Higher Yield Attributes Research Articles

Response of Soybean (Glycine max l.) to Potassium Fertilizer under Different Crop Geometry

An experiment was carried out at experimental cum demonstration field, SVIAg, SVVV, Indore during rabi 2023-24. The experiment consists of twelve treatment combinations with three main plot treatment (crop geometry) viz. C1: 30 cm x 20 cm, C2: 40 cm x 15 cm, and C3: 60 cm x 10 cm and K1: 0 kg K2O ha-1, K2: 20 kg K2O ha-1, K3: 40 kg K2O ha-1, and K4: 60 kg K2O ha-1 as four sub-plot treatments (potassium levels). Each experimental unit was replicated thrice having the gross plot size of 4.0 x 3.0 m2. Sowing of soybean at 30 cm x 20 cm spacing recorded maximum growth attributes, viz. plant height (40.92 cm) at harvest, number of branches plant-1 (10.66) at harvest, number of functional leaves (27.18) plant-1 at 60 DAS, dry matter accumulation plant-1 ( 22.64 g) at harvest, leaf area plant-1 (12.64 dm2) at 60 DAS, number of root nodules plant-1 (54.91) at 60 DAS and dry weight of root nodules (1.078 g) at 75 DAS, higher yield attributes such as number of pods (37.48) plant-1, number of seeds pods-1 (2.68), and number of seeds plant-1 (100.88 g). The highest seed yield (15.67 q ha-1), straw yield (24.01 q ha-1), and biological yield (39.68 q ha-1) was also observed under crop geometry of 30 cm x 20 cm. Sowing of soybean at 30 cm x 20 cm obtained higher gross monetary returns (₹ 78337.10 ha-1), net monetary returns (₹ 33714.05 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.72). While in potassium levels, treatment application of 60 kg K2O ha-1 was recorded significantly higher growth parameters of soybean such as., plant height (43.22 cm) at harvest, number of branches (11.30) plant-1 at harvest, number of functional leaves (27.42) plant-1 at 60 DAS, leaf area (12.82 dm2) plant-1 at 60 DAS, dry matter accumulation plant-1 (23.13 g) at harvest, number of root nodules plants-1 (56.10) at 60 DAS, and dry weight of root nodules (1.103 g) at 75 DAS, yield parameters viz., number of pods (36.88) plant-1, number of seeds pods-1 (2.69) and number of seeds plants-1 (103.05), as compared to other potassium levels. Amongst the potassium levels 60 kg K2O ha-1 recorded significantly higher seed yield (16.34 q ha-1), straw yield (24.57 q ha-1) and biological yield (40.91 q ha-1) in contrast to the other potassium level. In potassium levels, higher gross monetary returns (₹ 81699.35 ha-1) and net monetary returns (₹ 34450.64 ha-1) were obtained under treatment 60 kg K2O ha-1 than rest of treatments with higher B:C ratio (1.69).

Herbicidal weed management options for pigeon pea(Cajanus cajan) grown in southeastern Rajasthan

A field experiment was carried out during the kharif seasons of 2020–21, 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Kota, Rajasthan, to study the effect of post-emergence herbicides on productivity of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp]. The results indicated that the minimum weed density and dry weight, and the highest yield attributes, yields, and net return of pigeonpea were obtained under weed free plot. All the herbicidal treatments significantly reduced the weed density and biomass compared to the weedy check. However, application of pendimethalin 30 EC @ 0.75 kg /ha (PE) fb Imazethapyr 10 SL @ 100 g/ha at 20–25 DAS + one inter-cultivation at 50 DAS recorded significantly higher plant height (1.82 m), pods/branch (22.96), pods/plant (206.3), weed control efficiency (84.39% at 60 DAS), grain yield (1,868 kg/ha), net return (` 87.66 x 103 /ha) and B: C ratio (3.35) over weedy check. This leads to the 61.73% higher pigeonpea grain yield over the weedy check plot. Hence it can be inferred that the ap- plication of pendimethalin 30 EC @ 0.75 kg /ha (PE) fb Imazethapyr 10 SL @ 100 g/ha at 20–25 DAS + one inter- cultivation at 50 DAS is an efficient weed control method for profitable cultivation of pigeonpea in south eastern Rajasthan.

