ha) + rhizobium (10 g/kg seed) + PSB (10 g/kg seed), recorded maximum plant height (45.44 cm), Number of branches per plant (6.08), number of nodules/plant (11.05), dry weight (g/plant) (6.57), no. of pods/plant (28.38), seeds per pod (10.13), test weight(g) (38.14), grain yield (1094.06 kg/ha), stover yield (1523.95 kg/ha) and biological yield (2618.01 kg/ha). Where the maximum gross return (101249.80 INR/ha), net return (76043.75 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (3.02) were also recorded with application of vermicompost (1.25 t/ha) + neem cake (0.625 t/ha) + rhizobium (10 g/kg seed) + PSB (10 g/kg seed).

Study the Seasonal Incidence of Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (Linn.) on Cabbage

The present investigation entitled ‘Study the seasonal incidence of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linn.) on cabbage’ was carried out on variety ‘Golden Acre’ during Rabi, 2021 and 2022. At Crop Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (UP). The data were recorded on five randomly selected plants once in a standard week. Diamondback moth population reached a maximum level of 9.67 and 9.33 larvae/five plants during 3rd week of January in Rabi 2021 and 4th week of January in Rabi 2022. The P. xylostella was active throughout the year with a varying degree of infestation.

STAC: A tool to leverage genetic marker data for crop research and breeding

AbstractAs genotyping by sequencing (GBS) becomes more prevalent and cost‐effective, there is a benefit in being able to apply the data to solve a variety of problems. However, high degrees of missing data and overreliance on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), while ignoring other forms of genetic variation, frequently plague attempts to make full use of GBS sequence data. Here we have developed two R scripts to serve as a tool in haplotype determination at loci of interest within biparental populations. One of these scripts, Sparse Tag Allele Caller (STAC), provides both automated calling and visual representations of the data around a locus of interest to assist in rapid data compilation decision‐making. The other script, STAC Integrate, allows automated quality control and logic‐based integration of presence/absence data with SNP data, while also rendering global overviews of recombination and coverage across the genome. These scripts are designed to be used together to maximize the utility of the available data. These tools were validated on a biparental population of wheat that was genotyped through GBS. They successfully enabled haplotype determination of a locus that was difficult to directly genotype, and their systemic accuracy was demonstrated in multiple populations and species. These scripts may serve as a tool for researchers attempting to make better use of GBS and other genetic marker data for both research and crop breeding decisions.

Relationship between Climate Variables (Rainfall and Temperature) and Ginger Yield Across the Climate Belts of Nigeria

Rainfall and temperature are very important elements and factors of weather and climate needed in the successful production of crops, including ginger. The relationship of these elements and ginger yield has not been given the due attention in Nigeria. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between Climate (Rainfall and Temperature) and Ginger Yield across the Climate Belts of Nigeria. Rainfall and Temperaturedata were obtained for the study from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Abuja while ginger yield data were collected from the experimental farms of National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) and Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, Abuja. These data covered a period of 40 years (1980 -2019) and were analysed using simple linear regression, correlation and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results obtained showed thatrainfall and temperature significantly predicted ginger yield across the four climate belts at p<0.05:Tropical Monsoon(TM) (F,12.0934)and jointly explained 45.2% of variation in ginger yield(r=.672and the R2=.452);Tropical Savanna (TS)(F,17.3452)and jointly explained 35.6% of variation in ginger yield (r = .597 and R2= .356);Warm Semi-Arid (WSA) (F,24.9501)and jointly explained 20.9% of variation in ginger yield (r= .457 and R2= .209); and Warm Desert (WD)(F,29.8517) and jointly explained 30.1% of variation in ginger yield(r =.549 and R2= .301).Based on these results, it is concluded here that there is a significant relationship between rainfall and temperature and ginger yields over the years and across the climate belts. The study recommends among others that planting and harvesting of ginger by farmers should align with the seasons as found in each of the four climate belts.

Conservation tillage and fertiliser management strategies impact on basmati rice (Oryza sativa L): crop performance, crop water productivity, nutrient uptake and fertility status of the soil under rice-wheat cropping system.

