Kharif Season Research Articles

Impact of cropping intensity on soil nitrogen and phosphorus for sustainable agricultural management

Sustainable agriculture plays a critical role in maintaining environmental health and also promotes long-term food security and the preservation of natural resources. We therefore, examined the response of intensified cropping systems over four years across five diverse cropland ecosystems viz. Basmati rice-Wheat-Cowpea, Basmati Rice-Potato-Wheat-Mixed Fodder (Maize + Cowpea + Charni), Basmati Rice-KnolKhol-Potato-Greengram, Basmati Rice-Radish-Green onion-French bean vegetable-Okra, and Rice-Fenugreek-KnolKhol-Green Onion-Dry Onion-Black gram to assess the changes in substrate availability and fertilizer application on nitrogen and phosphorus pools. Soil samples were collected from three different depths (0–5 cm, 5–15 cm, and 15–30 cm) during the kharif season. Significant results were observed in the mean values of mineralizable nitrogen, total nitrogen, ammonical nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and soil microbial biomass nitrogen at the 0–5 cm depth, with the highest values recorded under Rice-Fenugreek-KnolKhol-Green Onion-Dry Onion-Black gram. At the soil depth of 0–5 cm, available phosphorus and labile organic phosphorus exhibited significant differences, with the highest values observed in Basmati Rice-Potato-Wheat-Mixed Fodder. Moderately labile phosphorus reached its maximum values under T2 at both 0–5 cm, and at 5–15 cm depths. The peak values of non-labile organic phosphorus were found in T4 (Basmati Rice-Radish-Green onion-French bean vegetable-Okra) at the 0–5 cm soil depth. On a regional scale, the results suggest that more diversified cropping systems hold promise as sustainable agricultural practices that support nitrogen and phosphorus retention, contributing to overall soil sustainability.

Effect of Foliar Application of Selected Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill

Background: Soybean (Glycine max), a prized oilseed crop known for its nutritional richness, is the focus of a study aiming to boost production with minimal environmental impact. The research explores the application of plant growth regulators (PGRs), specifically Gibberellic Acid (GA3), Kinetin and Salicylic Acid, in field experiments during the kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 in Beed, India. Methods: The study applied Gibberellic Acid (GA3), Kinetin and Salicylic Acid at different concentrations in field experiments. A comprehensive analysis of growth and yield attributes, including plant height, primary branches, Leaf Area Index (LAI), root nodules and Crop Growth Rate (CGR), was conducted to assess the influence of PGR treatments on soybean growth. Yield attributes such as pod count, pod weight, seed count per pod and 100-seed weight were scrutinized to understand their effects on soybean productivity. Result: The study highlighted significant effects of PGR treatments on soybean growth and yield. Notably, Kinetin at 500 ppm promoted the tallest plants, while GA3 at 200 ppm resulted in the shortest. Kinetin at 100 ppm increased primary branches and Salicylic Acid at 50 ppm exhibited the highest LAI and abundant root nodules. Kinetin at 500 ppm and Salicylic Acid at 50 ppm showed higher CGR, indicating efficient crop growth. For yield, Kinetin at 500 ppm excelled in pod count and weight. GA3 at 100 ppm was identified as the most effective PGR for enhancing various growth parameters and soybean seed yield, suggesting the potential of PGRs in sustainable cultivation, reducing reliance on chemical inputs.

Influence of Organic Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Summer Greengram (Vigna radiata)

Greengram ( Vigna radiata L. ), commonly called as mungbean is an important pulse crop grown mainly in Zaid and Kharif season in India. Organic farming is one of the sustainable farming practices that can overcome the harmful effects of chemical farming and provides quality production. A field experiment was conducted during Zaid, 2023 to study the “Effects of organic nutrients on growth and yield of summer Greengram (Vigna radiata L.)” at SHUATS Model Organic Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments replicated thrice. The treatment consisted of 3 different solid manures i.e. Farm Yard Manure, Vermicompost, Goat manure and 3 different liquid manures i.e. Fish Amino Acid, Panchagavya and Seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) sap. The experimental field soil was sandy loam in texture, moderately basic in reaction (pH 7.8), available medium Organic Carbon (0.662 %) low in available nitrogen (249.5 kg/ha), and very high accessible phosphorus (38.7 kg/ha) and available potassium (240.8 kg/ha). The result showed that significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height (42.09 cm), number of nodules (22.22/plant), dry weight (19.35g/plant) and yield attributes such as effective pod/plant (11.05), seed/pod (9.68), test weight (38.41 g), seed yield (1643.54 kg/ha) and stover yield (3023.55 kg/ha) were observed with application 5 t/ha FYM and foliar spray of 7.5 % K sap (T9). Highest net return (Rs. 100383.30/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.84) was also recorded in the same treatment. This concludes that application of 5 t/ha FYM along with foliar spray of 7.5 % K sap at 15 and 30 DAS performed better in terms of yield and economic returns.

