Conditions Of Foothills Research Articles

“Genetic assessment of Superfood crop winged bean [Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus (L.) DC.] Under foothill condition of Nagaland’’

“Genetic assessment of Superfood crop winged bean [Psophocarpus Tetragonolobus (L.) DC.] Under foothill condition of Nagaland’’

“Genetic Variability and Heritability Analysis in Local Landraces of Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L.) in Summer Season Under Foothill Condition of Nagaland”

“Genetic Variability and Heritability Analysis in Local Landraces of Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L.) in Summer Season Under Foothill Condition of Nagaland”

Evaluation of different genotypes of sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) under foothill condition of Nagaland

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2022 at the Experimental Farm of Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University to evaluate different genotypes of sponge gourd for their growth, yield and quality under foothill condition of Nagaland. Twenty three (23) genotypes of sponge gourd were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. The experimental material comprised 23 genotypes i.e., NUSG-21-1, NUSG-21-2, NUSG-21-3, NUSG-21-4, NUSG-21-8, NUSG-21-10, NUSG-21-11, NUSG-21-13, NUSG-21-15, NUSG-21-16, NUSG-21-18, NUSG-21-19, NUSG-21-20, NUSG-21-21, NUSG-21-22, NUSG-21-23, NUSG-21-24, NUSG-21-25, NUSG-21- 26, NUSG-21-27, NUSG-21-29, NUSG-21-31 and Kashi Divya. Studies showed that among all the genotypes, genotype NUSG-21-18 exhibited maximum vine length (4.67 m), average fruit weight (334.67 g) and yield (185.67 q ha-1). Genotype NUSG-21-4 taken shortest time to produce 1st male flower (39.33 days) and genotype NUSG-21-21 taken shortest time to produce 1st female flower (43 days). Ascorbic acid content in fruit was found to be highest (5.16 mg 100g-1) in genotype NUSG-21-19. Whereas, maximum TSS (4.13⁰B) was found in genotype NUSG-21-20. Based on the experimental findings, it can be concluded that genotype NUSG-21-18 was proved to be potential yielder over other genotypes under foothill condition of Nagaland.

Pregerminative Treatments to Improve Germination of Plant Species with Forage Potential in Conditions of the Colombian Amazonian Foothills

The research aimed to evaluate the germination of seeds of four forage species present in the Colombian Amazonian foothills, the speed of germination and the selection indices of Erythrina poeppigiana (EP), Guazuma ulmifolia (GU), Clitoria fairchildiana (CF), and Piptocoma discolor (PD) under nursery conditions, through a randomized complete block design with five repetitions and three pregerminative treatments, T0 (control): immersion in water for 24 h, T1: 24 h in water followed by 3 minutes in water at 80°C, and T2: 24 h in a solution of 600 mg/L of gibberellic acid (GA3) followed by 1 minute in water at 80°C. Additionally, GU seeds underwent mechanical scarification. In total, 750 seeds per species were used, resulting in 3,000 seeds in the experiment. An analysis of variance and a Tukey’s mean comparison test were performed for the variable proportion of germinated seeds, germination speed, and selection indices among treatments. Germination curves were analyzed using two growth models: logistic and Gompertz. The results of these models were evaluated based on Akaike (AIC), Bayesian (BIC), and R2 statistical criteria, with the Gompertz model selected for its better fit and biological interpretation of the data. The T2 treatment in EP recorded the highest germination with 88.8 ± 1.36% different (p < 0.05) from the results obtained in T1 79.6 ± 1.22% and the control 61.6 ± 0.94%, the previous treatments in CF had no effect, the control in this species was the best with 68.8 ± 2.94% as in the GU seeds, T1 presented a germination of 78.8 ± 6.21% equal to T2 73.6 ± 5.80% and different (p < 0.05) to the control 25.2 ± 2.01% highlighting the positive effect of manual scarification. PD seeds began germination after 25 days of experimentation, suggesting that this species requires a more extended experimental period. Under Amazonian foothill conditions, EP and GU seeds respond well to 24‐hour hydration and the addition of 600 mg of GA3; however, this dose may be excessive for PD and CF seeds.