The sustainability of paddy production systems in South Asia has recently been affected by a decline in soil health and excessive water usage. As a response to the global energy crisis, escalating costs of synthetic fertilisers, and growing environmental concerns, the utilization of organic plant-nutrient sources has gained considerable attention. Emerging adaptation technologies, including conservation tillage and innovative approaches to fertilizer management, present practical choices that can significantly contribute to the long-term preservation of soil fertility. The two year-long field experiment was completed in sandy loam soil during rainy (Kharif) seasons in 2019 and 2020 at the crop research centre farm of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agricultural & Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh to analyze the impacts of different tillage establishment of the crop and its methodologies as well as integrated nutritional management approaches on rice growth, yield, productivity of water, nutrient uptake, and fertility status of soil under a rice-wheat rotation system. The experiment was set up in a factorial randomized block design and replicated three times in a semi-arid subtropical environment. The conventionally transplanted rice puddled (CT-TPR) grew substantially better taller plants, and higher dry matter buildup leads to increased yields than transplanted rice under raised wide bed (WBed-TPR). WBed-TPR plots had more tillers, LAI, CGR, RGR, and yield characteristics of the rice in two year study. CT-TPR increased grain yield by 4.39 and 4.03% over WBed-TPR in 2019 and 2020, while WBed-TPR produced the highest water productivity (0.44 kg m-3) than CT-TPR, respectively. The 100% RDF+ ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1 + FYM (5 t ha-1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1) + Azotobacter 20 kg ha-1 (N6) treatment outperformed the other fertiliser management practices in terms of crop growth parameters, yields of grain (4,903 and 5,018 kgha-1), nutrient uptake and NPK availability, organic soil carbon. Among the fertilizer management practices, with the direct applications of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), farm yard manure (FYM), phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Azatobactor and zinc worked synergistically and increased grain yields by 53.4, 51.3, 47.9 and 46.2% over their respective control treatment. To enhance rice productivity and promote soil health, the study suggests that adopting conservation tillage-based establishment practices and implementing effective fertilizer management techniques could serve as practical alternatives. It is concluded that the rice yield was improved by the inclusive use of inorganic fertiliser and organic manure (FYM). Additionally, the study observed that the combination of conventional puddled transplanted rice (CT-TPR) and N6 nitrogen application resulted in enhanced rice crop productivity and improved soil health.

Bridging the gap? Public–private partnerships and genetically modified crop development for smallholder farmers in Africa

Societal Impact StatementGenetically modified (GM) crops have the potential to address multiple challenges for African smallholder farmers but are limited by several institutional constraints. Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are seen as an organizational fix to one such constraint, bringing privately held intellectual property rights on key crop technologies to African public institutions to develop GM crops for smallholder farmers. Here, a new comprehensive dataset of GM crops in Africa is used to understand the extent and efficacy of PPP‐led GM crop development for smallholder farmers and discuss what might limit their potential in the future.Summary Genetically modified (GM) crops are promoted as a key tool to address multiple challenges in Africa, including the impacts of climate change and food insecurity. Observers have noted, however, significant institutional challenges to achieving such goals, most notably, intellectual property rights (IPR) to key GM traits being held by private companies who have limited incentives to develop those technologies for smallholder farmers. To bridge the gap between privately held IPR and pro‐poor crop breeding, advocates have called for increased funding for institutional innovations such as public–private partnerships (PPPs) to facilitate the transfer of crop technologies from private companies to public research institutes. For the past two decades, donors and firms have invested considerable resources toward PPPs. However, to date, few research efforts have empirically examined the extent and effectiveness of PPPs at the continental scale. This study draws from a new comprehensive dataset on GM crop research and development in Africa to examine whether the anticipated advantages of PPPs have resulted in an improved ability to deliver GM crops to smallholder farmers. We find that although PPP research has focused on crops and traits more relevant for smallholder farmers, many of these efforts have been suspended, with only one crop thus far reaching the hands of farmers. PPPs can address some issues related to GM crop development but still appear constrained by other institutional challenges, which may limit their development, reach, and the achievement of targeted benefits for smallholder farmers.

