Higher Total Dry Matter Production Research Articles

Oxidative stress as markers in identification of aluminum-tolerant peach tree rootstock cultivars and clonal selections

ABSTRACT Peach rootstock and scion cultivars are selected in breeding programs considering resistance to pests and diseases, salt tolerance, drought tolerance, and vigor. However, rootstock tolerance to aluminum (Al), which is markedly present in tropical and subtropical soils of the world, is not considered. Thus, it is essential to define potential markers that can contribute to the selection of Al-resistant or Al-tolerant peach rootstocks. The objective of this study was to identify Al-tolerant peach tree rootstock cultivars and clonal selections using physiological and oxidative stress variables. A completely randomized experimental design was used in a 13 (rootstock cultivars and clonal selections) × 2 (with and without Al) factorial arrangement, with three replications. Nursery peach trees of own-rooted ‘BRS Mandinho’ (without rootstock) and nursery trees of ‘BRS Mandinho’ grafted on different rootstock cultivars and clonal selections were grown in a hydroponic system, consisting of two treatments, with and without 100 mg L -1 of Al. Dry biomass, photosynthetic variables, pigment concentration, hydrogen peroxide content, membrane lipid peroxidation, and activity of the antioxidant enzymes were evaluated. The total dry matter production of the own-rooted ‘BRS Mandinho’ trees and the SS-CHI-09-39 and SS-CHI-09-40 selections is affected by the Al presence, representing a decline of 35.4, 37.2, and 24.4 %, respectively, compared to the treatment with Al. The highest total dry matter production in Al presence was observed for the ‘Sharpe’ rootstock. ‘Capdeboscq’, DB-SEN-09-23, FB-ESM-09-43, JB-ESM-09-13, JAH-MAC-09-77, SAS-SAU-09-71, and VEH-GRA-09-55 rootstock selections are tolerant to Al. The use of physiological and biochemical variables shows potential for the selection of clonal rootstocks tolerant or resistant to Al.

Effect of planting and nutrient management on the growth, yield and protein content of aromatic fine rice

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh from July to November 2015 to find out the effect of planting and nutrient management on the growth, yield and protein content of aromatic fine rice (cv. Binadhan-13). The experimental treatments comprised six planting arrangement viz. 25 cm × 20 cm, 25 cm × 15 cm, 25 cm × 10 cm, 20 cm × 20 cm, 20 cm × 15 cm, 20 cm × 10 cm and four nutrient management viz. recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer (RDF) N-P2O5-K2O-S-Zn at the rate of 75-42-75-17-2 kg ha-1 respectively; Cow dung @ 10 t ha-1, 25% less than RDF + Cow dung @ 5 t ha-1, 50% less than RDF + Cow dung @ 5 t ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Different crop characters, yield contributing characters, yield and grain quality were significantly influenced by planting arrangement and nutrient management. In the crop growth stage, the maximum number of tillers hill-1 (19.03) was recorded from the 25 cm × 15 cm spacing fertilized with 25% less than RDF + cow dung @ 5 t ha-1 and the highest total dry matter production (62.70), crop growth rate (19.37) and chlorophyll content (35.77) of leaf were recorded from the 20 cm × 15 cm spacing fertilized with 25% less than RDF + cow dung @ 5 t ha-1. At harvest, the highest grain yield (3.66 t ha-1) and protein content (9.63%) were recorded from the 20 cm × 15 cm spacing fertilized with 25% less than RDF + cow dung @ 5 t ha-1. So, transplantation at 20 cm × 15 cm spacing and fertilization with 25% less than the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer + cow dung @ 5 t ha-1 was found to be promising practice for the cultivation of aromatic fine rice (cv. Binadhan-13).

