Fortnight Of November Research Articles

Impact of Weather Parameters and Time of Sowing on Severity of Powdery Mildew in Cluster Bean

Background: Powdery mildew of cluster bean causes considerable yield loss upto 50-55%. Studies carried on cluster bean powdery mildew are very few and as such there is no information related to epidemiology of the disease. Environmental factors decide the epidemic of the disease and are being used to forecast the disease severity. Methods: Five different dates of sowing of cluster bean were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications at Main Agricultural Research Station, College of Agriculture, Dharwad. Observations on the first appearance of the disease and severity were recorded at weekly intervals using disease scoring scale 0-9 and along with pod yield were considered for statistical analysis. The weather data was used to correlate with the disease severity and correlation matrix was worked out. Further, the observations were converted to % disease index to calculate rate of infection and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) for each date of sowing. Result: Sowing of crop in first fortnight of September recorded the minimum mean disease severity of 19.10% and recorded pod yield of 4.72 t/ha with lower value of area under disease progress curve (1270.50) as against crop sown in first fortnight of November that recorded the 39.39 % of maximum mean disease severity, 3.82 t/ha pod yield and 2583.88 of area under disease progress curve. The mean maximum temperature was positively correlated (0.89) with % disease index whereas, minimum temperature (-0.87), morning relative humidity (-0.81) and evening relative humidity (-0.88) were negatively correlated with % disease index. Disease progression was started at 35 days after sowing and the maximum ‘r’ value of 0.157 was observed during the II fortnight of September followed by an ‘r’ value of 0.142 during the I fortnight of September whereas, a lower ‘r’ value of 0.009 was observed in I fortnight of September sown crop at 63-69 days after sowing.

Population Dynamics of Helicoverpa armigera in Chickpea, (Cicer arietinum L.)

The present studies on population dynamics of gram pod borer insect pest were carried out at Students’ Instructional Farm (SIF) of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (UP), India during Rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24. The present study revealed that gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera was commenced from the first fortnight of November and touched the highest at 8th SMW (2.98 pod borer larvae per plant) and 7th SMW (3.54 pod borer larvae per plant) in both the year, respectively. The population of H. armigera had a non-significant positive correlation with rainfall (r= 0.101) in Rabi 2022-23. The population of H. armigera had a significant positive correlation with wind speed (r= 0.495*) in Rabi 2023-24.

Managing climatic risks in rice–wheat cropping system for enhanced productivity in middle Gangetic plains of India

Rice followed by wheat is the dominant cropping system in the middle Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP). Lower productivity (4.8 t ha−1) of this cropping system in Bihar, compared to the national average (6.8 t ha−1) due to several climate- and production-related issues, is a matter of concern for the farmers and the policymakers. Keeping all these in view, an experiment with rice–wheat cropping system was carried out during 2020–21 and 2021–22 in 17 adopted villages of 13 districts of Bihar under the Project “Climate Resilient Agriculture Program (CRAP)” to evaluate the feasibility of early transplanting of rice in the month of June with the aim of achieving higher system productivity by early harvesting of rice and subsequent timely sowing of wheat before 15 November with the provision of assured irrigation. In this study, the concept of an innovative community irrigation approach and single-phase 3-hp submersible pump was employed. Long-duration rice variety (150 days) Rajendra Mahsuri-1 was sown during 20–25 May in the nursery and transplanted through puddling operation during 15–20 June in 17 locations. Under delayed conditions, the nursery sowing and transplanting window were 10–15 June and 10–15 July, respectively. Timely sown rice grown with the provision of a community irrigation system achieved a grain yield of 5.2 t ha−1 and 85.8% higher water productivity, compared to late-sown crops. Following the harvest of rice, the HD-2967 variety of wheat was planted in the first fortnight of November and harvested in the first week of April, yielding 4.9 t ha−1 with the application of 2–3 irrigations based on soil type and evaporative demand. Timely harvesting of wheat facilitated farmers of the region to take an additional crop of summer green gram. With an assured irrigation system and shifting planting dates and thereby managing climatic risks, the overall productivity of the rice–wheat cropping system was achieved to the tune of 10.1 t ha−1 with a cropping intensity of 300% for better adaptation and sustainable production.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of spraying operations carried out by a drone/unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in comparison to the conventional approach forthe management of safflower aphids (Uroleucon compositae Theob) and safflowercapsule borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner)

