Haryana Agricultural University Research Articles

Agroforestry: Viable alternatives for ensuring green fodder production around the year

Agroforestry is an integration of tree species with agricultural crops or livestock that can be directly used to enhance agro biodiversity, rural livelihood and to meet the demand of green fodder throughout the year. Considering this fact, a study was done at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to assess the productivity of fodder crops under poplar based agroforestry system. In February 2016, poplar was planted in six different spacing of 3× 3 m, 4×3 m, 5×3 m, 6×3 m, 7×3 m and 8×3 m. In this study, fodder crops (sorghum during Kharif season and oat and berseem during Rabi season) were intercropped in different spacing’s of poplar and compared with control in three replications. The results revealed that the maximum DBH (13.92 cm), basal diameter (16.90 cm) and crown spread (6.79 m) attained in 8×3 m spacing while maximum height (9.61 m) is attained in 3×3 m spacing. The highest pH (7.94) and EC (0.27 dS/m) were recorded in 8×3 m spacing while highest SOC (0.47 %), N (158.5 kg/ha), P (16.8 kg/ha) and K (343.8 kg/ha) were recorded in 3×3 m spacing. Green fodder biomass of sorghum (38.45 t/ha), berseem (64.56 t/ha) and oat (52.62 t/ha) was recorded higher in wider spacing (8×3 m) as compared to sole crops. The maximum light intensity (672.4 Lux) was recorded in 8×3 m at 1.00 pm in the month of July, 2018. Higher value of BCR was observed for poplar with oat (2.44) followed by poplar with sorghum (2.31) and poplar with berseem (2.28) under 3×3 m spacing indicating that closer spacing of 3×3 m of poplar is more economic than the other spacings due to more number of trees per unit area and more production of wood.

Seasonal Incidence of Galleria mellonella in Stored Wax Combs and its Correlation with Weather Parameters

The investigation was carried out at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar for two years i.e. 2016 and 2017 during June to October. During June, population of larvae of larvae started increasing till September in both years.. However, during Galleria mellonella October, the number decreased. This pattern of seasonal incidence was same when eight, nine and ten combs were stored in a hive body (chamber). The number of larvae recorded per comb was highest when ten combs were stored in a hive body followed by 9, 8 and 7 combs. During both the years, pupal and adult population in stored combs also increased with from June to September while in October, the cumulative number of pupae and adults decreased. Correlation studies between number of wax moth population (larvae, pupae and adults) in stored combs related to different frame strength with the different weather parameters showed significant positive correlation with maximum RH and maximum temperature, whereas no significant correlation existed with min. temperature, min. RH and number of bright sunshine hours.

Diversity of wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes deciphered by biplot analysis

Diversity of hundred and seventy six wheat genotypes had been studied as per fifteen relevant morphological traits in research farm of Haryana Agricultural University during cropping season 2016-17. Maximum range was observed for flag leaf area followed by number of grains per ear and plant height. The least deviation also expressed by flag leaf breadth trait. The phenotypic diversity were estimated by the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H’), by bifurcating set of genotypes in five classes, revealed maximum values for days to heading (cluster 2), number of tillers per plant (cluster 3), flag leaf length (cluster 2), flag leaf breadth (cluster 2), flag leaf area (cluster 4), plant height (cluster 5), ear length (cluster 2), ear weight (cluster 4), number of grains per ear (cluster 4), weight of grain per ear (cluster 2), number of spikelet per ear (cluster 2), thousand grains weight (cluster 4), Grain yield per plant (cluster 2), biological yield per plant (cluster 2) and Harvest Index (cluster 2). Simpson’s index (1/D) varied from 0.44 for biological yield to 0.54 for flag leaf breadth followed by ear weight. Association analysis among traits exhibited significant positive correlation of grain yield observed with number of tillers per plant, thousand grains weight and biological yield expressed high degree of linear association with grain yield per plant, number of tillers per plant, thousand grains weight, ear weight and weight of grains per ear. Harvest Index maintained positive and negative correlation with other traits though magnitudes were of small values. Biplot analysis had seen strong bondage of grain yield per plant with number of tillers per plant and biological yield per plant as well as of flag leaf length with thousand grains weight evident from group 1 as acute angles had exhibited by traits rays. Weight of grains per ear along with ear weight expressed strong relationship with number of spikelet per ear, number of grains per ear whereas similar behavior evident from plant height & flag leaf area as evident by acute angles among corresponding rays. Darwin software exploited to import the dissimilarity matrix for multivariate hierarchical clustering of genotypes. Two broad categories had seen which further partitioned into five and six sub groups as evident from respective nodes.

