Institute Of Agricultural Sciences Research Articles

Variability Studies in Diverse Genotype of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under Varanasi Conditions

The Current Study Assessed About 14 Tomato Genotypes For 15 Yield-Contributing Features At The Vegetable Farm Of The Department Of Horticulture, Institute Of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi, During The Rabi Season Of 2019–2020. With Three Replications, The Experiment Was Set Up Using A Randomized Block Design. The Variance Analysis Of The Tomato Genotypes Revealed That There Were Substantial Differences Among All The Genotypes Considered. All Characteristics Had Very High Heritability Values, According To The Heritability Research. High Genetic Gain Was Also Seen For Traits Including Plant Height, Average Fruit Weight, Fruit Production Per Plant, And Fruit Output Per Hectare. All The Traits Evaluated Showed High Genetic Increase, Apart From Days To 50% Blooming. Apart From Few Characteristics, Such As Days To 50% Blooming And Quantity Of Fruits Per Plant, Which Had Low And Medium Values, Most Of The Characters Showed High PCV And GCV.

Impact of Nitrogen Levels on the Growth and Medicinal Properties of Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) in an Inceptisol of Varanasi, India

Aims:  Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), is a perennial herbaceous, belongs to the Apocynaceae family. The medicinal poperties are more economically important than the yield of the plant. Nitrogen is the main nutrient affect the medicinal properties of the plant. The main aim of this study was the evaluation of the effects of nitrogen on growth of the Catharanthus roseus and the presence or absence of alkaloid vinblastine.
 Place and Duration of Study:  The experiment involved a pot experiment conducted during Rabi season of 2021-2022 in the net house, at Agricultural Research Farm of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.
 Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five nitrogen levels i.e. Control (RDF), 2.5g urea/pot, 5.0g urea/pot, 7.5g urea/pot and 10.0g urea/pot in three replications. Plants fed with recommended dose of P: K (40:40) and nitrogen fertilizer according to treatment.
 Results: Higher dose of nitrogen i.e., 10.0 g/urea (T5) showed the greatest increase in plant height, number of branches, flowers per plant and SPAD value while number of leaves per plant was maximum at 2.5 g urea/pot (T2) whereas the lowest growth were exhibited in control treatment (T1). The presence or absence of vinblastine was tasted by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and the result showed that at all the levels of nitrogen treatment, vinblastine was present except at control treatment (T1) till a month after transplanting.

Response of Gibberellic Acid and Corm Division on Floral Attributes of Gladiolus

This study was conducted to assess the response of Gibberellic acid and corm division on floral attributes of gladiolus cv. Punjab Dawn at Horticulture Research Farm of Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India during two consecutive year (2017-2019). The treatments comprised of growth regulators with two concentration i.e. GA3 100 ppm and 200 ppm including control (distilled water) and corms which are cut having 1bud, 2 buds and 3 buds and whole corm having 4 buds, 5 buds and 6 buds. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design and three replications. The flowering characteristics of Gladiolus are mainly affected by higher concentration of GA3 (200 ppm) as well as whole corm under natural climatic condition. Regarding flowering parameters, it was found that GA3 200 ppm and whole corm i.e. 4 bud, 5 bud and 6 bud influence the quality and quantity parameters, viz. days to spike emergence, days to colour show, days to opening of florets, days to open florets without withering of basal floret, number of florets per spike, longevity of spike, length of spike and rachis (cm) and diameter of florets (cm) as compared to other treatments of GA3 100 ppm and control (distilled water)  and cut corms which have 1 bud, 2 buds and 3 buds.

Evaluation of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes under Organic Condition

Aims: The improvement in crop yield depends upon the magnitude of genetic variability available in breeding material and the extent to which the yield component traits are heritable from generation to generation.
 Study Design:  Randomized Block Design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (U.P.) between October 2019 and June 2020.
 Methodology: A field experiment was conducted using twenty-two genotypes of chickpea in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications along with plot size of 1.20 x 1 m and the plant geometry was maintained at 10cm X 30cm during Rabi 2019-20. The material was shown on 23rd October, 2019. Observations were recorded on the basis of five random competitive plants selected from each genotype separately for yield and its attributing parameters were evaluated as per standard procedure.
 Results: The genotypes were highly significant for all characters expect day to 50% germination, number of primary branches per plant, root fresh weight and root dry weight. High phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) were observed for number of nodules per plant, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percentage of mean for number of nodules per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight, seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant.
 Conclusion: Highly significant genetic variability present in the existing material which can be used in breeding programme for crop improvement. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for number of nodules per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight, seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant, hence, that these traits can be improved through direct selection.

