Dry Fodder Yield Research Articles

Gentetic Studies for Heterosis for Grain Yield and Yield Components Using Diverse Male Sterile Lines in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.

The line x tester analysis involving ninety hybrids, thirty three parents (three lines and thirty testers) and three checks including national check GHB558, commercial checks Kaveri super boss and 86 M 38 were used to assess the magnitude of heterosis with respect to grain and dry fodder yield and its component traits in pearl millet under rainfed conditions during kharif, 2019 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vijayapur. Twentysix hybrids exhibited significant positive standard heterosis over check GHB 558, twelve hybrids over check Kaveri super boss and three hybrids over best check 86 M 38 for grain yield per hectare. Whereas, thirteen hybrids over GHB558, none of hybrids over Kaveri super boss and 86 M 38 exhibited significant positive standard heterosis for dry fodder yield per hectare. Two hybrids viz., ICMA 94555 x IP 17465 and ICMA 94555 x IP 14522were superior for both grain and dry fodder yield.

SUSTAINABLE FORAGE PRODUCTION IN MELIA AZEDARACH BASED SILVOPASTORAL SYSTEM

Silvopasture experiment was conducted to find out the performance of Melia azedarach (Bakain) with fodder crops in silvopastoral model of agroforestry under rainfed conditions of Ranchi, Jharkhand. Four kinds of fodder grasses viz., Stylosanthes hamata (Stylo), Arachis glabrata (Charabadam), Brachiaria mutica (Para grass) and Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum (NB Hybrid). Maximum growth was seen in Bakain in terms of tree height (185 cm) and collar diameter (24.97 mm) when intercropped with Stylo. Maximum green & dry fodder yield was observed in sole NB Hybrid grass, whereas Charabadam recorded maximum crude protein content in silvopastoral condition. The soil nutrient status of silvopasture was also raised as compared to sole tree/crops.

Influence of Organic Manures and Synthetic Fertilizers on Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Fodder Maize

A pot culture experiment was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, during rabi season 2019 - 2020 to study the influence of organic manures and synthetic fertilizers on the nutrient uptake and green fodder yield of fodder maize (Zea mays L.). An experiment was laid out with two factors and three replications. Four organic manure treatments in main-plots viz., no manure, farm yard manure (25 t ha-1), vermicompost (12 t ha-1) and poultry manure (12 t ha-1) and four fertilizer treatments in subplots viz., No fertilizer, 125% RDF, 100% RDF, 75% RDF. The recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) for 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 the inorganic nutrient recommendation. The results revealed that the application of nutrients through poultry manure @ 12 t ha-1 resulted in higher plant uptake of Nitrogen (112.2 kg ha-1), phosphorus ( 19.26 kg ha-1), and potassium ( 117.7 kg ha-1) followed by the application of farm yard manure @ 25 t ha-1 on N equivalent basis. Concerning fertilizers, the application of 75% recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer resulted in higher plant nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium uptake (104.9, 18.9, 108.54 Kg ha-1 N, P, K, respectively). About the fodder yield, the highest green and dry fodder yield were recorded under the treatment combination of poultry manure along with 75% RDF 31.84 t ha-1 and 5.19 t ha-1 at 60 DAS, respectively).

Genetic Diversity among Maize (Zea mays L) Genotypes Based on Fodder Yield and Quality Parameters

Maize (Zea mays) is cultivated all over the world including Pakistan for fodder and grain. Genetic diversity and environmental effects greatly affect the fodder yield and quality in maize. Therefore, it is imperative to assess the genetic diversity among 31 maize genotypes for fodder and quality related traits. Genotypes were collected from the Australian Grain Gene Bank and grown under field conditions with three replications following randomized complete block design. The morphological traits such as plant height (cm), leaf area (cm2 ), leaf-stem ratio (wt. basis), stem girth (cm), leaves plant-1 , days to 50% silking, days to 50% silking, leaf moisture (%), dry fodder yield plant-1 (g), green fodder yield plant-1 (g) and quality traits such as crude protein (%), ether extract (%), ash content (%), crude fiber (%) and nitrogen-free extract (%) were recorded. Analysis of variance, biplot analysis and genotypic and phenotypic correlation were performed. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences with days to 50% silking, days to 50% tasseling, plant height, stem girth, leaf area, leaves plant-1, moisture percentage, green and dry fodder yield, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, ash content and nitrogen free extract and non-significant differences with leaf stem ratio. At phenotypic and genotypic level, dry fodder yield plant-1 , plant height, stem diameter, leaf moisture %, No. of leaves, days to 50% silking, crude fiber and ether extract revealed significant correlation with fodder yield plant-1 . Biplot analysis based on PCA for different quantitative parameters showed that first two principal components i.e F1, F2 are contributing 23.29% and 14.53 % to the total variations respectively. Based on all the results the best genotypes were DTMA-271, DTMA-15, DTMA-281 and DTMA-295 could be used in breeding programs.