Yield Trait and Stability of Chickpea Genotypes for Intensification of Drought‐Prone Rice Fallows of South Asia

ABSTRACTThere is a need for increasing cropping intensity in South Asia including India to ensure food security of burgeoning population. Accordingly, increasing cropping intensity in rainfed rice fallows can be a futuristic strategy. Identification of suitable cultivar and exploration of genetic variability of specific crops/traits are imperative for genetic improvement, drought resistance and yield gain in rice fallows. We evaluated the morphophysiological, yield traits and stability of 15 chickpea genotypes in randomised complete block design for three consecutive years on a drought‐prone rainfed condition of Fluvisol in Kanpur, India. Among genotypes, ‘IPC 2014‐55’, ‘IPC 2015‐44’ and ‘IPC 2011‐92’ had 2%–10% higher relative water content (RWC) over ‘ICC‐92944’ (check cultivar). These genotypes did not differ for total chlorophyll content, root dry weight and nodule dry weight with ‘ICC‐92944’ and ‘KWR 108’ (wider adaptable cultivar of the region). The nitrogen balance index was higher in ‘IPC 2011‐92’, ‘IPC 2014‐88’ and ‘IPC 2014‐55’ by 5%–44% over check cultivar (p < 0.05). The membrane stability index was higher for ‘IPC 2014‐55’ (30%, p < 0.05) and ‘IPC 2011‐92’ (17%, p < 0.05) than ‘ICC‐92944’. ‘IPC 2011‐92’, ‘IPC 2014‐88’ and ‘IPC 2014‐55’ (3 years mean) had 3%–24% higher plant dry weight than ‘ICC‐92944’. Notably, ‘IPC 2014‐55’, ‘IPC 2015‐44’, ‘IPC 2014‐88’ and ‘IPC 2011‐92’ had higher yield attributes such as pods plant−1 by 9%, grain weight plant−1 by 13% and 100‐seed weight by 3% than ‘ICC‐92944’ and ‘KWR 108’ (mean of years). These genotypes had higher mean seed yield than ‘ICC‐92944’ by 23%–42% and ‘KWR 108’ by 7%–23% (p < 0.05). The yield of ‘IPC 2014‐55’, ‘IPC 2015‐44’, ‘IPC 2014‐88’ and ‘IPC 2011‐92’ were stable over years across variable soil and environmental condition as indicated by the genotype × year biplot. Membrane stability index, pods plant−1 and 100‐seed weight were the determinants for increased seed yield of chickpea under drought‐prone condition. Evidently, genotype ‘IPC 2014‐55’, ‘IPC 2015‐44’, ‘IPC 2014‐88’ and ‘IPC 2011‐92’ were better under rainfed rice fallows. These genotypes could be tested under specific drought condition for developing varieties and promoted in rice fallows of South Asia for yield advantage and drought resistance.

Effect of Dates of Sowing and Nutrient Levels on Yield and Yield Attributes of Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea)

A field trial was done to determine the optimum sowing date and nutrient levels on yield and yield parameters of Sunn hemp during summer (January - May) 2022 at Eastern Block Farm, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The field trial was laid out with 12 treatments in a split-plot design and every treatment was replicated thrice. Three sowing dates (the last week of January, the first and second weeks of February) were performed in the main plot, and four different nutrient levels (20:40:20 kg NPK ha-1, 25:50:25 kg NPK ha-1, 30:60:30 kg NPK ha-1 and 12.5 tons FYM ha-1) in the subplot. Yield attributes such as the number of pods per plant, Seeds per pod, seed index, pod setting percentile, pod filling percentile, and seed yield were noted. Sunn hemp sown during the second week of February along with 30:60:30 kg NPK ha-1 was noted with higher yield attributes and seed yield of Sunn hemp

Effect of Medium Type of Varieties and Organic Sources of Nutrients on Growth, Yield and Economics of Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer kabulium L.) under Bundelkhand Region