The safflower variety ISF-764 was sown in the second fortnight of November, 2020. The Experiment comprised of three treatments Viz., T1: Spraying of Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG (200g /ha), Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (200ml /ha) with UAV; T2: Spraying of Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG (200g /ha) and Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (200ml/ha) with a power sprayer and T3: Untreated control. Both sprayers performed well in the management of Helicoverpa and Aphids. No Helicoverpa larval and Aphids populations were registered in T1: Spraying ofEmamectin Benzoate 5% SG (200g /ha), Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (200ml /ha) with UAVs at 3DAS, 10 DAS, respectively. The highest seed yield benefit cost ratio were ecorded in the plot sprayed with UAVs (1691 kg /ha& 4.36).

Special Horticultural Practices for Early Induction of Flowering in Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Ratna

The investigation was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri, Maharashtra during the year 2020-21 to assess the special horticultural practices on induction of flowering in mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Ratna. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and ten treatments viz; girdling on the first fortnight of October (T1), girdling on the first fortnight of November (T2), girdling on the first fortnight of October and November (T3), girdling on first fortnight of October and tip pruning (T4), girdling on the first fortnight of November and tip pruning (T5), girdling on the first fortnight of October and November and tip pruning (T6), tip pruning (T7), removal of new shoots below old shoot (T8), smudging (T9) and control (T10). Removal of new shoots (T7) resulted in early panicle emergence as compared to control. Treatment girdling on the first fortnight of November and tip pruning (T5) exhibited the highest flowering intensity and hermaphrodite flower per panicle. It also maximum fruit set and fruit retention per panicle.

Effect of consecutive sowings and spacing on growth and yield of radish

An experiment was conducted at College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Ratnagiri (Dist.), during the period Rabi season to study the effect of consecutive sowings and spacing on growth and yield of radish.The study was conducted with three consecutive sowings of radish viz. C1- Sowing during second fortnight of October., C2-Sowing during second fortnight of November and C3- Sowing during second fortnight of December having four row spacings viz., T1-20 cm spacing between two rows., T2-30 cm spacing between two rows., T3-40 cm spacing between two rows and T4-Broadcasting. The results indicated that C3 i.e.,sowing during second fortnight of December was performed better and found significantly superior over other sowing time in respect of plant height and yield per plot . However, days to germination, number of leaves, average leaf area, weight of plant and dry matter of leaves was found significantly superior in C1i.e. Sowing during second fortnight of October. In respect of spacing, the wider spacing T1 i.e. 20 cm row spacing was found significantly superior in plant height and dry matter of leaves, while average leaf area found significantly superior in T2. In respect of interaction of consecutive sowings and spacing, the treatment combination C3T3 was found significantly superior in plant height and yield per plot. While average leaf area significantly superior in C3T4. Hence, the treatment C3T3 (December sowing with 40 cm row spacing) was found to be most profitable

Influence of integrated nutrient management and sowing dates on growth, yield and quality of broad bean (Vicia faba L.)

The present field investigation was carried out at VegetableExperimental Farm, Division of Vegetable Science andFloriculture, SKUAST-J, Chatha during Rabi season 2018-2019. The experiment comprised of three levels of inorganicfertilizers i.e. 50%, 75%, 100% of recommended dose (50:60:50kg/ha NPK) combined with two organic sources of plantnutrients (FYM and Vermicompost) under two dates ofsowing (2nd fortnight of October and 1st fortnight ofNovember). The experiment comprised of 12 treatments laidout in a Randomized Block Design with three replications.The result revealed that vegetative growth and yieldparameters were significantly influenced by the applicationof different sources of nutrients under different dates ofsowing. Application of 75% N through inorganic fertilizersin combination with 25% through vermicompost sown at 2ndfortnight of October yielded maximum number of pods/plant(78.33), pod weight/plant (95.07 g), plant height (156.27 cm),

