Himachal Pradesh Krishi Research Articles

Effect of Different Organic Ammendments on Growth and Yield Attributes of Linseed [Linum usitatissimum (L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2023-24 at the experimental farm of the model Organic Farm Department of Organic Agriculture and Natural Farming, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. The experiment consisting of eleven treatment combinations which was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Surbhi variety of the linseed was used in the experiment. It was found that among the different treatments higher plant height (66.0 cm) at harvest, dry matter accumulation (371.2 gm-2), higher crop growth rate (3.24 g m-2 day-1) at 150 DAS, the lowest days taken to 50% flowering and Days taken to physiological maturity, seed yield (11.16 q ha-1) and straw yield of (27.51 q ha-1) was recorded with the application of 50% FYM + 50% vermicompost to supply 100% of recommended N (T10). Whereas, the lowest plant height (44.9 cm), dry matter accumulation (252.1 gm-2), lowest crop growth rate of 2.20 g m-2 day-1 seed yield (7.26 q ha-1) and straw yield (19.00 q ha-1) in absolute control (T11).

Impact of tillage methods and cultivars on phenology & productivity of wheat-rice system under irrigated conditions

The research was conducted at the Agricultural Research farm of the Agronomy Department at Palampur, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSK HPKV) and Rice and Wheat Research Center (RWRC) Malan, Himachal Pradesh to study the impact of tillage methods & crop species on phenology & production of wheat-rice crops under irrigated conditions. The study's basic premise was to identify wheat and rice cultivars that can perform well under specific tillage options. The trial was conducted from the winter 2019 to the rainy season of 2021, using a split-plot design. Four tillage methods- zero tillage, conventional tillage, natural farming and reduced tillage- were tested on three species of rice (HPR 2656 (Him Palam Dhan 1), HPR 2795 (Him Palam Dhan Lal 1) & HPR 1156 (Sukara Dhan Lal 1) and three species of wheat (HPW 368 (Him Palam Gehun 2), HS 562 (Central Dwarf wheat) & HPW 349). The results showed that in both crops, traditional farming (conventional tillage) methods were more efficient than other methods in terms of crop yield.Conversely, the lowest grain yields were observed with natural farming for both crops. Specifically, the adoption of zero tillage, natural agriculture, and reduced tillage results in wheat grain yield reductions of 10.9%, 4.6%, and 59.4%, respectively, compared to conventional tillage. Similarly, rice grain yields declined by 10.8%, 34.0%, and 16.1% with zero tillage, natural farming, and reduced tillage, respectively, compared to conventional tillage. Among the cultivars evaluated, HPW 368 for wheat and HPR 2795 for rice produced significantly higher grain yields at both locations over the two years. The findings of the present investigation would help the wheat and rice growers identify suitable cultivars that would be economically grown with varying tillage options and under natural farming conditions.

Optimizing Productivity and Economics of Maize + Legumes Intercropping: A Study on the Impact of Natural and Organic Farming Practices

Background: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers in a cropping system adversely affects the soil health and crop productivity. To ensure food security, nutritional balance and environmental sustainability, a shift towards eco-friendly organic farming based agricultural systems was imperative. But it also poses challenges for small farmers who owe a small number of animals and they need to purchase bulk organic manures. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) emerges as an alternate and advocate for low-input, climate-resilient practices which include beejamrit, jeevamrit, achhadana and whapasa. With the aim of increasing the production of the crops per unit area in the present study, different intervals (14, 21 and 28 days) of jeevamrit under natural farming plots and matka khad (30 days interval) under organic farming plots were tested in different maize based intercropping systems. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 and 2021 at the Zero Budget Natural Farm (ZBNF), Department of Organic Agriculture and Natural Farming, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. The experiment was comprised of thirteen treatments which were tested in randomized block design with three replications. Result: Among different treatments significantly higher values of yield attributes and yield of maize were recorded under maize + lobia and jeevamrit spray at 14 days interval during kharif 2020 and maize + soybean and jeevamrit spray at 14 days interval during kharif 2021. In case of economics, higher gross returns, net returns and benefit cost ratio were recorded under maize + soybean and jeevamrit spray at 14 days interval during kharif 2020, whereas during kharif 2021, maize + soybean and matka khad spray at 30 days interval resulted in the highest returns.