Effect of weed management on weed dynamics, crop growth, fodder yield and economics of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) African tall under Chhattisgarh condition

Fodder maize is palatable and nutritious which can be fed as green or dry and makes excellent silage. But it is heavily infested with weeds which often inflicts huge yield and quality losses. A field experiment was conducted at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur during Kharif 2017. Results showed that the lowest weed density and dry weight was recorded in tank mix application of atrazine 750 g + pendimethalin 750 g ha-1 as pre emergence followed by hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing and topramezone 35 g + atrazine 250 g ha-1 as post emergence. These herbicides also recorded higher weed control efficiency (93-95%) and the lowest weed index (1-2%). Highest green and dry fodder yield were also obtained with the tank mix application of atrazine 750 g + pendimethalin 750 g ha-1 as pre emergence followed by hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing and topramezone 35 g + atrazine 250 g ha-1 as post emergence. Similarly, crude protein yield was also highest under these combinations. Among herbicides, the highest net returns (Rs 41768 ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio (2.68) were also highest with tank mix application of atrazine 750 g + pendimethalin 750 g ha-1 as pre emergence followed by hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing and topramezone 35 g + atrazine 250 g ha-1 as post emergence. Thus, this study suggests tank-mixed herbicide application for better weed control in fodder maize rather than their sole application. These combinations of herbicides may be the alternative of manual weeding.

Effect of Treated Wastewater Irrigation Combined with Manure and Inorganic Nutrients on Fodder Yield and Proximate Parameters of Bajra Napier Hybrid Grass in Cauvery Delta Region of Tamil Nadu

Aim: In arid and semi-arid areas recycling of water may have a greater impact on future usable water supply than any of the other technologies aimed for increasing water supply. Efforts have been taken on maximizing the benefit and minimizing the detrimental effects on people or the environment due to continuous usage of treated wastewater. Hence, the current experiment was aimed to study the effect of treated wastewater in combination with organic and inorganic nutrients on bajra napier hybrid grass on yield and quality parameters.
 Study Design: The field experiment was conducted using secondary treated wastewater, manure and inorganic nutrients in Bajra Napier hybrid grass variety CO(BN) 5 with a strip plot design and four replications.
 Place and duration of study: The experiment was conducted in Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, during 2018-19 (10.62ᵒ N latitude and 79.26ᵒ East longitude).
 Methodology: The five ratios of irrigation water were used in horizontal factor treatments and four different nutrient combination treatments were allotted in the vertical factor. The plot was divided into 27 m2 with 2 m space between the plots. The two budded setts of bajra napier hybrid grass variety CO (BN)-5 were planted at 60 x 50 cm spacing. The flood irrigation and nutrients (basal and top-dressing) were applied as per the treatments.
 Results: The use of treated wastewater for irrigation combined with manure and inorganic nutrients significantly increased the total green and dry fodder yields. Irrigation treatment with treated wastewater alone + 100% inorganic nutrients (I5N1) recorded significantly higher total green and dry fodder yields of 431.0 and 76.7 t ha-1 yr-1, respectively, than all other treatment combinations. Irrigated with groundwater alone (control) without nutrients (I1N4) recorded the lowest total green and dry fodder yields (222.5 and 47.6 t ha−1 yr-1, respectively). The average crude protein content of all total cuttings was significantly higher (13.53%) in I5N1 than all other treatments. On the other hand, the average crude fibre content (28.03%) was significantly lower in the treatment I5N1 as compared to irrigated with groundwater without nutrients (31.18%).
 Conclusion: The perennial fodder crop Bajra Napier hybrid grass variety CO (BN) 5 cultivated under-treated wastewater combined with manure and inorganic nutrients increased the total green and dry fodder yields with beneficial proximates. The use of treated wastewater for fodder cultivation helps conserve groundwater and effectively utilize available nutrients in treated wastewater.