Influence of Nutrient Regulation on Ricebean (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi and Ohashi) Growth and Dry Matter

Aims: Within the realm of sustainable agriculture and its attendant issues, there exists a compelling need for a viable approach to cropping systems that integrates pragmatic and economically sound crop management tactics. This is imperative to uphold land productivity and secure a lasting provision of crops for human consumption. Acknowledging the pivotal contribution of organic manure when combined with chemical fertilizers in crop cultivation and the safeguarding of soil well-being, a research inquiry was formulated for a noteworthy cropping sequence.
 Study Design: Randomized block design.
 Place and Duration: School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema. Duration: 2019-2021.
 Methodology: The study took place from 2019 to 2021 at the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema Campus in Nagaland. The primary aim was to assess the lasting impact of both manure and fertilizers on yield and soil condition in a ricebean system over this two-year duration. In the second week of April in both 2019 and 2020, Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata), a green manure crop, was sown using seeds. After a 30-day decomposition period, this green manure was incorporated into the soil. Soil samples were collected from the upper 0-15 cm layer of each experimental plot and analyzed. The experimental field was laid out in randomized block design with three level of organic manures i.e., poultry manure (PM), pig manure (PGM) and farm yard manure (FYM) along with doses of inorganic fertilizers : 100% RDF, 75% RDF, 50% RDF. The treatment combinations included T1 : GM (Sesbania) + PM (0.7 t ha-1) + 100 % RDF; T2: GM (Sesbania) +PM (0.7 t ha-1) + 75 % RDF; T3: GM (Sesbania) + PM (0.7 t ha-1) + 50 % RDF ; T4: GM (Sesbania) + PGM (0.7 t ha-1) + 100 % RDF; T5: GM (Sesbania) +PGM (0.7 t ha-1) + 75% RDF; T6: GM (Sesbania) + PGM (0.7 t ha-1) + 50 % RDF; T7: GM (Sesbania) +FYM (4 t ha-1) + 100 % RDF; T8: GM (Sesbania) + FYM (4 t ha-1) + 75 % RDF; T9: GM (Sesbania) +FYM (4 t ha-1) + 50 % RDF.
 Results: In treatment T1, which involved the application of a blend of green manure and poultry manure at a rate of 0.7 tons per hectare, coupled with a full dose of RDF, exhibited outstanding outcomes in ricebean cultivation. This resulted in elevated seed yields, improved seed quality, sustained soil health, and maximized economic gains for farmers in the foothill conditions of Nagaland.
 Conclusion: The substantial enhancement in ricebean growth parameters can be credited to the rich nutrient content and beneficial micronutrients present in poultry manure. combining Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) with poultry manure, known for its ability to boost nodule formation in legumes, improved soil fertility, fostered beneficial microbial activity, and promoted legume health, ultimately leading to higher yields. In contrast, farmyard manure (FYM) outperformed pig manure due to its balanced nutrients, microbial activity, organic matter, and positive impact on soil quality, creating an optimal environment for plant growth. Poultry manure's capacity to stimulate nodule formation, enhance soil fertility, and support legume health resulted in increased nitrogen fixation and improved yields in leguminous crops, fostering early root development and robust growth in ricebean crops.

БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ И ХОЗЯЙСТВЕННЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ОБРАЗЦОВ ТОМАТА С РАЗЛИЧНОЙ СТЕПЕНЬЮ ДЕТЕРМИНАНТНОСТИ

The research was carried out with the aim of studying new tomato varieties with a determinate bush type selected by Federal Scientific Center for Vegetable Growing (VNIISSOK) and identifying samples with economically valuable traits for subsequent cultivation in plain and foothill conditions. Experimental work was carried out in Terek-Sulak subprovince of the Republic of Dagestan in 2021-2022. The material for the study was 8 semi-standard tomato varieties - Blagodatny, Viking, Voskhod VNIISSOK, Magnat, Severyanka, Sodruzhestvo, Perst, Patris, control - variety Fakel. The repetition is 3-fold, the area of the registration plot is 15 m2, the placement of options is systematic. We used the seedling method of growing tomatoes. Planting pattern 150×25 cm. The experiment was carried out on alluvial-meadow medium-salt soil. According to the timing of ripening, the samples were included in three groups: very early (97...100 days) – Severyanka, Blagodatny, Magnat, Voskhod VNIISSOK; early (102...105 days) – Patris, Viking, Perst; mid-early (111...114 days) – Commonwealth, Torch. All samples, except for the Viking variety, exceeded the control in total yield by 8.8...44.1 t/ha. The first group with a yield of 68.2...86.3 t/ha included Patris, Sodruzhestvo, Voskhod VNIISSOK, Blagodatny; in the second (51.0...54.5 t/ha) – Severyanka, Magnat, Perst; in the third (41.4...42.2 t/ha) – Viking, Torch. High-yielding varieties Patris, Blagodatny, Voskhod VNIISSOK were distinguished by the highest yield of marketable products, 91...92% of the total harvest. The weight of the fruit varied from 60 g (Perst) to 130 g (Sodruzhestvo). The varieties Patrice and Perst had very good keeping quality. The fruits were characterized by a high dry matter content of 5.3...6.4%. A weak spread of viral and mycoplasma diseases at a level of 0.7...1.0 points was observed on plants of the Blagodatny, Voskhod VNIISSOK, Perst, and Patris varieties. According to the type of bush, 5 ordinary and semi-standard samples with a height of no more than 72 cm were identified. - Patrice, Perst, Voskhod VNIISSOK, Blagodatny, Sodruzhestvo.