Effect of Sowing Dates and Wheat Cultivars on Agro Meteorological Indices of Wheat under Conditions of North-western Himalayas, India

Climate change in recent times have presented a scenario of elevated susceptibility of wheat to rising temperatures. Agro-meteorological indices can present a scenario of variable response of wheat to diverse conditions. A field investigation was conducted in rabi season of 2016-17 at Research farm, Department of Agronomy, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur to evaluate the influence of sowing dates and wheat cultivars on agro-meteorological indices such as growing degree days, photothermal units, Helio thermal units and phenothermal index of wheat crop. The field investigation involved five sowing dates (15th October, 30th October, 15th November, 30th November and 15th December) and wheat cultivars (HPW-349 and HPW-155) which were studied in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results of the investigation revealed that timely sown crop i.e., on 15th October recorded the highest values for agro-meteorological indices for both the wheat cultivars such as growing degree days, Helio thermal units, photothermal units and phenothermal index across various wheat development stages such as complete emergence, crown root initiation, tillering, ear emergence and physiological maturity. Therefore, timely sowing of wheat by 15th October was concluded to be the best for optimized agro-meteorological indices such as growing degree days, photothermal units, Helio thermal units and phenothermal index under conditions of North-Western Himalayas.

Genetic diversity study of bacterial wilt-tolerant bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) genotypes using cluster and principal component analysis

The present study was carried out during summer and rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at the research farm of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh to study the genetic diversity among 43 bacterial wilt tolerant genotypes of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt), focusing on 12 quantitative and 3 qualitative traits along with disease resistance. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Following hierarchical cluster analysis, the 43 unique genotypes were categorized into 5 separate clusters. Cluster I consisted of maximum number of genotypes (39), followed by clusters II, III, IV and V, each having only one genotype. The greatest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster II and V (3090.70), while the smallest distance was noted between cluster II and III (1299.21). Cluster I displayed the greatest intra-cluster distance (803.75), while clusters II, III, IV and V showed the lowest distances (0.00). The primary contributors to genetic divergence were found to be capsanthin content (23.4%), followed by ascorbic acid (21.4%), fruit length (12.5%), plant survival (11.1%) and marketable fruit yield/plant (10.9%). Principal component analysis indicated that the initial six principal components, each possessing an eigen value surpassing one, jointly accounted for 70.62% of the total observed variability. PCA biplot revealed that, the traits namely, marketable fruits/plant, average fruit weight, harvest duration and plant height were the major yield contributing traits. The results underscored the importance of genetic characterization and the selection of diverse genotypes for hybridization, facilitating the development of improved bell pepper cultivars with enhanced productivity and quality.

Ocular biometry in Gaddi breed goats of Himachal Pradesh

The echo-biometrical evaluation of normal eye was done in 20 Gaddi goats with the help of ultrasonography at Gaddi goat unit, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. Trans-corneal and trans-palpebral ultrasound scanning of the normal eye was done in standing position without any sedation or regional nerve block. Xylocaine ointment (5%) was used to desensitize the cornea and 2% lignocaine jelly was applied directly on the cornea to serve as a conductive medium for ultrasound waves in trans-corneal technique. B-mode ultrasound scan of the eyes was done in both the transverse and sagittal planes. Corneal thickness varied from 0.03 to 0.07 cm, aqueous chamber depth from 0.12 to 0.31 cm, lens thickness from 0.78 to 0.96 cm, lens diameter from 0.92 to 1.36 cm, vitreous chamber depth from 0.90 to 1.08 cm, eyeball diameter from 1.90 to 2.66 cm and eyeball length from 1.90 to 2.12 cm. There was no statistically significant difference between the echo-biometric parameters of the left and right eye in the present study.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Sources in Tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of the Department of Tea Husbandry and Technology, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur (Himachal Pradesh) in pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon i.e., from March, 2021 to November, 2021. The objective was to assess the impact of organic nutrient inputs on Tea (Camellia sinensis L. O. Kuntze). The experiment comprised of 10 treatments with the organic treatment include application of different nitrogen sources, viz farmyard manure; vermicompost; jeevamrit and vermiwash. The experiment included ten treatments, including a control group, FYM (Farm Yard Manure) @ 20 t ha-1, vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1, split doses of FYM @ 10 t ha-1+10 t ha-1, split doses of vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1+5 t ha-1, FYM @ 20 t ha-1+Jeevamrit @ 10%, vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1+Jeevamrit @10%, FYM @ 20 t ha-1+vermiwash @ 10%, vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1+vermiwash @ 10% and Jeevamrit @ 10%. The experiment was designed following a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The soil of experiment field was acidic in nature, silty clay loam in texture, low in Nitrogen, medium in Phosphorus and Potassium. The results showed that the growth, yield attributes and overall tea yield increased significantly with the application of vermicompost @ 10 t ha-1+Jeevamrit @ 10%. Furthermore, this treatment exhibited notably higher gross returns, net returns and additional net returns compared to the control group.