Performance of pigeonpea genotypes under transplanting technique

A field experiment was conducted for the yield maximization in pigeonpea through transplanting technique underdryland conditions in medium black soils at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vijayapura (Karnataka) during kharif2021-22. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. There were ten treatment combinations,consisting two varieties viz.,TS-3R and GRG-152 in main plots and five dates of transplanting viz., direct sowing, IIFortnight (FN) of June, I FN of July, II FN of July and I FN of August in sub plots. The results revealed that thevariety TS-3R transplanted during II FN of June recorded significantly higher total dry matter production (230.90 g plant-1), leaf area(82.88 dm2 plant-1),pods per plant (184.17), grain yield (1873 kg ha-1), stalk yield (5001 kg ha-1) and gross returns(`118004 ha-1) over other combinations. However, direct sown TS-3R recorded significantly higher net returns(`78231 ha-1) and B:C (3.38) as compared to other combinations. While, lower total dry matter production (121.72 g plant-1),leaf area per plant (38.22 dm2), lower number of pods per plant (92.25), grain yield (876 kg ha-1), stalk yield (2665 kg ha-1), netreturns(`9654 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.21) were recorded in GRG-152 transplanted during I FN of August compared to otherinteractions. Pigeonpea variety TS-3R transplanted during II FN of June produced superior growth, yield parameters andseed yield. However, the yield improvement was not substantial to overcome the additional costs involved in nurseryraising and transplanting.

Influence of nutrients and plant growth regulators on growth parameters and yield of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)

Pigeonpea is the second most important pulse crop after chickpea in India. The yield of pigeonpea is very low due to indeterminate growth habit and poor source-sink relationship. Plant growth regulators are known to influence the source-sink relationship and stimulate the translocation of photo-assimilates thereby helping in effective flower formation, fruit and seed development and ultimately enhance productivity of the crops. With this background, a field experiment was conducted with pigeonpea (CO Rg 7) under irrigated condition in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. An experiment was aimed at determining the effect of various nutrients and growth-promoting hormones on the growth parameters and yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.). The Factorial Randomised Block Design was used in the field trial and was replicated three times. At the vegetative stage, the treatments included foliar sprays of growth inhibitors such as M2-Mepiquat chloride (MC) @ 500 pp, M3-Chlormequat chloride (CC) @ 500 ppm and M1- Control. At flower initiation and 15 days later, various plant growth regulators, such as T2-SA (100 ppm), T3-BR (0.1 ppm), T4-Napthyl acetic acid (40 ppm), T5-Nutrients (ZnSO4 @ 0.5 percent + H3BO3 @ 0.3 percent, T6-Mono Ammonium Phosphate @ 2 percent, and T7-TNAU Pulse Wonder @ 1 percent), T8-Nutrient consortia I (1%) and T9-Nutrient consortia II (1%), were used. Among the treatments, the combination of Chlormequat chloride and nutrient consortia treatments (M3T8&M3T9) had better performances in growth parameters and yield of pigeonpea (CO Rg 7). Foliar application of M3T8-Chlormequat chloride and Nutrient consortia I (1%) resulted significantly (P<0.05) in the highest Total dry matter production (64.85; 82.96 g plant-1), Leaf area (1629; 1873 cm-2 plant-1), Leaf area index (1.358; 1.561), Specific leaf weight (7.29; 10.34 mg cm-2) and Seed yield (1133 kg ha-1) when compared to other treatments. The present study that the application of a combined formulation of hormones and nutrients present in the nutrient consortia at the flowering and pod formation stages influenced the growth parameters and resulted in higher seed yield.

Agronomic performance of ten perennial ryegrass varieties on commercial grassland farms

AbstractLittle information is available on the phenotypic performance of perennial ryegrass varieties when exposed to grazing conditions on commercial grassland farms. Grass varieties are classically evaluated in mechanically defoliated plot systems which, although designed to mimic grazing conditions, do not fully capture the range of stresses or interactions that a sward is subjected to under commercial settings or over any period longer than 4 years. The evolution of technology in the form of PastureBase Ireland has led to agronomic data of individual paddocks being made available for analysis over multiple years. Data used in the current study consisted of dry matter (DM) production and ground score data across a 7-year period from ten perennial ryegrass varieties grown as monocultures in 559 paddocks on 98 commercial farms. The results demonstrated how perennial ryegrass variety is associated with a range of agronomic performance traits on commercial farms; including total and seasonal DM production, grazing DM production and number of grazing events. Varieties with the highest total DM production also had the highest spring and mid-season DM production; autumn DM production was associated with the interaction between variety and year. The highest producing variety in the study, AberGain, produced 1342 kg DM/ha/year more than the mean of all other varieties. Variety differences manifested themselves as swards aged, with some varieties increasing in total DM production while others reduced in total DM production. The current work provides a basis for the consideration of on-farm variety assessment in the composition of future variety evaluation protocols.