Influence of the best management practices on performance of dual-purpose baby corn (Zea mays) under eastern Himalayas

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2013–15 at the ICAR–Research Complex for North-Eastern Hill Region, Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Nagaland, to evaluate the effect of mulching, liming and integrated nutrition for maximizing the productivity of recently introduced crop baby corn (Zea mays L.) in the region. The results revealed that, use of straw mulches significantly increased the yield attributes of baby corn. Significantly higher yields of green baby cob (10.8 t/ha), baby corn (1.84 t/ha) and green fodders (34.65 t/ha) were recorded with application of 1.0 t lime/ha but was on a par with 0.5 t lime/ha. Similarly, higher yields of green baby cob (10.56 t/ha), baby corn (2.02 t/ha) and green fodder (34.95 t/ha) were noted with application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer through inorganic sources (RDF (IN) + 25% RDF through organic sources (ON). Hence, use of straw mulch integrated with application of lime in furrow @ 1.0 t/ha along with 100% RDF (IN: N-P-K-S-Zn: represents 150-80-60-30-10 kg/ha) + 25% RDF (ON) may be adopted and promoted to achieve the maximum crop productivity of baby corn under the foot-hill condition of eastern Himalayas.

Influence of Organic Nutrients on Growth, Yield and Essential Oil Composition of Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) Under Foothill Conditions of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Pogostemon cablin Benth., an aromatic plant species yields essential oil with immense industrial as well as pharmaceutical applications. In the backdrop of promoting organic cultivation of crops yielding essential oil and related products, the present investigation was designed to evaluate the influence of organic nutrients on growth, yield and essential oil composition of Pogostemon cablin under foothill conditions of Arunachal Pradesh. Different organic nutrients such as FYM (Farmyard manure)@10t/ha; FYM@15t/ha; Vermicompost@5t/ha; Vermicopost@7.5t/ha; Neem cake@1.5t/ha; Neem cake@2.5t/ha; were applied and compared with the check NPK@150:50:50 kg/ha under Randomized Block Design in open field conditions and their influence was observed on plant height, number of branches per plant, collar diameter, herbage yield (fresh and dry), essential oil yield and essential oil composition. It can be concluded that depending upon the requirements of P. cablin essential oil or fresh/dried herbage, as well as essential oil composition the conditions and composition of organic nutrients varies. Present investigation recommends application of vermicompost@7.5t/ha for high essential oil yield, FYM@10t/ha for dried and NPK@150:50:50 kg/ha for fresh herbage yield respectively, while maximum patchouli alcohol content can be obtained in the essential oil extracted from the plants where no input is given.

Evaluation of cauliflower genotypes for growth, yield and quality traits under foothill conditions of nagaland

An experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2021–2022 at the Experimental Farm, School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Medziphema Campus, nagaland University to evaluate 12 genotypes of cauliflower for their growth, yield and quality under foothill condition of Nagaland. The experimental material comprised twelve genotypes i.e., NUC-19-1 NUC-19-2, NUC-19-3, NUC-19-4, NUC-19-5, NUC-19--6, NUC-19-7, NUC-19-8, NUC-19-9, NUC-19-10, NUC-19-11 and NUC-19-12. Datas obtained were evaluated in RBD. Observations were recorded for plant height, stalk length, number of leaves plant−1, plant spread, curd diameter, curd size, gross curd weight, net curd weight, curd yield, curd compactness and ascorbic acid content in curd. Results revealed that genotype NUC-19-8 exhibited maximum plant height (41.33 cm), plant spread (55.37 cm), curd diameter (12.70 cm), curd size (119.02 cm2), net curd weight (838.33 g), curd yield (232.87 q ha−1) and curd compactness (107.61). Highest stalk length (11.13 cm) was recorded by genotype NUC-19-2. Genotype NUC-19-10 recorded maximum number of leaves plant−1 (21.73) while, genotype NUC-19-4 showed highest gross curd weight (1140.03 g). Ascorbic acid content in curd was found to be highest (19.10 mg 100g−1) in genotype NUC-19-9. Based on the experimental findings, it can be concluded that genotype NUC-19-8 was proved to be a potential yielder over other genotypes under the foothill condition of nagaland.