Assessment of Different Production Systems for Macro and Micronutrient Concentration in Selected kharif Crops in Low Hills of Himachal Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different crop production systems on major kharif crops at Choudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Hill Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Dhualakuan (Himachal Pradesh) India. The experiment comprised of fifteen treatments involving three crop production systems (organic, natural and conventional) in subplot with five crops (maize, okra, sesame, black gram and rice) in the main plot replicated thrice in split-plot design during kharif season (July-October) of 2020. Among different production systems, macronutrient contents were found highest under conventional system followed by organic system and lowest in Subhas Palekar Natural Farming system. Sulfur and micronutrient content was recorded highest in organic farming system followed by Subhas Palekar Natural Farming system and lowest in conventional system. Among crops, black gram and sesame grain macro and micro nutrient content was found to be highest and lowest in okra among all crops.

Isolation and Screening of Cellulolytic Bacteria from Yak (Bos grunniens) Excreta from Lahaul Valley Region for Pre-treatment of Paddy Straw in Himachal Pradesh

The present study was conducted during August, 2021 at Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur to isolate and identify the cellulolytic bacteria from yak dung, yak dung manure and soil samples from spiti region in Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. The bacterial isolates were identified by using morphological and biochemical standard methods, and identification based on Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. Cellulolytic bacteria from mentioned samples were isolated and cultured on CMC (Carboxymethyl cellulose) agar medium. The activity of cellulolytic bacterial was conducted based on halo area and cellulolytic index on CMC agar medium. Among 24 isolates of bacteria, 08 isolates were identified as cellulolytic bacteria. Furthermore, our isolates with higher cellulolytic index were identified as the Bacillus and Pseudomonas genus. Out of eight efficient cellulolytic isolates were identified as Bacillus spp. (06) three from yak dung manure, two from yak dung and one from soil sample and Pseudomonas spp. (02) one from yak dung manure and one from soil sample. Most Efficient cellulose degrading isolates of Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were employed for biological pretreatment of paddy straw for two weeks and then run in laboratory biogas digester along with control digester. These digester sets were under observation from the second day of run upto three weeks and it was observed that the there was 10% hike in biogas production as compare to control digester on 22nd days at laboratory condition.

Performance of different rice-based cropping systems in the wet temperate zone of Himachal Pradesh

A field experiment to diversify the rice‒wheat system to increase employment and income was conducted during 2017-18 at the research farm of CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Palampur with eight cropping systems that were replicated four times. One-year results revealed that the highest rice grain yield (16477 kg/ha), net returns (₹ 219828/ha) and marginal returns (₹80946) were recorded from the rice – palak – cucumber sequence. Okra – radish – onion resulted in maximum food availability (55.16 kg/ha/day), whereas employment generation was maximum from rice – lettuce – potato + coriander (102.91%). In terms of carbohydrate yield (5146 kg/ha), protein yield (640.6 kg/ha) and energy equivalent (23919 MJ/ha), it was highest from the rice – wheat sequence; however, in the case of carbohydrate and energy equivalent, it was on par with rice – lettuce – potato + coriander.

