Crown Root Initiation Stage Research Articles

Synergistic effects of biochar and potassium co-application on growth, physiological attributes, and antioxidant defense mechanisms of wheat under water deficit conditions

Global wheat production faces a severe threat from drought stress, necessitating innovative strategies for enhanced crop resilience. This study examined the synergistic impact of biochar and potassium co-application on the growth, physiological attributes, and antioxidant defense system of wheat under water deficit conditions at crown root initiation (CRI), anthesis, and grain development stage. Drought-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, particularly pronounced at the CRI stage, adversely affected all growth stages. At CRI, co-application of biochar and foliar potassium delivered significant improvements in growth parameters, including increased plant height (15.4%), spike length (50%), grain yield (43.0%), photosynthetic performance (chlorophyll content 125.8%), and relative water content (11.2%), compared to untreated drought-exposed counterparts. The combined application of biochar and potassium effectively reduced hydrogen peroxide production, electrolyte leakage, proline accumulation, and malondialdehyde generation, while increasing relative water content and glutathione levels under both well-irrigated and drought stress conditions. Furthermore, the combined biochar and potassium treatment was effective in mitigating oxidative stress and enhancing physiological resilience in wheat, particularly during the anthesis stage of drought stress. Specifically, the combined treatment ameliorated the effects of drought by reducing ROS levels through enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and elevating osmoprotectants levels. The synergistic modulation of tissue osmotic balance and relative water content holds promise for mitigating drought-induced stress, offering an innovative and practical strategy for resilient wheat production in water-limited environments.

Optical sensor-based nitrogen management: an environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach for sustainable wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production on Eastern plains of India

An optical sensor like Green Seeker (GS) is an emerging tool for site-specific in-season fertilizer nitrogen management strategy. The objective of this study was to establish an in-season estimate of yield (INSEY)–grain yield (GY) relation in wheat grown under Eastern plains of India using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at 45 and 65 days after sowing (DAS). Data revealed lower NDVI values at 65 DAS over 45 DAS in no-nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) applied control plots as well as in N-rich plots (225 kg ha−1 N); on the contrary, the values were higher at 65 DAS over 45 DAS in treatments where some N fertilizers were added based on NDVI readings at 45 DAS. Response index (RI) showed higher chances of response to external application of N in NDVI-based treatments. The INSEY–GY relation for wheat at 45 and 65 DAS was worked out as a power function of y = 64265x1.171 and y = 46949x1.036 (y is the attainable yield in kg ha−1 and x is INSEY), respectively. The yields could fairly be predicted through this relation even at 45 DAS, though the relationship was more robust at 65 DAS (R2 = 0.94). A prescriptive dose of 60 kg N ha−1 as basal + 60 kg N ha−1 at crown root initiation (CRI) stage followed by NDVI sensor-guided N application (at 45 and 65 DAS) brought about a significant improvement in yield performances, N use efficiencies with higher net returns, and benefit-to-cost ratio. The results proved the reliability of the NDVI sensor as an important tool for the optimization of fertilizer nitrogen in wheat grown under the Eastern plains of India. The new INSEY–GY relation developed through this trial could successfully be used for yield prediction in the Eastern plains of India under changing climate.

Normalized difference vegetation index sensor-based nitrogen management in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): Nutrient uptake, use efficiency, and partial nutrient balance.