Background: The present investigation entitled “Effect of medium type of varieties and organic sources of nutrients on growth, yield and economics of Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer kabulium L.) under Bundelkhand region’’ was carried out at the Organic Research Farm at Karguaji, Institute of Agricultural Sciences Bundelkhand University, Jhansi U.P. India, during Rabi season of the year 2020-21.
 Methods: The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three organic sources of nutrients such as, Farm yard manure, Vermicompost and Poultry manure and comprising three varieties viz Pusa-1053, Shubhra and Ujjaval replicated thrice. All the organic sources and sowing methods significantly influence the all parameters like growth parameters viz., plant height, root length, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches per plant at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing and at maturity, fresh shoot weight, fresh root weight, dry shoot weight and dry root weight per plan, crop growth rate g/m2 /day-1 and moisture % were noticed at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing.
 Results: The nutrients management through organic source and different varieties significantly influenced the entire yield attributes viz, number of pod plant-1, pod weight plant-1, grain weight plant-1 and 100 seed weight were recorded with V1- PUSA-1053 and Nutrient sources M2- Vermicompost while M1- FYM and V2- Shubhra variety recorded lowest in all the parameters. Maximum seed yield per hector were also obtained through higher seed yield (25.43 kg/ha) was recorded in variety 1– (Pusa 1053) and higher seed yield (22.12 kg/ha) was found in M2 (Vermicompost application), respectively. From the present investigation, it can be concluded that above nutrients management through organic manures (vermicompost) and varieties PUSA-1053 resulted in better growth, higher yield attributes and better yield besides enhanced soil health as evident by post-harvest soil fertility status. It can be suggested as a cost effective combination for getting higher yield with greater quality of kabuli chickpea on organic farming system for the farmer’s Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh.

Effect of Phosphorus Fertilizer and Seed Rates on Growth and Yield of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L) in Kunduz, Afghanistan

A field experiment was conducted on the Effect of phosphorus fertilizer and seed rates on the growth and yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) at the Farm of the agriculture faculty of Kunduz University during the spring season of 2023 to determine the optimum rates of phosphorus fertilizer and seed rates for maximum yield of common bean in the northeast of Afghanistan (Kunduz province). The treatment consists of three phosphorus levels (0kgP2O5ha-1, 40kgP2O5ha-1 and 80kgP2O5ha-1) and four combined seed rates (125 kgha-1, 150 kgha-1, 175 kgha-1 and 200 kg ha-1) laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed that phosphorus levels and different seed rates significantly affected on growth, yield attributes and yield of common bean on plant height, Leaf area/plant (cm2), Brunches/plant, Root dry weight/plant(g), Nodules/pant, No. of notes/plant, Pods/plant, Seeds/pod, 100 seed weight, seed yield/plant(g) and Grain Yield t/ha, the highest plant height (44.10cm), Leaf area/plant (217.18cm2), Brunches/plant(11.75), Root dry weight/plant (2.282g), Nodules/pant (12.16), Leaves/plant (47.833), No. of notes/plant (7.88), Pods/plant (16.98), Seeds/pod (6.97), 100 seed weight(34.536), seed yield/plant(8.83g) and Grain Yield (2.20t/ha) was in treatments 80kgP2O5ha-1 respectively. Seed rates were also significantly affected in treatment 200 kg ha-1 except for harvest index; all other yield attributes and yield was significant; the highest yield attributes and yield was in seed rate 200 kg ha-1. Thus 80kgP2O5ha-1with 200 kg ha-1 was found to be the best combination under northeast of Afghanistan agro-ecology as it gave higher values for yield and most yield related traits.

