Highest Pod Yield Research Articles

Performance of French Bean Genotypes at Late Season Sowing in Sylhet, Bangladesh

Performance of four French bean genotypes were evaluated at late sowing condition in Randomized Complete Block design with three replications at the experimental field of Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh to assess the yield performance of French bean genotypes under late-season sowing conditions in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Seeds of four French bean genotypes including BARI Jharsheem-1, Jharsheem-2, Jharsheem-3 and Local were sown in the main field at 25 November and 25 December 2022. The highest number of pods per plant was found in the genotype BARI Jharsheem-1 (32.14), which was statistically at par with the genotype BARI Jharsheem-2 (30.46). The lowest number of pods per plant was found in the genotype BARI Jharsheem-3 (20.10) which was closer to local genotypes (21.68). The highest pod yield per plant was found in BARI Jharsheem-1 (194.45 g) and the lowest in BARI Jharsheem-2 (125.62 g) which was statistically similar with the remaining two genotypes. The highest yield per decimal was produced by the genotype BARI Jharsheem-1 (95.04 Kg) but the lowest yield per decimal was produced by BARI Jharsheem-2 (61.41 Kg). Significant variation was found of sowing date on yield and yield attributes of French bean except some parameters. Maximum yield per decimal was produced from 25 December sowing (73.57 Kg) than 25 November sowing (68.09 Kg). However, interaction effect showed appreciable amount of green pods from BARI Jharsheem-1 at 25 November (87.17 kg/decimal) and 25 December sowing (102.91 kg/decimal) indicating bright scope during late winter season. The results conclude that among the genotypes, BARI Jharsheem- 1 had the highest pod yield and yield per decimal. Sowing on December 25 produced higher yields (73.57 kg/decimal) than November 25 (68.09 kg/decimal). These findings suggest the potential to improve French bean yield and market availability during late winter through optimized genotype selection and sowing dates.

Effects of Weather Conditions on Pod Yield in Groundnut Varieties

Experiments were conducted at the Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during the Summer of 2015 and 2016 with four varieties of groundnut (GG-2, GG-20, GJG-31 and TG-26) sown on three different dates to study the effect of weather parameters and agrometeorological indices on pod yield of groundnut. The results of the present investigation indicated that pod yield of groundnut was negatively correlated with maximum, minimum and mean temperature during most of the phenophases except P9 (pod maturity to physiological maturity), where the mean temperature has varied between 32.70C to 35.10C during pod maturity to physiological maturity. In our experiment, we have found that more than 33.90C is required for adequate seed development, resulting in higher test weight and higher pod yield. Agrometeorological indices have a significant and positive correlation with pod yield only during P7 (pod initiation to pod development) phase.

Effect of Different Levels of Uptake Stimulants on the Yield of Dolichos Bean (Lablab purpureus)

This case study investigates the impact of different levels of uptake stimulants on the growth and yield of a leguminous vegetable crop Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus). The field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024 at agricultural land of ASPEE Foundation based in Palghar, Maharashtra. The study utilized a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and seven treatments. Each treatment received drenched well-formulated nutrients in different concentration. The highest pod yield was recorded 2.187 ton/ha with the application of 2 ml P star used per liter of water(T2). For the considered Bauni variety of Dolichos bean, the soil parameters of experimental field are as follows: pH 7.28, Organic Carbon (OC) 0.17%, Electrical Conductivity (EC) 0.84 dS/m, Nitrogen (N) 85.29 kg/ha, Phosphorus (P) 92.19 kg/ha, and Potassium (K) 394.17 kg/ha. This indicates that the application of appropriate treatments using appropriate crop protection equipment with integrated nutrient management (INM) significantly enhanced both growth and yield parameters of Dolichos bean such as number of pods per cluster, pod weight, number of seeds per pod, pod yield per plant and pod Yield (kg/ha).

