Department Of Agronomy Research Articles

Effect of Sulphur and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Black Gram (Phaseolus mungo L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid (summer) season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of Sulphur (10, 20 and 30 kg/ha) and 3 levels of zinc (10kg/ha, 0.1% and 0.2% foliar application) and a control. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 10 treatment and replicated thrice. Application of Sulphur (30 kg/ha) + Zinc (10kg/ha) (treatment 9) recorded higher Plant height, higher plant dry weight, higher number of Pods/Plant, higher number of seeds/pod, higher test weight and higher seed yield. The (treatment 9) also recorded Maximum benefit cost ratio (2.41)

Effect of Nitrogen and Crop Geometry on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn

The field experiment was conducted to investigate the Effect of Nitrogen and Crop Geometry on Growth and Yield ofBaby Corn during Zaid season of 2023 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. The main objectives of experiment is to studythe efficacy of nitrogen and crop geometry on growth and yield of baby corn. The experiment was executed using Randomized Block Design with ten treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments combinations are T1:Nitrogen 60kg/ha + Crop Geometry 40cm × 20cm T2: Nitrogen 80kg/ha + Crop Geometry40cm × 20cm T3: Nitrogen 100kg/ha + Crop Geometry 40cm × 20cm T4: Nitrogen 60kg/ha + Crop Geometry 50cm × 20cm T5: Nitrogen 80kg/ha + Crop Geometry 50cm × 20cm T6: Nitrogen 100kg/ha + Crop Geometry 50cm × 20cm T7: Nitrogen 60kg/ha + Crop Geometry 60cm × 20cm. T8: Nitrogen 80kg/ha + Crop Geometry 60cm × 20cm T9: Nitrogen 100kg/ha + Crop Geometry 60cm × 20cm, T10: Control (RDF-60- 40-40 NPK kg/ha) are used. The result of the study revealed that the higher plant height (173.47 cm), higher plant dry weight (29.3 g/plant), number of cobs/plant (2.1), green fodder yield (33.32 t/ha), cob yield with husk (12.30 t/ha), andcob yield without husk (4.33 t/ha) were significantly showed significant difference with application of Nitrogen100kg/ha + Crop Geometry 50cm × 20cm. It was concluded that for obtaining higher yield components with better quality of baby corn with Nitrogen 100 kg/ha + Crop Geometry 50cm × 20cm was recommended.

Effect of Different Fertilizer Levels on Growth and Yield of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) under Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Based Agroforestry System

The study was conducted during 2021-2022 during the Rabi season in Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh (Vindhyan region) at the agroforestry system of Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Department of Agronomy, Banaras Hindu University. This research aimed to analyze different levels of NPK on the growth parameters, yield attributes, and yield of linseed under guava based Agroforestry system. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments. Results indicated that increasing NPK levels positively impacted linseed growth parameters and yield attributes. The highest NPK application (60-60-50 kg ha-1) resulted in the most favorable outcomes. Economic analysis revealed that higher NPK concentrations led to increased gross returns, net returns, and benefit-cost ratios. Based on the findings, it is recommended to apply 60 kg N ha-1, 30 kg P ha-1, and 25 kg K ha-1 for optimal growth and yield of linseed under the guava-based Agroforestry system, leading to maximum net returns.

Response of Biofertilizer and Biochar on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn

The field experiment was conducted at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj, UP, during the Zaid season of 2023. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatment combinations which are replicated thrice. The experiment involves with the biofertilizers like azospirillum(10g and 20g/kg seed),azotobacter(10g and 20g/kg seed) along with biochar(0t/ha,10t/ha,40t/ha). Among the various treatment combinations in (treatment-9) with the application of Azospirillum 10g/kg seed along with Azotobacter 10 g/kg seed and Biochar 40 t/ha significantly recorded higher plant height (117.13 cm), plant dry weight (34.33 g), cobs/plant (1.87), cob length without husk (14.58 cm), cob weight without husk (12.09 g) and cob yield without husk (4.70 t/ha). Maximum gross returns (2,35,000.00 ₹/ha), were obtained in (treatment-9) whereas maximum net returns (1,27,001.00 ₹/ha) and higher benefit cost ratio (1.74) was obtained in (treatment-8) with application of Azospirillum 10g/kg seed along with Azotobacter 10g/kg seed and Biochar 10 t/ha.