Identification and genetic assessment of transgressive segregants for yield and its contributing traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Two crosses viz., K 1006 x LOK 1 and PBW 343 x HUW 234 derived from four diverse parents were examined during Rabi 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU in order to identify and assess the robust transgressive segregants (TS) in the segregating F2 and F3 population for yield/plant and its contributing traits respectively. Findings reveal that individuals transgressed beyond the parents in both the crosses for grain yield/plant (9 to 9.52 %). The maximum frequency of TS are found for AL (74.29%) in the PBW 343 x HUW 234 and it was higher for 1000 grain weight (72%) in the K 1006 x LOK 1 cross. The highest number of simultaneous TS for grain yield/plant was found in the F2 for the PBW 343 x HUW 234 (89.5%) followed by K 1006 x LOK 1 (79.0%). The frequency of simultaneous transgression for grain yield coupled with SLPS, GPS, 1000 GW in K 1006 x LOK 1 cross along with NET and AL in PBW 343 x HUW 234 cross was found very frequently. Hence, it is presumed that either grain yield is dependent on these traits or there may be linkage drag among the genes for such traits so that responsible gene(s) could be inherited together. The most promising TS tagged in F2’s were plant No. 36 in the K 1006 x LOK 1 and plant No. 30, 68 and 100 in the other cross. Based on high frequency of TS, it is inferred that transgressive breeding could be used as an excellent tool to improve the crop yield and other desirable traits by recovering the transgressive segregants.

Studies of Correlation and Path Coefficients for Tomato Yield and Quality Attributes (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Fifteen genotypes of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) with 18 yield contributing traits, were studied for correlations and path coefficients. The experiment has been done at Vegetable Research Farm of Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, during Rabi season of 2020-21. The experiment was laid under Randomized Block Design with three replications. Using genotypic correlation, it has been found that the fruit yield per plant significantly positively correlates with lycopene, titrable acidity, pericarp thickness, fruits per plant, ascorbic acid and days to 50% flowering. This indicates that the selection of these qualities will impact the number of fruits produced by each plant. Yield per plant was showed the significant positive direct effects with ascorbic acid, pericarp thickness, firmness, fruit yield per plant, TSS, locules per fruit, number of fruits per plant, fruit diameter, lycopene content, seed test weight and days to 50% flowering at the genotypic path coefficient level that indicated the selection for these traits might be effective and there is a possibility of improving yield per plant through selection based on these characters. The investigation contains the necessary information to support the objectives, as shown by the residual influence at the genotypic (0.198) and phenotypic (0.206) routes.

Plant growth and seed yield in annual chrysanthemum as influenced by growth chemicals and pinching

A field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi to know the effect of pinching, gibberelic acid (GA3) and salicylic acid (SA) on growth and seed yield characters of annual chrysanthemum. The treatments constituted of two level of pinching i.e. no pinching and pinching and each at three levels i.e. GA3 (100 ppm, 200 ppm and 300 ppm) and SA (100 ppm, 150 ppm and 200 ppm) along with control (distilled water). Significantly maximum no. of primary branches/plant, stem diameter, fresh weight of leaf, no. of seeds/peduncle, weight of seeds/peduncle and seed yield/plant was recorded with pinching. However, early seed ripening was noted with no pinching treatment. GA3 at 100 ppm exhibited maximum no. of primary branches/plant. Significantly maximum leaf area index was observed with GA3 300 ppm treatment. Among various doses of salicylic acid, SA 100 ppm recorded maximum plant spread, no. of seeds/peduncle, weight of seeds/peduncle seed yield/plant and test weight of seed. Maximum fresh weight of leaf was observed with SA 150 ppm. However, maximum stem diameter was registered with SA 200 ppm. Interaction of pinching with GA3 and SA gave significant effect on all growth and seed parameters except no. of primary branches/plant, stem diameter and fresh weight of leaf.