A Peanut Variety, ‘Gowon1’ with Large Grain and High Fresh Pod Yield

A Peanut Variety, ‘Gowon1’ with Large Grain and High Fresh Pod Yield

Multispectral, Thermographic and Spectroradiometric Analyses Unravel Bio-Stimulatory Effects of Wood Distillate in Field-Grown Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Wood distillate (WD) has recently emerged as a promising bio-stimulant for sustainable legume crop production, owing to its ability to enhance seed yield and quality. However, no studies exist on the effects of WD on chickpea plants at pre-harvesting stages, hindering the farmers’ ability to acquire valuable knowledge on the early action of WD on the plants’ status and preventing the establishment of proactive measures to optimize WD use in agriculture. In this study, two multispectral, thermographic and spectroradiometric surveys, along with in-situ measurements of specific plant biometric traits, were conducted across the reproductive stage of field-grown chickpea in order to evaluate the early involvement of WD on plant health. The acquired multispectral images were used to calculate the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), revealing a notable ~35% increase in NDVI scores of WD-treated plants at the onset of physiological maturity, and indicating an improved plant status compared to the control (water-treated) plants. Moreover, control and WD-treated plants exhibited distinct spectral signatures across the visible, near-infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectra, suggesting potential changes in their photosynthetic capacity, structural properties and water content both at the leaf and at the pod level. Furthermore, WD-treated plants showed a 25% increase in pod production, particularly at the beginning of seed maturity, suggesting that enhancements in plant status were also reflected in higher pod yields. These results point to a beneficial effect of WD on plant health during the preliminary stages of seed formation and indicate that a combination of both multispectral and spectroradiometric analyses can provide critical insights on the status of chickpea crops at pre-harvesting stages. In addition, these findings emphasize the importance of analyzing pre-harvesting stages to gain insights into the early involvement of WD in promoting plant health and, ultimately, in predicting final crop yields.

Quantitative Variables Analysis, Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Different Weed Management Practices

Background: The Groundnut or Goober peas (Arachis hypogaea L.) hold a prominent position as one of India’s most crucial food and cash crops. One of the serious bottlenecks that limit the productivity of groundnut is the weed menace. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Puducherry during 2021 to 2023 to investigate the effects of integrated weed management practices on groundnut cultivation. The experimental setup followed a randomized block design with nine treatments, each replicated three times. The treatments comprised a range of weed management practices, including the pre-emergence herbicide pendimethalin and post-emergence herbicides like imazethapyr and quizalofop-ethyl. These herbicides were administered either individually or in conjunction with hand weeding once. In addition, hand weedings twice at 20 and 40 DAS were tested with unweeded check. Result: The experiment results of the two years study revealed that the application of Pendimethalin 30% EC + Imazethapyr 2% EC with quizalofop - p- ethyl at 15-20 DAS has gave the maximum plant height (74.7 cm), dry matter production (57.9 g /plant), higher pod yield (3922 kg/ha), haulm yield (5919 kg/ha), highest net return (Rs. 91763 ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.75). The strong positive correlations are plant height (0.96 and 0.97), shelling % (0.98 and 0.99), no. of pods plant-1 (0.98 and 0.99), dry matter production (0.98 and 0.99) and weed control efficiency (0.85 and 0.88). These variables had a positive impact on groundnut yield.

Improvement of Yield and Quality of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), Some Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants Activity in Response to Zn-Nano Fertilizer in Different Irrigation Regimes

ABSTRACT Peanut, as an oilseed, have high nutritional value for humans and livestock and poultry. The seed yield (SY) of peanut decreases under drought stress conditions, and the zinc (Zn) nano-fertilizer can reduce the negative impacts of water deficiency on peanut plants and improves its SY. This experiment carried out as split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Astara, Iran, during the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. Three irrigation regimes at 50 mm (IR50), 75 mm (IR75) and 100 mm (IR100) evaporation from class A evaporation pan in main plot and three levels of Zn nano-chelate, including 0.5 g. l−1; (Zn0.5), 1 g. l−1; (Zn1) and 1.5 g. l−1; (Zn1.5) in sub plot, comprised experimental treatments. The results indicated that the highest pod yield (PY), SY, oil yield (OY) and protein yield (PRY) of peanut (3633, 2900, 1582 and 826 kg. ha−1, respectively) were obtained in response to Zn nano-chelate with a dose of 1.0 g. l−1 in IR50 treatment. Nonetheless, under foliar spraying of Zn1 and severe drought stress conditions (IR100) were observed the highest proline (14.84 µmol g−1 FW), superoxide dismutase (53.42 Unit mg−1 proteinmin−1), catalase (72.87 nmol mg−1 proteinmin−1), peroxidase (64.17 nmol mg−1 protein min−1), soluble sugar content (172.04 mg g−1 FW), soluble protein content (114.16 mg g−1 DW) and anthocyanin pigments (11.20 µmol g−1 FW). Generally, application of Zn1 treatment, through increasing antioxidant enzymes activity and non-enzymatic antioxidants, improved peanut SY. Hence, foliar application of Zn nano-chelate could be recommended to enhance peanut yield.