Assessment of Productivity Dyanamics of Chickpea based Intercropping with Linseed and Seed Spices on BBF under Organic Cultivation

Background: The potential of intercropping is well known for multifaceted benefits like greater resource use, reduction of population of harmful biotic agents, higher resource conservation and soil health and agricultural sustainability. These benefits are prominently pronounced in rainfed region. As the legumes crop have much importance in organic farming and there are very close relationships between yield advantage and nutrient acquisition in intercropping systems. By considering this aspect of intercropping system, chickpea intercropped with linseed and seed spices to get higher monetary returns with soil health. Methods: The field experiment entitled “assessment of productivity dyanamics of chickpea based intercropping with linseed and seed spices on bbf under organic cultivation’’ was conducted during Rabi season of 2019-20 to 2022-23 at certified organic research farm of Centre of Organic Agriculture Research and Training (COART), Department of Agronomy, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (Maharashtra). Result: In case of chickpea, the crop growth parameters and yield attributes of chickpea were found to be improved with sole cropping of chickpea than intercropping system with linseed and seed spices. However, in case of other crops, higher crop growth parameters and yield attributes of ajwain were found in intercropping system with chickpea.

Assessment of crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling of potato using weather models under sub temperate climatic condition of North-Western Himalaya

To optimize irrigation water and enhance yield, appropriate amount of irrigation water and its scheduling according to real time weather data can help in reducing crop water foot prints. The evapotranspiration (ET) based irrigation scheduling using present weather conditions reflecting changed climatic scenarios in the study regions in the past few decades has proved to be sagacious use of water. To study the ET based irrigation scheduling, field experiment conducted with the treatments comprising four ET based weather models irrigation scheduling methods viz. no irrigation or rainfed, Thornthwaite, Hargreaves method, Temperature and modified Penman Monteith under sowing windows of 20th December and 20th January were conducted at research farm, of Department of Agronomy, CSK HPKV, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh during Rabi season of 2015-16. The estimated crop evapo-transpiration (ETc) with different ET estimation methods under North Western Himalayas showed variation during crop season. The highest estimated ET was observed in December as compared to January sown potato crop with Hargreaves method (376.8 mm) followed by Temperature (354 mm), Thornthwaite (329.5 mm) and the lowest in modified Penman Monteith methods (241.9 mm). The estimated ETc from pan evaporation observed to be the highest to the tune of (382.3 mm) compared to other methods of ETc estimation. The crop coefficients modeled at different pheno-phases were used for estimating water requirement of potato crop. It was found that irrigation scheduling based on modified Penman Monteith of ET estimation saved one irrigation to the tune of 60 mm during crop period without affecting significantly growth, and tuber yield of the potato as compared to other methods, viz., However, the irrigation schedule based on Thornthwaite method has recorded highest total potato tuber yield (171.76 q ha-1) being at par with irrigation schedules worked out from other ET estimation methods. The total water footprints were the lowest in modified Penman Monteith to the tune of 300 liters per kg of potato yield compared to other methods.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Aim: To study effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.).
 Study Design: A field experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, AKS, University, Satna during Rabi season 2023 on Maize crop.
 Methodology: The experiment trail was laid out in randomized block design. It consisted of three replications with ten treatment combinations i.e. T1 - Control,, T2 - 100% RDN by FYM (24 t/ha),, T3 - 75% RDN by FYM+25% RDN by VC,, T4 - 75%RDN by FYM+25% RDN by VC + Azotobacter and PSB @ 10 ml/kg seed,, T5 - 100% RDN by VC (8 t/ha),, T6 - 75% RDN by VC+25% RDN by FYM,, T7 -75%RDN by VC+25% RDN by FYM+ Azotobacter and PSB @ 10 ml/kg seed,, T8 - 50% RDN by VC + 50 % RDN by PM (3.8 t/ha),, T9 - 50% RDN by VC+50% RDN by PM + Azotobacter and PSB @ 10 ml/kg seed,, T10 - 50%RDN by EC (6 t/ha) + Beejamrut + Jeevamrut spray 500 l/ha (twice).
 Results: The results showed that application of T9 50% RDN by VC + 50% RDN by poultry manure + Azotobacter + PSB had significant effect on growth and yield of maize. The plant height, number of leaves per plant and dry matter accumulation were also significantly higher in T9 followed by T8 50% RDN by VC + 50 % RDN by PM (3.8 t/ha). The highest grain yield (39.40 q ha-1) was obtained in T9 followed by T8 (38.15 q ha-1), T7 (37.62 q ha-1) andT5(36.73 q ha-1).

Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Soil Fertility and Yield of Fodder Maize in Chennai

Field experiments were conducted to study the influence of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) by adopting different bulky organic manures and fertilizer levels on the soil fertility status and fodder yield of maize. The study was conducted during rabi season of 2019 and 2020 at the Department of Agronomy, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai. An experiment was laid out in split plot design. Main plots consisted of different organic manure treatments viz., No manure, farm yard manure (25 t ha-1), vermicompost (12 t ha-1) and poultry manure (12 t ha-1). Sub plots consisted of varying level of fertilizer treatments viz., No fertilizer, 125% RDF, 100% RDF, 75% RDF. The blanket recommendation of fertilizer to fodder maize is 60 kg N ha-1: 40 kg P2O5 ha-1: 20 kg K2O ha-1. The organic manures were applied as per the N equivalent basis to inorganic nutrient recommendation. The results revealed that all the soil parameters, green and dry fodder yield were significantly affected with the application of organic manures and fertilizer levels. Organic sources of nutrients tended to improve soil physico-chemical properties viz., bulk density, water holding capacity, porosity and organic carbon. The highest organic carbon content was noticed with the application of poultry manure (0.50 %) followed by poultry manure. The post harvest available soil nutrients was high in fodder maize grown with poultry manure along with 125% recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer to fodder maize recorded higher soil available nitrogen (109.48 kg ha-1), phosphorus (15.46 kg ha-1) and potassium (118.65 kg ha-1). Significantly higher green and dry fodder yield of maize was recorded with application of poultry manure along with 75 % recommended dose of fertilizer. Hence, application of organic manures specifically poultry manure along with low level of fertilizer improved the soil fertility and thus increased the green fodder yield of maize.

Analyzing the synergistic impact of UAV-based technology and knapsack sprayer on weed management, yield-contributing traits, and yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for enhanced agricultural operations

Modern agriculture uses agrochemicals to boost crop yield and quality. Using knapsack sprayers, Indian farmers apply herbicides, insecticides, and other chemicals. Herbicides are applied by manually operated knapsack sprayers, which are laborious, uneven, and prone to human mistakes. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a promising agricultural spraying alternative to manual operations. Future agricultural and field scouting technology aids weed management, pest control, and automated irrigation systems. Drone herbicide spraying was compared to traditional and mechanical knapsack sprayers in this study. The study also tested knapsack (manual) and UAV herbicide pre- and post-emergence and spraying on wheat crops. Herbicide application by knapsack and drones was examined for weed control, yield-contributing characters, and wheat yield. The experiments were performed at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth's Department of Agronomy in Parbhani, Maharashtra. A randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments, including drones and knapsack sprayers for weed management in wheat crops with different herbicide application times and repeated hoeings (cultural method), was compared to absolute weed-free, where no weeds were allowed to grow in wheat by frequent weeding and weedy inspection. The experimental field measured 7.2 m x 6 m gross land area and 6.3 m x 5.6 m net land area. When winds were light, the drone was flown at 3 m to avoid herbicide droplets drifting. The study found that unweeded wheat yields dropped 38 % owing to weed insects. The pre-emergence (PE) application using a knapsack sprayer and post-emergence (POE) herbicide application via a drone synergistically resulted in the highest growth and yield for T3, attaining values of 11.02 gm/plant, an average of 284.97 grains/plant, and a per-hectare grain yield of 4256.59 kg/ha. The cultural approach of weed management (T4) reduced yield by 21.2 %; however, treatment T3 improved yield contributing characteristics and losses by just 2.8 %. UAV-based herbicide spraying is a fast and easy method that contributes to achieving sustainable development goal (SDG) 2 for Zero Hunger by promoting sustainable plant protection and crop production.

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.