Keanekaragaman Serangga Nokturnal Berdasarkan Warna Lampu Perangkap Cahaya di Balai Penelitian Tanaman Sayuran Desa Tongkoh Sumatera Utara


 
 
 
 Nocturnal insects are a type of insect that is active at night and plays a role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and has an ecologically and economically occurring role. This study was conducted to determine the diversity, evenness, and dominance of nocturnal insects based on the color of the light trap lamp at the Vegetable Crop Research Center of Tongkoh Village, Karo Regency, North Sumatra. This study used the light trap method by making a transect 100 m long and on the transect, 5 observation stations were installed. There are 27 insect families consisting of 35 types of nocturnal insects with a total of 240 individuals. The most common type of insect found is Empoasca fabae. The diversity index (H') is included in the moderate category with a value of 2.10 on the green lamp trap, 1.38 on the blue lamp trap, 2.23 on the yellow lamp trap, 2.76 on the white lamp trap, and 2.26 on the red lamp trap, this shows that the insect diversity at the study site is in a stable condition. The dominance index (C) is categorized as low with a value of 0.184 on green light traps, 0.347 on blue lamp traps, 0.222 on yellow light traps, 0.092 on white light traps, and 0.150 on red light traps. This situation occurs because there is no type of nocturnal insect that is too dominant so that the diversity of insects is classified as being in a stable state.
 
 
 
 

Effect of Nitrogen and Boron on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.)

The field experiment titled “Effect of Nitrogen and Boron on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet” was conducted during Zaid 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.62%), available nitrogen (225 kg/ha), available phosphorus (38.2 kg/ha) and available potassium (240.7 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments which are replicated thrice. Results obtained that significantly higher plant height (83.52 cm), plant dry weight (14.06 g), length of ear head (15.70 cm), number of grains/ear head (1,413.09), test weight (3.64 g), grain yield (1.68 t/ha), stover yield (3.88 t/ha), harvest index (33.79%) higher gross return (69,291.48 INR/ha), net return (48,099.98 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.27) were recorded in treatment 9 with the application of (Nitrogen 60 kg/ha + Boron 0.03%).

Crop–weed dynamics, nutrient uptake, and soil microclimate in elephant foot yam under conservation agriculture

Conservation agriculture (CA) is a sustainable option to adapt to climate change. Weed management is one of the most important challenges faced by CA. Information on CA in cropping systems involving elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson), an important tuber crop, is lacking. Hence, this study aimed to determine the effect of CA in elephant foot yam on crop–weed dynamics, nutrient uptake, and soil microclimate. Field experiments were conducted in randomized block design over two seasons at ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, in elephant foot yam (var. Gajendra) intercropped with banana (var. Robusta) with five treatments viz., conservation organic, conservation chemical, conventional chemical, existing conventional [package of practices (POP) as control], and existing organic package. The weed flora was dominated by broad-leaved weeds. By the fourth month, conservation chemical practice reduced the weed density by 58.8% and weed biomass by 55% over existing POP. The total biomass production and its partitioning to corms, uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), crop growth rate, corm bulking rate, and harvest index of elephant foot yam did not differ significantly under conservation or conventional practices but were higher in conservation chemical practice. The N, P, and K physiological efficiencies were higher in conventional chemical treatment. The soil microclimate was improved, with higher soil CO2 flux and soil moisture in conservation organic or organic plots. The study proved that conservation practices involving reduced tillage, residue retention, and use of herbicides was a viable alternative in banana + elephant foot yam system.

Organic management of tuberous intercrops for resilience, higher yield and profit from coconut plantations: Insights from validation experiments in Kerala, India

Fifteen on-farm experiments were conducted in tropical tuber crops intercropped in coconut gardens in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts, Kerala, during 2018-2021 for validation of organic production technologies. The validation experiments were performed under the aegis of the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, in a project funded by the Coconut Development Board, Kochi, Kerala. Three treatments viz., T1: organic farming technology (OF), T2: POP recommendation (POP) and T3: farmer's practice (FP) were evaluated in cassava, elephant foot yam and greater yam intercropped with coconut. System productivity and profitability were worked out for the different treatments based on yield and income from coconut and tuber crops in the respective treatments. Pooled analysis indicated that the coconut yield under intercropping with tuber crops in organic mode was high by 7-13% in comparison to monocrop of coconut maintained by the farmers. Tuber yield under organic management was superior over POP by 14% and FP by 27%. On an average, the net income from coconut-tuber crop intercropping system under organic management was ₹ 2,36,133 ha-1, whereas it was ₹ 1,56,904 ha-1 in POP and ₹ 1,32,706 ha-1 in FP and significantly outperformed sole coconut (₹ 7,764 ha-1). Thus, the results indicated that organic management of coconut-tuber crop system offered resilience with higher system productivity and profitability.