The present experiment was conducted to assess the impact of fixed and variable doses (using a normalized difference vegetation index-sensor) of nitrogen (N) on wheat yields, nutrient uptake, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil nitrogen balance through the optimization of nitrogen dose. There were 10 treatments based on fixed and variable doses with different splits, and each treatment was replicated three times under a randomized complete block design. The treatments comprised fixed doses of 120 and 150kgNha-1 with different splits; variable doses based on sensor readings after application of 60, 90, and 120kgNha-1; 225kgNha-1 as a nitrogen-rich control; and no application of nitrogen as the absolute control. It was revealed that the application of a basal dose of 60kgNha-1 and another 60kgNha-1 at the crown root initiation stage followed by a sensor-guided N application significantly improved wheat grain yields and grain nitrogen uptake. However, straw nitrogen uptake was highest in N-rich plots where 225kgNha-1was applied. It was found that any curtailment in these doses at basal and crown root initiation stages followed by nitrogen application using a normalized difference vegetation index sensor later could not bring about higher crop yields. On average, wheat crops responded to 152-155kgNha-1 in both years of the study. Partial factor productivity along with agronomic and economic nitrogen use efficiency showed a declining trend with an increased rate of N application. Apparent N recovery values were comparable between normalized difference vegetation index sensor-based N application treatments and treatments receiving lesser N doses. Soil N status decreased in all the treatments except the nitrogen-rich strip, where there was a marginal increase in soil N status after the wheat crop harvest in the rotation. Partial nitrogen balance was negative for all the treatments except the control. From these 2-year field trials, it can be concluded that applying a normalized difference vegetation index sensor could be an essential tool for the rational management of fertilizer nitrogen in wheat grown in eastern sub-Himalayan plains.

Optimizing Cow Urine Application Rate at Varying Fertility and Zinc Levels on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Productivity under Dairy Based Farming System in Varanasi Tract

This field investigation was carried out in two consecutive years of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (U.P.) to assess the effect of cow urine application at varying fertility and zinc levels on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under irrigated condition of Varanasi. Results showed that application of the fertilizer at 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) recorded significantly higher growth parameters viz. plant height, number of tiller m-1 row length; yield attributes viz. number of effective tiller m-2, spike length, grains spike-1 and test weight as well as grain and straw yield than 75% RDF during both the years. Among the zinc levels, zinc applied at 10 kg ha-1 though remained comparable to 5 kg Zn ha-1, recorded significantly higher values of these parameters over control. Cow urine at the rate of 12000 l ha-1 applied equally at sowing, CRI (Crown Root Initiation) and spike emergence (SE) stages gave higher values of plant height, number of tiller m-1 row length, spike length and number of grain spike-1 which being at par with 4000 l ha-1 cow urine each at sowing and CRI, both recorded significantly higher values than control. However, with respect to effective tillers m-2, grain and straw yield, significant increase was noticed with each increment of cow urine, recording maximum at 12000 l ha-1 during both the years.

Studies on Irrigation Scheduling, Moisture Conservation Practices and Nutrient Management on Performance of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive Rabi seasons 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Students’ Instructional Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. The field experiment allocated three irrigation scheduling namely: I1: two irrigations at CRI (crown root initiation) and Jointing stage, I2: three irrigations at CRI, Jointing and Booting stage and I3: Four irrigations at CRI, Tillering, Booting and Milking stage, two moisture conservation practices viz: M0: without mulching and M1: Organic mulch at the rate of 10 t ha-1 + Kaolin 6% spray and three nutrient management practices viz: N1: 100% Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (150:60:40 kg ha-1 NPK), N2: 85% RDF + Farm yard manure (FYM) @ 5.0 t ha-1 and N3: 75% RDF + FYM @ 10.0 t ha-1. The field experiment was laid out in double split plot design with three replications. On pooled basis of two years experimentation the results indicated that, four irrigations at CRI, Tillering, Booting and Milking stage recorded significantly highest value of crop growth rate (CGR) (13.15 and 19.28 g m-2 day-1 at 30-60 and 60-90 days after sowing (DAS), respectively), grain yield (4381.60 kg ha-1) and consumptive use of water (457.39 mm) while, significantly highest water use efficiency (11.97 kg ha-1 mm) was received under two irrigations at CRI and Jointing stage over the rest of irrigation schedules. In respect of moisture conservation practices, organic mulch @ 10 t ha-1 + Kaolin 6% spray recorded significantly water use efficiency (11.41 kg ha-1 mm) compared to without mulching treatment while, highest consumptive use of water (380.72 mm) was recorded under without mulching. Integration of 85% RDF + FYM @ 5.0 t ha-1 recorded significantly maximum water use efficiency (10.99 kg ha-1 mm) compared to other treatments while, highest consumptive use of water (381.41 mm) was recorded under the treatment of 100% RDF.