Diversity of wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes deciphered by biplot analysis

Diversity of hundred and seventy six wheat genotypes had been studied as per fifteen relevant morphological traits in research farm of Haryana Agricultural University during cropping season 2016-17. Maximum range was observed for flag leaf area followed by number of grains per ear and plant height. The least deviation also expressed by flag leaf breadth trait. The phenotypic diversity were estimated by the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H’), by bifurcating set of genotypes in five classes, revealed maximum values for days to heading (cluster 2), number of tillers per plant (cluster 3), flag leaf length (cluster 2), flag leaf breadth (cluster 2), flag leaf area (cluster 4), plant height (cluster 5), ear length (cluster 2), ear weight (cluster 4), number of grains per ear (cluster 4), weight of grain per ear (cluster 2), number of spikelet per ear (cluster 2), thousand grains weight (cluster 4), Grain yield per plant (cluster 2), biological yield per plant (cluster 2) and Harvest Index (cluster 2). Simpson’s index (1/D) varied from 0.44 for biological yield to 0.54 for flag leaf breadth followed by ear weight. Association analysis among traits exhibited significant positive correlation of grain yield observed with number of tillers per plant, thousand grains weight and biological yield expressed high degree of linear association with grain yield per plant, number of tillers per plant, thousand grains weight, ear weight and weight of grains per ear. Harvest Index maintained positive and negative correlation with other traits though magnitudes were of small values. Biplot analysis had seen strong bondage of grain yield per plant with number of tillers per plant and biological yield per plant as well as of flag leaf length with thousand grains weight evident from group 1 as acute angles had exhibited by traits rays. Weight of grains per ear along with ear weight expressed strong relationship with number of spikelet per ear, number of grains per ear whereas similar behavior evident from plant height & flag leaf area as evident by acute angles among corresponding rays. Darwin software exploited to import the dissimilarity matrix for multivariate hierarchical clustering of genotypes. Two broad categories had seen which further partitioned into five and six sub groups as evident from respective nodes.

Effect of Integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi 2016–17 and 2017–18 at Research Farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. It comprised 16 treatment levels of fertilizer in randomized block-design with three replications. Growth parameters of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) crop were significantly affected by the fertilizer treatments. Maximum plants height (16.49, 41.53, 106.13 and 177.00), number of primary branches (1.65, 5.27, 11.50 and 15.34) and number of secondary branches (2.98, 13.18 and 28.97) at 30, 60, 90 days after sowing and at harvest were observed in treatment T11: RDF (100%) + Azotobacter + PSB. Days to 50% flowering ranged from 126.1 (T11) RDF (100%) + Azotobacter + PSB to 119.8 (T16) control. A maximum number of days to maturity were recorded in T11: Recommended dose of fertilizer along with Azotobacter+ PBS (171.6 days) and minimum were under control conditions (T16) i.e. 147.8. Yield attributes like the number of umbels per plant (57.57), umbelets per umbel (33.33), seeds per umbel (613.67), seeds per umbelets (30.52), seed yield per plant (74.93), seed yield (2039.9 kg/ha), biological yield (6965 kg/ha), harvest index (32.08) etc. were highest in treatment T11: RDF (100%) + Azotobacter + PSB per hectare.

Assessment of genetic diversity for various morpho-phenological traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum)

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L. 2n = 26) is considered as valuable oilseed crop known to humans since ancient times. Despite having high oil quality, sesame is grown in small area due to lack of high yielding varieties with inbuilt resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Therefore an experiment was conducted to study the genetic diversityfor yield and its component traits using 60 sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes collected from the OilseedsSection, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, during kharif 2017. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among the studied genotypes. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was found to be greater than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied, which reflected the role of environment in the expression of the observed traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for number of capsules per plant and number of seeds per capsule indicating predominance of additive gene action for controlling these traits. Cluster analyses based on D2 values using Tocher’s method were used to make a dendrogram of the morphological data. The presence of genetic diversity among the evaluated germplasm will help geneticist and breeders to select diverse parents in crossing for development of high yielding genotypes of esame.