Customized fertilizers for higher yield and income: Evidences from on-farm validation in coconut – tuber crop intercropping system

Fifteen on-farm experiments were conducted in tropical tuber crops intercropped in coconut gardens in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts, Kerala, during 2018-2021 for the validation of customized fertilizers formulated from on-station developed Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) practices. The validation experiments were done under the aegis of ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, in a project funded by Coconut Development Board, Kochi, Kerala.Three treatments viz., T1: SSNM technology using customized fertilizers (CF) (SSNM), T2: present POP recommendation (POP) and T3: farmer's practice (FP) was evaluated in cassava, elephant foot yam and greater yam intercropped with coconut. System productivity and profitability were worked out for the different treatments based on yield and income from coconut and tuber crops in the respective treatments. Pooled analysis indicated that the coconut yield under intercropping with tuber crops under SSNM using CF was higher by 12-23% in comparison to coconut monocrop maintained unscientifically by the farmers. Tuber yield under CF proved superior over POP by 9.3% and FP by 37.4%. On an average, the net income from coconut-tuber crop intercropping system under SSNM using CF was ₹ 270396 per ha, whereas it was ₹ 198047 in POP and ₹146358 in FP and significantly outperformed sole coconut (₹ 7764).Thus, the results of the validation experiments indicated that the use of customized fertilizers in tuberous intercrops offered resilience with higher system productivity and profitability from coconut gardens.

Two long read-based genome assembly and annotation of polyploidy woody plants, Hibiscus syriacus L. using PacBio and Nanopore platforms

Improvements in long read DNA sequencing and related techniques facilitated the generation of complex eukaryotic genomes. Despite these advances, the quality of constructed plant reference genomes remains relatively poor due to the large size of genomes, high content of repetitive sequences, and wide variety of ploidy. Here, we developed the de novo sequencing and assembly of high polyploid plant genome, Hibiscus syriacus, a flowering plant species of the Malvaceae family, using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Pacific Biosciences Sequel sequencing platforms. We investigated an efficient combination of high-quality and high-molecular-weight DNA isolation procedure and suitable assembler to achieve optimal results using long read sequencing data. We found that abundant ultra-long reads allow for large and complex polyploid plant genome assemblies with great recovery of repetitive sequences and error correction even at relatively low depth Nanopore sequencing data and polishing compared to previous studies. Collectively, our combination provides cost effective methods to improve genome continuity and quality compared to the previously reported reference genome by accessing highly repetitive regions. The application of this combination may enable genetic research and breeding of polyploid crops, thus leading to improvements in crop production.

Grain and malt quality of selected winter barley genetic resources

The present study evaluated the agronomic and malting quality of 18 selected winter barley varieties. The varieties were obtained from the Gene Bank of the Crop Research Institute in Prague-Ruzyně. The varieties were tested under field conditions in three-year trials of basic evaluation. After the harvest, grain was malted and malting quality was determined according to international methods (EBC and MEBAK). The highest extract content was found in the Atlantick variety (80.6%). Proteolytic modification of the varieties Absolut, KWS Ariane and the line QK19/08030A_18 was at an optimal level. Values of diastatic power were high in all varieties, which is typical for winter barley varieties, similarly as low levels of cell wall degradation (friability) and high β-glucan content in the sweet wort. The lowest β-glucan content in the sweet wort was recorded in the two-row winter barley variety KWS Ariane (241 mg/l). Of the six-row varieties, the line QK19/08030A_18 had the lowest β-glucan content in the sweet wort (382 mg/l).

TCOD: an integrated resource for tropical crops.