Effect of Different Combinations of NPK Fertilizer and Seed Quantities on The Yields of Green and Dry Fodder for Egyptian Clover (Meskawi)

A field experiment was carried out at Abu Al-Fadl Forest Nursery affiliated to Al-Diwaniyah Agriculture Directorate (2 km away from the city center), during the winter season (2020-2021). In order to determine the best combination of NPK fertilizer under influence of different seeding rates to shorten the life of cutting the first To increase cutting number during the growing season and to improvment the quantity and quality of green and dry fodder and seed yield, The experiment includes six combinations of NPK fertilizer are (0-0-0), (20-15-10), (40-30-20), (60-45-30), (80-60-40) and (100-75-50) kg ha−1, and four of seeding rates are (20, 40, 60, 80) kg ha−1, The experiment was applied according to the arrangement of the split plots and using R.C.B. Design with three replications. The combination of NPK fertilizer were placed in the main-plot and the quantities of seeds in the sub-plot. The results showed that NPK5 fertilizer level excelled the yields of green and dry forage for the fourth cutting (20.98, 2.28) ton ha−1 respectively, and The total green and dry fodder yields (60.87, 6.48) ton ha−1 respectively, While the fertilizer level NPK4 exceeded The ratio of leaves to stems for the fourth cutting (37.61%). As for the of seeding rates, the results showed that (80 kg h−1) excelled for the ratio of leaves to stems for third cutting (34.67%) yields of green and dry fodder for the first cutting (9.92, 1.03) ton ha−1 respectively, and the total green fodder yield (59.40 t.h-1), While the 60 kg h−1 excelled the yields of green fodder for the second, third and fourth cutting (13.04, 19.50 and 17.64) ton ha−1, dry forage yield of the second, third and fourth cutting (1.47, 1.94, and 1.90) ton ha−1sequentially. and the total dry fodder yield (6.25) ton ha−1.

Influence of Plant Growth Regulators and Micronutrients on Growth, Yield and Quality of Sorghum under Temperate Conditions

A field experiment was conducted at Dry land Agricultural Research Station, Rangreth, Srinagar, SKUAST-K in Kharif 2020 to study the effect of Plant Growth Regulators and micronutrients on growth, yield and quality of sorghum. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of Plant Growth Regulators and micronutrients on herbage yield and quality. The treatments included; T1: Tricontanol 10 ppm at 30 DAS (foliar spray), T2: Salicylic acid 100 ppm at 30 DAS (foliar spray), T3: 5 kg Zn/ha soil application, T4: 2 kg B/ha soil application, T5: 5 kg Zn + 2 kg B/ha soil application, T6: 5 kg Zn/ha (soil application ) + Triacontanol 10 ppm at 30 DAS (foliar spray), T7: 5 kg Zn/ha (soil application) + salicylic acid 100 ppm at 30 DAS (foliar spray), T8: 2 kg B/ha (soil application) + Triacontanol 10 ppm at 30 DAS (foliar spray), T9: 2 kg B/ha (soil application )+ salicylic acid 100 ppm at 30 DAS (foliar spray), T10: 5 kg Zn + 2 kg B/ha (soil application) + Triacontanol 10 ppm at 30 DAS (foliar spray), T11: 5 kg Zn + 2 kg B/ha (soil application) + salicylic acid 100 ppm at 30 DAS (foliar spray) and T12: Water spray at the time of PGR application. Zn and B were applied at the time of sowing in the soil. The crop was raised with recommended package of practices. In treatments, where zinc was not a treatment, an amount of sulphur through gypsum equivalent to sulphate supplied with 5 kg ZnSO4 was applied to compensate. The crop was sown in 30.0 cm apart lines. The trial was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results indicated that all the treatments improved the green fodder yield over control. Among different treatments, T10: 5 kg Zn + 2 kg B/ha soil application + Triacontanol 10 ppm at 30 DAS foliar spray and T11: 5 kg Zn + 2 kg B/ha soil application + salicylic acid 100 ppm at 30 DAS foliar spray produced maximum GFY (493.6 and 490.5q/ha) on locational mean basis. It was significantly superior to other treatments. These treatments improved the green fodder yields by 35.0 % and 34.2 %, respectively, over control (spray of water). In terms of dry matter, similar trend was noted and the improvement with T10 and T11 was to the tune of 36.8 % and 41.0 % over control. Tricontanol 10 ppm at 30 DAS (foliar spray) (T1) improved the green fodder yield and dry fodder yield by 13.6% and 14.3 % respectively over T12Water spray at the time of Plant Growth Regulator application. Similarly spray of T2: Salicylic acid 100 ppm at 30 DAS (foliar spray) improved the green fodder yield and dry fodder yield by 14.4% and 15.4% respectively over T12Water spray at the time of Plant Growth Regulator application. Similar trend was observed with respect to quality parameters (crude protein content and crude protein yield) of sorghum.