Efficacy of Insecticides against Sucking Insect Pests in Groundnut

The study evaluated various insecticide treatments targeting thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood and leafhoppers, Empoasca kerri Pruthi, key pests in groundnut cultivation during the summer 2021 and 2022. Among the treatments, seed treatment with imidacloprid 18.5% + hexaconazole 1.50% FS, along with foliar spray of acetamiprid 20% SP, showed notable effectiveness. This approach led to superior pest management, resulting in higher pod yield, net returns, and a favourable benefit-cost ratio. Comparable performance was observed with other treatments, including seed treatment with thiamethoxam 30 FS + acetamiprid 20% SP foliar spray and seed treatment with imidacloprid 60 FS + acetamiprid 20% SP foliar spray. Notably, seed treatments were found to be safer for natural enemies compared to foliar sprays and combinations thereof.

Screening of Elite Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) Cultures Suitable for High Rainfall Areas of Andhra Pradesh

Groundnut is an important self-pollinated oil seed crop grown in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the major oil seed crops used for both edible oil and table purpose. Groundnut crop requires a rainfall of 400-500 mm. In North coastal zone of Andhra Pradesh, the annual rainfall ranges from 1100-1200 mm, which favours vegetative growth in groundnut grown in kharif season resulting in low yields. The main objective of the present study is to identify suitable varieties with high pod yield in high rainfall areas suitable to North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh. Twelve elite groundnut cultures along with four checks are tested during Kharif 2022 at Agricultural Research Station, Yellamanchili. The results revealed that among all the entries, K1909 recorded significant pod yield of 2740 kg/ha followed by K 2313 with 2673 kg/ha when compared with the checks K 1812 (2488 kg/ha), Dharani (1679 kg/ha), K-6 (1429 kg/ha) and Dheeraj (1307 kg/ha). These two groundnut cultures K1909 and K 2313 may be recommended to farmers of North coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh for achieving good yields in Groundnut.

Evaluation of Tebuconazole 6% FS against Collar Rot, Stem Rot and Root Rot Disease Complex in Groundnut

Groundnut regarded as “king of oil seed crops” is an economic important food legume and edible oilseed crop in India, which severely suffers from soil borne diseases of groundnut, collar rot (Aspergillus niger), stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) and root rot (Rhizoctonia solani) causing major havoc causes significant economic losses. The field experiments were conducted to find out the efficacy of Tebuconazole 6% FS as a seed treatment fungicide against collar rot, stem rot and root rot diseases complex in ground nut during Rabi 2014-15 and Rabi 2015-16. The treatment Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 4.0 ml/10 kg and Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 5.0 ml/10 kg of seeds were found be the best treatments for seed germination, root and shoot length in during both the seasons.During first season, Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 5.0 ml/10 kg of seeds and Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 4.0 ml/10 kg of seeds were recorded 1.77 and 2.14 per cent collar rot incidence, 3.07 and 4.23 per cent stem rot disease incidence and 4.93 and 5.05 per cent root rot disease incidence, respectively. Similarly during second season, Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 5.0 ml/10 kg of seeds and Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 4.0 ml/10 kg of seeds were recorded 1.89 and 2.06 per cent collar rot incidence, 4.05 and 5.13 per cent stem rot incidence and 5.74 and 5.94 per cent root rot incidence, respectively. The highest pod yield was obtained from seed treatment with Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 5.0 ml/10 kg of seeds i.e. 20.22 q/ha and 20.10 q/ha during first and second season, respectively and Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 4.0 ml/10 kg of seeds recorded 20.12 q/ha and 20.00 q/ha of pod yield during first and second season, respectively.