Response of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris l.) to integrated nutrient management on acid alfisol of Nagaland

A field experiment was carried out at Research farm, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Nagaland University, Medziphema campus, Nagaland during 2018-2019 to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield, quality and economics of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) under foothill condition of Nagaland. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eleven treatments and three replications. Results revealed that the application of different levels of fertilizes, organic manures and biofertilizers either alone or in combination significantly increased the growth, yield and quality of French bean as compared to control. Application of 50% NPK as inorganics + 50% vermicompost exhibited maximum plant height (34.3 cm), branches plant-1 (9.4), leaves plant-1 (27.3), pods plant-1 (26.3), length of pod (14.9 cm), width of pod (1.04 cm), seeds pod-1 (7.1), fresh weight of pod (7.1 g), pod yield (246.99 q ha-1) and crude protein content (28.8%). There was a significant build up of organic carbon and available nutrients except available nitrogen in post harvest soil with INM practices and maximum values of organic carbon (16.8g kg-1), available P (26.8 kg ha-1) and available K (126.8 kg ha-1) were recorded with 50% NPK as inorganics + 50% vermicompost. While maximum value of available nitrogen (297.6 kg ha-1) in post harvest soil was recorded with 100% NPK as inorganics. The highest net return of Rs 3, 45,388 ha-1along with cost benefit ratio of 3.04 was recorded in the treatment having50% NPK as inorganics + 50% FYM.

Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient Studies in Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Genotypes under Foothill Condition of Nagaland

Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient Studies in Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Genotypes under Foothill Condition of Nagaland

Using natural fertilizers for increasing red clover seed productivity

Considerable environmental significance of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), a forage and medicinal herb, which increases soil productivity and serves as melliferous plant, provides the grounds for using its seeds for further cultivation. Resource-saving technologies of its cultivation have to be justified. To achieve the objective, we used natural fertilizers of local origin. They included Karmadon boron-containing mineral water and Alanit zeolite clay; besides, we had to determine the right preceding crop in crop rotation link in order to achieve maximum possible seed harvest. Seed grass was planted in mountain and foothill conditions after different preceding crops. It was established that the best preceding crops for red clover are winter cereals that enrich areas with a considerable amount of boron and molybdenum. We determined optimal doses for foliar feeding with mineral water and pre-sowing seed treatment. Clover plantings were placed in wide rows after the first forage mowing to ensure better flower pollination. On the slopes, we placed medic plantings with extensive root system in the row spacing of third-year clover by so decreasing erosion processes. The use of natural fertilizers containing macro- and microelements contributed to increasing seed productivity by 17-25%. We established the advantage of wide-row sowing with undersowing medic in the row spacing for decreasing erosion processes in mountain conditions.

Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Brinjal

A field experiment was conducted during 2017-2018 for evaluating the performance of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes under foothill condition of Nagaland following randomized block design with three replications at the experimental farm of Horticulture, SASRD, Nagaland University, Medziphema, Nagaland. Forty six brinjal genotypes viz. IIVR- 1, IIVR-2, IIVR- 3, IIVR- 4, IIVR-5, IIVR-6, IIVR-7, IIVR-8, IIVR-9, IIVR- 10, IIVR-11, IIVR-12, IIVR-13, IIVR-14, IIVR-15, IIVR-16, IIVR-17, IIVR- 18, IIVR-19, IIVR-20, IIVR-21, IIVR-22, IIVR-23, IIVR- 24, IIVR-25, IIVR- 26, IIVR-27, IIVR-28, IIVR-29, IIVR-30, IIVR-31, IIVR-32, IIVR-33, IIVR- 34, IIVR-35, IIVR-36, IIVR-37, IIVR-38, IIVR-39, IIVR-40, IIVR-41, IIVR- 42, IIVR-43, IIVR-44, IIVR-45 and Nagaland Local (check variety) were evaluated for their growth, yield, quality and genetic attributes. High phenotypic coefficient of variation, genotypic coefficient of variation and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance was found for anthocyanin content, fresh weight of fruit, number of leaves plant-1, yield plant-1, fruit length and fruit diameter. The study on path analysis revealed that maximum positive direct effect on yield is exerted by fresh weight of fruit (1.08) and number of fruits plant-1 (0.407). Based on the experimental results, it can be concluded that, genotype IIVR-31 and IIVR-7 was proved to be potential yielder under foothill condition of Nagaland.
 SAARC J. Agri., 18(1): 13-21 (2020)