LED Intercanopy Lighting in Blackberry During Spring Improves Yield as a Result of Increased Number of Fruiting Laterals and Has a Positive Carryover Effect on Autumn Yield.

High market price and low availability of local winter and spring production has stimulated production of blackberries in glasshouses at northern latitudes. For this production, light is the main limiting factor. We investigated the potential of intercanopy lighting (ICL) using light emitting diodes (LEDs) to improve blackberry fruit yield in a crop with a spring and an autumn production cycle. During the spring production cycle three light treatments were applied: only natural light (no ICL), 93 or 185 μmol m–2 s–1 ICL In summer the lateral shoots were cut back and 93 μmol m–2 s–1 ICL was applied to all plants after cutting back, investigating a possible carryover effect of supplemental light in spring on autumn production. Fresh fruit yield in spring increased by 79 and 122% with 93 and 185 μmol m–2 s–1 ICL, respectively, compared to no ICL. This represents 3.6 and 2.8% increase in harvestable product for every additional 1% of light. A yield component analysis and leaf photosynthesis measurements were conducted. Maximum photosynthetic capacity (Amax) for leaves at 185 μmol m–2 s–1 ICL was about 50% higher, and LAI was 41% higher compared to no ICL. ICL increased the number of fruiting laterals per cane, and this explained 75% of the increase in yield. ICL at 185 μmol m–2 s–1 resulted in a higher yield compared to no ICL, primarily as a result of higher total dry matter production. Furthermore, a higher fraction of dry matter partitioned to the fruits (0.59 compared to 0.52) contributed to yield increase, whereas fruit dry matter content and fruit quality (sugar and acid content) was not affected by ICL. Averaged over the three light treatments autumn yield was 47% lower than spring yield. Autumn yield was 10% higher for plants at ICL 93 μmol m–2 s–1 in spring and 36% higher for plants at 185 μmol m–2 s–1 in spring compared to no ICL in spring. This increased autumn yield was caused by more fruiting laterals (less necrotic buds). It is concluded that management practices in spring can have a carryover effect on the autumn production. This is the first scientific paper on the potential for applying LED ICL in blackberries. Further research should focus on optimal intensity of ICL, positioning of supplementary lighting and economic feasibility.

Performance of elite castor (Ricinus communis L.) hybrids and varieties under rainfed Alfisols

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2018 and 2019 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore to study the per se performance, productivity and profitability of seven elite castor hybrids and varieties. Treatments comprised five hybrids (GCH-8, DCH-177 DCH-519, GCH-7, GCH-4) and two varieties (48-1, DCS-107). Based on the pooled analysis, castor hybrids (GCG-8, DCH-177 and DCH-519) showed significantly higher total dry matter production (TDMP) on account of significant superiority in crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and absolute growth rate (AGR). Nevertheless, the performance of genotypes in this study was not a true reflection of their growth attributes. Therefore, castor genotypes did not show consistency for seed yield over the years of their evaluation. It was mainly due to their differential reaction to incidence of gray mold. During 2018 significantly higher grain yield (2369 kg/ha), oil yield (1152 kg/ha), gross return (` 1,23,188/ha), net return (` 99,809/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.95) was recorded in GCH-8. Whereas, during 2019, 48-1 recorded significantly higher grain yield (1270 kg/ha), oil yield (602 kg/ha), gross return (` 66,040/ha), net return (` 36,897/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.27). Based on the pooled analysis, castor hybrid GCH-8 (1777 kg/ha) recorded significantly higher yield and closelyfollowed by castor variety 48-1 (1476 kg/ha) and DCS-107 (1444 kg/ha).

Species Interactions and Nitrogen Use during Early Intercropping of Intermediate Wheatgrass with a White Clover Service Crop

Perennial grain crops intercropped with legumes are expected to use nitrogen (N) resources efficiently. A pot experiment using the 15N isotope dilution method demonstrated interspecific competition and use of N from the soil and N2 fixation in intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey, IWG) and white clover (Trifolium repens L., WC) intercrops at five species-relative frequencies and four levels of inorganic N fertilizer in a replacement series design. The proportion of N in WC derived from the atmosphere increased from 39.7% in a sole crop to 70.9% when intercropped with IWG, and 10.1% N in IWG transferred from WC. Intermediate wheatgrass showed high fitness with maintained high total dry matter production at low relative frequencies. Decreasing IWG-relative frequency only increased dry matter and N accumulation of WC, resulting in increased amounts of N2 fixed. Increased levels of N fertilization increased the proportion of N acquired from the fertilizer in IWG and WC but decreased the N fixed by WC and N absorbed by IWG from the soil. Our study indicates that WC supply sufficient fixed N2 for IWG intercrop biomass yields under appropriate levels of soil N fertility and species-relative frequencies.