Tropical crops are vital for tropical agriculture, with resource scarcity, functional diversity and extensive market demand, providing considerable economic benefits for the world's tropical agriculture-producing countries. The rapid development of sequencing technology has promoted a milestone in tropical crop research, resulting in the generation of massive amount of data, which urgently needs an effective platform for data integration and sharing. However, the existing databases cannot fully satisfy researchers' requirements due to the relatively limited integration level and untimely update. Here, we present the Tropical Crop Omics Database (TCOD, https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/tcod), a comprehensive multi-omics data platform for tropical crops. TCOD integrates diverse omics data from 15 species, encompassing 34 chromosome-level de novo assemblies, 1 255 004 genes with functional annotations, 282 436 992 unique variants from 2048 WGS samples, 88 transcriptomic profiles from 1997 RNA-Seq samplesand 13 381 germplasm items. Additionally, TCOD not only employs genes as a bridge to interconnect multi-omics data, enabling cross-species comparisons based on homology relationships, but also offers user-friendly online tools for efficient data mining and visualization. In short, TCOD integrates multi-species, multi-omics data and online tools, which will facilitate the research on genomic selective breeding and trait biology of tropical crops.

Genetic Divergence Analysis for Yield and Quality Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm under Irrigated Conditions

The present investigation was carried out to conduct genetic divergence analysis for yield and quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm under irrigated conditions. The experiment was conducted at crop research farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences. Prayagraj. The experiment was performed with 40 rice genotypes with 13 quantitative characters and 8 qualitative characters. Analysis of variance revealed that all the genotypes showing significant at 1% level of significance for all the characters. According to mean table Shiats dhan-7, Shiats dhan-2 show greater mean in grain yield per plant. Genetic parameters show PCV greater than GCV in all the characters, the traits Grain yield per plant and biological yield exhibits greater in both GCV and PCV. Heritability showing high range of estimates in all the characters as Days to maturity, Days to 50% flowering exhibit greater among all the characters. Number of spikelets per panicle, biological yield shows highest among the characters in Genetic advance. According to D2 analysis, the total genotypes are divided into five clusters, Cluster II showing greater in Intra cluster distance, Cluster V and Cluster I combination showing greater in Inter cluster distances. The Cluster IV showing highest among the clusters in the mean of Grain yield per plant. According to percentage contribution Grain yield per plant showing highest among the characters. Quality analysis had done on 35 genotypes, based upon quality characters Hulling percentage showing genotype Ajaya greater and genotype MTU-2032 shows greater in Kernel elongation ratio.

Effect of Nano Urea and Foliar Spray of Urea on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

In pursuit of high yield today’s agriculture cultivars put the environment at greater risk by the inputs of chemical fertilizers. Using Nano urea we can minimize the inputs damage upto a certain extent. With this objective, field experiment was carried out during Rabi seasons of 2022-2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on topic “Effect of nano urea and foliar spray of urea on growth and yield of wheat”. The treatment include two factors, Factor- 1 Nitrogen (50 %, 75%, 100%) and Factor- 2 Foliar Spray (2ml/L nano urea, 4 ml/L nano urea, 2% urea) and one control was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 10 treatments and three replications. Result revealed that 100% nitrogen along with foliar spray of 4ml/L nano urea recorded significant effect on Growth, yield and yield parameters. Treatment 6 recorded maximum plant height (101.62 cm), dry weight (21.95 g) number of tillers/running row (85.02), number of effective tillers/m2 (340.08), number of grains/spike (54.16), test weight (48.52 g), grain yield (6.30 t/ha) and straw yield (7.98 t/ha).