Planting Period Effects on Wheat Productivity and Water Footprints: Insights through Adaptive Trials and APSIM Simulations

Scarcity of fresh water and climate change are the two main threats for wheat production in South Asia. Tweaking wheat planting period could be an effective cost-smart strategy to mitigate these stresses. To evaluate the performance of three leading wheat varieties under different planting periods in pragmatic on-farm environments, trials were carried out during 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. Further, to have greater insights on long-term temporal scale, 22 years (2000 to 2021) of crop simulation data were analyzed to identify the optimum planting period of wheat for higher yield and water productivity using the APSIM cropping systems simulation model. The result showed that first fortnight of November (PD1)-sown crop resulted in higher grain yield and more irrigation water use efficiency. Wheat sown during PD1 and in the second fortnight of November (PD2) had 20–25% lower blue water requirement than the second fortnight of December (PD4) crop in the long run. To produce one tonne of wheat grain required an additional 20, 60 and 83 m3 irrigation water when the crop was sown at PD1, PD2, PD3 (first fortnight of December) and PD4, respectively. It was observed that PD4 reduced wheat yields by 20–22% compared to sowing on PD1 and PD2 and every 15 days’ delay in wheat planting after 15 November reduced the length of the crop growing season by 4–5 days. Hence, the early wheat planting is proven superior in harnessing maximum yield with minimum burden on blue water resources.

Effect of weather parameters, host resistance and sowing date on disease severity and temporal dynamics of Fusarium wilt in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Fusarium wilt incited by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris is an economically damaging disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Field experiments on epidemiological studies revealed that sowing during second fortnight of November curtailed the disease severity index (22.50 and 20.83% during 2018-19 and 2019-20, respectively) whereas, sowing during first fortnight of October enhanced the disease severity index (34.86 and 30.41%). The area under disease progress curve was significantly higher in susceptible variety JG 62 and was the least in resistant variety HC 1. The correlation analysis exhibited positive correlation of disease severity index with maximum and minimum temperature while negative correlation with relative humidity morning and evening, irrespective of date of sowing. The principal component analysis depicted resistance index, sowing time and weather parameters as positional factors in determining Fusarium wilt progression. In susceptible variety, Gompertz model was the best fitted model for simulating the Fusarium wilt epidemic over time.

Responses of wilt tolerant varieties of lentil under Bundelkhand condition of Uttar Pradesh

The adaptive trial was laidout during Rabi season with the objective to increase the lentil production with wilt tolerant varieties and replace the old cultivars, which is in vogue. The soil of operational area is Kabar, having low fertility status. The wilt tolerant cultivars DPL-62, K-75 and PL- 406 were tested with local variety, which is popularized among the farming majority. The cultivars were planted in the first fortnight of November and harvested after 128 DAS in the second fortnight of March. The highest average yield of lentil was recorded in cultivar DRL-62 by 15.75 q/ha, which lowest average seed yield of 13.00 q/ha was recorded in local check, varieties K-75 and PL-406 produced grain yield by 14.75 q/ha and 14.00 q/ha, respectively. The yield contributing character were concordance to grain yield of lentil. The maximum BCR 1:2.36 was calculated with cultivar DPL-62 closely followed by K-75 (1:2.14). The minimum BCR noted under local check.

Seasonal variations of Egg parasitoids on yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) in Rice

Rice yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas), a monophagous pest, is the most destructive pest causing 3 to 95% yield losses in India. Though it accounts for 50% of insecticides used in rice fields, their typical internal feeding behaviour necessitate other management options. In the present study, the extent of natural egg parasitization was assessed on yellow stem egg masses collected from rice fields of Paddy Breeding Station, Coimbatore. Egg masses were collected during September (2016) to May (2017) and the influence of weather parameters on parasitization was observed. Seasonal variation on total egg mass parasitization of yellow stem borer recorded highest parasitization during the first fortnight of December (92.31%) and lowest or no parasitization during the month of May. Individual egg parasitization on yellow stem borer revealed the maximum parasitization of Telenomus dignus in the second fortnight of September (30.82%), T. schoenobii in the second fortnight of April (54.55%), T. japonicum during the second fortnight of November (7.86%) and Trichomalopsis sp. in the second fortnight of February (2.5%).