Effect of irrigation regime, Pusa hydrogel and vermicompost on growth, productivity and soil-nutrient status in late-sown wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2015–16 and 2016–17 at Crop Research Centre of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India to study the effect of Pusa hydrogel and vermicompost on crop productivity and soil nutrient status in late-sown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Three irrigation levels, viz., I1 [at crown-root initiation (CRI) stage], I2 (at CRI, booting and milking) and I3 (at CRI, late tillering, late jointing, flowering and milking stage), and 4 moisture-conservation practices, viz. application of Pusa hydrogel @ 5 kg/ha, vermicompost @ 1 t/ha, Pusa hydrogel @ 5 kg/ha + vermicompost @ 1 t/ha and no application, were tested in split-plot design, with 3 replications. Results revealed that, the growth parameters, viz. of plant height (106.6 and 103.8 cm), tillers/m, dry-matter accumulation (184.5 and 195.0 g/m), leaf-area index (3.15 and 3.23) and harvest index, of wheat were significantly higher under 5 irrigation levels than 3 and 1, being the lowest under 1 irrigation during 2015–16 and 2016–17, respectively. The wheat received 5 irrigations outyielded wheat received 3 and 1 irrigations during the first and second years by 7.6, 68.8% and 8.1 and 69.4% respectively. Similarly, wheat grown with 3 and 5 irrigations recorded 5.98 and 5.84 q/ ha and 28.88 and 26.65 q/ha higher straw yield during 2015–16 and 2016–17 respectively. The highest available nitrogen (229.9 and 232.2 kg/ha) and potassium (177.2 and 179.1 kg/ha) were recorded with 5 irrigations, followed by 3 irrigations during the first and second years, respectively. The combined application of Pusa hydrogel @ 5 kg + vermicompost @ 1 t/ha over no application at harvesting resulted in 33.2 and 31.0% more dry-matter production/ m and 34.6 and 38.4% higher grain yield/ha, besides 231.0 and 233.3 kg N, 14.6 and 15.1 kg P and 175.5 and 177.8 kg K/ha with 0.494 and 0.512% organic carbon after harvesting during 2015–16 and 2016–17, respectively

Productivity analysis of wheat (Triticum aestivium) in irrigated sub-tropics of Jammu

Present study was carried out in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir with 180 randomly selected wheat growers from three different blocks (R.S. Pura, Suchetgarh and Bishnah) with the objective to analyze the productivity status of wheat (Triticum aestivium L.) crop in irrigated sub-tropics during 2020–21. There was large variation in productivity of wheat crop in different wheat growing regions of the state. Results of the study revealed that all the farmers sown their wheat crop by broadcasting method, 36% farmers replaced their wheat seed and same percentage of farmers adopted the practice of seed treatment. All the farmers applied DAP and urea as basal dose at sowing time and herbicide for controlling narrow and broad leaved weeds. Only 45% farmers applied first irrigation at the crown root initiation stage. Second dose of urea was applied by 100% farmers after first irrigation and 60% farmers applied third dose of urea in their wheat crop. Only 18% of sampled farmers sprayed fungicides. Overall average wheat crop productivity of respondent farmers in study area was 2.789 t/ha and R. S. Pura block had significant difference in productivity of wheat crop as compared to Bishnah (P=.039) and Suchetgarh (P=.010) block.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) crop response to irrigation scheduling and super absorbent polymers

A field experiment was conducted at research farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana during winter (rabi) season 2018–19 and 2019–20 with an objective to study the polymers with irrigation effect on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. The research was done in a split-plot design with four irrigation [(No irrigation (I0), One irrigation at CRI stage, crown root initiation stage; (I1), Two irrigation at CRI, Booting (I2), Three irrigation at CRI, Booting, milking (I3)] and three polymer treatments [(No polymers (P0), Gondkatira @5 kg/ha (P1), Pusa Hydrogel @2.5 kg/ha (P2)] in the main and subplot respectively. The wheat seed yield decreased by 11.90% from I3 to I2, 17.12% from I3 to I1, and 33.74% from I3 to I0. The polymer treatment was used to increase the wheat seed yield. The yield was increased by 7.41% and 1.15% by application of hydrogel and gondkatira over no polymer. The minimum water productivity was registered under three irrigations. The application of gondkatira in wheat increased the water productivity by 8.09% while hydrogel 11.56%. Water stress or no irrigation has a lower Fv/Fm (Maximum quantum efficiency of PS II) (0.73) ratio than to no stress or three irrigations (0.75).