Improving French bean yield potential through induced mutagenesis using EMS and SA

IntroductionFrench bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) holds global significance as one of the most consumed legumes, with commercial value surpassing that of all other legume crops combined. In India, the consumption of French beans has grown steadily, especially in the North Eastern region, driven by heightened consumer interest in its nutritional benefits. Considering these factors, we initiated an induced mutagenesis program to enhance the genetic diversity of locally grown French bean genotypes, traditionally cultivated for their superior adaptability.MethodsTo achieve this, we initiated an induced mutagenesis program. Seeds from the village seed stock were subjected to treatments with varying doses of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) ranging from 0.1% to 0.4% and sodium azide (SA) from 0.1% to 0.4%. The objective was to increase yield potential and enhance genetic diversity.ResultsThe treatment with EMS and SA led to a non-specific, dosage-independent reduction in biophysiological characteristics in French bean mutants. Notably, the 0.4% SA treatment significantly inhibited germination and fertility, causing a decrease in chlorophyll (10.02 mg. g-1 FW) and carotenoid (1.57 mg. g-1 FW) levels. This suggests a disruption in genes associated with chlorophyll and carotenoid synthesis. However, in the M2 generation, the mutagenic treatments substantially improved yield and associated traits. The highest pod yield per plant was recorded at 79.50 gm for the 0.2% EMS treatment. A character association study revealed strong correlations (0.217 to 0.995) between pod yield and other agronomic traits.DiscussionThe results indicate that selecting mutants based on these traits in populations treated with EMS and SA can significantly increase crop yield. The 0.2% SA and 0.2% EMS M2 mutant populations exhibited the highest induced variability, making them ideal for selecting higher-yielding mutant lines for further breeding generations. The increased yields in these mutant lines, derived from a local cultivar, show promise for meeting the growing demand for French bean production through their widespread cultivation.

Exploration of Genetic Diversity and Variability in Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.) in the New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal

The winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.) is a multipurpose, underexploited leguminous crop of the tropics that is rich in proteins and minerals. The present study, entitled “Exploration of Genetic Diversity and Variability in Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.) in the new alluvial zone of West Bengal’’ was conducted to assess the degree of variability, variation, genetic advance, for multiple quantitative traits in order to establish selection criteria for achieving high pod yield per plant in the winged bean. A total of 14 genotypes were included in the experimental material. The individuals were reared in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications throughout the kharif seasons of 2020–21 and 2021–2022. The trait with the highest GCV and PCV was the number of pods per plant, with values of 23.33 and 23.65, respectively. This was followed by the green pod yield per plant in kg, with GCV and PCV values of 22.78% and 22.91%, respectively. A high heritability estimate was recorded for the character of green pod yield per plant (98.8%), followed by total sugar (95.1%), protein content g/100 g (pod) (94.1%). Seed yield per plant (93.9%), vine length (cm) (93.6%), duration of the crop (days) (93.1%), shelling percentage (89.9%). A high genetic advance was observed. Vine length (81.40), followed by other characters like seed yield per plant (62.45), number of pods per plant (21.37), duration of the crops (14.65), shelling percentage (8.5), and days to first harvest (8.3) for quantitative parameters and protein content g/100g (pod) (4.61), followed by other characters like protein content g/100g (seed) (3.16), ascorbic acid (1.52), and total sugar (0.82%) for qualitative parameters.

Evaluation of lablab bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet] genotypes: unveiling superior pod yield, nutritional quality, and collar rot resistance.

