Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya Research Articles

Genetic Studies of Diverse Genotypes of Blackgram in Kymore Plateau District of Madhya Pradesh, India

The experiment was conducted involving 96 genotypes of black gram for genetic variability of 13 quantitative traits at Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed existence of significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied. Among the genetic parameters phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits indicates the role of environment in expression of the characters. High GCV and PCV were maximum in case of biological yield followed by number of pods per plant, number of pod clusters per plant, harvest index, seed yield per plant and plant height. Characters like plant height, number of pod clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, biological yield, seed yield per plant and harvest index shows high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. Correlation and Path analysis studies revealed that the important yield attributing traits like biological yield, harvest index, number of pods per plant, pod length, 100 seed weight exhibited a highly significant correlation values both at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Further, the same traits also exhibited a higher value of direct effects on seed yield per plant. Hence, these traits should be given the top priority while developing the superior hybrids in blackgram.

Optimizing Seed Priming Duration and Copper Levels for Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Germination and Vigour

Background: An experiment was carried out in the STR Laboratory, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, MP, during the Rabi season of 2022-2023 to determine the impact of seed priming time and copper levels on seed germination and vigour characteristics of the coriander seedlings. Method: The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications and 12 treatment combinations of Copper levels (0, 300, 400 and 500ppm) and soaking duration (14, 16 and 18 h). Results: The outcomes demonstrated that priming treatments had a noteworthy impact on seedling germination and vigour traits. Significantly higher germination (82%), least mean germination time (7.9 days), maximum germination index (22.83), longest radicle (17.30 cm) and plumule length (13.09 cm), maximum vigour index-I (2374.05 cm) and vigour index-II (12.29 g) and lowest mortality rate (18%) was observed when seeds were primed with Cu @ 500 ppm soaking for 16 h. Success of crop production depends on quality of seeds and it’s germination percentage. Quality of seed susceptible to diverse climatic conditions resulting poor vigour and germination. Since availability of quality seed of coriander is very low, seed priming is an excellent technique which improves germination and better crop stand.

Diversity and Abundance of Butterfly Species Complex in Two Diverse Habitats of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, India

Butterflies are important bio-indicators that should be protected to conserve the biodiversity and environment. They play an important role in the food chain and are valuable pollinators in the local environment. The present study investigated and compared the butterfly abundance and diversity within two different habitats (i) Undisturbed and (ii) Disturbed, in Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Campus, Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh. A total of 24 butterfly species were recorded during the study from June 2022 to July 2023 using transects with the aid of sweep nets. An overall total of 2537 butterflies were recorded, which spread across 05 families 17 genera and 23 species. The most abundant family of butterflies caught in undisturbed ecosystems was Pieridae 38% followed by Nymphalidae 27%, Lycaenidae 14%, Papilionidae and Hesperiidae 7%. In disturbed ecosystems butterflies were distributed as Pieridae being dominated with 52% followed by Lycaenidae at 22%, Nymphalidae at 16%, Hesperiidae at 7% and Papilionidae at 3%. The undisturbed habitat was more diversified (H’-1.59) in butterfly diversity than the disturbed habitat (H’- 1.20).

Effect of Bee Attractants on the Attraction of Apis dorsata and their Impact on Seed Yield of Niger Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass Crop

The study was conducted at the experimental farm of the PC Unit Sesame and Niger, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (JNKVV), located in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, during the Kharif season of 2021. The primary objective of the experiment was to assess the influence of bee attractants on the attraction of Apis dorsata (giant honey bees) and their subsequent impact on the seed yield of niger crop. The experiment was designed using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments and three replications. This experimental setup allows for systematic testing of the effects of different bee attractants on both bee behavior and crop yield while controlling for potential sources of variation. By utilizing this design, researchers can obtain reliable data on the efficacy of various bee attractants in enhancing pollination and improving seed yield in niger crops. The results showed that the both at 10% and 50% flowering stage Apis dorsata visit was numerically the highest with flower extract of Madhuca longifolia 10% with 20.42 and 19.25 Apis dorsata/m2/5min, respectively. This was followed by rose water spray with 19.25 and 15.33 Apis dorsata/m2/5min, respectively. The population of Apis dorsata was received from the controlled condition 4.08 and 6.08 Apis dorsata/m2/5min at 10% and 50% flowering stage, respectively. This was followed by water spray 5.75 and 8.58 Apis dorsata/m2/5min at 10% and 50% flowering stage, respectively. The foliar spray of mahua flower extract and rose water 10% were found significantly superior over others in respect to record higher seed yield and recorded 6.90 q and 6.70 q/ha seed yield, respectively.