Estimation of genetic variability and correlation among different ryegrass genotypes for fodder yield and quality related traits.

Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is the most important fodder crop grown worldwide. The presentresearch work was carried out at the research area of MNS university of Agriculture, Multan.Twenty ryegrass accessions were sown in three replications following a randomized completeblock design. Analysis of variance showed that genotypes significant for all traits instead offresh fodder yield and dry fodder yield. The genotypes 193145 and 196538 showed bestresults for most of the traits studied. The phenotypic and genotypic positive and significantassociation of plant height, leaf area and dry weight with fresh fodder yield was observed.Dry fodder yield had a positive and significant association with plant height and leaf area,fresh weight, crude protein and ash contents at genotypic level. So, the dry weight hadhighest positive direct effect on fresh fodder yield followed by number of tillers. Leaf areaand crude protein was negative direct effect on fresh fodder yield. The highest positiveindirect effect by crude protein via dry fodder yield followed by number of tillers and leafarea. It was concluded that plant height, number of tilers, plant height, leaf area and dryweight will be used as selection criteria for improving the fodder yield.

Estimation of genetic variability and correlation among different ryegrass genotypes for fodder yield and quality related traits.

Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is the most important fodder crop grown worldwide. The presentresearch work was carried out at the research area of MNS university of Agriculture, Multan.Twenty ryegrass accessions were sown in three replications following a randomized completeblock design. Analysis of variance showed that genotypes significant for all traits instead offresh fodder yield and dry fodder yield. The genotypes 193145 and 196538 showed bestresults for most of the traits studied. The phenotypic and genotypic positive and significantassociation of plant height, leaf area and dry weight with fresh fodder yield was observed.Dry fodder yield had a positive and significant association with plant height and leaf area,fresh weight, crude protein and ash contents at genotypic level. So, the dry weight hadhighest positive direct effect on fresh fodder yield followed by number of tillers. Leaf areaand crude protein was negative direct effect on fresh fodder yield. The highest positiveindirect effect by crude protein via dry fodder yield followed by number of tillers and leafarea. It was concluded that plant height, number of tilers, plant height, leaf area and dryweight will be used as selection criteria for improving the fodder yield.

A novel high yielding dual-purpose sorghum variety GDJ1 (Banas Surya) for semi-arid region of Gujarat

The new sorghum variety GDJ 1 (Banas Surya) breed through pedigree selection method from the cross between SPV 2113 × GFS 5 at Sorghum Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Deesa, Gujarat. The variety GDJ 1 was tested in a preliminary evaluation trial (PET) in kharif 2016. It was found promising and further it was tested in state multilocation trials from kharif 2017 to 2019. It was also tested under the AICRP-sorghum IVT trial in kharif 2018 as SPV 2565 at fifteen locations (Zone-I, II and III) across the nation. The sorghum variety GDJ 1 was tested under a total of 20 state trials against various check varieties viz., CSV 20, GJ 39, GJ 42, GDJ 1 and GJ 43. The mean performance of GDJ 1 for grain yield over 21 locations, including the preliminary trial was 2506 kg/ha. In the case of dry fodder yield, the mean performance over 22 location, including the preliminary trial was 167.0 q/ha. In North Gujarat, based on seven testing trials GDJ 1 exhibited high grain yield (2576 kg/ha) with an increment of 50.0, 50.7 19.6, 21.5 and 41.8 per cent, respectively and dry fodder (228.7 q/ha) with an increment of 49.8, 52.3, 10.9, 49.6 and 34.2 per cent over the years and locations against checks GJ 39, GJ 42, GJ 43, GNJ 1 and CSV 20, respectively. It matures within 100-105 days, tall in nature, very long and broad leaves, the long symmetric semi-loose panicle have a medium neck with long branches and medium glume length. The grain is medium bold and yellow-white. From the quality point of view the released variety have a fair amount of protein in grain (10.1%) and dry fodder (9.20%) and low tannin (0.215 mg/g) in grain indicated the good quality of grain and dry fodder. It is moderately resistant to diseases like leaf blight, anthracnose, grain mold, ergot and lower infestation of shoot fly and stem borer.