Malnutrition continues to be a significant concern at unacceptably high levels globally. There is significant potential for addressing malnutrition of human population through the biofortification of climate-resilient vegetables using strategic breeding strategies. Lablab bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet], a underutilized nutrient-dense crop holds great potential in this aspect. Despite its advantageous nutritional profile, the production, research, and consumption of lablab bean are currently limited. Addressing these limitations and unlock the nutritional benefits of lablab beans needs to prioritized for fighting malnutrition in local inhabitants on a global scale. Twenty five genotypes of lablab bean collected through exploration survey in Eastern India and were evaluated in 2020-2021. Among them, the nine highly diverse well adapted genotypes were again evaluated at the experimental farm of ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, Bihar, India in 2021-2022. Horticultural important traits of lablab bean were recorded by using the minimum descriptors developed by ICAR-NBPGR in New Delhi and biochemical analysis was done by using standard protocols. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis was done used understand relationships, interdependencies, and causal pathways between different traits. The outcome was revalidated by using principal component analysis (PCA). Descriptive statistics revealed substantial heterogeneity across the traits of lablab bean evaluated. Vitamin A content showed nearly a five-fold variation, Fe ranged from 5.97 to 10.5 mg/100 g, and Vitamin C varied from 4.61 to 9.45 mg/100 g. Earliness and dwarf growth was observed in RCPD-1 (60 cm) and early flowering (41 days). RCPD-3 and RCPD-12 had high pod yield due to their high number of pods and pod weight. Pod yield was significantly correlated with number of pod per plant (NPP) (rg = 0.995) and with average pod weight (APW) (rg = 0.882). A significant positive correlation was also found between protein and Zn content (rg = 0.769). Path coefficient analysis revealed that average pod weight had the most direct positive effect on pod yield, followed by NPP and protein content. The reaction of lablab bean genotypes to collar rot disease was also evaluated and significant differences in disease intensity were observed among the genotypes, with the resistant check RCPD-15 exhibiting the lowest disease intensity. The study highlights the substantial heterogeneity in lablab bean traits, particularly in nutritional components such as vitamin A, iron, and vitamin C concentrations. Early flowering and dwarf growth habit are desirable qualities for lablab bean, and certain genotypes were found to exhibit these traits. Positive correlations, both phenotypic and genotypic, existed among different traits, suggesting the potential for simultaneous improvement. Path coefficient and PCA revealed genotypes with high yield and nutritional traits. Finally, resistant and moderately resistant lablab bean genotypes to collar rot disease were identified. These findings contribute to the selection and breeding strategies for improving lablab bean production and nutritional value.

Response studies of nano-sulphur on nutrient uptake, sulphur fractions, yield and quality parameters of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

An attempt was made to study the response of nano-sulfur in groundnut using four levels of nano-sulfur (NS) and conventional sulfur (CS) fertilizers in a completely randomized block design and replicated thrice. The results indicated that application of nano-sulfur @ 30 kg S ha−1 recorded 0.76 mg root sulfur uptake plant−1, 40.5 mg shoot sulfur uptake plant−1, 14.9 mg kernel sulfur uptake plant−1, and 3.09 mg shell sulfur uptake plant−1 higher in comparison to conventional sulfur @ 40 kg S ha−1 recorded root, shoot, kernel and shell sulfur uptake of 0.53, 35.8, 11.4 and 2.46 mg plant−1, respectively. The highest pod yield was recorded at 12.4 g plant−1 with nano-sulfur application @ 30 kg S ha−1 when compared to conventional sulfur @ 40 kg S ha−1 registered at 10.7 g plant−1. Quality parameters such as oil, crude protein, methionine, cysteine, and total free amino acid content were recorded highest under nano-sulfur application @ 30 kg S ha−1 i.e. 48.3%, 27.2%, 3.44 mg g −1, 1.89 mg g−1 and 46.3 mg g−1 respectively whereas conventional sulfur @ same set of sulfur treatment observed (46.7% oil, 25.1% crude protein, 3.16 mg methionine g−1, 1.75 mg cysteine g−1, and 39.6 mg total free amino acids g−1. Finally, the results concluded that the application of nano-S @ 30 kg S ha−1 is sufficient to attain higher sulfur use efficiency with a reduction of sulfur fertilizer to the tune of 25% besides augmenting the soil sulfur reserve without harming the environment.

Participatory On-Farm Evaluation of Improved Groundnut Genotypes in the Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana

The on-farm mother–baby trial experimental approach was employed to evaluate the performance of elite groundnut genotypes on farmers’ fields in the Guinea savannah agroecology of Ghana in the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons. Analysis of the data from the mother trial revealed significant (p < 0.05) genotypic differences for the traits measured over the two years. The genotype ICGV-IS 13842 reached physiological maturity in 88 days and was identified as the genotype with the shortest maturity period. However, in terms of pod yield and its associated components, genotype ICGV-IS 13864 emerged as the best from the mother trial. During farmer evaluation of the materials, genotype ICGV-IS 13979 was selected as the most preferred in addition to genotypes ICGV-IS 13864 and ICGV-IS 131090. The genotypes ICGV-IS 13864 and ICGV-IS 131090 were observed to combine both high pod yield and high haulm yield. These two traits were identified as very important by the farmers who participated in the study as the haulms serve as fodder for their animals and fetch additional household income when sold with the pods harvested. The preference for genotype ICGV-IS 13842, an early maturing genotype, can be seen as an indication of farmers responding to the changing growing season due to erratic rainfall. However, if genotypes ICGV-IS 13864 and ICGV-IS 131090 are combined with some water management practices in the future, they could potentially withstand the changing growing season. Economic analysis showed that the improved genotypes had a greater net return on investment and higher cost–benefit ratio ranging from 2.74 to 4.84 across both years.