Effect of sowing management and herbicides application on weeds and yield of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum)

A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 at research farm of College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh to study the impact of planting time and herbicides application on weeds and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) yield. Experiment was conducted in a split plot design with 20 treatments comprising of 4 dates of sowing, viz. October 15th, October 30th, November 15th and November 30th in main plots and these were superimposed with 5 weed control treatments i.e. Pyroxasulfone 125 g/ha as pre emergence; Pyroxasulfone 125 g/ha at 14 DAS; Oxyfluorfen 100 g/ ha + Imazethapyr 15 g/ha after first cutting; Oxyfluorfen 100 g/ha + Imazethapyr 15 g/ha after first and second cutting, replicated thrice. Berseem variety JB 05-9 was sown in the experimental field with recommended package of practices. There was predominance of dicot weeds as compared to monocot in berseem at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Among the dicot weeds, Medicago truncatula Gaertn. (37.48%) and Cichorium intybus (L.) (27.74%) were predominant. However, other weeds like Cyperus rotundus (L.) (13.79%), Anagallis arvensis (L.) (11.21%) and Chenopodium album (L.) (9.78%) were also present in good numbers. Sowing of berseem in the thermal regimes of 15th October and application of Oxyfluorfen 100 g/ha + Imazethapyr 15 g/ha after first and second cutting was most effective treatment for curbing the growth of weeds as it attained the minimum density and dry weight of weeds during both the years. However, sowing of 15th October with application of Oxyfluorfen 100 g/ha + Imazethapyr 15 g/ha after first cutting recorded the superior values of growth parameters, yield attributing traits, green fodder yield, dry matter yield and seed yield and found more remunerative as it fetched the higher NMR and B:C ratio as compared to other combinations.

Unveiling the Potential of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varietal Performance Evaluation through Organic Nutrient Management

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is second-most important food grain crop produced in India after rice. The Experiments was conducted during the Rabi season of the year 2020/21 at Instructional Research Farm, Krishi Nagar, Adhartal, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.) to study the performance of different wheat varieties under organic nutrient management in Kymore Plateau and Satpura Hills Zone. The soil of the region favour high input intensive farming for producing a maximum yield per unit of land area. Frequent use of agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, pesticides, weedicides etc. and other techniques were extremely taxing, that depletes the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil and causing a considerably larger loss of nutrients than its replenishment. The standardization of organic manure application is the need of the hour to sustain crop productivity and soil health in the region. Selection of a variety plays a crucial role under organic farming as it has a direct effect on yield and economics of a crop than conventional farming. Organic farming requires regionally adapted varieties that are well suited to regional soil, climate, and production systems. The existing cultivars have to be appraised for the specific characteristics needed in organic farming. As a result, treatments consisted of twelve varieties of wheat viz., JW 17, JW 3020, JW 3173, JW 3269, JW 3288, C 306, HI 1500, HI 1531, HI 1418, HD 2987, HW 2004 and HD 4672 were tested in randomized complete block design with three replications. The highest grain yield of 3787 kg ha-1 recorded from JW 17 followed by varieties C 306 and JW 3269. While HI 1418 variety was the lowest yielder with a grain yield of 2796 kg ha-1 among all tested varieties. Thus, the performance of variety JW 17 was found superior concerning growth parameters, yield attributing characters and yield closely followed by varieties C 306, JW 3269 and JW 3288.

Utilization of E-Resources by Research Scholar of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur: A Study

The presented research article is related to the use and awareness of e-resources by research scholars of Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University, Jabalpur. Main objective of the study is to find out the awareness and use of e-resources among the Research Scholars, to explore the purpose for which the research scholar uses the e-resources, to find out the frequency of usage of e-resources, assessing satisfaction with the use of e-resources among research scholars, to examine the various problems faced by the research scholar, and to give suggestions for improvement. The purpose of the study is based on primary data collected from Research Scholars of Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University, Jabalpur. The study found that users were aware of e-resources, e-journals being used the most by 79 (24.92%) users. Research scholars 84 (29.89%) are using e-resources the most for their research. 66 (18.54%) respondents are facing the problem of Poor connectivity (Low bandwidth) and also 45 (12.64%) are facing Server down or system problem. Researchers are saving time for their research by using e-resources 81 (24.55%).