Crop Phenology, Growth Indices and Yield of Wheat as Influenced by Different Establishment and Moisture Conservation Practices under Limited Irrigated Conditions

To find out the best crop establishment method, and to evaluate the effect of moisture conservation practices on phenology, growth indices and grain yield of wheat under limited irrigated conditions a field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Wheat and Barley Section, Department of Genetic and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the Rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21. CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar is situated 29°10' N latitude and 75° 46' E longitude with an elevation of 215.2 meters above mean sea level in the semi-arid and sub-tropical zone. The experiment consisted of twenty four treatment combinations comprising three establishment methods i.e. Conventional Tillage (CT), Zero Tillage (ZT) and Bed Planting (BP) as main plot and two irrigation levels i.e. I1-one irrigation applied at crown root initiation stage (I1) and I2-two irrigation applied at CRI and booting stagess as sub-main plot treatments and four moisture conservation practices i.e. M0-no mulch, M1-mulch (pearl millet straw @ 4 tonnes ha-1), M2- antitranspirant (kaolin @ 6% w/v) and M3- mulch (pearl millet straw @ 4 tonnes ha-1) + antitranspirant (kaolin @ 6% w/v) as sub-plots treatments. The experiment was conducted in split split-plot design with three replications. The results revealed that days taken to booting, heading and physiological maturity did not influence significantly by crop establishment methods. Crop took more days to attain booting (79.64 and 77.89), heading (90.33 and 88.08) and physiological maturity (138.86 and 137.42) stages when two irrigations were applied to the crop as compared to one irrigation during 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively. Among moisture conservation practices, treatment M3 took significantly higher numbers of days for booting (80.24 and 79.06), heading (91.00 and 88.39) and physiological maturity (140.39 and 138.72) stages as compared to M0 but statically at par with M1 and M2. The growth indices i.e. crop growth rate and relative growth rate are significantly higher in BP, two irrigation levels and M3 during 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively. The maximum grain yield of wheat was recorded when crop was sown by bed planting method of crop establishment (4,830 and 4,393 kg ha-1) as compared to ZT and CT during both the years. The grain yield was significantly higher with two irrigations levels (4,877 and 4,457 kg ha-1) as compared to one irrigation during both the years. Treatment M3 (4,837 and 4,415 kg ha-1) produced significantly higher grain yield as compared to other treatments during 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively.

Growth and phenology of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as influenced by irrigation scheduling under in situ rice residue management

ABSTRACT The impact of irrigation regimes on growth and phenology of wheat was studied under in situ rice residue management (RRM) using split plot design. Treatments were consisted of methods of rice residue management (3): conventional method, in situ RRM using Happy Seeder without Press Wheel (HSw/oPW) and Happy Seeder with press wheel assembly (HSwPW) in main plot and nine irrigation regimes[irrigations at growth stages (3): three irrigations at crown root initiation (CRI), booting and milking (I3CBM); four irrigations at CRI, tillering, flowering and milking (I4CTFM); five irrigations at CRI, tillering, booting, flowering and dough stages (I5CTBFD), and irrigation depths (3): 55 (I55), 65 (I65) and 75 (I75) mm] in subplot. Under in situ RRM, the physiological maturity was delayed resulting in higher accumulation of growing degree days (GDD), helio-thermal units (HTU) and photo-thermal units (PTU) than conventional method. The initial growth under HSw/oPW was slow, however, till harvest it was statistically at par with conventional method. I5CTBFD resulted in the highest days taken to physiological maturity and GDD, HTU and PTU accumulation. Grain yield (pooled) was significantly higher under I5CTBFD than I4CTFM and I3CBM. I75 recorded at par growth parameters and yield with I65.