Yield, Economics, Nutrient uptake and Quality of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.) as Influence by Salicylic Acid and Potassium Nitrate under Rainfed Condition

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Utlou, Bishnupur District, Manipur, India during the year 2018-2019 to study the effect of salicylic acid and potassium nitrate on yield, economics and quality of lentil under rainfed conditions. The findings indicated that seed priming of salicylic acid (SA) @ 200 ppm and scaling up of potassium nitrate (KNO3) up to 1.5% as foliar application significantly enhanced the yield (grain yield, stover yield and biomass yield) and economics, nutrient uptake and quality of lentil. The treatment combination salicylic acid @ 200 ppm + KNO3 1.5% gave the maximum grain yield (1104.88 kg/ha), stover yield (1799.06 kg/ha) and biomass yield (2903.95 kg/ha). The gross returns (₹73617), net returns (₹38729) and benefit:cost ratio (2.11) were highest through application of SA @ 200 ppm and KNO3 @ 1.5%. The N, P and K uptake (kg/ha) and protein content of lentil were highest through application of SA @ 200 ppm and KNO3 @ 1.5%.

Re-identification of Colletotrichum acutatum Species Complex in Korea and Their Host Plants.

Colletotrichum acutatum species complex is one of the most important groups in the genus Colletotrichum with a high species diversity and a wide range of host plants. C. acutatum and related species have been collected from different plants and locations in Korea and deposited into the Korean Agricultural Culture Collection (KACC), National Institute of Agricultural Sciences since the 1990s. These fungal isolates were previously identified based mainly on morphological characteristics, and a limitation of molecular data was provided. To confirm the identification of species, 64 C. acutatum species complex isolates in KACC were used in this study for DNA sequence analyses of six loci: nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS), betatubulin 2 (TUB2), histone-3 (HIS3), glyceraldehyde3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), chitin synthase 1 (CHS-1), and actin (ACT). The molecular analysis revealed that they were identified in six different species of C. fioriniae (24 isolates), C. nymphaeae (21 isolates), C. scovillei (12 isolates), C. chrysanthemi (three isolates), C. lupini (two isolates), and C. godetiae (one isolate), and a novel species candidate. We compared the hosts of KACC isolates with "The List of Plant Diseases in Korea", previous reports in Korea and global reports and found that 23 combinations between hosts and pathogens could be newly reported in Korea after pathogenicity tests, and 12 of these have not been recorded in the world.

Physical properties of the soil around the Lanka, Mirzamurad and Babatpur, Varanasi

The analysis of soil samples taken from the areas around the Lanka, Mirzamurad and Babatpur, Varanasi for evaluating its physical properties were carried out in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during 2015. The bulk density, particle density, water holding capacity%, porosity%, particle distribution% and texture of these soil samples was determined by using standard methods. These soil samples were collected from Vaishnov nagar, Susuwahi, Newada, Gandh, Nasirpur, Agriculture farm, Sankat mochan colony, Naria, Sear govardhan and Karadhi locations of Lanka, Nayapur, Todarpur, Rupapur, Sheorampur, Tribhuvanpur, Bharkala, Dewapur khurd, Ram rathauna, Kasara and Pratappur locations of Mirzamurad and Chherapur, Narayandaspur, Dallipur, Tadi, Fattepur, Kathraon, Rajapur, Nindeva, belwa and khemapur locations of Babatpur, Varanasi. The result showing that bulk density (1.33) was recorded more in Pratappur location of Mirzamurad, particle density (2.60) in Vaishnov nagar location of Lanka, water holding capacity% (63.82) in Todarpur location of Mirzamurad, porosity% (54.49) in Belwa location of Babatpur, under particle distribution sand % (44.56) in Chherapur location of Babatpur, silt % (34 and 34) in Dewapur khurd and Ram rathauna location of Mirzamurad and clay% (35.44) were recorded more than other locations of Lanka, Mirzamurad and Babatpur of Varanasi.