THE FOLIAR APPLICATION OF NITROGEN AND ZINC APPLIED DURING TILLERING AND BOOTING STAGE ENHANCED THE GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

Foliar application of nitrogen and zinc has proven beneficial to achieve high yield and growth of wheat. A field trial was conducted with Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in three replications, at Student’s Experiment Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam during spring 2022-2023. The study explored the effect of foliar application of nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) on wheat (Triticum sativum L.) variety TD-1 on different growth stages. The treatment comprised T1 = Control, T2 = 2.0% N (tillering), T3 = 2.0% N (booting), T4 = 0.1% Zn (tillering), T5 = 0.1% Zn (booting), T6 = 2.0% N + 0.1% Zn (tillering), and T7 = 2.0% N + 0.1% Zn (booting). The results revealed that all the parameters were significantly affected (p <0.05) by foliar applications of N and Zn at both tillering and booting stages. The highest growth and yield traits were recorded when the plants were treated with 2.0 % N + 0.1% Zn applied (foliar) at tillering stage. However, the plants grown under control conditions exhibited lower performance for all the traits recorded. In conclusion, the interaction of 2.0% N + 0.1% Zn with foliar spray demonstrated positive response towards wheat variety TD-1 at tillering stage as compared to other treatments. Hence, the combined strategy of applying foliar nitrogen and zinc at tillering stage is recommended to get higher grain yields and plant growth for chaff production

Effect of Nutrient Combination on Growth and Yield Attributes of Barley in Late Sowing Condition

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) during Rabi season of 2022-23 to Effect of nutrient combination on growth and yield attributes of barley in late sowing condition. Barley variety „ RD-2035‟ was used in this study. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications consisting of ten treatments combinations i.e. T1-Control, T2-100% RDF, T3-75% RDF + 2t FYM + 10 kg Zn, T4- 50% RDF + 4t FYM + 20 kg Zn, T5-75% RDF + 1.5t Vermicompost, T6-50% RDF + 3t Vermicompost, T7-75% RDF + 1t Poultry manure, T8-50% RDF + 2t Poultry manure, T9-75% RDF + 1.5t Compost and T10-50% RDF + 3t Compost. The increased growth parameter such as as plant height (cm), total number of tillers, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation with the application of 75% RDF + 1t Poultry manure. The application of 75% RDF + 1t Poultry manure increased all the yield parameters as compared to control.

Influence of Different Planting Dates and Mulches on Growth, Yield and Economics of Potato

The present research work was conducted at Pili kothi farm, Department of Agronomy, Tilak Dhari Post Graduate College, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh during winter season of 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design. The treatments comprised of different planting dates viz. 20 days early planting on 17th October, 10 days early planting on 27th October, Optimum planting time on 7th November, 10 days late planting on 17th November and 20 days late planting on 27th November and different mulching practices viz. Organic mulch (Paddy straw at 5 t/ha), Plastic mulch (Black colour) and Control (Without mulch) of potato. There were 15 treatments and each were replicated to four folds. These treatments were randomly arranged in each replication and divided into sixty plots. The results revealed that the significantly maximum number of haulms/hill at 45 DAP (4.50, 4.70 and 4.60), plant height (52.30, 54.00 and 53.10 cm), dry weight/ (27.90, 28.20 and 28.00) plant at 60 DAP, weight of tubers/plant (496.40, 504.10 and 500.30), weight of tubers/plant (>75 g) (207.70, 209.00 and 208.30) and tuber yield (369.30, 370.70 and 370.00 q/ha) were recorded under 20 Days Early Planting On 17th October among different planting dates during first, second year and mean data also. Whereas among the mulching practices significant variation were recorded among the all parameter. However maximum number of haulms/hill (3.60, 3.70 and 3.70) at 45 DAP, plant height (50.20, 52.0 and 51.10 cm), dry weight/plant (25.5, 25.9 and 25.7) at 60 DAP, weight of tubers/plant (454.80, 460.70 and 457.70), weight of tubers/plant (>75 g) (191.90, 193.30 and 192.60) and tuber yield (333.80, 334.90 and 334.30 q/ha) under the organic mulch (paddy straw at 5 t/ha) respectively, during first, second year as well as in mean data also.