Inluence of Different Levels of Cowdung on Mitigation of Water Deficit Effect on Wheat

The experiment was conducted in pot at the net house of the department of Agronomy, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from November, 2018 to March, 2019to find out the optimum dose(s) cowdung to mitigate the water deficit effect on wheat. The experiment comprised of two factors viz. factor A: Five levels of cowdung, i) C0= Control (No cowdung), C1= 25% less cowdung of recommended dose, C2 = Recommended dose of cowdung, C3 = 25% higher cowdung of recommended dose and C4 = 50% higher cowdung of recommended dose, and factor B: four levels of water deficit at, i) D0 = Control (No water deficit), D1= Crown root initiation stage (20-19 DAS), D2 = Booting stage (45-54 DAS) and D3= An thesis stage (55-64 DAS). The experiment was laid out in a Factorial R and omized Complete Block Design with three replications. The test crop variety was BARI Gom28. The result reveled that cowdung level had positive impact on yield of wheat under water deficit condition, and 50% higher cowdung of recommended dose (C4) gave the highest grain yield (5.12g plant-1). The particular treatment also produced the highest number of effective tillers plant-1 (5.25), spike length (10.39 cm), spikelet spike-1 (15.72), grains spike-1 (32.56), grains spikelet-1 (2.07) and 1000-grain weight (47.32 g) of wheat. The treatment C3 (25% higher cowdung of recommended dose) also gave statistically similar yield with C4 treatment. In respect of water deficit imposition treatments, grain yield was found the highest in control treatment which was statistically similar with water deficit imposition at booting stage treatment (D2). These two treatments also showed the higher and similar number of effective tillers plant-1 (4.86 and 4.58), spike length (10.53cm and 10.11cm), spikelets spike-1(15.50 and 15.19), grains spike-1 (34.10 and 30.17), grains spikelet-1 (2.20 and 1.98) and 1000-grain weight (45.42g and 45.36g, respectively). Regarding the interaction of levels of cowdung and water deficit imposition at different stages of plant growth, C4D0 and C3D0 were highest yielder which was attributed to higher 1000-seed weight, number of effective tillers plant-1, spikelets spike-1 and grains spike-1. Contrary, 25% higher cowdung than recommended dose (as it saved 25% cowdung) seems promising to overcome yield loss due to water deficit imposition at booting stage of wheat (D2). However, application of cowdung (12.5 t ha-1) was found effective to combat water deficit at booting stage (D2) of wheat compared to other growth stages. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2021, 24(1): 93-100

Growth and Yield Performance of Selected Wheat Genotypes at Variable Irrigation Management

Growth and Yield Performance of Selected Wheat Genotypes at Variable Irrigation Management

Microbial Biomass Carbon, Activity of Soil Enzymes, Nutrient Availability, Root Growth, and Total Biomass Production in Wheat Cultivars under Variable Irrigation and Nutrient Management

Intensive mono-cropping without a balanced supply of nutrients and declining water resources are degrading soil health, and as a consequence, agriculture production is becoming unsustainable and causing environmental degradation. The field experiment was conducted during Rabi season to assess the effect of an irrigation schedule, nutrient management, and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties on soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and soil enzymes activities. Two nutrient levels, recommended rate of chemical fertilizer (RDF) and 50% RDF + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through farmyard manure (FYM) designated as Integrated Nutrient Sources (INS), and three irrigations levels, one irrigation at crown root initiation (CRI), two irrigations at CRI and flowering stages, and five irrigations at all main stages of the crop (CRI, tillering, jointing, flowering, and grain filling) were allocated to main-plots while four varieties of wheat, HD 2967, WR 544, HD 2987, and HD 2932, were allocated to sub-plots. The results revealed that SMBC and activities of dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase enzymes, and acid phosphatase were higher under restricted irrigation (irrigation at CRI stage) than other irrigation schedules. SMBC, dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase activities were 73.0 µg g soil−1, 86.0 µg TPF g soil−1d−1, 39.6 µg PNP g soil−1 h1, and 81.8 µg PNP g−1 soil h−1, respectively, with the use of INS that was higher than RDF. Root weight and root volume followed a similar pattern. Applying single irrigation at CRI left behind the maximum available nitrogen (166.4 kg ha−1) in soil compared to other irrigation schedules and it was highest (149.31 kg ha−1) with the use of INS. Moreover, total organic carbon (TOC) was 0.44 and 0.43% higher with irrigation at CRI stages and the use of INS, respectively. The INS with single irrigation at the CRI stage is important to improve the root growth, SMBC dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase enzyme activity in the wheat production system.