Biology, seasonal activity and natural enemies of Tussock caterpillar, Dasychira mendosa Hubner infesting on oil palm nursery

Tussock caterpillar, Dasychira mendosa Hubner (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), a polyphagous pest was observed to cause severe defoliation to oil palm leaves in the nursery. Biology, seasonal activity and natural enemies of this pest were studied at oil palmnursery, ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi, Andhra Pradesh, India. The incubation period, larval period and pupal period lasted for about 5.5±0.2, 43.1 ±2.8 and 6.2±0.2 days, respectively. The larvae developed through seven to ten instars. The pest completed its life cycle in about 65.1±3.6 days (egg to adult). The longevity of the male and female was 8.4 ± 0.7 and 9.6 ± 0.2 days respectively. Each female laid an average of 302.9 ±39.9 eggs, mostly on the under surface ofthe leaves. The larvae of D. mendosa were found parasitized by a unidentified tachinid fly to the tune of 10.2 per cent and pupae were parasitized by Brachymeria albotibialis to the extent of 40.0 per cent under field conditions. The pest activity was active during July to first fortnight of November in oil palm nursery.

Population dynamics and new record of larval parasitoids, Senometopia sp. and Winthemia sumatrensis (Townsend) (Diptera: Tachinidae) on banana skipper, Erionota torus Evans (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from South Karnataka

Field study was conducted for two years (2014-16) to know the population dynamics of banana skipper, Erionota torus Evans (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) and its tachinid parasitoids, Senometopia sp., and Winthemia sumatrensis . The pooled data over the two years indicated that the skipper plant infestation ranged from 6.66 to 84.25 per cent and incidence started during the first fortnight of August (8.34 per cent incidence) when the crop was at broadleaf follower stage, and a gradual increase in the infestation level of skipper was observed with a peak activity (84.25 per cent incidence) during first fort night of January (Pre flowering period) and also extended to the flowering period (February to March). The pooled data over the years indicated the maximum incidence was recorded during pre flowering period with a mean infestation of 75.02 per cent followed by flowering period (45.67 per cent), broad leaf followers (29.58 per cent) and bunch period (1.66 per cent). Two tachinid parasitoids Senometopia sp., and W. sumatrensis were encountered during our two years study period. The larval parasitoids activity initiated from second fortnight of September (0.62 per cent) and reached its maximum population during second fortnight of November (7.25 per cent) and later parasitoid activity gradually declined till second fortnight of January (0.62 per cent). The maximum activity was noticed during pre flowering period with a mean of 3.27 per cent parasitization by Senometopia sp., and W. sumatrensis .

PANORAMA DOS PEQUENOS PRODUTORES AVÍCOLAS DIANTE DE NOVAS TECNOLOGIAS, BIOSSEGURANÇA E EXIGÊNCIAS AMBIENTAIS

A pesquisa tem por objetivo analisar, a partir da percepção dos pequenos produtores do sudoeste do Paraná, quais as suas perspectivas de retorno e custos em função das necessidades de investimentos para acompanhar a evolução tecnológica e o cumprimento das exigências da legislação ambiental. Para alcançar o objetivo proposto foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa de campo, por meio de aplicação de questionário para 70 pequenos produtores, realizada entre a primeira quinzena do mês de novembro e a primeira quinzena do mês de dezembro de 2015 e análise documental. A análise dos dados foi realizada com o uso do Excel. Para avaliar a sustentabilidade econômica dos padrões de aviários implantados no sudoeste do Paraná, foram identificados e analisados os custos de produção do produtor de frango de corte. Os resultados evidenciaram que os aviários são economicamente sustentáveis, porém dependente da receita da cama aviária. Pela análise realizada observou-se que há interesse dos pequenos produtores em se adequar as novas tecnologias, mas o mesmo não ocorre com relação à expansão das atividades, onde a sucessão familiar é apontada como principal fator limitante. A maioria dos produtores possui licença ambiental e estão adequados às normas da IN 56/2007 e IN 59/2009.