Growth, yield and yield components of rice (Oryza sativa) as influenced by tillage methods and cultivars

Different tillage methods i.e. zero tillage, natural farming, reduced tillage and conventional tillage in combination with 3 rice varieties, viz. Sukara Dhan 1 (HPR 1156), Him Palam Dhan 1 (HPR 2656) and Him Palam Lal Dhan 1 (HPR 2795) were evaluated in terms of growth, yield attributes and yield of direct seeded rice at research farm of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh during rainy (kharif) season of 2020 and 2021. The experiment, was laid out in split plot design with tillage options in main plot and cultivars in subplot and replicated thrice. Findings exhibits that the, conventional tillage recorded significantly higher grain, straw and biological yield followed by reduced tillage and zero tillage while significantly lower values of all these traits were observed in natural farming during both the years of experimentation. Significantly greater and lower yields recorded in conventional tillage and natural farming treatments were due to the significantly higher and lower values of different yield attributes including number of panicles/m2, number of grains/panicle, grain weight/panicle and 1000-grain weight, observed in the respective treatments. From the present investigation it can be concluded that conventional tillage resulted in higher yield attributes and yield as compared to natural farming while lower values of yield attributes and yield were recorded under natural farming. Among different rice cultivars Him Palam Lal Dhan 1 was found superior than Sukara Dhan 1 and Him Palam Dhan 1.

Effect of zinc and iron management with different level of nitrogen on growth and productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under aerobic condition

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2019 at Bhujabala, Rayagada (Odisha) and at the farmer's field, Lephripara, Sundargarh (Odisha) during kharif 2020, to study the effect of zinc and iron management on yield and yield attributes of aerobic rice with different level nitrogen fertilizer management. Experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block-Design, treatments consisted of three levels of nitrogen management viz. N1-80 kg N ha-1, N2- 60 kg N ha-1 + 5 t FYM ha-1 and N3- 40 kg N ha-1 + 10 t FYM ha-1 and six micronutrient management, viz., M1 - Control, M2 - 0.5% zinc sulphate as foliar, M3 - 0.5% ferrous sulphate as foliar, M4 - 0.3% zinc sulphate as seed priming, M5 - 0.3% ferrous sulphate as seed priming, and M6 - 0.5% zinc sulphate as foliar + 0.5% ferrous sulphate as foliar. Results revealed that the application of 80 kg N ha-1, and 60 kg N ha-1 + 5 t FYM ha-1 recorded maximum growth parameters like plant height, number of tillers m-2, dry matter accumulation and leaf area index; higher yield attributes like number panicle m-2, number of filled grains panicles-1, fertility percentage and test weight. Combined application of 60 kg N ha-1 + 5 t FYM ha-1 recorded the maximum grain and straw yields. Results also showed that foliar application of 0.5% zinc sulphate as foliar + 0.5% ferrous sulphate as foliar exhibited higher growth parameters, yield attributes, grain and straw yield during the two years of experiment.

Impact of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources on Yield Attributes and Yield of Maize-Mustard Cropping System

Soil quality deterioration, especially in intensive cropping system has become a serious problem for crop productivity. Consequently, strategies for sustainable crop production and soil health are urgently required. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to study the impact of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on yield attributes and yield of maize-mustard cropping system during two consecutive kharif and rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design assigning eight treatments of organic and inorganic nutrient sources comprising of (T1) RDF (120:60:40 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1), (T2) RDF + Zn, (T3) RDF + S, (T4) RDF + Zn + S, (T5) RDF + VC (5 t ha-1), (T6) RDF + VC (10 t ha-1), (T7) RDF + FYM (5 t ha-1) and (T8) RDF + FYM (10 t ha-1) and were replicated thrice. The results reported that the higher yield attributes and yield of maize viz., number of cobs plant-1, number of seeds cob-1, cob length, seed yield, stover yield and biological yield and for mustard viz., siliquae plant-1, number of seeds siliquae-1, length of siliquae, seed yield, stover yield and biological yield were recorded with application of RDF + VC (10 t ha-1) which was statistically at par with RDF + FYM (10 t ha-1). However, seed index/test weight and harvest index of maize-mustard cropping was failed to show any significant effect due to above treatments.