Broad leaf weed management in wheat by pre-emergence and pre-mix post-emergence combinations of herbicides under different irrigation schedule

A 2-years study was conducted to assess the impact of irrigation schedule and weed management practices on broad leaf weed (BLW) flora and wheat dry matter production. Experiments were conducted during Rabi season of 2017-18 to 2018-19 at CSAUAT, Kanpur under split-plot design with four replication having four irrigation regimes were assigned to main plots and eight weed management practices were allocated to sub plots. Irrigations at crown root initiation (CRI) and active tillering stage (I1) significantly reduce the density and weight of BLW with highest WCE and crop resistance index (CRI) over other irrigation regimes. However, irrigation at CRI+ jointing+ booting+ flowering+ milking stage (I4) recorded highest weed effectiveness (WE) and dry matter yield (CDMY) followed by irrigation at CRI + active tillering + booting + flowering stage (I3). All the weed management treatments significantly reduced the density and weight of BLW resulted maximum crop dry matter yield over weedy check. Among herbicidal treatments, lowest density, fresh and dry weight of BLW, WE and the highest WCE, CRI, WPI and CDMY was recorded with the application of broadway (carfentrazone ethyl 20% + sulfosulfuron 25%WG) 100 g ha-1 at 35 DAS and it was statistically at par with clodinafop- propagyl 15% + metsulfuron 1% 400 g ha-1 at 35 DAS.

Chlorophyll Content in Leaves of Wheat as Influenced by Inorganic, Organic and Integrated Sources of Nutrient Application

Field experiments were conducted during winter season of 2018-19 and 2019-20 with three sources of nutrient viz., inorganic, organics (FYM, VC and biofertilizers) and their integration as main treatments and five levels [S1-0 (0-0-0 kg NPK ha-1), S2-100% (120-60-40 kg NPK ha-1), S3-150% (180-90-60 kg NPK ha-1), S4-200% (240-120-80 kg NPK ha-1) and S5-Soil Test based (STV) NPK i.e. 149-176-33 kg ha-1 in split plot design with three replications. The chlorophyll content (‘a’, ‘b’ and total) in leaves and Soil Plant Analyzer Development (SPAD) value were recorded at crown root initiation (CRI), tillering, jointing and milking stage of wheat. The pooled data of findings revealed that the treatment with inorganic sources showed significant increase in the SPAD readings (9.62, 15.54, 23.77 and 29.83), chlorophyll ‘a’ (0.76, 0.83, 1.47 and 0.63 mg g-1 leaf tissue), ‘b’ (0.44, 0.78, 0.87 and 0.57 mg g-1 leaf tissue) and total (1.19, 1.64, 2.25 and 1.14 mg g-1 leaf tissue) chlorophyll content in leaves over organic source at all the growth stages.
 All the levels of nutrient were significantly increased the chlorophyll content and SPAD value over control at all the stages except chlorophyll ‘a’ at jointing and milking stage. However, amongst the levels 150% and 200% NPK were found significantly superior to 100% NPK for SPAD value (8.32 and 8.71 at CRI and 12.56 and 12.19 at tillering), chlorophyll ‘a’ (0.73 and 0.70 mg g-1 leaf tissue at CRI), chlorophyll ‘b’ (0.46 and 0.45 mg g-1 leaf tissue at CRI, 0.68 and 0.71 mg g-1 leaf tissue at tillering and 0.53 and 0.59 mg g-1 leaf tissue at milking), respectively.
 The interaction results suggested that the 200% NPK with inorganic and integrated sources significantly superior to 100% NPK for chlorophyll ‘a’ content at jointing and milking stage. The application of 150% and 200% NPK with inorganic source were found significantly higher over the same level of NPK with integrated source of nutrient for total chlorophyll content and SPAD value at all the growth stages except 150% NPK for total chlorophyll at jointing and milking stage and SPAD value at milking stage. The correlation between SPAD value and chlorophyll ’a’, ‘b’, total were found significantly and positively at all growth stages. Coefficient of determination values between SPAD and chlorophyll content showed linear relationship at all the growth stages.