Productividad de forraje en maíces híbridos bajo diferentes densidades de población y dosis de fertilización

La fertilización y densidad de planta son algunos componentes tecnológicos esenciales dentro de la agricultura moderna. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el efecto de la densidad de planta y dosis de fertilización sobre la productividad de forraje de tres híbridos comerciales de maíz. El experimento se estableció en el Campo Experimental Cotaxtla perteneciente al Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), bajo un diseño en bloques completamente al azar con arreglo en parcelas subdivididas con tres repeticiones. Se estudiaron tres factores: dosis de fertilización (207‑69‑60 y 253‑69-60), híbridos de maíz (H-564C, H-567 y HE-3B) y densidades de planta (62 500, 83 000 y 100 000 plantas ha-1). Durante el periodo de estudio, la precipitación mensual acumulada fue de 1003.6 mm y la temperatura promedio de 26.7 °C; la máxima temperatura ocurrió en el mes de agosto (28.7 °C) y la mínima en el mes de noviembre (25.3 °C). La prueba de Duncan (P ≤ 0.05), demostró que la dosis de fertilización integrada por la fórmula 253‑69‑60, incrementó el rendimiento de forraje verde, un 15.06% más con relación a la fórmula 207‑69‑60. Los híbridos H-564C y HE-3B expresaron los mejores rendimientos de forraje verde con 53 105 y 51 937 kg ha‑1, respectivamente. La mayor producción de forraje verde se obtuvo con el híbrido HE-3B y la dosis 253-69-60. El aumento de la densidad de planta (62 500 a 100 000 plantas ha-1) incrementó el rendimiento de forraje verde cuando se aplicó altas unidades de N. El incremento de la densidad de planta no afectó las características agronómicas de los híbridos evaluados. Los híbridos H-564C y HE‑3B, expresaron mayor rendimiento de forraje verde. Este último material es un candidato para ser liberado y comercializado con propósitos forrajeros en el área tropical del estado de Veracruz.

Influence of nutrient levels on pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) growth, yield and economics under dryland condition of Northern Karnataka

The present study was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vijayapur during kharif 2018 and 2019 in medium black soil. The experiment was designed in a split plot design comprising four pearl millet hybrids as main plots (VPMH 7, VPMH 8, GHB 558 and 86M88) and three nutrient levels (100% RDF, 125% RDF and 150% RDF) in sub plots, replicated thrice. Pearl millet hybrids VPMH 8, 86M88 and VPMH 7 were better in growth compared to GHB 558. Growth parameters were statistically superior in 150% and 125% RDF compared to 100% RDF. Grain and dry fodder yield were higher in 86M88 (2285 and 5210 kg ha-1, respectively) and VPMH 8 (2255 and 4772 kg ha-1, respectively) than GHB 558. Nutrient level at 150% RDF has recorded higher grain and dry fodder yield, respectively (2367 and 5143 kg ha-1) and was on par with 125% RDF (2186 and 4931 kg ha-1). Higher gross and net returns were recorded by 86M88 (Rs. 34,275.00 and 21,488.00, respectively). RDF at 150% and 125% have recorded higher net returns and B:C ratio.