Efficacy of pyroxasulfone and its combinations against weeds in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2021–22 at the research farm of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh to study the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides against weeds in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 3 replications and 8 weed control treatments. Major weed flora in the experimental site, viz. Medicago polymorpha (L.) (28.97%) and Cichorium intybus (L.) (26.19%) were predominant in dicot weeds and in monocot weeds, Phalaris minor (17.82%) was dominant. The weedy check plot had the higher density and dry weight of weeds. Hand weeding (once) was done at 25 DAS (day after sowing) in wheat, reducing weeds density and dry weight to the maximum extent at 40 DAS with a weed control efficiency (WCE) of 92.8%, proving superiority over other treatments. Among the herbicidal applications, pyroxasulfone + metribuzin at 127.5 + 280 g a.i./ha significantly reduced the monocot and dicot weeds density and dry weight, followed by pendimethalin + pyroxasulfone at 1250 + 127.5 g a.i./ha. Pyroxasulfone + metribuzin at 127.5 + 280 g a.i./ha resulted in maximum values of growth parameters, viz. plant height (66.38 cm), number of tillers/m2 (403.14) and yield attributing characters, viz. grains per earhead (51.00) and grain yield (5.65 t/ha) as compared to other herbicidal treatments.

Comprehensive Assessment of Aphid (Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) Resistance in Mustard Cultivars

The study focuses on mustard (Brassica spp.) crops, crucial rabi oilseed crops in India. This study aimed to assess the susceptibility of 45 mustard crop cultivars to Lipaphis erysimi Kaltenbach, commonly known as the mustard aphid, a significant biotic stressor affecting Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). The necessity of this study lies in the importance of identifying aphid-resistant cultivars to enhance pest management strategies and improve mustard crop yields. Field experiments were conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India during the rabi season, using a Randomized Block Design. The study utilized a mean aphid index-based scoring scheme to categorize the cultivars into different susceptibility levels, ranging from highly resistant to highly susceptible. The classification was determined based on normal distribution values, including highly resistant (HR), resistant (R), moderately resistant (MR), moderately susceptible (MS), susceptible (S), and highly susceptible (HS). The results revealed that none of the cultivars fell into the highly resistant category, but five cultivars demonstrated resistance, with mean aphid index values below 0.34. Thirty cultivars were classified as moderately resistant, displaying mean aphid index values between 0.34 and 0.66. Six cultivars exhibited moderate susceptibility (mean aphid index between 0.66 and 0.82), while four cultivars were categorized as susceptible (mean aphid index between 0.82 and 0.98). Notably, none of the cultivars were highly susceptible. The study underscores the importance of identifying aphid-resistant cultivars to enhance pest management strategies and improve mustard crop yields. The results provide valuable insights into the susceptibility levels of different cultivars, guiding farmers in selecting appropriate varieties for cultivation. The research also emphasizes the significance of environmentally friendly pest management options, considering the potential risks associated with pesticide use. Overall, this study contributes to the development of sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques for Indian mustard cultivation.

Influence of irrigation levels and stress regulators on growth and productivity of wheat genotypes

Wheat is major food crop of the rainfed areas. However, drought stress poses serious decline in the productivity of the crop. This research was therefore, conducted to evaluate the effect of irrigation levels and foliar application of stress regulators on the growth and productivity of wheat. The experiment was conducted in rabi season of 2021-2022 at AICRP on Wheat, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur. Thirty treatment combinations comprising of main plot treatments of three irrigation levels, sub-plot of two wheat varieties and sub-sub plot of five stress regulators were laid out in split-split plot design and replicated thrice. It was found that three irrigations at CRI, flowering and milking stage resulted in higher growth and yield (4288.26 kg ha-1). Wheat genotype JW3288 outperformed JW3382 with 5.45% enhanced growth and 11.24% higher yield. Among the stress regulators, foliar application of 2% KCl produced highest growth and yield (4136.72 kg ha-1) among other treatments. These results indicate that three irrigations with foliar application of 2% KCl can produce optimal yields in wheat crop under moisture scarcity. Also, wheat genotype JW3288 can be considered best to grow under limited water conditions.