Influence of Organic Manures on Drought Stress at Different Growth Stages of Wheat

A pot experiment was conducted in the net house of the Agronomy department, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from November, 2018 to March, 2019 to evaluate the suitable organic source to mitigate the drought stress impact on wheat. The experiment comprised two factors viz. factor A: Three levels of organic manures, i) O0 = Control (Without organic manure), ii) O1 = Cowdung (10 t/ha), iii) O2 = Poultry litter (5 t/ha), and factor B: four levels of drought i) D0 = Control (without drought), ii) D1 = Crown root initiation stage (at 20-29 DAS), iii) D2 = Booting stage (at 45-54 DAS), iv) D3 = Anthesis stage (at 55-64 DAS). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (factorial) with three replications. Organic manure showed positive impact on yield and cowdung (O1) gave the highest grain yield (4.06 g plant-1). This may be attributed to the highest number of effective tillers plant-1 (3.21), spike length (9.53 cm), spikelet spike-1 (17.31), grains spikelet-1 (2.31) and 1000-grain weight (44.61 g) of wheat in this treatment. In respect of drought imposition treatments, grain yield was found higher in control treatment (without imposition of drought) which was statistically similar with drought imposition at booting stage treatment (D2). These two treatments also showed highest number of effective tillers plant-1, spikelets spike-1, grains spike-1 and 1000-grain weight. Regarding the interaction of organic manure and drought, cowdung without drought imposition (O1D0) and cowdung with drought imposition at booting stage (O1D2) were highest yielder among the other interactions which was attributed to higher 1000-seed weight, number of effective tillers plant-1, spikelets spike-1 and grains spike-1. Results revealed that application of organic manure could reduce the impact of drought on wheat irrespective of growth stages. However, application of cowdung (10 t ha-1) was found more effective to combat drought impact at booting stage of wheat compared to other growth stages.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2020, 23(2): 81-86

Effect of seed hardening and irrigation on economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation

The experiment was conducted to study the performance of various seed hardening chemicals in late sown variety of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj (U.P.) The experiment comprise of 13 treatment within 3 replication laid out in a randomized block design to evaluate the performance of various seed hardening chemicals viz. Distilled water, KNO3 at 1000mg per liter, PEG at 15% and GA3 at 450 mg/ liter. The highest straw yield (45.15t), grain yield (3.52t) and harvest index (7.27) was observed in the treatment PEG at 15%+Three Irrigations at crown root initiation, jointing and anthesis stage. The highest cost of cultivation (₹50894.00), gross return (₹59678.00), net return (₹36801.00) and B:C ratio (1.723) is also observed inT9, respectively.

Evaluation of irrigation levels and hydrogels on the growth, yield and profitability of wheat

A field experiment was carried out during Rabi season of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Lat. 29°10' N, Log. 75°46' E and 215.2 m amsl) to investigate the effect of irrigation levels and hydrogels on the growth, yield and profitability of wheat. The soil of the field was sandy loam in texture, slightly alkaline in pH (7.9), low in organic carbon, poor in available nitrogen and medium in available phosphorus and available potassium. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four irrigation levels viz., no irrigation (control), three irrigations at crown root initiation (CRI), late tillering (LT) and grain filling (GF) stage, three irrigations at 35/40 days after sowing (DAS), 80 and 120 DAS and six irrigations at critical stages i.e. CRI, tillering, jointing, flowering, milking and dough stage in main plot and three moisture conservation practices viz. control (no hydrogel), Pusa Hydrogel @ 2.5 kg/ha and Herbal Hydrogel (Gum Tragacantha i.e. Goond katira) seed treatment in subplots, replicated thrice. Pooled results of two consecutive year, 2016-17 and 2017-18 revealed that progressive increase in wheat grain yield and biological yield was recorded with every increment in irrigation frequency. Six irrigations brought significantly higher grain yield (62.11 q/ha) over no irrigation (36.94 q/ha), three irrigation at CRI, LT and GF (52.90 q/ha) and three irrigations at 35/40, 80 and 120 DAS (55.87 q/ha). Maximum grain yield in six irrigated crop might be due to significantly more growth and yield attributes viz., plant height (100.94 cm), effective tillers/m2 (406.67), grains/earhead (59.43) and 1000-grain weight (39.53 g) in six irrigated crop then other irrigation regimes. Six irrigated crop produced 40.52, 14.83 and 10.05% more grain yield than control, three irrigation at CRI, LT and GF stage and three irrigation at 40, 80 and 120 DAS. Among different moisture conservation treatments, the application of Pusa hydrogel and herbal hydrogel had not improved grain yield of wheat significantly as compared to control (without hydrogel). Although Pusa Hydrogel treatment produced numerically higher grain yield (52.55 q/ha) and yield attributes then control (51.31 q/ha) and Herbal Hydrogel (52.01 q/ha). Application of six irrigation at all important crop growth stages provided additional gross return (Rs. 53001/ha) and net returns (Rs. 45688/ha) over without irrigation. The highest grain yield was recorded when six irrigations were applied at all the critical growth stages and application of Pusa hydrogel and herbal hydrogel had not improved grain yield of wheat.