Crop diversification for enhancing the productivity for food and nutritional security under the Eastern Himalayas

Monocropping, low productivity, energy–use efficiency and net returns are some of the major factors that contribute to unsustainable agriculture production system in the Eastern Himalayas. Crop diversification is a sustainable option for enhancing the productivity for food and nutritional security of small and marginal farmers of the regions. A field study was carried at the farmers’ field by KVK, Longleng, Nagaland during 2013–15 to assess the most profitable rice– based system as rice–fallow, rice–toria, rice–vegetable pea (green pod), rice–tomato and rice–cabbage, respectively. Results revealed that rice yield ranges from 1.75–1.86/ha under the different cropping sequences. Significantly higher system rice equivalent yield (SREY) was recorded with rice–cabbage (30.6 t/ha) compared to other sequences. Land use efficiency (LUE), water use efficiency (WUE), system production efficiency (SPE) and system profitability had also significantly higher with rice–cabbage. The system energy returns, system net energy returns and system energy output efficiency had higher with rice–pea. Maximum values of system specific energy, system energy efficiency and energy profitability had noted with rice–fallow. Hence, it may be concluded that adoption of vegetables crops (cabbage/tomato) are the viable options for improving productivity, profitability and energy-use efficiency under foothill condition of Eastern Himalayas.

Characterization of Pea (Pisum Sativum) Genotypes for Growth, Yield and Quality Traits under Foothill Condition of Nagaland

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2017 at the Experimental Farm of School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University to evaluate the performance of different genotypes of pea under foothill conditions of Nagaland. Twenty seven genotypesof garden peawere evaluated for their growth, yield and quality characters in randomized block design with three replications. Results revealed a significant variation in their performance in terms of growth, yield and quality characters. Among the genotypes, local variety recorded maximum plant height (72.53 cm) and shelling percentage (49.77). Days taken to first flowering and marketable maturity were early in genotypes IIVR-7 (36.23 days) and IIVR-13 (62.33 days), respectively. Genotype IIVR-23 recorded earliest 50% flowering (49.67 days). Maximum pod length (10.90 cm) was recorded in genotype IIVR-21. Maximum pod diameter (2.06 cm) was recorded in genotype IIVR-6. Highest number of pods plant−1 (8.33) was recorded in genotype IIVR-5. Maximum number of seeds pod−1 (8.97) was recorded in genotype IIVR-11 while the minimum number of seeds pod−1 (6.50) was recorded in genotype IIVR-8. Pod yield ha−1 was recorded highest (114.37 q ha−1) in genotype IIVR-24 while the lowest (54.21 q ha−1) was recorded in genotype IIVR-4. Highest proteincontent (24.10%) was recorded in genotype IIVR-9 while lowest (18.50%) was recorded in genotype IIVR-5. Considering the overall evaluation, it was revealed that genotype IIVR-24 was found to be a potential yielder and genotype IIVR-9 with highest protein content in seed under the foothill conditions of Nagaland

Evaluation of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes under foothill condition of Nagaland

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2017 at the Experimental Farm of Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University to evaluate the performance of different genotypes of brinjal under foothill condition of Nagaland. Eighteen genotypes of brinjal were evaluated with three replications in randomized block design. The experimental material comprised eighteen genotypes i e, BRRVAR-1, BRRVAR-2, BRRVAR-3, BRRVAR-4, BRRVAR-5, BRRVAR-6, BRRVAR-7, BRRVAR-8, BRLVAR-9, BRLVAR- 10, BRLVAR-11, BRLVAR-12, BRLVAR-13, BRLVAR-14, BRLVAR-15, BRLVAR-16, Manipur Local and Azad Brinjal. Results revealed that BRLVAR-12 exhibited maximum number of leaves plant−1 (85.37), number of branches plant1(24.77), number of fruits plant−1 (52.20) and fruit yield (416.35 q ha−1) but BRLVAR-15 gave maximum plant height (101.63 cm). BRLVAR-13 recorded maximum leaf area index (3.34), fruit diameter (7.89 cm), fresh weight of fruit (299.51 g) and vitamin C content (8.57 mg 100 g−1). BRRVAR-6 exhibited the least number of seeds fruit−1 while highest TSS was found in Azad Brinjal (5.19oB). However, none of the genotypes were found resistant to major pest and disease. Thus, from these results it can be conclude that genotypes BRLVAR-12 were found to be potential yielder under foothill condition of Nagaland.