Influence of land leveling and planting pattern on productivity, water use efficiency and economic of sorghum (Sorghum bicolar)

This study was conducted at Engineering farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, India, during winter 2016-17 using sorghum crop (Sorghum bicolar) to examine the effect of three land leveling (control or unleveled, conventional land leveling and leveling with laser guided land leveler) and three planting systems (ridge and furrow, double row bed planting and triple row bed planting). The laser guided land leveler significantly improved the growth attributes of sorghum as compared to the control whereas the growth attributes were recorded highest under double row bed planting. The highest yield attributes were recorded in laser guided land leveler. The best results of sorghum yield attributes were recorded under double row bed planting. In land leveling, laser guided land leveler significantly improved yield of sorghum (grain and fodder) as compared to control. Whereas, maximum sorghum yield was obtained under double row bed planting over rest planting system. The soil moisture distribution, water saving and water use efficiency were improved under laser guided land leveler with double row bed planting over rest of the treatments. The highest gross return, net return and benefit: cost ratio were obtained under laser guided land leveler with double row bed planting over rest of the treatments.

Influence of land leveling and planting pattern on productivity, water use efficiency and economic of sorghum (Sorghum bicolar)

This study was conducted at Engineering farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, India, during winter 2016-17 using sorghum crop (Sorghum bicolar) to examine the effect of three land leveling (control or unleveled, conventional land leveling and leveling with laser guided land leveler) and three planting systems (ridge and furrow, double row bed planting and triple row bed planting). The laser guided land leveler significantly improved the growth attributes of sorghum as compared to the control whereas the growth attributes were recorded highest under double row bed planting. The highest yield attributes were recorded in laser guided land leveler. The best results of sorghum yield attributes were recorded under double row bed planting. In land leveling, laser guided land leveler significantly improved yield of sorghum (grain and fodder) as compared to control. Whereas, maximum sorghum yield was obtained under double row bed planting over rest planting system. The soil moisture distribution, water saving and water use efficiency were improved under laser guided land leveler with double row bed planting over rest of the treatments. The highest gross return, net return and benefit: cost ratio were obtained under laser guided land leveler with double row bed planting over rest of the treatments.

Study on Exogenous Application of Organics for Alleviating Salt Stress in Sorghum Crop

Abiotic stresses soil salinity is one of the major restricting the use of land for agriculture because it limits the crop growth and development. In these stressful conditions, improving productivity is important challenge because salinity has different effects on crop growth and developmental stages in different crops. Exogenous application of proline, humic acid and ascorbic acid has improved salt stress tolerance in various plant species. An experiment was conducted in farmer’s field at Raparla village, Battiprolu mandal during spring season, 2018 and 2019 to evaluate the effect of exogenous application of organics for alleviating salt stress on sorghum crop. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with five treatments which replicated four times. Five treatments in this study were applied as follows: (T1) control i.e farmer’s practice; (T2) proline application at 0.6 g/L; (T3) ascorbic acid application at 0.2 g/L; (T4) humic acid application at 2 g/L; (T5) Combination of T1, T2, T3 and T4. The Results showed that all treatments (T2, T3 T4 and T5) effected on the yield characteristic and yield (kg/ha). The highest yield attributes and yield of sorghum crop (3460 and 3240 kg/ha) was significantly recorded by T5 (the combined application of proline + ascorbic acid + humic acid) followed by T2 (alone proline application).

Productivity enhancement of sweet corn (Zea mays) through organic weed management practices

Area under organic cultivation of crops is increasing not only in India but also in Rajasthan as well. Weeds are often recognized as the most serious threat to organic crop production and fear of ineffective weed control is often perceived by farmers as one of the major obstacles to conversion from conventional to organic farming. A two years field experiment was conducted to study the non-chemical methods of weed management in organically grown sweet corn (Zea mays L.) during 2018-19. Among the 12 organic weed management treatments, soil solarization + plastic mulch at sowing resulted in significantly lower weed density, weed dry matter, higher yield attributes and yield over other treatments but at par with stale seed bed preparation + plastic mulch at sowing during both the years. Stale seed bed preparation + plastic mulch at sowing gave highest net returns and benefit-cost ratio of ₹ 62746 and 105201 and 1.62 and 2.35, respectively followed by weedy check, which gave the net returns and benefit: cost ratio of ₹ 16093, 26858 and 0.96 and 2.18, respectively.