Effect of Different Sources of Organic Manures on Plant Growth and Flowering Parameters of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) var. Kashi Aman under Bundelkhand Region

The present investigation entitled “Effect of different sources of organic manures on plant growth and flowering parameters of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) var. Kashi Aman under Bundelkhand region” was carried out at Organic Research farm at Karguan ji, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) during Rabi season of 2021- 2022. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 8 treatments and 3 replications. The detail of treatments were as T0 (Control), T1 (FYM100%), T2 (Poultry manure 100%), T3 (Vermicompost 100%), T4 (FYM 50% + Poultry manure 50%), T5 (Poultry manure 50% + Vermicompost 50%), T6 (Vermicpost 50% + F YM 50%), T7 (FYM 33% + Poultry 33% + Vermicompost 33%). The data were collected from five random ly selected plant of each treatment and subjected to statistical analysis. The results reflected that among 8 treatments under study, treatment T7 (FYM 33% +  Poultry 33% + Vermicompost 33%) was best in all characters and recorded maximum in term of plant height (18.607 cm at 30 DAT), (46.333 cm at 60 DAT), (75.913 cm at 90 DAT) number of branches (5.467 at 30 DAT), (12.933 at 60 DAT), (16.533 at 90 DAT) stem diameter (3.167 cm at 30 DAT), (7.233 cm at 60 DAT), (12.140 cm at 90 DAT) plant spread (2.467 cm N-S & 22.023 cm E-W at 30 DAT), (42.633cm N-S & 41.200 cm E-W at 60 DAT),( 63.467 N-S & 62.300cm E-W at 90 DAT) and better plant growth of tomato promote the number of flower per clusters with the application of treatment T7 (FYM 33%+ Poultry 33%+Vermicompost 33%) which were significantly highest in terms of number of flower per cluster (18.517), days of first flowering (30.243) and days of 50% flowering (38.340), whereas similar trend was closely followed by the treatment T6 (Vermicpost 50%+FYM 50%) for these traits, while the constantly lower performance in similar growth and flowering traits at all growth stages was recorded with treatment T0 (Control). These findings are reliable for increasing organic and chemical free tomato production under Bundelkhand region.

The Impact of High Temperatures in the Field on Leaf Tissue Structure in Different Grape Cultivars

Global warming will significantly affect grapevine growth and development. To analyze the effects of high temperature on the leaf tissue structure of grapevines in the field, 19 representative cultivars were selected from the grapevine germplasm resources garden in Turpan Research Institute of Agricultural Sciences, XAAS. Twelve tissue structure indexes of grapevine leaves, including the thickness of the upper epidermis (TUE), the thickness of palisade tissue (TPT), leaf vein (LV), the thickness of spongy tissue (TST), the thickness of the lower epidermis (TLE), stoma (St), guard cell (GC), cuticle (Cu), leaf tissue compactness (CTR) and leaf tissue porosity (SR), were measured during the natural high-temperature period in Turpan. The results showed significant differences in the leaf tissue structure of the 19 grapevine cultivars under natural high temperature. Based on the comprehensive comparative analysis of the leaf phenotype in the field, we identified that the leaves of some cultivars, including ‘Zaoxia Wuhe’, ‘Centennial Seedless’ and ‘Kyoho’ showed strong heat tolerance, whereas grapevine cultivars ‘Golden Finger’, ‘Shine Muscat’, ‘Flame Seedless’, ‘Bixiang Wuhe’ and ‘Thompson Seedless’ showed sensitivity to high temperature. We further evaluated the heat tolerance of different grapevine cultivars by principal component analysis and the optimal segmentation clustering of ordered samples. These findings provide a theoretical basis for adopting appropriate cultivation management measures to reduce the effect of high temperatures and offer fundamental knowledge for future breeding strategies for heat-tolerant grapevine varieties.

Response of Biofertilizers and Foliar Application of Zinc on Growth and Yield of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Prayagraj, UP, during the Rabi season of 2022. The experiment consisted of two variables with three levels i.e, biofertilizer (Rhizobium spp, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Rhizobium spp + Pseudomonas fluorescens) and foliar application of zinc (0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%) at pre flowering and pod development stage. The soil had a sandy loam texture, with a pH of 7.2, organic carbon (0.72%), available N (178.48 kg/ha), available P (27.80 kg/ha) and available K (233.24 kg/ha). The experiment conducted in randomized block design with ten treatments replicated thrice. Among various treatments, combined application of biofertilizers along with foliar application of zinc significantly influenced the growth parameters, yield attributing characters and yield. The results revealed that treatment eight (Rhizobium spp + Pseudomonas fluorescens + Zinc 0.50%) recorded significantly highest plant height (43.29 cm), dry weight (35.63 g), number of pods/plant (111.33), number of seeds/pod (2.27), seed yield (1530.94 kg/ha) and stover yield (3020.00 kg/ha) in Lentil.