Effect of intercropping and nitrogen levels on biometric growth parameters and yield of forage sweet sorghum

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of intercropping and nitrogen levels on biometric growth parameters and yield of forage sweet sorghum at AICRP on Sorghum, Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad during kharif season of 2015. The experiment was laid out on medium black soil in randomized complete block design with fifteen treatments and three replications. The results of the experiment indicated that intercropping of sweet sorghum + horsegram (2:1) with 100 % RDN recorded significantly higher total dry matter production (71.23 g/plant), LAI (7.72), LAD (106.3 days) and NAR (0.0737 g/dm2 /day1) as compared to others. The same treatment produced significantly higher total green and dry forage yield (49.08 and 12.81 t/ha respectively) and LER (1.36) followed by sweet sorghum + horsegram (2:2) with 100 % RDN due to higher growth and yield attributes.

Production, quality and livestock carrying capacity of Panicum maximum and Sesbania grandiflora at saline soil with different manure application

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of manure at saline soil on forage production, quality and livestock carrying capacity of P. maximum and S. grandiflora. The research was conducted on moderately saline soil at Rembang Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia.Randomized complete block design was used as design experiment. The treatments were different dosage of manure as organic amendment (0, 10 and 20 tonnes/ha). Forage crops were P. maximum and S. grandiflora that planted monoculture or mixed-cropping. Parameters measured were dry matter (DM) production, ash, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, total digestible nutrients. P. maximum was cut eight times, S. grandiflora was cut six times during one year. The result showed that the highest total dry matter production of mixed cropping P. maximum and S. grandiflora was available at moderately saline soil with application 20 ton/ha manure. Total production of dry matter, crude protein and total digestible nutrient available at application 20 ton/ha manure were 29131 kg/ha/year; 3722 kg/ha/year and 17718 kg/ha/year, respectively. Carrying capacity based on dry matter, crude protein and total digestible nutrients were 10.8 AU/ha/year; 13.6 AU/ha/year and 11.3 AU/ha/year, respectively. In conclusion, application of 20 ton/ha manure at saline soil increased production, crude protein and carrying capacity.

Influence of Zinc sulphate and Zinc EDTA on Grain zinc, Growth and Yield Parameters, of Rice Genotypes

A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Rice, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-3 during Kharif season, 2017. The objective of the experiment was to study the influence of Zinc nutrition on growth, physiology, ZUE, yield and grain Zn content of rice genotypes at two stages of crop. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results of the field study revealed the maximum total tillers per plant were observed in the rice genotype IR93354:19-B-12-21-9-1RGA-2RGA-1-B under 0.5% ZnSO4 condition at the grain filling stage. However the higher total dry matter production recorded in the genotype IR15M1266 under 0.5% ZnSO4 treatment. Regarding zinc use efficiency indices, the maximum zinc use efficiency (42.2%) was observed in the foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 in rice genotype IR14M117 followed by BPT5204 (39.0%). The higher spikelet fertility was observed in BPT5204 (98.2%) under foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 was followed by Kalanamak (97.3%) on par with Chittmutyalu (97.2%) was under 0.5% ZnSO4 application. The treatment 0.5% ZnSO4 had recorded higher grain yield (8870.0 kg/ha) in IR95097:3-B-16-11-4-GBS which was on par with IR14M124 (8800 kg/ ha). To conclude, when foliar sprayed with zinc sources such as 0.5% ZnSO4 and 0.5 % Zn EDTA at boot leaf and grain filling stage in rice genotypes like IR15M1003, IR95097:3-B-16-11-4-GBS, IR95040:12-B-3-10-GBS, IR15M1341 and IR95097:4-B-2-18-8-GBS showed significant changes in growth, physiology and zinc grain content..