Varietal performance of chickpea under harsh edaphic and environments of Bundelkhand for subsistence farmers

The adaptive trial was laidout during 2002-2003 at dry eco-system of Jalaun district of Bundelkhand. The soil of pilot area was Kabar , having low fertility status especially in organic matter. The improved genotypes KWR-108, KGD-1168 and Pusa-256 was tested with local check Radhey in adaptive trial. The cultivars planted in the first fortnight of November and harvested in the end of March after 140 days of seeding. The cultivar Pusa-256 gave highest average grain yield of chickpea by 15.50 q/ha. The local check Radhey, KWR-108 and KGD-1168 gave lowest yield by a margin of 2.25 q/ha, 1.00 q/ha and 1.00 q/ha, respectively, in comparison to cv. PUSA-256. The growth and yield traits recorded under test genotypes, supported to the grain yield of chickpea.

Seasonal incidence of yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) in Rice

The seasonal incidence of rice stem borer was studied in rice cv. CO 51, a short duration, high yielding variety during August 2016 to May 2017. Maximum dead heart and white ear damage was recorded during first fortnight of November (13.41%) and second fortnight of March (10.41%), respectively. Monitoring of adult yellow stem borer through light trap catches recorded the prevalence of yellow stem borer throughout the study period with its peak activity on the second fortnight of December (189 nos). Similarly less number of unhatched eggs was found during the first fortnight of December (7.69%) and more number during the first fortnight of May (100%). Studies on correlation of abiotic factors with seasonal incidence of stem borer on the cv. CO 51 showed a negative correlation to relative humidity and rainfall. Significant negative correlation was observed for minimum relative humidity and wind speed with light trap catches. The influence of previous fortnight weather parameters with light trap catches showed a significant negative correlation with maximum temperature and wind speed. Rainfall of previous fortnight data showed a significant positive correlation with the adult moth activity.

Evaluation of insecticides and natural product for their efficacy against shoot borer (Conogethes punctiferalis Guen.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) infesting ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)

Nine insecticides and a natural product were evaluated in the field at Peruvannamuzhi (Kerala) for their efficacy against shoot borer (Conogethes punctiferalis), a serious insect pest of ginger (Zingiber officinale) for two years. Pooled analysis of two years data indicated that chlorantraniliprole 0.01% was the best treatment with a mean pseudostem damage of 2.6% which was on par with flubendiamide 0.02% (4.1%), spinosad 0.0225% (6.5%) and cyantraniliprole 0.005% (8.8%), when sprayed at 15 day intervals during the second fortnight of July to the first fortnight of November. The trials indicated that that these low-risk insecticides and natural product can be utilized for the management of C. punctiferalis in ginger with reduced risk to the environment.

Agronomic management of CRIDA-18R- a new variety of horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) for South India matching monsoon patterns of rainfall

A rainfed experiment was conducted at two contrasting rainfall situations of two different states of South India viz., Hyderabad (Telangana) and Tirupathi (Andhra Pradesh) during 2007-08 to standardize the optimum sowing time, plant densities and fertiliser dose for horsegram variety CRIDA 18R released and recommended for cultivation in South India. Results showed that the second fortnight of August and first fortnight of November were suitable optimum times of sowing in Hyderabad and Tirupathi regions respectively due to receipt of rainfall from South West monsoon and North East monsoon at respective locations. Plant densities of 3.33 lakh per hectare with or without 10N + 20P2O5 fertilizer dose yielded higher seed in both the regions. However when the sowing was delayed, wisest decision might be to continue the plant densities of 3.33 lakh population per hectare with or without fertilizer. The results revealed that CRIDA-18R responded to fertilizer up to 10 N +20 P2O5 kg ha-1 with 3.33 lakh plant density but for the varied optimum time of sowing at two different centers with occurrence of favourable rainfall situations, revealing a very flexible sowing time for CRHG-18R in South India.