Stability Analysis in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) for Kernel Yield and its contributing traits

A field experiment was carried out with twenty six lines across seasons namely, summer 2020, kharif 2020 and rabi 2020-21 to study G × E interaction. The ANOVA of Eberhart and Russell model revealed significant differences among genotypes for all traits which indicates the presence of substantial variation in the per se performance of all the 26 peanut genotypes. Significant differences due to environments were observed for all traits except for shelling percentage and palmitic acid content indicating that the environments in which the genotypes evaluated were quite variable. The environments + (genotypes × environments) interaction was also observed to be significant for all traits studied except for 100 seed weight and palmitic acid content indicating considerable interactions of genotypes with environments (seasons). Significant genotype × environment interactions were recorded for all traits except for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and 100 seed weight which inferred that differential performance of peanut genotypes under diverse environments. Plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of mature pods per plant, pod yield per plant, kernel yield per plant, sound mature kernel per cent and 100 seed weight were recorded higher positive values of environmental index in kharif season indicating that kharif season was congenial for most of the yield contributing traits than summer and rabi seasons. Genotypes viz., ICGV 171334, ICGV 98432 and ICGV 99105 were observed to be stable across the seasons for high pod and kernel yield in conjunction with confectionary traits like 100 seed weight, protein content and oleic linoleic acid ratio.

Yield components of peanut as affected by microbial fertilizers and growth stages

Microbial fertilizer (MF) provides nutrition to the soil while also improving its structure. Moreover, plants are grown healthy with the help of MF, including beneficial microorganisms and fertilizer. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of MFs applied in different growth stages on yield and yield components of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The study was conducted in Osmaniye, Eastern Mediterranean, Türkiye, in 2019 and 2020 according to a split-plot design with three replications. Growth stages of peanut (beginning bloom, full bloom, beginning bloom + full bloom) were placed in main plots and MF doses (0, 50, 100, and 150 cc ha−1) were placed in sub-plots. Consequently, the highest pod yield was observed in 100 and 150 cc ha−1 with the values of 603.67 kg da−1 in 2019 and 590.09 kg da−1 in 2020. For growth stages, full bloom treatments (605.34 kg da−1 in 2019 and 610.81 kg da−1 in 2020) came to the forefront in both years. The treatments of the beginning bloom (23.56% in 2019 and 23.77% in 2020) and 100 cc ha−1 (23.64% in 2019 and 23.88% in 2020) reached the maximum protein content in the studied years. Finally, the present study indicated that MFs had positive effects on yield components of peanut, especially with treatment150 cc ha−1 which increased pod yield and protein content at full bloom stage.