Synergistic integration of crop residue mulch and cultural practices with herbicides for managing weed complex in turmeric in North-Western India

Turmeric being a wide spaced and long duration crop, weeds pose a serious problem due to its delayed emergence and slow initial growth which provide ideal environment for weeds to grow. This warrants for synergistic integration of residue mulch, cultural practices, and herbicides for effective weed management. Two field experiments were conducted during 2012-13 - 2013-14 and 2014-15 - 2015-16 at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Karnal to evaluate different approaches involving integration of crop residue mulch and cultural practices with herbicides for effective and economical weed management in turmeric. The uncontrolled weeds caused 42-66% turmeric yield loss. Based on four years studies, it may be concluded that pre-emergence (PE) application of metribuzin 700 g/ha or pendimethalin 1000 g/ha or atrazine 750 g/ha integrated with rice straw mulching (10 t/ha) after herbicide application at 3 days after sowing (DAS) and hand weeding at 50 or 75 DAS provided effective control (86-100%) of complex weed flora in turmeric with improved rhizome yield (14.29 to18.60 t/ha), which was comparable to weed free, better economic returns without phyto-toxicity on the crop and detectable herbicidal residues in the turmeric rhizomes and soil at harvest. Integration of 2-hoeing with metribuzin 700 g/ha PE or pendimethalin 1000 g/ha PE were the two other viable options of integrated weed management (IWM) strategy. Among post-emergence (PoE) herbicides, fenoxaprop 67 g/ha 45 DAS, was safe to turmeric while metsulfuron 4 g/ha PoE was toxic. Glyphosate 0.3% PoE at 25 DAS could also be integrated with hoeing twice at 45 and 75 DAS for effective weed management in turmeric. Use of rice straw in IWM strategies in turmeric will also help in reducing herbicide dose, crop residue management without burning, conservation of soil moisture and other natural resources which will helps in long term sustainable and economical production system.

Appraisal of Quantitative Losses in Different Wheat Varieties Due to Sitotroga cerealella

An experiment was conducted using five different wheat genotypes to determine their resistance to Sitotroga cerealella (L.) at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the year 2018-2020. The experiment was carried out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications in a control temperature of 29±2˚C with 65±5% relative humidity. The cultures were maintained in glass jars of 1 kg capacity containing the wheat grains and 25 adults of S. cerealella were released in these jars, separately. The results were evaluated by calculation of susceptibility index, percent grains damaged and percent weight loss of wheat grains against the infestation of S. cerealella. Among all the genotypes percent grains damaged (52.91%), percent weight loss (21.75%) and was found to be ‘highly susceptible’ genotype, while the lowest percent damaged grains (25.25%) and weight loss (8.64%) were recorded in genotype HPBW 1 and was found the ‘susceptible’ genotype against the infestation of pest, while all the remaining genotypes were intermediary to the pest attack.

Seasonal incidence and biology of Conogethes punctiferalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on Guava

Studies on seasonal incidenceof castor capsule borer, Conogethes punctiferalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in guava crop were carried out under field conditions at horticultural research farm,Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The results revealed that the pest was found to infest both the rainy as well as winter season guava crop. During rainy season, peak infestation (16%) of C. punctiferalis on guava was recorded in 3rd& 5th week of August in picked fruits while in dropped fruits, peak infestation (11.63%) was recorded in 3rd week of August. During winter season, peak infestation (8%) of C. punctiferalis on guava was recorded in 2nd week of December and March in picked fruits while in dropped fruits, peak infestation (11.11%) was recorded in 2nd week of March. The life cycle of C. punctiferalis was completed in 34-46 days and the pest completed multiple generations in a year.

Effect of Heterosis on Growth, Earliness and Yield Characters of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

The present study was conducted to estimate the magnitude of heterosis for thirteen characters in brinjal. The analysis of variance revealed that the genotype selected were having sufficient amount of genetic variability amongst them to carry out further genetic analysis. Forty five F1 hybrids (generated by line x tester mating design using diverse fifteen lines and three testers) along with 18 parents and standard check hybrid (Punjab Sadabahar) were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications at The Research Farm of Department of Vegetable Science, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Highest heterotic value for fruit yield per plant was observed in cross combinations HE-100 x H-8 (42.27%) followed by HE-100 x HLB-12 (40.97%), HE-106 x BR-112 (37.54%) and HE-101 x BR-112 (36.46%). The cross combinations HE-100 x BR-112 followed by HE-100 x H-8 and HE-100 x HLB-12 showed earliness among all the crosses.