Determination of heavy metal pollution index of ground water of village Wallipur in Ludhiana district

The objective of the study was to reveal the seasonal variations in the groundwater quality with respect to heavy metals contamination near Buddha Nullah in Ludhiana district. To get the extent of trace metals contamination, groundwater samples from tube wells were randomly collected from 16 different points on both sides along the course of Buddha Nullah from areas of Bhamian Kalan, Khasi Kalan and Wallipur Kalan villages of Ludhiana district during first fortnight of June (Pre-monsoon), first fortnight of November (Post-monsoon) and first fortnight of January (Winter season) during the year 2013-14. The concentrations of toxic and heavy metals such as metalloids B, As, Pb; alkaline earth metals Mg, Ca; alkali metals Na, K; transition metals Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd and nonmetal S were determined. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI) was calculated. Most of the parameters were found within permissible limit of BIS, 2004. The average values of concentration of Ca, Cr, Mn, As and Pb for pre-monsoon season was higher than average concentration of post-monsoon and winter season. Overall HPI calculated based on the mean concentration of the heavy metals was found to be 18.11, 15.32 and 16.10 for pre-monsoon, post-monsoon and winter season, respectively, which was below the critical pollution index value of 100. The study recommended proper treatment to the sewage water which is being discharged into the Buddha Nullah.

Effects of stubble length of rice in mitigating soil moisture stress and on yield of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) in rice-lentil relay crop

Opportunity to utilize carry-over residual soil moisture to produce lentil crop in rice-fallows was one of the basic and strategic research objectives of the present experiment. Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik, variety B-77) was broadcasted upon two rice habits viz. short-duration (SD, 110days) and long-duration (LD, 140days) in the end of October and first fortnight of November during 2011–2012, 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 seasons, in a clay loam Inceptisol of the Gangetic alluvium of eastern India. Two stubbles heights, viz. short (10cm) and long (20cm) were kept as standing residues at the time of harvesting of rice. Late sown lentil with short stubble residues faced surface soil drying earlier than early sown lentil or late sown lentil with tall stubble residues. Tall stubble height contributes only 1–4% higher soil water during vegetative to flowering stages than short stubble height. Stress was experienced when soil moisture content in the root-zone reached <22% in this soil and such stress decreased the leaf relative water content (RWC). Retaining tall rice stubbles on the soil surface decreased daytime soil temperature by 9.4–14.6°C and modified the crop coefficient (Kc) by increasing transpiration and reducing evaporation, thereby maintaining higher leaf area index (LAI). The Kc values for the initial, development, mid and late season stages of lentil under relay cropping were 0.48, 0.54, 0.82 and 0.48, respectively, with short and tall standing stubble heights. Root length density (RLD) values increased at a faster rate in 200–400mm layer, especially in tall stubble than short. Soil moisture stress was negatively related (R2=0.66, P<0.05) to RWC, however, RLD maintained an asymptotic relationship with RWC. Actual evapotranspiration (ETa) of lentil amounted to 154.8mm and the ETa in broadcasted upon SD rice was 14% higher than ETa in LD rice. Lentil in tall stubbles amounted to 150.6mm ETa, which was 7% more than that in short stubbles. Yield of lentil broadcasted upon SD was 20% higher than 20days delay with LD rice, and tall stubbles produced 18% more yield than short stubbles. The water productivity (WP) of lentil under SD rice was only 6% higher than lentil in LD rice; however, tall stubbles produced 11% higher WP than short standing stubbles. Keeping stubbles height of SD or LD rice may be an efficient way of using the existing land and water resources for mitigating soil moisture stress and maintaining grain yield and water productivity of lentil relayed with short- and long-duration rice habits.