An Examination of the Effects of Different Transplanting Dates, Planting Geometry and Training Techniques on the Yield Traits, Productivity and Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of date of transplanting, planting geometry and training system on the fruit yield and quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under naturally ventilated polyhouse at the Research Farm of Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications and eighteen treatments, comprised of three date of transplanting (1st fortnight of March, 2nd fortnight of March and 1st fortnight of April), two planting geometry viz., 60 cm x 30 cm, 75 cm x 30 cm and three training systems viz., two shoots, three shoots and four shoots. Results revealed that plants transplanted earlier (1st fortnight of March) at a wider spacing of (75 cm x 30 cm) recorded significantly higher number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit weight and total soluble solids, while maximum fruit yield was recorded under closer spacing of 60 cm x 30 cm. With regards to the number of shoots per plant, plants with three shoots recorded significantly higher fruit yield. So it can be concluded that plants transplanted in the 1st fortnight of March, trained to three shoots and spaced at 60 cm x 30 cm apart were found to be the best for higher fruit yield and better quality of the produce.

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.

Study on Tillage, Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources: A Short-term Agronomic and Economic Analysis of Soybean (Glycine max L.) under Sub Humid Agro-climatic Conditions

Background: Tillage systems such as zero tillage and minimum or reduced tillage leave more crop residues and offer greater protection to soil erosion. Besides appropriate selection of tillage practices, the improvement in average yield per hectare can be achieved by maintaining the soil fertility through proper rate and mode of application of fertilizers. Inorganic and organic sources of nutrients have potential in reversing the declining soil-health and crop productivity by correcting the marginal deficiencies of secondary and micro-nutrients, micro-flora and fauna and their beneficial influence on physical and biological properties of soil. Methods: Experiment was laid out for two years (2020 and 2021) at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. There were twelve treatment combinations comprising three tillage practices (zero tillage, reduced tillage and conventional tillage) and four organic and inorganic nutrient sources (75 and 100% recommended dose of nitrogen through FYM and 75 and 100% recommended dose of fertilizer through urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash) which were tested in split plot design with tillage practices in main plots and different nutrient sources in sub plots. Result: Among different tillage practices adapted, reduced tillage recorded higher yield, nutrient uptake, protein content, oil content and economics of soybean, whereas among different nutrient sources tested, use of 100 per cent recommended dose of fertilizers provided highest profitability and productivity of soybean under mustard-soybean cropping system.

Growth and yield of wheat as affected by tillage practices, seed priming and nutrient management under rain fed conditions

The present study was conducted on wheat for two years from 2020-2022 to evaluate the effect of seed priming, tillage practices and nutrient management on growth and yield studies of crop under rainfed conditions at CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three factors. Factor I (Tillage practices) consisted of Conventional tillage (CT), Conventional tillage+ mulch (CT+M) and Zero tillage+ mulch (ZT+M); Factor II (Seed priming) consisted of Hydropriming and micronutrient (Zn, Mn) priming; Factor III (Nutrient management practices) consisted of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and Integrated nutrient management. An additional treatment of control was also kept for general comparison of results. Tillage practices and nutrient management significantly effected growth and yield studies of wheat. However, seed priming had no significant effect on various parameters. Growth and yield of wheat were found to be significantly superior under conventional tillage+mulch (CT+M) as compared to other tillage practices. Maximum height (108.4 cm), dry matter accumulation (896.7 g/m2), leaf area index (2.43) and yield (9.19 t/ha) of wheat was obtained with CT+M. Zero tillage+mulch being the second best treatment proved to be better than conventional tillage. The growth and yield of wheat was significantly enhanced with integrated nutrient management as compared to recommended dose of fertilizers. Among different treatment combinations, T6 (CT+M, Hydro, Int) was found to be best in terms of both growth and yield studies in wheat under rainfed conditions.