Wheat growth and physiological response and management of herbicide resistant Phalaris minor Retz. as affected by selective herbicides

Weeds are a major constraint of wheat productivity improvement in India. Among the major weeds, Phalaris minor Retz. is the most problematic weed that mimics wheat. Herbicides are mostly used by farmers to manage weeds in wheat and dependency on single herbicide or herbicides with same mode of action resulted in the development of multiple herbicide-resistance in P. minor. A field study was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2016-17 and 2019-20 with an objective to study the growth and physiological response of wheat and management of herbicideresistant P. minor with selective herbicides in wheat. The sequential application of tank-mix (TM) pre-emergence application (PE) of pendimethalin + pyroxasulfone (1500 + 102 g/ha) or pendimethalin + metribuzin (1000 + 175 g/ha) followed by post-emergence application (PoE) of pinoxaden 60 g/ha or mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron 14.4 g/ha resulted in complete control of herbicide-resistant P. minor and other broad-leaved weeds (BLW). The better control of weeds resulted in higher wheat leaf area index (LAI) and crop growth rate (CGR) with 43-46% higher wheat grain yield over the weedy check. However, 0-9% visual toxicity on the crop was observed in metribuzin-associated treatments, which was nullified with the advancement of crop stage. The maximum marginal benefit was observed in weed-free check (39,192 ₹/ha) closely followed by pendimethalin + pyroxasulfone (TM) PE fb mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron PoE, while marginal benefit-cost ratio (MBCR) was highest with mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron (17.8) PoE followed by pinoxaden + metribuzin (50+150 g/ha) PoE. It was concluded that sequential application of PE followed by PoE herbicide with a rotational application of herbicides having different mode of action is suitable for management of herbicide-resistant P. minor in wheat.

Decipheration of flowering and fruiting characters in phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis) germplasm under semi-arid region of Haryana

A field experiment was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, RRS, Bawal (Rewari), Haryana, on 13 genotypes (4 tall double-seeded, 6 tall single-seeded, 3 dwarf-single seeded) of phalsa having a wide range of variability in flowering and fruiting traits in randomized block design, during 2018–19. The number of flowers/inflorescence varied from 3 to 4 in Bawal Phalsa 1, Bawal Phalsa 2, Bawal Phalsa 3, Bawal Phalsa 4, Bawal Phalsa 5, Bawal Phalsa 6, Bawal Phalsa 7, Bawal Phalsa 8, Bawal Phalsa 9 and Bawal Phalsa 10. However, 2 to 5 flowers/inflorescence were observed in dwarf germplasm. Early flowering was found in tall double-seeded germplasm, whereas end of flowering and fruit maturity exhibited early in dwarf germplasm. The fruit length, breadth, and weight were maximum in Bawal Phalsa 4, minimum in Bawal Phalsa 12, whereas number of fruits picking were maximum in Bawal Phalsa 5 and minimum in Bawal Phalsa 1. Fruit shape was globose type in Bawal Phalsa 1, Bawal Phalsa 2, Bawal Phalsa 3 and Bawal Phalsa 4, whereas round in Bawal Phalsa 5, Bawal Phalsa 6, Bawal Phalsa 7, Bawal Phalsa 8, Bawal Phalsa 9, Bawal Phalsa 10 and dwarf germplasm. Fruit skin colour was purple in tall double-seeded, whereas deep purple in tall single-seeded and dwarf germplasm. Fruit lobe was present only in tall double-seeded germplasm. Inflorscence type and petal colour showed no variation.

Accessibility of Information and Communication Technology Services by Faculty Members of a State Agricultural University

The research was carried out at the CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar in 2021- 22 to assess the availability and accessibility of information and communication technology services among faculty members. Data was collected with the help of well-structured questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). 25 faculty members were selected randomly from four purposively selected college of CCSHAU, Hisar. Study concluded that all of respondents had computer/laptop, internet, e-mail, and mobile phone/ telephone facilities available at department/workplace. Majority of the respondents also had printer (97.00%), scanner (83.00%), photocopier (77.00%) and LCD projector (74.00%).