Effect of rice-establishment methods and nutrient management on productivity, profitability and soil health under rice (Oryza sativa)–groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to study the effect of different riceestablishment methods and nutrient management on yield, economics and soil properties in rice (Oryza sativa L.)– groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cropping system. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 3 replications. Six treatment combinations, comprising of 2 rice-establishment methods, viz. direct-seeded rice (DSR) and transplanted rice (TPR) and 3 levels of nutrient-management practices, viz. inorganic-100% soil test-based fertilizers (STBF), organic-dhaincha [Sesbania aculeata (Wild.) Pers.] green manuring +1/3rd soil test-based nitrogen (STBN) through vermicompost @2 t/ha + 1/3rd STBN through neem oil-cake @ 0.87 t/ha and integrated nutrient management (INM), viz. green-manuring + 50% STBN (inorganic @ 50.0 kg N/ha) + 100% P2 O5 + 100% K2 O, in rice during kharif were allotted to the main-plots. Three nutrient-management practices to groundnut during rabi, viz. 75% STBF, 100% STBF and 75% STBN (inorganic) + 25% STBN through FYM @ 1.63 t/ha + 0.2 lime requirement @ 0.38 t lime/ha + biofertilizers (Rhizobium + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria) + 100% P2 O5 + 100% K2 O, were allotted to the sub-plots. Transplanting of rice (TPR) increased the yield parameters of rice, resulting in 3.3% higher grain yield (5.65 t/ha) than direct seeding of rice. The INM improved the yield parameters of rice, resulting in 13.3 and 15.2% increase in grain yield over sole inorganic and organic practice, respectively. Carryover effect of the DSR on succeeding groundnut crop improved the yield attributes and resulted in 15.8% higher pod yield (2.49 t/ha) than the groundnut crop grown after TPR. Residual effect of organic nutrient management in rice crop enhanced the yield parameters of succeeding groundnut, resulting in 4.2 and 16.5% higher pod yield than the groundnut grown after INM and inorganic practice in rice, respectively. The INM practice in groundnut increased its yield parameters, resulting in 11.4 and 18.1% higher pod yield over 100% and 75% STBF, respectively. The DSR enhanced the system yield (12.51 t REY/ha) of rice-groundnut cropping system by 6.8% over TPR. The INM practice in rice crop enhanced system yield by 12.6 and 4.2% over inorganic and organic practice, respectively. Similarly, INM to groundnut crop resulted in 7.4 and 11.2% higher system yield than 100% and 75% STBF, respectively. The DSR, INM practice in rice and INM practice in groundnut crop fetched higher gross returns (`240.4 ×103 /ha, 245.5 ×103 /ha and 247.0 ×103 /ha), net returns (`97.2 ×103 /ha, 108.9 ×103 /ha and 92.7 ×103 /ha), benefit: cost ratio (1.71, 1.80 and 1.62) and system profitability (`207.9, 298.5 and 254.1/ha/day). Organic management under DSR and INM in groundnut improved the physico-chemical and biological properties of soil.

Influence of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

A study was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) during 2022. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the plants in terms of various parameters such as plant height, Leaf Area Index, days to 50% flowering, days to first harvesting, number of pods per plant, pod length, pod girth, pod weight, pod yield per plant, pod yield per plot, pod yield per hectare, total soluble solids (TSS), Vitamin C and benefit-cost ratio. The results of the study indicated that the application of mixture of 50% inorganic fertilizers and 50% FYM improved the growth and yield of Okra. The highest pod yield (12.06 t/ha), pod weigh (25.42 g), TSS (9.47 Brix) and Vitamin C content (24.26) were observed in the plants treated with 50 % through Chemical fertilizer + 50 % through FYM. The benefit-cost ratio was also found to be higher in the treated plants compared to the control. Overall, the study suggests that the application of 50 % through Chemical fertilizer + 50 % through FYM can be an effective and sustainable method for enhancing the growth, yield, and quality of Okra.

Identification and characterization of photo-thermo insensitive cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes for hot arid environment

High green pod yield, dual purpose type, earliness and photo-thermo insensitivity are the major breeding objectives of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]. Photo-thermo sensitivity makes this crop vulnerable to photoperiod and temperature fluctuations particularly in hot arid regions, thereby affecting its yield potential drastically. Therefore, the present study was aimed to identify such elite genotypes with photo-thermo insensitivity, which can fit well across all seasons under hot arid environment. The experiments were conducted at ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner during rainy and summer seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21. A wide range of variability among genotypes was observed with respect to various phenological and yield traits over the environments. Among the evaluated genotypes, AHCP-1-4-1 and AHCP-2-3 were found photo-thermo insensitive as these were able to flower and set pods at temperatures as low as 10oC and as high as 46°C. Pollen viability studies indicated that AHCP-1-4-1 had 83.72 and 88.24% pollen viability and AHCP-2-3 had 81.58 and 85.71% viable pollen at 11°C and 46°C, respectively and normal pollen tube growth at both the extremes of temperature. The identified genetic resources will contribute for developing photo-thermo insensitive cultivars and will improve the productivity and extend the availability of cowpea with quality pod yield across all seasons and locations of hot arid regions.