Evaluation of high yielding temperate perennial forages for augmenting forage resources in ladakh (India)

The present study was conducted in a community pastureland of Spituk Monastery, Leh (Ladakh) from 2013 to 2015 to evaluate some temperate forage grasses/legumes and their mixtures grown in the interspaces of Salix plantation with a spacing of 4 m × 4 m. The experiment comprised of 13 treatments laid out in a randomized block design with each treatment replicated three times using a plot size of 12 m × 12 m. The results revealed that alfalfa had maximum value of sward height (62.5 cm), which was at par with treatment alfalfa grown in mixture with Dactylis + tall fescue + sainfoin. However, plant cover was maximum (75.6-85.6%) in mixture treatments as compared to sole grass or legume treatments (20.4-80.6%). Maximum green (9.87 t ha-1) and dry fodder yield (2.68 t ha-1) was observed in Dactylis + tall fescue + sainfoin + alfalfa treatment, which was at par with tall fescue + alfalfa treatment. The mean values for plant height, collar diameter, diameter at breast height, number of branches and leaf yield were 1.79 m, 21.2 mm, 16.1 mm, 5.32 and 66.72 dry matter kg ha-1, respectively. The study suggests that tall fescue, Dactylis, red clover and sainfoin hold great promise as intercrop in Salix-based silvipastoral systems for augmenting the fodder needs in the region.

Growth and forage yield potential of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) as exploited by sowing dates and plant population

Studies were conducted at two locations viz., Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Moga to evaluate the effect of weather variables caused by sowing dates and seed rate on growth and fodder yield of cowpea. The fourteen treatment combinations comprised of seven dates of sowing i.e. March 5, March 25, April 14, May 4, May 24, June 13 and July 3, and two seed rates i.e. 30 and 37.5 kg ha−1. Crop sown on March 5 took the longest time to emerge and was the only crop to flower. The highest plant height and dry matter accumulation per plant was registered in the sowing of May 4 and March 5, respectively. However, the maximum leaf area, number of branches, green and dry fodder yield was observed in the April 14 sowing. The higher seed rate (37.5 kg ha−1) increased green fodder yield by 8.9 percent over the lower seed rate (30 kg ha−1).

A Study on Sustainable Modules for Year-Round Green Fodder Production under Irrigated Conditions

Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Vishweswaraiah Canal Farm, Mandya, conducted "Studies on sustainable modules for year-round green fodder production under irrigated conditions" throughout the kharif, rabi, and summer seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20. The experiment had three replicates and was set up in a randomized whole block design with fifteen fodder cropping system components. Green fodder yield (1636 q ha-1 year-1), dry fodder yield (321 q ha-1 year-1), carbon sequestration (24.87 Mg ha-1) and net returns (Rs. 2,14,232 ha-1 year-1) were all significantly higher for the BN hybrid + Lucerne (2:8) perennial system than they were for the BN hybrid + Cowpea (2:8) perennial system (1552 q ha-1 year-1, 308 q ha-1 year-1, 24.35.

Correlation and path analysis study of different characters for grain yield and fodder purpose in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

The present study was carried out to find the correlation and path coefficient analysis of 40 genotypes of sorghum for forage and grain yield and its attributes. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications at the Sorghum Research Station, SDAU, Deesa, Gujarat during Kharif- 2018. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits studied. The high values of GCV and PCV were recorded for leaf: stem ratio followed by dry fodder yield per plant, grain yield per plant, panicle length and panicle width. The genotypic path coefficient analysis revealed that leaf area, panicle width, day to maturity and 1000-grain weight exhibited high and positive direct effect on grain yield per plant. The genotypic path coefficient analysis revealed that days to flowering, leaf width, the number of leaf per plant, leaf length and panicle width exhibited high and positive direct effect on dry fodder yield per plant.

Use of wild Pennisetum species for improving biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in pearl millet

AbstractPearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is one of the world's hardiest warm‐season cereal crop cultivated for food and animal feed in the semi‐arid tropics of Asia and Africa. This crop faces terminal drought during rainy and flowering‐stage heat stress during summer seasons. Blast is emerging as a serious threat affecting its production and productivity in India. Using wild P. violaceum (Lam) Rich. and pearl millet cultivars, prebreeding populations were developed following backcross method. These populations were evaluated in target ecologies in India at three locations during the 2018 summer season for flowering‐stage heat stress and at two locations during the 2018 rainy season for terminal drought stress. A total 18 introgression lines (ILs) from Population (Pop) 3 exhibited improved seed set under high heat stress vs. the cultivated parent, whereas no IL was better than the cultivated parent in Pop 4. Under rainfed conditions at Hisar and Bawal, India, 19 ILs from Pop 3 and 16 ILs from Pop 4 showed significantly higher dry fodder yield than the cultivated parents. Further, screening of ILs for five diverse pathotype isolates—Pg 45, Pg 138, Pg 186, Pg 204, and Pg 232—of blast resulted in the identification of resistant ILs. Use of these promising ILs in breeding programs will assist in developing new varieties and hybrids with improved tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The study indicated the genetic differences between the parents involved in crossing and also highlighted the importance of precise phenotyping of wild species for target trait prior to use in prebreeding work.

Variations in structure and saccharification efficiency of biomass of different sorghum varieties subjected to aqueous ammonia and glycerol pretreatments

Sorghum biomass is a potential feedstock for lignocellulosic bioethanol production. The selection of suitable sorghum variety is essential to obtain high ethanol yield. In this paper we screened sorghum varieties belonging to sweet sorghum, post rainy sorghum, and hybrid sorghum. These varieties were screened based on their agronomic traits, amenability to pretreatment methods, and enzymatic digestibility. The sorghum biomass was pretreated using glycerol (60 %) at 190 ̊C for 60 min and aqueous ammonia (15 %) at 120 ̊C for 60 min. The digestibility of the pretreated biomass was determined using commercial cellulase (Cellic CTec2) at 10U/g loading, and the structural changes in the pretreated biomass were analyzed by spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Sweet sorghum varieties showed significant variations in phenotypic traits such as fresh stalk yield, dry fodder yield, and juice yield. The cellulose digestibility among the sorghum varieties after the pretreatment also differed significantly. The cellulose digestibility levels of glycerol range from 64 % to 89 % and ammonia pretreated sorghum from 63 % to 81 %. The total sugar yields varied from 227 mg/g to 356 mg/g and 209 mg/g to 313 mg/g for sorghum pretreated with ammonia and glycerol, respectively. Although the delignification of sorghum varieties was higher (31%–65%) after ammonia pretreatment than glycerol pretreatment, the cellulose digestibility was higher for the glycerol pretreated biomass. These results indicated that effect of delignification on cellulose digestibility is trivial. This study explores factors affecting pretreatment and cellulose digestibility of sorghum varieties for maximum sugar yield in the cellulosic ethanol process.

Enhancing productivity and quality of fodder maize through nitrogen and zinc application levels

Field experiment was conducted at research farm, Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour, Bhagalpur (Bihar) during Kharif- 2015 to study the response of fodder maize to levels of nitrogen, and zinc. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three nitrogen levels in main plot (N1-90 kg ha-1, N2-120 kg ha-1 and N3-150 kg ha-1) and three zinc levels in sub plots (Zn1-0 kg ha-1, Zn2-10 kg ha-1 and Zn3-20 kg ha-1) with three replications. The results of one year study, it can be concluded that, application of 150 kg N ha-1 significantly increased the leaf area index, dry matter production, and chlorophyll content plant-1 at different crop growth periods of fodder maize. Stem diameter showed significant and consistent increase, with increase in nitrogen application from 90 to 150 kg ha-1. Crude protein content and crude protein yield showed significant increase, whereas, crude fibre content and crude fibre yield showed significant and consistent decrease up to 150 kg N ha-1. The green fodder yield of fodder maize improved significantly and consistently from 449 to 506 q ha-1 with increase in nitrogen level from 90-150 kg ha-1. The maximum green fodder and dry fodder yield (506 and 126 q ha-1) was recorded with the application of nitrogen @ 150 kg ha-1. The data further revealed that, N2 and N3 (nitrogen levels) marked an increase of 3.75 and 11.25 % in green fodder yield over N1 level. It is also evident from the data that application of zinc 20 kg ha-1 significantly improved the green fodder and dry fodder yield of maize over 0 kg ha-1 zinc application. Highest gross return (Rs.60,668 ha-1) and net return (Rs.39,190 ha-1) were recorded with treatment combination N150 Zn20. However, highest benefit cost ratio (1.82) was realized with treatment combination N150 Zn10.