Production Potential of Maize (Zea mays L.)- Based Intercropping Systems under Foothill Condition of Nagaland

Production Potential of Maize (Zea mays L.)- Based Intercropping Systems under Foothill Condition of Nagaland

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of broccoli (Brassica oleraceae var. italica L.) cv. Calabrese under foothill condition of Nagaland

A field experiment was carried out at the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, during 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 to find out the response of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of broccoli cv. Calabrese under the foothill condition of Nagaland. Results revealed that integrated application of 50% NPK + 50% vermicompost + Biofertilizers recorded significantly higher plant height (70.33 cm), number of leaves (20.45), stem diameter (3.25 cm), plant spread (74.25 cm), equilateral head diameter (16.97 cm), polar head diameter(18.37 cm), head size (310.59 cm2), gross head weight (956.0 g), net head weight (330.86 g), yield ha-1 (11.96 t ha-1), protein content (3.77%), vitamin C content (132.50 mg 100 g-1), total soluble solids (5.52) and pH of the head (5.12). While treatment T16- 50% NPK + 50% Pig manure + Biofertilizers gave the highest net return (¹ 260450) and cost benefit ratio (1:3.48) and was found to be significantly at par for all growth, yield and quality parameters with treatment T18 (50% NPK + 50% vermicompost + biofertilizers).

Effect of plant growth regulators and chemicals on yield and quality of acid lime (Citrus aurantifoliaSwingle) under foothill condition of Arunachal Pradesh

An experiment to study the effect of plant growth regulators and chemicals on acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) was carried out in the year 2014 in the Experimental Farm, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments were T1 (control-water spray), T2 (GA 50 ppm), T3 (GA 100 ppm), T4 (Cycocel 1000 ppm), T5 (KNO3 one percent), T6 (GA3 50 ppm + Cycocel 1000ppm), T7 (GA3 100 ppm + Cycocel 1000 ppm), T8 (GA3 100 + Cycocel 1000ppm +KNO3 1 per cent. The experimental results indicate that the acid lime trees sprayed with GA3 100 ppm + Cycocel 1000ppm + KNO3 1 per cent showed better performance in delaying of flowering, increase the number of flower/shoot (6.62), number of fruits/tree (149) and average fruit yield (4.64 kg/tree) of the crop. Effect of growth regulators and chemicals on quality characters however was not found significant for most of the parameters except TSS, ascorbic acid and titrable acidity. The higher results were obtained in T8 i.e. GA3 100 ppm + Cycocel 1000ppm + KNO3 1 per cent (8.27%) for titrable acidity and ascorbic acid (41.21 mg). Control with water spray alone registered the lowest values for both quantitative and qualititative parameters.

Analysis of Criteria for Delimiting Less Favoured Mountain Areas (LFA)

Abstract The objective of this work was to analyse and establish the criteria for the course of the elevation boundaries applied in delimiting of less favoured areas (LFA) under mountain and foothill conditions. This aim was achieved by verifying of the structural data on land use in relation to an altitude a.s.l. Based on the information collected on the areas in the particular land categories, and in order to assess land use, a database was created for 99 mountain communes (NUTS-5). The regulation by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (2009) distinguishes the areas of less favourable farming (LFA, mountain), where over 50% of the agricultural land (AL) is located above an altitude of 500 m a.s.l. Previous studies have shown that the adopted limit of the average elevation for mountain LFA is too restrictive for the Polish conditions and needs correction. This is particularly clear in the case of agricultural land elevated above sea level. Support for rural development is necessary because the economic importance of agriculture in the Polish mountain and foothill regions is decreasing, and these areas are characterized by a considerably limited land use, under conditions of higher production costs. This is to do with terrain elevation a.s.l. and with the presence of large areas of significant land slopes, making it too to use normal equipment.