Response of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to Different Levels and Time of Phosphogypsum Nutrition

Background: Groundnut is one of the most important oilseed crops of India. Improving productivity of groundnut to meet the domestic vegetable oil demand through balanced fertilization is the prime challenge lying before the agronomists in the country. With the aim of evaluating phosphogypsum as a source of sulphur nutrition in groundnut, a field experiment entitled “Response of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to different levels and time of phosphogypsum nutrition” was conducted at Agronomy field unit, University of Agricultural Sciences Bangalore, during kharif-2019. Methods: Experiment was laid out in randomised complete block design (RCBD) with eleven treatments, of which eight have different combinations of phosphogypsum applied as basal and in split (30 DAS) and one with gypsum as basal alone. Whereas, the remaining two treatments, without any additional source of sulphur are included for comparison. Result: Among eleven treatments, application of phosphogypsum @ 125 kg S eq ha-1 in split recorded highest yield attributes, pod yield (2063 kg ha-1), kernel yield (1418 kg ha-1) and sulphur uptake (11.33 kg ha-1). Which were on par with 100 kg S eq ha-1 in split (2014, 1380 and 10.39 kg ha-1, respectively). All other treatments recorded lower values with lowest in treatments without any additional sulphur source.

Residual Effect of Weed Management Practices Executed in Preceding Maize on Succeeding Greengram

Background: Maize followed by summer pulses is the emerging cropping system in many places in India. Herbicides are the efficient tools for checking weed infestation and their usage is increasing throughout the globe due to increased labour cost and quick weed control. Some herbicides do not degrade quickly and may remain in the soil for weeks, months or years after application and may inhibit the growth of succeeding crops. Methods: Field experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) during rabi and summer seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 to know the residual effect of different herbicides applied in maize on succeeding greengram. Result: The present study revealed that lower density and dry weight of total weeds and higher yield attributes and yield was recorded with the practice of adopting two hand weedings at 15 and 30 DAS, which was however, at par with atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 as PE fb one HW at 30 DAS, atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 as PE fb topramezone 30 g ha-1 as PoE and atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 as PE fb tembotrione 120 g ha-1 as PoE, without any significant disparity among them. Herbicides applied in maize did not alter statistically the enzyme activity and microbial count in the soil at harvest of succeeding greeengram.

Herbicide combinations for management of resistance in Phalaris minor

Littleseed canarygrass (Phalaris minor Retz.) is a problematic weed of wheat under irrigated rice-wheat cropping system of Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP) of India. Due to its morphological similarity with wheat, herbicides are the best-suited method for its control. However, continuous use of same herbicide along with monocropping leads to development of multiple-herbicide resistance. To tackle this problem, an experiment was conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2016-17 and 2019-20 to find out the suitable herbicide combinations for management of resistance Phalaris minor, its regression and correlation studies with wheat. The finding revealed that increase in weed density and dry weight displayed a strong negative linear relationship with grain yield. Linear regression equation represented that increase in every one unit of density and dry weight of P. minor led to reduction in wheat yield by 0.027 and 0.0102 times, respectively. Among the herbicidal treatments, sequential application of pendimethalin + pyroxasulfone (tank-mix, TM) fb mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron (ready-mix, RM) (1500 + 102 g/ha) pre-emergence, (PE) fb 14.4 g/ha post-emergence, (PoE) or pendimethalin + metribuzin (TM) fb mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron (RM) (1000 + 175 g/ha) PE fb 14.4 g/ha PoE led to significantly control of P minor, broad-leaved weeds (BLWs) and total weeds. This resulted in better crop growth, higher yield attributes, 37.6-51.9% higher grain yield and 80-81% higher net return as compared to unweeded control. However, PE or PoE herbicide applied alone recorded poor efficacy towards P. minor and other weeds and resulted in poor yield. Correlation studies indicated strong positive association of grain yield with visual weed control, crop dry weight and its height and negative association with weed density and dry weight. Therefore, for effective management of resistant P. minor along with other weed flora, herbicide combination with its sequential application is of prime importance for optimum yield in wheat.