Production and quality of ornamental peppers cultivated under colored shade nets

The cultivation of ornamental peppers in places with high temperature and incidence of solar radiation limits the production and quality of plants and fruits. The colored shade nets were introduced and adopted, because they reduce the temperature and intensity of solar radiation, as well as, low cost and simple to handle. The aimed was to evaluate the production and quality of C. chinense and C. frutescens cultivated under colored shade nets. The experiment was developed in the Floriculture Sector of the Agronomy Department of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil from February to August 2021 in entirely randomized design. C. chinense and C. frutescens were cultivated under red, pearl and aluminet nets with 35% shading and without net. At 150 days, production variables were quantified. The red net reduced the maximum temperature by at 4.1ºC and the pearl and aluminet nets reduced the minimum temperature by 3ºC. The maximum and minimum relative humidity was increased by 2.6 and 8.5%, respectively, by the red net. The pearl net obtained the lowest percentage of solar radiation incidence. Plant height was greater in the red and pearl nets, and C. frutescens. The diameter and stem fresh matter did not differ statistically between treatments. Root length was greater in the red and aluminet nets. The longitudinal and transverse canopy ratio was higher in C. chinense cultivated under the aluminet net. The number of leaves and leaves fresh matter was higher in pearl and aluminet net, and in C. frutescens, but leaves dry matter was higher in C. chinense. The number of flower buds and flowers, and flower buds dry matter was higher in C. chinense. The root fresh matter and dry matter was greater in C. chinese. The use of colored shade nets during the cultivation period effectively reduced temperature and light intensity. The aluminet net in association with C. chinense are recommended considering the compactness of height, pot coverage, greater number, shape and arrangement of fruits.

Influence of Zinc and Boron on Growth and Yield of Rice

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). The treatments consist of three levels of zinc and three levels of boron and one control was used. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments each replicated thrice. The results showed that growth parameters viz., plant height (116.77 cm), number of tillers per hill (31.13), dry weight (106.07 g/hill) and yield attributes viz., number of effective tillers per hill (9.53), number of filled grains per panicle (129.33), test weight (15.87 g), grain yield (5.57 t/ha) straw yield (8.77 t/ha) and harvest index (38.44 %) were recorded significantly higher with the application of zinc 15 kg/ha along with boron 6 kg/ha. Maximum gross returns (155166.77 INR/ha), Net returns (102889.22 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.97) were also recorded in treatment-9.

Potassium Deficiency in Cotton: Causes, Symptoms, and Considerations

The purpose of this publication is to inform cotton producers, Extension agents, crop advisors, and consultants about the role, deficiency, and management of potassium in cotton production. Written by Kulpreet Singh, Hardeep Singh, Peter Omara, Nkem J. Nwosu, Jennifer Bearden, Ravinder Singh, and Lakesh K. Sharma, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, January 2024.

Comparative Evaluation of Nano Urea Versus Conventional Urea for Nitrogen Management in Rainfed Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Cultivation in Acid Sandy Loam Soils of Assam.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi, 2021-22 at the experimental plot of the Department of Agronomy, Biswanath College of Agriculture (BNCA), Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Biswanath Chariali, Assam having geographic coordinates 26°43'30'' N and 93°08'08'' E to assess nitrogen management in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) with conventional and nano urea under rainfed farming situations in the North Bank Plain Zone of Assam. The experiment confined to 10 treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) viz., T1: Control (No Nitrogen), T2: Soil application of 50% N, T3: Soil application of 100% N (RD), T4: 3 foliar applications of 0.6% nano urea, T5: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 1% conventional urea, T6: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 2% conventional urea, T7: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 3% conventional urea, T8: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 0.2% nano urea, T9: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 0.4% nano urea, T10: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 0.6% nano urea. Results revealed that there was no significant effect on the seedling emergence percentage due to different nitrogen management treatments. The highest plant height (84 cm) and maximum number of leaves (33) were found in T10. T9 showed the maximum values of Relative Leaf Water Content (RLWC) (71%), leaf area index (LAI) (3.2 and 4.2 at 60 and 90 DAS), chlorophyll content index (30 DAS) and head diameter (16.70 cm). For most of the growth and phenological parameters, T9 and T10 were at par with each other. T1 (no nitrogen) was the earliest to complete its life cycle which is reflected in 50% heading (65 days) and days to maturity (97 days). Dry matter accumulation varied at different time intervals, initially, it was highest in T3 but later T9 and T10 showed the maximum values. In terms of seed yield, test weight and chaffy grain percentage (%), T9 showed the best results: (1505 kg/ha), (54 g/1000 seeds) and (20%) respectively, followed by T10. Whereas the highest stover yield was recorded in T10. The highest Benefit to Cost ratio (B:C ratio of 1.60) was obtained in the T9.