Herbage Yield and Quality of Ryegrass (Lolium Multiflorum Lam) as Influenced by Nitrogen and Phosphorus Management

A field experiment was carried out at Forage Section Research Farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana), India during Rabi (winter) season to study the effect of different nitrogen and phosphorus levels on annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum). Among different N levels, significantly highest green fodder yield (GFY) was recorded at N3 (80 kg N ha-1 at sowing + 20 kg N ha-1 at three weeks after sowing + 40 kg ha-1 N after each cut). The total green fodder and dry matter yield recorded with 220 kg N ha-1 were 28.10, 10.40 and 35.51, 8.80 per cent higher over 120 and 170 kg N ha-1 respectively. Highest in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) content (62.34%) was estimated with 220 kg N ha-1 which was on a par with 170 kg N ha-1. However, maximum digestible dry matter yield (35.91 q ha-1) was estimated with 220 kg N ha-1 which was significantly higher over the lower nitrogen levels. Among different phosphorus levels, highest GFY was recorded at P3 (50 kg P2O5 ha-1) which was on a par with P2 (40 kg P2O5 ha-1). The green fodder and dry matter yield recorded with 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 were 3.78, 22.79 and 4.72, 35.51 per cent higher over 40 and 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 respectively. Crude protein content and IVDMD content were not affected significantly. However, maximum crude protein yield (5.63 q ha-1) digestible dry matter yield (34.90 q ha-1) were estimated with 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 which were on a par with 40 kg P2O5 ha-1. To realize the higher forage yield and better nutritive value of ryegrass, application 220 kg N (80 kg N ha-1 as basal + 20 kg N ha-1 as topdressing at 3 WAS + 40 kg ha-1 N just after each cut) and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 is recommended for soils low in available nitrogen and medium in phosphorus.

Assessment of phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis DC.) germplasm for distinction in yield, quality and shelf life under semi-arid region of Haryana

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental orchard of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, RRS, Bawal (Rewari), haryana. Thirteen genotypes (4 tall double seeded, 5 tall single-seeded, 3 dwarf single seeded) having a wide range of variability in qualitative traits which were studied in randomized block design. Results showed that productivity per plant was high in tall germplasm and less in dwarf. Fruits were observed more juicier in tall single seeded and dwarf grmplasm. Shelf life was observed maximum in Bawal Phalsa 1 and minimum in Bawal Phalsa 11. Bawal Phalsa 1 to 4 has two seeds per fruit of non edible quality, while Bawal Phalsa 5 to 10 and dwarf germplasm have one seed per fruit of edible quality. Weight of 100 seeds was reported maximum in Bawal Phalsa 7, while a minimum in the case of Bawal Phalsa 12. Quality characteristics i.e., TSS, acidity, Vitamin-A, and Vitamin-C were maximum in Bawal Phalsa 1 to 4 whereas, least in dwarf germplasm. however, anthocyanin and crude fat per cent in seed was observed lowest in tall double seeded germplasm and highest in dwarf germplasm. Sugar content such as total and non-reducing sugar were highest in dwarf germplasm and lowest in Bawal Phalsa 1 to 4, while reducing sugar was found maximum in Bawal Phalsa 5 to 10.

Integrated nutrient management in green gram (Vigna radiata L.)

The study carried out at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during kharif 2019 revealed that the treatment combination of 75 per cent RDF+vermicompost @ 1t ha-1 + PSB + Rhizobium. recorded maximum plant height (68.50cm), dry matter accumulation per plant (48.61g ha-1), pod length (8.21 cm), number of pods (13.61), number of seeds per pod (7.49), seed index (4.78), grain yield (13.26 q ha-1), straw yield (26.52 q ha-1), biological yield (39.78 q ha-1), harvest index (28.13), cost of cultivation (21200 Rs ha-1), gross and net monetary returns (98124 Rs ha-1 and 76929 Rs ha-1, respectively) and BC ratio (3.62) against minimum plant height (52.46 cm), plant dry matter accumulation (35.68g ha-1), pod length (5.80 cm), number of pods (9.72), number of seeds per pod (6.93), grain yield (7.46 q ha-1), straw yield (14.92 q ha-1), biological yield (22.38 q ha-1), harvest index (26.90), cost of cultivation (17790 Rs ha-1), gross and net monetary returns (55204 Rs ha-1 and 37414 Rs ha-1, respectively) and BC ratio (2.10) recorded in control. Cultivation of green gram cv. MH 421 was found more productive and profitable with the application of 75 per cent RDF + vermicompost @ 1t ha-1 + PSB + Rhizobium.