Evaluation of Different Soil Textures in Combination with Growing Media on Growth, Yield, and Water Productivity of Blackgram

ABSTRACT The production and productivity of blackgram (Vigna mungo) are very poor and one of the important reasons is that it is cultivated on marginal lands having low soil fertility and under rainfed conditions without assured irrigation. The present study was aimed to evaluate the different growing media in soil types having varying soil texture and its impact on the growth and yield of blackgram. A pot culture experiment was conducted in split plot design with four texture of soils (S1: Loamy, S2: Clay, S3: Sand and S4: Pure sand) as the main plots and five growing media (G1: Cocopeat, G2: Vermiculite, G3: Vermicompost, G4: Sawdust, G5: Hydrogel and G6: Control) as the subplots. The results of the experiment revealed that growing of blackgram in sandy soil texture with application of cocopeat recorded significant improvement in growth parameters viz., plant height, root length, leaf area index (LAI), nos. of root nodules plant−1. The same treatment resulted in significantly higher yield attributes such as number of pods plant−1 (49.3), grain yield (1126 kg ha−1), water use efficiency, water productivity and benefit cost ratio over other texture of soils with growing media and control. These results confirmed that suitable moisture conservation practice for sandy soils in rainfed areas coupled with suitable growing media ensures higher blackgram productivity per unit of water used.

Weed management for enhancing yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Eastern India

Weed menace is very prominent in wheat sown after the harvesting of rice in rice-wheat cropping system. An experiment involving four crop establishment methods and six weed management practices was undertaken in a splitplot design with three replications at the Research Farm of Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. The residue-based crop establishment methods were found most effective in minimising density and dry weight of weeds. Besides minimising weeds, the residuebased crop establishment methods also proved better for yield attributes, yield and gross returns. Among different herbicidal treatments, the mix application of mesosulfuron+ iodosulfuron adjudged superior recorded lowest density and dry weight of weeds with highest yield attributes, grain and straw yield (3854 and 5592 kg/ha) and economics attributes. Based on the obtained results, it is said in the conclusion that residue-based crop establishment methods and mix application of mesosulfuron+iodosulfuron was best in managing weed and enhancing yield and economics of wheat in the eastern India.

Influence of imidazolinones alone and in combination on pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)

A field experiment was conducted to study the influence of imidazolinones alone and in combination on pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India during 2017-18 and 2018-19. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design using 18 treatment combinations replicated thrice. During both the years, due to weed free condition, taller (272.3 cm) and heavier (200.1 g) plant at harvest, higher yield attributes (11.5 plants/m2 at harvest; 92.8 pods/plant; 3.30 seeds/pod and 7.22 g 100-seed weight) and productivity (1914, 6259 and 8172 kg/ha seed, stalk and biological yield, respectively and 23.4% harvest index) of pigeonpea was observed in weed free treatment which was closely followed by treatment where two hoeings at 40 and 70 DAS were employed. While comparing the different herbicides treatments, PRE application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr @ 1000 + 75 g/ha gave statistically at par productivity of pigeon peaas obtained in weed free condition. Therefore, PRE application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr @ 1000 + 75 g/ha proved to be an effective and a profitable alternative to the existing recommendation (two hoeings at 25 and 45 DAS) of weed control in pigeonpea in Haryana.

Foliar nitrogen application for enhancing growth, productivity and nitrogen use efficiency in sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a promising oilseed crop of Afghanistan mainly grown under resource constraint situations. The poor nitrogen status of the soil makes nitrogen deficient for plants at the sensitive stages resulting in severe growth and yield decline. The present study compared the effect of nitrogen application as basal vis-Ã -vis in combination with foliar application at different crop growth stages on growth, productivity and nutrient use efficiency in sunflower. The application of 50 kg N/ha as basal along with two 1.5% foliar spray of N at 20 and 40 DAS resulted in higher growth parameters, yield and nutrient use efficiency in sunflower. Nitrogen application applied as basal met out the initial nitrogen demand and when supplemented with foliar application resulted in higher assimilating surface area, dry matter accumulation and higher yield attributes and yield in sunflower.