Effects of Bioinoculants on Total Chlorophyll Content, Yield of Soybean and Fertility Status of a Vertisols

The field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (INDIA), during kharif season 2019-2020. The study was aimed to find out the effects of bioinoculants on total chlorophyll content, soybean yield and fertility status of a Vertisols. There were 15 treatments comprised of different beneficial microbial consortia in possible combinations applied as seed treatments with three replications in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Amongst these, two control plots were maintained as fertilized un-inoculated control (FUI) and unfertilized un-inoculated control (UFUI). The recommended dose of fertilizers for soybean is 20 N : 80 P2O5 : 20 K2O kg ha-1. The data generated on total chlorophyll contents, yield of soybean and fertility status of soilwere statistically analyzed and the results showed that the significant enhancement were noticed by the application of consortia NPK+EM+PGPR in total chlorophyll contents of soybean leaves at 25, 45 and 65 DAS over control. Similarly, significant increases in the soybean yield (seed and stover) were also found by the NPK+EM+PGPRconsortia over FUI (control). Further, results revealed that the application of consortia NPK+EM+PGPR improved the organic carbon and available NPK in a Vertisols. Therefore, it may be concluded that the NPK + EM + PGPR consortia was superior for sustainable soybean productivity and soil fertility.

Effect of Microbial Inoculants on Leghemoglobin Content in Nodules and Microbial Populations in Rhizosphere of Soybean in a Vertisols

The present study was carried out during kharif season 2019-20 at the Research Farm, Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (INDIA), to assess the effect of microbial inoculants on leghemoglobin content in nodules and microbial populations in rhizosphere of soybean in a Vertisols. The experiment was laid out under randomized block design with three replications. The fifteen treatments comprised of different beneficial microbial consortia in possible combinations applied as seed treatments. Besides these, two control plots were maintained as fertilized un-inoculated control (FUI) and unfertilized un-inoculated control (UFUI). The results revealed that the significant improvement were noticed by the application of consortia NPK+EM+PGPR in leghemoglobin content in nodules at 25, 45 & 65 DAS over control. Similarly, the microbial populations of the diazotroph, PSB, KSB, PGPR, phototroph, Lactic bacterium, actinomycetes, fungus and yeast were maximum in NPK+EM+PGPR treatment and followed by PK+EM+PGPR treatments. Thus, it may be concluded that the consortium of NPK + EM + PGPR was superior for maximum nodulation and microbial population in rhizosphere of soybean in a Vertisol.

Comparative Analysis of UV and UV-LED Light Traps for Pest Control: A Cost-Efficiency Perspective

This research, conducted between October 2019 and March 2020 at the Biotechnology Centre, Jawaharlal Nehru KrishiVishwaVidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, aimed to compare the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of UV and UV-LED light traps in attracting and capturing insect pests. The study utilized UV 15-watt (model SMV-4) and UV LED 7-watt solar trap (model Rakshak) to assess their respective performances in capturing Gryllusbimaculatus, unidentified Lepidoptera moths, Helicoverpaarmigera, Gryllotalpaorientalis, Plusiaorichalcea, Agrotisipsilon, and Creatonotosgangis. The results revealed that the UV 15-watt trap demonstrated superior efficacy in capturing Gryllusbimaculatus and unidentified Lepidoptera moths, while no significant difference was observed between UV 15W and 7W UV LED traps.Furthermore, the UV 15-watt trap outperformed the UV LED 7-watt in capturing Helicoverpaarmigera, Gryllotalpaorientalis, Plusiaorichalcea, Agrotisipsilon, and Creatonotosgangis, with significant differences noted in the catches. Despite these variations, considering the total wattage consumption, the UV 7-watt solar trap emerged as a more cost-effective alternative, showcasing economic advantages over the UV 15-watt electric-powered counterpart. Conclusively, the solar-powered UV 7-watt light trap proves to be a promising substitute for the UV 15-watt model in pest control applications. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the higher initial cost associated with the solar-powered light trap, highlighting a potential trade-off between cost and efficiency in light trap selection for pest management.