Effect of Different Levels of Chromium With and Without Organic Sources on the Availability of Primary Nutrients and Yield of Wheat

A pot experiment (2020-21) was conducted with different levels of -1 chromium (0, 10,20,30,40,50 mg kg ) with and without FYM or vermicompost (25g/10 kg soil) in completely factorial redomised block design in net house of the Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. The experiment was conducted in factorial completely randomized design (FCRD). Maximum plant height was recorded in Cr0+VC (21.6 cm) followed by Cr0+FYM (19.8 cm)at 30 DAS. The increasing chromium concentration decrease the chlorophyll content in all the treatments Highest grain and straw yields of wheat were associated with Cr0+VC treatment, highest available N, P, K was recorded with Cr20+VC, Cr30+VC and Cr10+VC respectively.

A study to evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching programme regarding teleconsultation among undergraduate students at Narayan institute of agricultural sciences in Jamuhar, Rohtas

A study to evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching programme regarding teleconsultation among undergraduate students at Narayan institute of agricultural sciences in Jamuhar, Rohtas

Effect of the Use of Phosphorus Fertilizer on the Variation of Crop Yield Increments1 in the Conditions of the Trans-Urals

The variability of crop yield growth from the use of phosphorus fertilizer in doses of P40–20 added to nitrogen fertilizer in a 52-year stationary experiment of the Kurgan Research Institute of Agricultural Sciences is shown. The study of the effectiveness of phosphorus was conducted first in the grain crop rotation during annual plowing, then in permanent wheat crops after a stubble background. The yield increases were very different over the years. With a few exceptions, the relationship of the increase in yield from phosphorus with the air temperature of the 1st decade of June is shown. High increases were accompanied by low air temperature in the 1st decade of June and sufficient provision of plants with moisture. The connection with precipitation was more clearly manifested in permanent wheat crops. The payback of the P40 dose by the increase in yield in grain units in crop rotation in years with high fertilizer efficiency was at the level of 8–14 kg/kg, falling in other conditions to 6–1.5 kg/kg. The payment of P20 by increments of permanent wheat grain varied from 13–17–26 kg/kg in years with high and medium increments up to 2 kg/kg with low effects from the use of phosphorus fertilizer.

Biopriming with Bacillus subtilis Enhanced the Sulphur Use Efficiency of Indian Mustard under Graded Levels of Sulphur Fertilization

This study investigated the effect of bioinoculants (Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens) as biopriming agents under varied sulphur (S) fertilizer levels (0, 20, 30, and 40 kg S ha−1) to enhance sulphur use efficiency (SUE) in Indian mustard. The experiment was conducted during the 2018–19 and 2019–20 winter seasons at the research farm of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (25°26′ N, 82°99′ E). A randomized block design was employed to assess the combined effect of biopriming and S fertilization on the partitioning of S in different parts of mustard plants, S uptake, SUE, and soil urease, dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and arylsulphatase activity. Results showed that the application of S fertilizers along with biopriming significantly increased the S content, uptake, and SUE by plants and enzymes involved in the S mineralization process. Application of 40 kg S ha−1 + B. subtilis resulted in the highest S content in the root (0.12%), stover (0.30%), and seed (0.67%), and the highest total S uptake (2.97 g m−2 in the first year and 3.37 g m−2 in the second year), agronomic use efficiency (8.80 g g−1), apparent S recovery (22.37%), urease activity (156.68 µg NH4+ g−1 hr−1), dehydrogenase activity (42.80 µg TPF g−1 24 hr−1), and arylsulphatase activity (39.94 µg pNP g−1 hr−1). However, the highest alkaline phosphatase activity (129.17 µg pNP g−1 hr−1) was found in the treatment that received 40 kg S ha−1 + P. fluorescens. Further, the different indices of SUE revealed that the effect of biopriming was more prominent in apparent recovery efficiency than agronomic SUE and physiological SUE. Conclusively, the present study demonstrated that seed biopriming with B. subtilis along with S fertilization is more rewarding and can promote sustainable production of Indian mustard.