Influence of irrigation regimes and nitrogen fertilizer management on the performance of spring wheat in Bangladesh

A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University from November 2016 to March 2017 to find out the effect of irrigation regimes and nitrogen (N) fertilization on the yield performance of spring wheat. The experiment was comprised five levels of irrigation viz., no irrigation (I0); CRI (crown root initiation stage) (I1); CRI + maximum tillering stage (I2); CRI + maximum tillering stage + flowering Stage (I3); CRI + maximum tillering stage + flowering stage + grain formation stage (I4); and six levels of nitrogen viz., 0, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 kg ha-1 under Split Plot design with three replicates. Except few all the yield contributing characters and yield of wheat were significantly influence by the application of irrigation and nitrogen. The highest number of total tillers hill-1 (4.15), effective tillers hill-1 (3.63), number of spikelets spike-1 (14.67), grain yield (2.862 t ha-1), straw yield (3.45 t ha-1), biological yield (6.312 t ha-1) and harvest index (45.34%) were obtained from two irrigation at CRI+ Maximum tillering stage. In nitrogen management, the highest plant height (91.17 cm), number of spikelets spike-1 (15.24), number of grains spike-1 (44.46), spike length (10.89 cm), grain yield (2.93 t ha-1), straw yield (3.478 t ha-1) and biological yield (6.408) and harvest index (45.72%) were obtained from application of 120 kg N ha-1. In interaction, the highest grain (3.897 t ha-1), straw (4.76 t ha-1) and biological yield (8.661 t ha-1) and harvest index (45.02%) were achieved from two irrigation at CRI + maximum tillering stage with application of 120 kg N ha-1. The lowest grain yield (1.22 t ha-1) was achieved from one irrigation at CRI with no nitrogen application. Whereas, the lowest straw (2.13 t ha-1) and biological yield (3.78 t ha-1) were achieved from no irrigation with 60 kg N ha-1. Based on these results it may conclude here that farmers may apply two irrigations (one at CRI and another at maximum tillering stage) with 120 kg N ha-1 to obtain the higher yield of wheat under Bangladesh context.

Productivity and water use efficiency of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as influenced by irrigation schedule, mulching and hydrogel in eastern Indo-Gangetic plains of India

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of limited and adequate irrigation and moisture conservation practices (rice straw mulch and hydrogel) on yield and water use efficiency in wheat. Though, maximum wheat yield (3.92 t/ha) and water use efficiency (15.72 kg/ha/mm) was recorded with four irrigations at crown root initiation stage, tillering, late jointing, and milk stage, two irrigations applied at tillering and flowering and soil mix drilling of 7.5 kg/ha hydrogel (a synthetic polymer) at sowing produced comparable yield (3.34 t/ha) with less water use, enhancing the water use efficiency (15.45 kg/ha-mm). The higher net return and B : C ratio were found in the treatment 2.5 kg/ha hydrogel. Thus, from present study it may be concluded that under limited irrigation conditions, water conservation practices like soil mix drilling of hydrogel and rice-straw mulching are beneficial for maintaining optimum moisture in soil to enhance wheat yield and water use efficiency.