Combination of Fertilizer and Growth Regulators Impact on Nutrient Balance in Wheat Crop (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020 at All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Wheat, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.) to evaluate nutrient balance under the optimization of fertilizer levels with plant growth regulators. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design comprising nine treatment of different dose of fertilizer along with plant growth regulators namely chlormequat chloride and tebuconazole applied at the rates of 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively and replicated three times. The recommended dose of fertilizer, 120:60:40 kg NPK ha-1 was applied as per treatment. The result showed that using 150% recommended doses of NPK, recorded higher value of available nitrogen (297.320 kg ha-1), phosphorus (18.970 kg ha-1) and potassium (311.630 kg ha-1) content in soil after the harvest of wheat was significantly influenced by the application of different doses of fertilizer, while lowest available content of all the three major nutrients was recorded from control. Growth regulators had no significant influence on the available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in soil. The highest nitrogen content in both grain and straw were observed with the application of 150% recommended doses of NPK with growth regulators (1.99%) and (0.567%), respectively. Phosphorus content and potassium content both in grain and straw were significantly influenced by fertilizer doses, highest value recorded with 150% recommended doses of NPK and the lowest phosphorus and potassium content in both grain and straw were recorded in control while all the other treatments receiving fertilizers with or without being at par with each other. Uptake of all the major nutrients viz., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium showed the similar trend with significantly highest uptake recorded with the application of 150% recommended doses of NPK with growth regulator and optimal NPK application demonstrated a positive nutrient balance in the soil. It concluded that nutrient management with growth regulator in wheat, economically viable and ecologically sound option to extend these benefits of balanced nutrition in enhancing both crop production and soil heath.

Effect of Different Nutrient Management Practices on Crop Growth, Yield and Yield Attributes of Soybean (Glycine max L.) under Kymore Plateau and Satpura Hillsagro-Climatic Zone

The field trial was conducted at Krishi Nagar Farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India, during the kharif season of 2021. The field experiment consisted with 06 treatments and they were tested in randomized block design with 04 replications. The study revealed that maximum plant height (50.35 cm), branches per plant (5.74), effective root nodules (57), Leaf area index (4.90), dry weight plant-1(45.16 g),yields attributes parameters like seed per pod (57.74), pods per plant (2.91) as well as seed index (11.88), seed yield (1009 kg ha-1), stover yield (2087 kg ha-1)and HI (32.59%)of soybean was found higher under 100 % Organic NM followed by 25% Organic + NF inputs BJG +25% Inorganic NM.

Seed Quality Enhancement through Different Priming Treatments in Onion (Allium cepa L.)

In a meticulously executed experiment at the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, during the Rabi season of 2022-23, In the experiment, treatments were arranged in a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with two factors concepts. The first factor was mobilized with twelve distinct seed priming treatments i.e.; KNO3 (2%), TiO2 (500ppm), PEG (1MPa), Salicylic acid (50ppm), Pseudomonas (1%), along with water as a control treatment. The second factor assigned to onion varieties i.e., Phule Samarth and B780) Among the findings, the combination of B2A1 (TiO2@ 500 ppm + Phule Samarth) significantly influenced radicle emergence time, while B2A2 (TiO2 @500 ppm + B780) exhibited a noteworthy impact on initial germination counts and final germination counts. Moreover (TiO2 @ 500ppm + B780) recorded distinct effects on plumule length and radicle length. In terms of vigour, variety A2 (B780) demonstrated the highest vigour I with TiO2 @ 500ppm. The results highlighted TiO2 @ 500ppm as the most effective priming agent, with PEG -1Mpa showing less efficacy in promoting seed Vigour II. Additionally, KNO3 @ 2% emerged as a promising agent, and the Phule Samarth variety exhibited a slightly higher mean dry weight compared to B780. Notably, the combination B6A1 (Water + Phule Samarth) resulted in the highest mortality %, while B1A1 (KNO3 @ 2% + Phule Samarth) was particularly associated with intensified pyruvic acid synthesis. Furthermore, the maximum TSS content was observed for B1A1 (KNO3 @ 2% + Phule Samarth), underscoring the intricate interplay between priming and genetic factors.