Agronomic feasibility of wheat and triticale cultivars in the semiarid of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

The production of winter cereals is becoming increasingly important in Brazil, largely due to advanced techniques that enable considerable qualitative and quantitative gains. This is due to plant breeding under different soil and climate conditions combined with proper management. The present study aims to assess the agronomic feasibility of growing wheat and triticale cultivars with two sowing times in the semiarid region of northern Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in 2018 at the Instituto de Ciências Agrárias (Institute of Agricultural Sciences) of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Montes Claros campus.  A randomized block design was used, with four replications and an 8 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of eight genotypes (six wheat and two triticale cultivars) and two sowing times (April 21 and May 12, 2018). The irrigated production of wheat and triticale was agronomically feasible in the semi-arid region of Minas Gerais state and sowing time affected the main agronomic traits of interest of winter cereals. However, it is essential to study the economic feasibility of the crop. Sowing in April was the most indicated for wheat and triticale, with IPR Potyporã, IPR 144 and IPR 111 as the recommended cultivars.

Exploring trade prospects of Chhurpi and the present status of Chhurpi producers and exporters of Nepal

Chhurpi is the hardest cheese known in the world that is typically made in the mountain region of Nepal by coagulating milk with the help of coagulating agents and thereby partly draining the whey from the milk of Yaks, Chauris, Cows, and Buffaloes. Especially hard Chhurpi of Nepal is gaining popularity abroad as a dog food. However, the crosscutting issues of Chhurpi production and trade have remained largely unexplored. Therefore, to increase our understanding and add some information on the Chhurpi enterprise in Nepal, the present study was undertaken to investigate the current status of producers and exporters of Chhurpi and the crosscutting issues of the Chhurpi trade. The study was conducted during the month of July/August (2021) by preparing a different set of questionnaires for exporters and producers, for which five municipalities of Ilam were purposively selected for producers, while Kathmandu was selected for exporters as a study area. The study was performed during COVID-19 pandemic, so a survey was done via telephonic and electronic means at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. After analysis of obtained data, results revealed that exporting companies are making annual average growth of 10–11% from the last five fiscal years resulting in an increment of export. With an increase in annual sales, exporters are earning 10–15% profit of sales which is surging each year. The percentage of annual export decreased recently in the fiscal year 2020/21 due to COVID-19 as demand was low so production was made lower. The study area was dominated by educated, middle-aged respondents who mostly were males. Brahmin and Chhetri were major ethnic groups among producers most of whom are involved in cooperatives. Most of the producers were earning up to NPR 5 lakhs (USD 3817) annually only from Chhurpi. Price variation among wholesalers and retailers was prevalent in the production area. Most producers have reared cattle and their major problem includes feed shortage, disease in animal and breed improvement. Production areas should be made Foot and Mouth Disease free zone by the government through specific laws to further increase export to new countries.

Effect of boron on growth and flowering in gladiolus (Gladiolus sp.) cv. Malaviya Shatabdi

A field trial was conducted to find out the optimum dose of Boron in maximizing growth and improving flowering attributes in gladiolus (Gladiolus sp.) cv. Malaviya Shatabdi at Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh during 2020-21. The treatments were given as: the control (distilled water), 0.1% boron, 0.2% boron, 0.3% boron, 0.4% boron, 0.5% boron, 0.6% boron, 0.7% boron, 0.8% boron, 0.9% boron and 1.0% boron, applied at 60 and 75 days after planting. There was maximum number of leaves/plant (13.94), maximum width of scape (2.67 cm) was noted at 0.3% of B, maximum plant height was recorded with foliar application of 0.5% B (70.42 cm), whereas leaf length (65.50 cm) and leaf width (2.63 cm) were maximum at 0.6% of B as compared to other treatments. The earliest spike emergence and colour were noted in 68.44 days and 77.88 days respectively at 0.2% of B spray. Earliest opening of first and fifth florets was seen with 0.6% of B (85.06 and 90.00 days respectively). Maximum length (9.72 cm) and diameter (7.81cm) of first floret was observed in 0.2 % and 0.3% B treatments, whereas, maximum length (8.62 cm) and diameter (7.40 cm) of fifth floret was detected in 0.6% and 0.5% B treatments respectively. Results also showed that application of B significantly reduced flowering duration among all the treatments as compared to the control.