Production of Jiggs bermudagrass and the impact of quality milk production and quality of Holstein dairy cows under an intermittent grazing system

Dairy production plays a fundamental role in the Brazilian economy and high-quality forage is necessary for ruminants to produce satisfactory milk levels. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the production and quality of Jiggs bermudagrass and its effects on the production and quality parameters of milk from Holstein cows under an intermittent grazing system throughout the year. The experiment was conducted in a randomized design with the four seasons as treatments, replicated five times. The season had a significant effect on the production and nutritional parameters of Jiggs bermudagrass with the highest total dry matter production observed during summer, followed by spring and fall. The neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents were significantly higher in winter. The in vitro dry matter digestibility was significantly higher in summer, spring, and fall. Jiggs bermudagrass is a promising forage for the enhancement of milk production under intermittent stocking. However, its effects vary seasonally which exerts a greater influence during the winter, even with irrigation, because it directly affects the milk production and quality. The correlation results demonstrated the importance of better quality forage for increasing milk production without compromising the levels of milk solids.

English

This two year study aims to verify the necessity of splitting nitrogen (N) fertilization by assessing the effect of different N fertilization strategies (split and not split), on cultivated Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) accumulation rate and total dry matter (DM) production, as well as quantifying the levels of nitrate (NO3) in Red Dystrophic Oxisol. Research was carried out at the experimental unit of the Agronomic Institute of Paraná (IAPAR), Pato Branco - PR, in 2011/2012 and repeated in 2012/2013. Experimental treatments were replicated four times using a split plot randomized block design. Main plots consist of accumulated days of evaluation. In the split plot, the N-levels (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1) were applied following different N-fertilization strategies (applied all at once or split into two or four applications). Tifton 85 total DM production increased as N-levels increased in both years up to 300 kg ha-1. The highest total DM production (16.1 Mg ha-1) was achieved in the second period with 300 kg ha-1 of N, regardless of N-management. Low N-recovery and N-use efficiency were observed in the first experimental period due to the previous shortage of N-fertilization. This is probably because the soil-microbe population immobilized the N applied in the first experiment period. In this case, splitting N-fertilization resulted in greater DM accumulation. After N-fertilization in the second experimental period, on the other hand, there was no response to splitting N-doses. The lack of response to the N-fertilization strategies indicates a soil-microbes plant system stabilization, which resulted in smaller N-immobilization, greater N-recovery and greater N-use efficiency by the Tifton. Furthermore, splitting small rates of N (less than 200 kg ha-1) reduces fodder N-concentration in the initial growth phase, which could impair performance of plant growth and reduce plant protein content. Fodder dry mass more than double at the highest nitrogen level, although, there were no effects regarding to the nitrogen management, inferring that both option may be used.    Key words: Cynodon spp., forage production, nitrogen management, soil-plant interaction.

Thermal regimes: The key to phenological dynamics and productivity of fababean (Vicia faba L.)

Field study was conducted to know the effect of thermal environment on different phenostages, grain yield andyield attributes of fababean (Vicia fabaL.) during rabi season of 2013-14 and 2014-15 at ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, (Bihar). Fababean was sown four dates (Nov. 1, 15 & 30, Dec. 15) with four varieties(Local, Vikranta, Gaurav and Suraksha).Yield of fababean varieties was strongly responsive to the thermal units/growing degree days (GDD) accumulated during emergence to maturity. Results revealed that duration of phenostages and thermal units varied with the dates of sowing. November 01 sown crop produced significantly higher number of seeds pod-1 (3.21), higher seed yield (3.13 t ha-1) and biological yield (6.30 t ha-1) compared to other sowing dates. Among varieties, Gaurav exhibited significantly higher total dry matter production, heat use efficiency (2.32 kg ha-1°C day), more number of seeds pod-1 (3.03) and higher seed yield (3.47t ha-1) followed by Suraksha, Vikranta and Local.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on nutrient uptake and yield of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] under islands conditions