Agronomic Response of System of Finger Millet Intensification Technique on Growth and Yield of Organic Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

The experiment was carried out during Kharif season 2016 and 2017 at Crop Research Farm, SHUATS Model of Organic Farm (SMOF), Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) to study the ‘Agronomic response of System of Finger millet Intensification technique on growth and yield of organic finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)’. The pooled data recorded that SFMI technique has significant and highest plant height (86.12 cm), maximum number of tillers/ hill (13.08), higher plant dry weight (22.946 g/ hill), maximum number of effective tillers/ hill (12.14), longest spike length (4.01 cm), highest number of grains/ spike (1913.63), highest grain yield (3.23 t/ ha), highest straw yield (7.34 t/ ha) and higher harvest index (43.86%). The pooled data also recorded that CTFM has significant and highest crop growth rate (17.853 g/ m2/ day) at 75 to 90 DAS intervals. Considering poultry manure (16 t/ ha) pooled data showed significant and highest plant height (85.89 cm), maximum number of tillers/ hill (12.88), higher plant dry weight (22.946 g/ hill), maximum number of effective tillers/ hill (11.97), longest spike length (3.98 cm), highest number of grains/ spike (1908.46), higher grain yield (3.25 t/ ha), highest straw yield (7.38 t/ ha) and higher harvest index (44.01%). The data also recorded highest benefit cost ratio by System of Finger millet Intensification technique along with organic sources of nutrient by Poultry manure (1.7 t/ ha) during both the years and in average.

Growth of horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus) under different levels of Trichoderma-based bio-fertilizer

<p><span lang="EN-US">Implementing practices such as organic agriculture, sustainable agriculture, or ecological agriculture can greatly reduce and eliminate the harmful effects of synthetic fertilizers on both human health and the environment. In efforts to promote a more environmentally friendly approach, this study was conducted at the Department of Horticulture and Agronomy, Midlands State University in Zimbabwe. The focus was on the use of Trichoderma bio-fertilizer at various levels to determine its impact on the growth of horned melon (<em>Cucumis metuliferus</em>) in a greenhouse setting. The experiment followed a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and included four different Trichoderma-based biofertilizer treatments, as well as a control treatment [0 g/pot (control), 0.1 g/pot, 0.2 g/pot, 0.3 g/pot, and 0.4 g/pot], all replicated four times. The research findings indicate that the biofertilizer utilized had a significant impact (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.05) on vine length, number of leaves, and branches for growth characteristics. However, the biofertilizer did not have a significant effect (<em>p</em> ≥ 0.05) on stem girth, chlorophyll content, or branching pattern. This study reveals that the horned melon plants treated with the Trichoderma-based biofertilizer exhibited noticeable changes in their vegetative growth, flowering patterns, and fruiting features at different application levels. Further investigation is required to fully understand the potential benefits of using Trichoderma-based biofertilizer in horned melon cultivation.</span></p>

Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) seedlings formation under different intensities of violet, blue and red LED light

Introduction. Seedlings formation under controlled conditions is essential for growing species of importance as strawberry. Since the artificial LED lighting technologic has allowed greater control of light, the variation of components such as the wavelength and intensity can be manipulated to form seedlings with different characteristics. However, it is necessary to generate original scientific information for the development of precise and efficient practices on light control. Objective. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the strawberry seedlings formation under different intensities of violet, blue and red LED light. Material and methods. The study was performed in 2020 at the Plant Genetics Laboratory of the Agronomy Department of the Universidad de Guanajuato, in the municipality of Irapuato, in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. Seeds were recovered from San Andreas cultivar fruits and seedlings were formed under violet, blue and red LED light at high, medium, and low intensities. Color determination of cotiledon area, chroma saturation index and Hue angle were performed. Physiotechnical variables, chemical and antioxidant activity were measured. Results. The most suitable treatments were violet light of high and medium intensities; as well as blue light of high intensity, due to the germination percentage exceeded at least 60 %. Seedlings did not lengthen or thin, presented the largest cotyledons areas and the highest chlorophyll concentrations. In addition, these light treatments consumed 31.2 % less electrical energy on average. Conclusions. Besides the white light, the most suitable treatments for strawberry seedlings formation were violet light at high and medium intensities, as well as blue light at high intensity. It is suggested that the violet and blue light treatments be evaluated in other cultivars to confirm the beneficial effect on the strawberry seedlings. Red light limited germination and the highest antioxidant activity was observed in this treatment.