Effect of organic nutrient sources on the yield, nutrient uptake and nodulation in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) under mid-hill conditions of Western Himalayas

Cowpea is kharif pulse grown mostly under rainfed conditions. It acts as a major protein source with 25 per cent content. Cowpea besides fixing atmospheric nitrogen continues to produce under harsh conditions such as low moisture and nutrient supply, which makes it a suitable candidate for dryland conditions. A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2019 at Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur to study the effect of organic nutrient sources on yield levels, nodulation, nutrient content and uptake of cowpea. Organic nutrient sources include farmyard manure, vermicompost, vermiwash, Bijamrita, Jiwamrita and Ghanajiwamrita can be prepared using on-farm inputs at a reasonable cost. These nutrient sources supply nutrients at a steady rate and in fewer amounts than inorganic fertilizers. The prime role of such organic sources is to sustain the soil ecosystems for longer functioning. The results of the experiment revealed that T5 [Farm yard manure (10 t/ha) + Ghanajiwamrita at sowing (250 kg/ha)] was most effective and resulted in significantly higher yield level (grain yield -10.71 q/ha, straw yield - 53.14 q/ha and biological yield - 63.84 q/ha), nodulation (number of nodules - 31.7 per plant and weight of nodules - 0.47 g/plant), nutrient content (N- 3.54%, P - 0.41% and K - 1.36%) and uptake (N -141.08 kg/ha, P -19.86 kg/ha and K - 112.34 kg/ha) in cowpea

Bioefficacy of biopesticides and novel insecticides against Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee on brinjal under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Studies on the bioefficacy of biopesticides and novel insecticides against shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis were undertaken at CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur during 2015 and 2016. The results on bioefficacy showed that chlorantraniliprole resulted in minimum shoot infestation followed by cyantraniliprole, lambda-cyhalothrin, thiacloprid, indoxacarb, azadirachtin, melia and eupatorium during 2015, whereas, during 2016 the shoot infestation was minimum in cyantraniliprole followed by chlorantraniliprole, thiacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, indoxacarb, azadirachtin, melia and eupatorium. Fruit infestation was found minimum in chlorantraniliprole followed by cyantraniliprole, thiacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, indoxacarb, azadirachtin, melia and eupatorium during both the years. Among different treatments highest fruit yield was recorded in chlorantraniliprole (75.25q/ha). Lambda-cyhalothrin resulted in highest IOIR (15.87) in the present study as it is cheaper insecticide as compared to others.Hence, it is concluded that all the insecticides evaluated are effective against L. orbonalis and can be recommended for its control.

Influence of seeding time, fertility level and genotype on productivity, quality and profitability of garden pea (Pisum sativum)

The field experiment was conducted during 2017–18 and 2018–19 at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, India, to assess the response of pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes (‘DPP-SP 6’, ‘DPP-SP 22’ and ‘Pb 89’) to sowing dates (26 October and 10 November) and fertility levels (control, 100 and 125% NPK). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design and each treatment replicated thrice. Early-sown pea (26 October) recorded higher pod yield (10.4 t/ha), being 24% more than late-sown crop along with better pods/plant, average pod weight, harvest duration and economic returns. Higher fertility level at 125% of recommended NPK (62.5:75:75 kg/ha) dose resulted in the maximum pod yield which was about 6% better than 100% NPK (50:60:60 kg/ha) over the years and also showed superior performance for yield attributes and economic returns. Among the genotypes, ‘DPP-SP 6’ significantly superseded ‘DPP-SP 22’ by 15%, and ‘Pb 89’ by 25% for pod yield and also provided higher net returns (`1,43,000/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.78). The interactions effects revealed that early sowing of pea genotypes by following either 100% or 125% of recommended dose of NPK (100% NPK; 50-60-60 kg/ha) would be a better preposition for enhancing productivity and profitability under north-western Himalayan conditions.