Impact of Weather Parameters on Incidence of White Fly Population and Yellow Mosaic Disease (YMD) in Soybean

A field experiment was carried out at the field of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur during the 2022-23 Kharif season to investigate the dynamics of Bemisia tabaci and YMD incidence on the soybean crop variety JS-335 with weather parameter. Incidence of YMD howed a negative but non-significant relationship with the highest temperature and negatively significant correlation (-0.627*) with the lowest temperature. There was a non-significant positive correlation between the disease and the lowest relative humidity as well as rainfall. In terms of Whitefly population, there was a significant negative correlation (-0.752**) with rainfall, indicating that as rainfall increased, Whitefly population decreased.

Influence of Irrigation Scheduling on Physiological Growth Parameters and Yield of Wheat under Different Sowing Dates

Sowing time and irrigation play an important role to ensure higher production. Delay in sowing affects the growth and development of crop. Studying the effect of irrigation scheduling and sowing dates can provide a knowledge for improving production in late sowing conditions. A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020-21 at Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh to study the influence of irrigation scheduling on physiological growth parameters and yield of wheat under different sowing dates. The experiment comprised of 12 treatment combinations having three sowing dates, 3rd December, 18th December and 2nd January in the main-plot and four Irrigation Water/ Cumulative Pan Evaporation (IW/CPE) based irrigation scheduling, viz. 1.0, 0.9, 0.8 and 0.7 in the sub-plot was analyzed in split-plot design with three replications. The findings of present investigation revealed that the physiological growth parameters and yield were higher in 3rd December sown date. Among the irrigation scheduling, IW/CPE ratio 1.0 recorded significantly higher growth parameters and yield. The results of the present study conclude that adjusting sowing date with irrigation scheduling could assist in enhancing yield.

Growth and Quality Profiency of Onion (Allium cepa L.) by Application of Biofertilizer, GA3 and Humic Acid

During the Rabi season in 2022-2023, a comprehensive trial was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya. Employing a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD), the research assessed twelve different interventions, consisting of biofertilizers, GA3, humic acid and a reference group. Notably, the combined application of Azotobacter, Azospirillum, GA3 and humic acid (T10) showcased substantial improvements in several growth parameters. These encompassed plant height (62.23 cm), number of leaves (10.18), length of leaves (54.08 cm), leaf area (624.65 cm²), leaf area index (4.16) and leaf diameter (8.14 mm). Additionally, this treatment recorded the highest Total Soluble Solids (TSS) at 12.37 °Brix. Moreover, the inclusion of sulphur and humic acid significantly affected the pyruvic acid content, with T10 recorded the highest pyruvate values (5.28 µmol/g). Conversely, the reference group (T12) only recorded slight improvements, emphasizing the noteworthy impact of the interventions on both the growth and qualitative characteristics of the onions.

Effect of Seed Treatment and Growing Condition on the Germination and Survivality of Custard Apple (Annona squamosa L.) Seedlings

The study was carried out during the year 2018-2019 at the Fruit Research Station Imalia and in laboratory of Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Complete Randomized Design (FCRD) replicated thrice. The experiment consist of two factor viz. A- Three growing condition (G3 - Poly house, G2-net house, G1-Open condition) and B- Six seed treatment (S1 - Water soaking, S2-Cowurine, S3-GA3, S4-KNO3, S5-Thiourea, S6-Sodium Thiosulphate) having 18 treatment combinations. Observation were recorded on various aspects like days taken to 1st germination, days taken to 50 % germination, height of seedling, girth of stem, number of leaves, fresh weight of shoot and root, dry weight of shoot and root, root length, total length of seedling, number of roots/seedling, survival percent of seedling.
 On the basis of present investigation, it is concluded that among the various seed treatments and growing condition, the growing condition of poly house and seed treatment with GA3 500 ppm have been proved superior with respect to germination, growth and survival of seedling. Among various treatment combinations, G3S3 treatment combination (Poly house and GA3 500ppm) found best over the rest of the treatment combinations with respect to germination parameters like minimum days taken to 1st germination (25.33) days taken to 50% germination (45.66), growth parameter like maximum - height of shoots (25.13cm), girth of stem (3.91mm) and number of leaves 18.91 at 160 DAS respectively, root length(15.13cm), number of roots/seedling(45.12), survival percentage of seedling (89.34%).The G3S4 (Polyhouse and KNO3) was found next best treatment combination in this respect.