Effect of potassium and zinc application on crop yield and uptake of nutrients in green gram (Vigna radiata L.) under coarse textured soils

The aim of present study was to find out the optimum dose and application effect of potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) on green gram yield, nodulation, uptake and its build-up/depletion in soil to overcome the production of pulses in Haryana. A series of field experiments were conducted during kharif season from 2018 to 2020 at the Regional Research Station, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Bawal, Haryana. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four levels of K (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg K2O ha−1) in main plot and Zn (0, 12.5, 25 and 37.5 kg ZnSO4 ha−1) in sub-plot with three replications. The results revealed that application of K significantly affected the yield of green gram up to 20 kg K2O ha−1 whereas Zn application significantly affected the yield of green gram up to 25 kg ZnSO4 ha−1. The interaction between K and Zn was non-significant. The nodules fresh weight and number of nodules per plant increased significantly with the application K whereas, these parameters increased with the application of Zn but results were not significant. The K and Zn application significantly increased their content and uptake in seed and straw of green gram. The available K in soil was influenced by K application but was found to be significant with 20 and 30 kg K2O ha−1. The DTPA extractable Zn content in soil after harvest of crop was also significantly higher with the application of zinc sulphate.

Growing Media Affects Seedling Growth of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana var. rotundifolia)

An appropriate growing media is essential for production of good quality plant material. The rooting system in terms of growth and development mainly depend on the growing media. Afield experiment to see the effect of growing media on seedling growth of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana var. rotundifolia) was conducted during 201819 in the nursery at Experimental Orchard of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The media for the study were garden soil and sand with the different proportion of vermicompost, FYM and cocopeat constituting 16 treatments. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design. The results revealed that growing Media T7: Garden soil + FYM + VC + CP (3:1:1:1) improved the seedling height, stem girth, intermodal length, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh weight of shoot and root and survival per cent. Media T7 having Garden soil + FYM + VC + CP (3:1:1:1) found better in improving the available N, P, K (165.7, 33.0 and 267.0 kg/ha).

Persistence of azoxystrobin and difenoconazole in tomato fruits following application of ready mix formulation and decontamination by household processing

The persistence and dissipation of azoxystrobin and difenoconazole following application of a new ready mix formulation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruits was investigated. The ready mix formulation was applied at 50% fruiting stage using Knapsack sprayer on tomato variety “HS-102” grown in research farm at the Department of Entomology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The analytical method showed satisfactory mean recovery, precision and linearity and therefore accepted for analysis. Residue quantification was done using Shimadzu GC-ECD. The dissipation kinetics revealed to be of 1st order with half-lives of 3–5 days for azoxystrobin and 1–3 days for difenoconazole. A significant influence of various culinary processes was observed in minimizing the residues of both fungicides from tomatoes. Washing and peeling followed by boiling were found quite effective in reducing the residue load. Soil collected at harvest time was found free from residues of both the fungicides.

Effect of Growing Media on Dry Matter Accumulation in the Seedlings of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana var. rotundifolia)

The media are composed of soil, organic matter, pond soil and sand for the fruit crop seedlings. The aim was to increase the porosity, the supplementation of the sand be carried out while the organic matter particularly, FYM and vermicompost added to enrich adequate nutrients for the seedling. A study on the effect of growing media on seedling growth of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana var. rotundifolia) was conducted during 2018–19 in the nursery at Experimental Orchard of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The media for the study were garden soil and sand with the different proportion of vermicompost, FYM and cocopeat constituting 16 treatments. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design. The results revealed that growing Media T7: Garden soil + FYM + VC + CP (3:1:1:1) improved the seedling height, stem girth, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root. Media T7 having Garden soil + FYM + VC + CP (3:1:1:1) found better in improving the dry matter accumulation in ber seedlings.