The experiment was carried out to find out the effect of integrated nutrient management on dry matter production, nutrient uptake and yield of okra var. Arka Anamika during 2015 and 2016 at Multipurpose Farm, Diglipur, North Andaman. There were 14 treatment combinations replicated thrice in RBD. The results indicated that the application of 75 per cent recommended dose of NPK + FYM @ 2.5 t ha -1 + NC @ 0.5 t ha -1 + VC @ 1.25 t ha -1 recorded higher dry matter production of plant and pod which in turn resulted in higher total dry matter production (3054 and 2955 kg ha -1 ), which was at par with 50 per cent of recommended dose of NPK + VC @ 5.0 t ha -1 , 50 per cent of recommended dose of NPK + FYM @ 3.75 t ha -1 + VC @ 2.5 t ha -1 + NC @ 1.25 t ha -1 and 100 % recommended dose of NPK during both the years of study. Similarly, uptake of N, P and K was maximum with 75 per cent of recommended dose of NPK + FYM @ 2.5 t ha -1 + VC @ 1.25 t ha -1 + NC @ 0.5 t ha -1 ) recorded higher pod yield (12.57 and 11.00 t ha -1 ) and net return (Rs. 2,98,289 and Rs. 2,69,474), respectively. However, higher B:C was registered in T 6 (4.79 and 4.42) followed by T 2 . From the results of the experiments, it can be concluded that application of 75 per cent of recommended dose of NPK + FYM @ 2.5 t ha -1 + VC @ 1.25 t ha -1 +NC @ 0.5 t ha -1 is highly profitable and economically viable for the cultivation of okra in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Dry matter production, it's partitioning, yield and nitrogen addition to the soil through leaf litter of hybrid pigeonpea

In the present investigation, transplanted hybrid pigeonpea recorded significantly higher seed yield as compared to dibbled hybrid pigeonpea. Significantly higher yield obtained under transplanted method was due to positive association between yield attributing characters. At harvest, total dry matter production plant -1 was significantly higher with transplanted method as compared to dibbled hybrid pigeonpea. Higher total dry matter production plant -1 with transplanting was due to higher dry matter accumulation in stem, leaves and reproductive parts over dibbling at different growth stages. Planting geometry of 120 cm × 90 cm produced significantly higher seed yield over 90 cm × 30 cm and 90 cm × 60 cm.

Effect of agronomic practices on growth, dry matter and yield of Rajmash (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)

Rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important cash crop widely grown under temperate and subtropical regions. Being a pulse crop it is good substitute of vegetables. To sustain the productivity of such a wonder crop and fulfill the nutritional demand of the ever growing population under changing climate it is necessary to apply integrated agronomic approaches. Integrated management of agronomic practices plays a significant role in the proper growth and development of crops. To test this hypothesis, a field experiment was conducted using Rajmash as a test crop during two consecutive years that is, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. The experiment was designed using split plot technique. Method of sowing (flat and raised bed) and moisture regime (0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 IW/CPE) was the main plot factor and four nutrient supply systems that is, 100% recommended dose of Nitrogen (NPK) fertilizer –RDF [120:60:40 kg /ha supplied through standard grade Urea (46%N), DAP (46 and 18% P & N) and ], 75% RDF +25% through FYM, 75% RDF + 25% by Biocompost and 75% through NPK + 25% N by Azotobactor was taken as sub plot. A total of 24 treatment combinations were replicated three times. Various growth parameters e.g. plant height (cm), number of branches per plant and leaf area index (%), dry matter accumulation (g/plant) at 30, 60, and 90 and at harvest stage as well as grain and straw yield were recorded. Raised bed technique of sowing with moisture regime of 1.0 IW/CPE along with 75% RDNF+25 % N through bio-compost was found most suitable in term of highest total dry matter production. This increase was positively attributed by significant increase in plant height, number of branches per plant and leaf area index of crop. Application of 100% RDNF increased the seed and straw yield significantly in first year while during second year it was maximum, 23.5 q/ha with the application of 75% RDF + 25% N through bio compost and followed by 100% RDF NPK. Minimum seed and straw yields were obtained under 75% RDF + Azotobactor during both the years while highest values were recorded at F3 and 1.0 IW/CPE ratio. Highest disparity in plant height and leaf area index, under various treatment combinations was recorded at 60 days after sowing of crop. Key words: Sowing methods, nutrient supply system, moisture regime, food security.