Assessing Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotype Yields and Yield Traits with Different Planting Geometries on Broad Bed and Furrows

A field study on “Assessing Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotype yields and yield traits with different planting geometries on broad bed and furrows” was conducted during rabi season of 2022 in the experimental field at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, Telangana. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomised block design with three replications. Total 16 treatment combinations consisted of four planting geometries (P1) 30 × 10 cm, (P2) 15:15 × 10 cm, (P3) 20:20 × 10 cm, (P4) 25:25 × 10 cm and four varieties (V1) Girnar 4, (V2) Girnar 5, (V3) Avtar, (V4) K6. The important findings emerged from this investigation found that groundnut sown at the spacing of (P4) 25:25 × 10 cm recorded significantly higher number of pods plant-1 (33.0), kernels pod-1 (2.0), test weight (38.7 g), shelling percentage (67.1%), pod yield (1792 kg ha-1) followed by (P3) 20:20 × 10 cm, (P4) 30 × 10 cm and (P2) 15:15 × 10 cm. The genotype V2 (Girnar 5) performed best in yield and yield contributing characteristics than other genotypes and it was on par with V1 (Girnar 4). Hence, our results concluded that (P4) 25:25 × 10 cm spacing, performing best with (V2) Girnar 5 and (V1) Girnar 4 varieties.

Effect of Phosphorous and Boron on Growth and Yield of Rice Bean

A field experiment titled “Effect of Phosphorus and Boron on Growth and Yield of Rice Bean” conducted during the Zaid season of 2022 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. To study the Response of Phosphorus and Boron on the growth and yield of Rice Beans. The treatments consist of Phosphorus 20, 40, 60 kg/ha and Boron (Borax 0.01% 20 DAS, Borax 0.02% 40 DAS, and Borax 0.03% 60 DAS). The experiment was laid down in a Randomized Block Design with ten treatments which are replicated thrice. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), and low in organic carbon (0.35%). Results obtained that the higher plant height (106.90 cm), higher number of nodules (30.94), higher number of branches (8.84) higher plant dry weight (49.25 g/plant), a higher number of pods/plant (26.25), higher number of seeds/pod (7.19), higher 1000 seed weight (58.19 g), higher seed yield (2.10 t/ha) and higher stover yield (4.66 t/ha) were significantly influenced with application of Phosphorus 60 kg/ha + Boron 0.03% at 60 DAS. Higher gross return (INR 1,15,500.00 /ha), higher net return (INR 84,155.70/ha) and higher B:C ratio (2.68) were also recorded in treatment-9 (Phosphorus 60 kg/ha + Boron 0.03% 60 DAS).

Effect of Iron and Boron on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet

The field experiment was conducted during Zaid season 2023 at experimental field of Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.62%), available nitrogen (225 kg/ha), available phosphorus (38.2 kg/ha) and available potassium (240.7 kg/ha). The experiment was laid down in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments which are replicated thrice. The experiment consists of Iron and Boron. The treatment combinations are T1: Iron 0.25% + Boron 0.25%, T2: Iron 0.25% + Boron 0.50%, T3: Iron 0.25% + Boron 0.75%, T4: Iron 0.50% + Boron 0.25%, T5: Iron 0.50% + Boron 0.50%, T6: Iron 0.50% + Boron 0.75%, T7: Iron 0.75% + Boron 0.25%, T8: Iron 0.75% + Boron 0.50%, T9: Iron 0.75% + Boron 0.75%, T10: Control (RDF 50:30:20 NPK kg/ha). Results revealed that significant and higher plant height (84.43 cm), maximum number of tillers/hill (8.60), higher plant dry weight (14.41 g), higher panicle length (15.33 cm), number of grains/ panicle (1,263.00), test weight (4.34 g), grain yield (1.99 t/ha), straw yield (3.39 t/ha), maximum gross return (INR 66,480.00), net return (INR 43,186.40) and B:C ratio (1.85) were recorded in treatment 9 [Iron 0.75% + Boron 0.75%].

Evaluation of System of Wheat Intensification on Growth Parameters and Yield Attributes of Wheat

An experiment was carried out in the field during rabi season 2022-23 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.). The experiment was conducted to determine the response of wheat crop to different planting methods and biofertilizer application. There were nine treatments in the experiment, each replicated thrice and it was laid out in Randomized Block Design. The results showed that System of Wheat Intensification in combination with Azotobacter and Azospirillum recorded significant and higher plant height (101.93 cm), number of tillers / hill (12.91), plant dry weight (24.53 g), number of effective tillers / hill (9.78) and number of grains / spike (58.76). Whereas, Raised bed in combination with Azotobacter and Azospirillum significantly increased Leaf area index (3.66) and Crop growth rate (17.42 g/m2/day) compared to other treatments.