<p><strong>Variability and Traits Association Analyses in Bacterial Wilt Resistant Genotypes of Tomato </strong><strong>(<em>Solanum lycopersicum </em>L.) under Mid-Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh </strong></p>

18 bacterial wilt resistant F4 progenies of tomato were evaluated along with two bacterial wilt resistant checks at the Vegetable Research Farm of the Department of Vegetable Science and Floriculture, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur during summer-rainy season’2016 to identify the most promising progenies on the basis of nature and extent of genetic variability and heritability coupled with genetic gain. To ascertain the variability source structure, computation of principal component analysis (PCA) was also done. Estimates for phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), heritability and genetic gain were found to be high for average fruit weight, total fruits per plant, marketable fruits per plant, marketable yield per plant, gross yield per plant and lycopene content. High PCV and GCV indicated the presence of sufficient variability ensuring ample scope for improvement through selection. High heritability allied with high genetic gain suggested the presence of additive gene action and thereby these traits could be considered as reliable indices for selection. For PCA studies, eigen values were calculated for 16 morphological traits of tomato. The results of PCA revealed that out of these 16 traits, initial eight traits exhibited more than 0.5 eigen values and showed more than 95 per cent of genetic variability. Among all, PC1 (days to 50 per cent flowering) has highest eigen value (4.927) and accounts for 30.793 per cent of genetic variability. As a result, these traits might be taken into consideration for effective selection to develop elite bacterial wilt resistant lines in tomato.

Effect of planting dates, spacing and training systems on growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different planting dates, spacing and training systems on growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under naturally ventilated polyhouseduring the off season 2017 at the Research farm, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. The treatment comprised of three planting dates, two spacing and three training system were evaluated in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. Among the dates of transplanting, 2nd fortnight of March proved significantly superior to 1 stfortnight of March and 1st fortnight of April with respect of vine length (174.2 cm), days to initiation of first female flower (13.5), days to 50% flowering (26.3 days), number of days to first picking (34.6 days). The crop transplanted in first fortnight of March produced the plant with significantly smaller internodal length (9.3 cm) and prolonged harvest duration (59.3 days). Plants grown at wider spacing of 75 cm x 30 cm resulted in significantly smaller internodal length (9.4 cm) and took lesser number of days for initiation of first female flower (14.1 days), days to 50% flowering (28.5 days), days to first picking (36.4 days) and harvest duration (53.9 days) whereas narrow spacing of 60 cm x 30 cm produced significantly higher vine length (171.5 cm) regards to the number of shoots per plants, plants trained to two shoots produced significantly smaller internodal length (9.0 cm), took lesser number of days to 50% flowering (26.6 days), number of days to first picking (36.3 days) while significantly higher vine length (172.1 cm) and prolonged harvest duration (58.8 days) was also recorded with two shoots. In case of fruit yield plants with three shoots, spaced at 60 cm x 30 cm in the 1st fortnight of March recorded significantly higher fruit yield. Interaction effect was found significant for vine length, number of days to first picking and harvest duration.

Effect of planting dates, spacing and training systems on growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different planting dates, spacing and training systems on growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under naturally ventilated polyhouseduring the off season 2017 at the Research farm, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. The treatment comprised of three planting dates, two spacing and three training system were evaluated in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. Among the dates of transplanting, 2nd fortnight of March proved significantly superior to 1stfortnight of March and 1st fortnight of April with respect of vine length (174.2 cm), days to initiation of first female flower (13.5), days to 50% flowering (26.3 days), number of days to first picking (34.6 days). The crop transplanted in first fortnight of March produced the plant with significantly smaller internodal length (9.3 cm) and prolonged harvest duration (59.3 days). Plants grown at wider spacing of 75 cm x 30 cm resulted in significantly smaller internodal length (9.4 cm) and took lesser number of days for initiation of first female flower (14.1 days), days to 50% flowering (28.5 days), days to first picking (36.4 days) and harvest duration (53.9 days) whereas narrow spacing of 60 cm x 30 cm produced significantly higher vine length (171.5 cm) regards to the number of shoots per plants, plants trained to two shoots produced significantly smaller internodal length (9.0 cm), took lesser number of days to 50% flowering (26.6 days), number of days to first picking (36.3 days) while significantly higher vine length (172.1 cm) and prolonged harvest duration (58.8 days) was also recorded with two shoots. In case of fruit yield plants with three shoots, spaced at 60 cm x 30 cm in the 1st fortnight of March recorded significantly higher fruit yield. Interaction effect was found significant for vine length, number of days to first picking and harvest duration.