Effects of plant density and npk application on the growth and yield of white guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir) in a forest zone of Nigeria

Studies were conducted at Evboneka, Edo State, Nigeria in a forest zone to examine the effect of increasing plant population and NPK application on the growth and tuber yield of Dioscorea rotundata (Poir) cv “Obiaoturugo”. This study involved three trials. The first was conducted in 2010 involving five plant densities (10000, 13333, 17778, 20000 and 266667 plants per hectare (pph)) laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated four times. The second trial was conducted in 2010 involving five NPK application rate (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg NPK 15:15:15 ha-1) using RCBD and replicated three times. In the third trial, the best three plant densities (10000, 13333 and 17778 pph) from the first trial were re-evaluated with the best two NPK application rates (200 and 300 kg NPK ha-1) and control (0 kg ha-1) from the second trial using a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement fitted into RCBD with three replicates. Results from the plant density trial revealed that increasing plant density significantly resulted in increased fresh tuber yield and decreased in number of tuber per stand, tuber size, % unmarketable tuber and multiplication ratio (MR). Based on MR, the best tuber yield was produced from 10000 pph, followed by 13333 and 17778, which were statistically comparable. Results from the fertilizer trial showed that the application of 300 kg ha-1 had the highest tuber yield (19.16 t ha-1 ) statistically similar to 200 kg ha-1 (19.12 t ha-1). There was no significant interaction effect on agronomic traits assessed as both factors acted independently on yam plants. Increasing plant density and NPK application rate resulted in increased degree of foliation and leaf area index (LAI). These parameters imparted higher photosynthetic capacity and translocation leading to higher total dry matter production and tuber yield. A plant density of 10000 pph and 300 kg ha-1 could be most profitable and also bring about a considerable increase in growth and tuber yield of yam.

Comparative Effect of Or ganics and Biofertilizers on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays. L)

A field experiment to study the “Comparative efficiency of organics and biofertilizers on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)” was conducted during Kharif 2011 at farmer field in Beluguli village, Chikkanayakanahalli taluk (Tumkur district). The maize cultivar Nithyashree (NAH 2049) was used in the study. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with fourteen treatments and three replications. Results of the treatment (T13) having recommended dose of NPK + Azotobacter chroococcum + Bacillus megaterium + Pseudomonas fluorescence + enriched compost has showed highest plant height at 30, 60, 90 days after sowing and at harvest (120 days) (31.70, 180.93, 186.07 and 188.13 cm respectively). The highest total dry matter production at harvest (375.80 g) and yield parameters like Weight of cob (207.63 g), Grain yield per plant (158.93 g), Grain yield per ha (54.53 q) and Test weight of seeds (33.10 g) was also found highest in this treatment and available nutrient content in soil after crop harvest i.e., nitrogen (185.40 Kg ha-1), phosphorous (38.83 Kg ha-1) and potassium (181.47 Kg ha-1) was also found highest in the same treatment combination.

Fermentation of Waste Fruits for Bioethanol Production

Pulses occupy a strategic position in intensive as well as subsistence agriculture, as they are excellent source of dietary protein for millions of people, nutritious feed for livestock and a mini nitrogen plant having profound ameliorative effect on the soil. Green gram is extensively grown in all types of soil under varying climatic conditions. Greengram is considered as the most whole some among pulses, free from heaviness and flatulence. The green pods are used as vegetable and haulms are used as fodder. On an average, the biomass has 1.5 per cent N on fresh weight basis, serving as a good source of animal feed. Flower and pod shedding is a common problem in greengram. There is also a possibility to overcome these constraints by foliar application of bioregulators at the pre-flowering stage, which is one of the latest trends in agriculture. These bioregulators includes humic acid (HA), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), benzyl adenine (BA), salicylic acid (SA), brassinosteroid (BR) etc. These plant growth regulators (PGRs) in general, help to increase the number of flowers on the plant when applied at the time of flowering. The flower and pod drop may be reduced to some extent by spraying various growth regulators on foliage (Ramesh and Thirumuguran, 2001). The foliar application of PGRs and urea significantly increased seed yield per plant (Patil et al., 2005). The HA increased the yield of plants more especially, with insufficient nutrient supply than with optimum nutrient supply (Pagel, 1960). The NAA is one of the important synthetic, stable and also widely used form of auxins. Auxins had been very effective in promoting growth and development in pulse crops. Upadhayay (1994) reported that foliar spray of NAA at bud initiation and pod formation stage of chick pea increased plant height, number of branches, number of flower bud, number of flowers and yield. The main role of NAA rests with the efficient transport of sugars from the photosynthesizing parts of the plant (source) to the developing grains (sinks) and also facilitating nitrogen accumulation that probably resulted in higher total dry matter production (Kalita et al., 1989). Foliar spray of 25 ppm NAA Effect of humic acid with bio-regulators on the yield of greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) wikzek]