Ecological weed management and square planting influenced the weed management, and crop productivity in direct-seeded rice

Herbicide use may pose a risk of environmental pollution or evolution of resistant weeds. As a result, an experiment was carried out to assess the influence of different non-chemical weed management tactics (one hoeing (HH) at 12 DAS followed by (fb) one hand weeding at 30 DAS, one HH at 12 DAS fb Sesbania co-culture and its mulching, one HH at 12 DAS fb rice straw mulching @ 4t ha−1, one HH at 12 DAS fb rice straw mulching @ 6 t ha−1) on weed control, crop growth and yield, and economic returns in direct-seeded rice (DSR). Experiment was conducted during kharif season in a split-plot design and replicated thrice. Zero-till seed drill-sown crop (PN) had the lowest weed density at 25 days after sowing (DAS), while square planting geometry (PS) had the lowest weed density at 60 DAS. PS also resulted in a lower weed management index (WMI), agronomic management index (AMI), and integrated weed management index (IWMI), as well as higher growth attributes, grain yield (4.19 t ha–1), and net return (620.98 US$ ha–1). The cultivar Arize 6444 significantly reduced weed density and recorded higher growth attributes, yield, and economic return. In the case of weed management treatments, one HH at 12 DAS fbSesbania co-culture and its mulching had the lowest weed density, Shannon-weinner index and eveness at 25 DAS. However, one hoeing at 12 DAS fb one hand weeding at 30 DAS (HH + WH) achieved the highest grain yield (4.85 t ha–1) and net returns (851.03 US$ ha–1) as well as the lowest weed density at 60 DAS. PS × HH + WH treatment combination had the lowest weed persistent index (WPI), WMI, AMI, and IWMI, and the highest growth attributes, production efficiency, and economic return.

Identification of Transgressive Segregation for Yield and Resistance to Yellow Stem Borer (Scirpophaga incertulas Walker) in F2 Segregating Generation of Six Rice Crosses (Oryza sativa L.)

The research investigation on the occurrence of transgressive segregation in F2 populations derived from six rice crosses namely: ADT 43 X TKM 6, ADT 43 X ASD 12, ADT 45 X TKM 6, ADT 45 X ASD 12, ASD 16 X TKM 6 and ASD 16 X ASD 12 with the aim of identifying superior genotypes for yield and resistance to the yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas). This research was conducted through series of field observations for transgressive segregants at Plant Breeding Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University during Kharif season of 2022. The crosses involved high-yielding but susceptible female parents (ADT 43, ADT 45, ASD 16) and YSB resistant but low yielding male parents (TKM 6, ASD 12). In the F2 generation, a wide range of phenotypes was observed for yield-related traits and YSB resistance. Twelve superior transgressive segregants were identified in each cross, exhibiting increased grain yield per plant, number of productive tillers, and number of grains per panicle, coupled with high levels of resistance to YSB. The results suggest that the parents carried different alleles and genes governing yield and its component traits, allowing the accumulation of favorable alleles in the F2 progeny through recombination. The identification of these high-performing transgressive segregants provides opportunities for further evaluation and potential use in rice breeding programs to develop improved cultivars with enhanced yield and biotic stress resistance.

Effect of Biochar Application on Performance of Rice in a Vertisol of Central India

The present investigation was carried out at the Research Farm of ICAR- Indian Institute of Soil Science (ICAR-IISS), Bhopal (M.P.) during the Kharif seasons of 2021 and 2022 and performance of rice crop under the application of biochar in combinations of farm yard manure and chemical fertilizers was studied. The field experiment consisted of 12 treatments involving three doses of biochar (0, 4 and 8 tha-1) with and without fertilizer (0 or 120:60:40 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1) and manure (0, 5 t ha-1) in four replications. Rice (cv. PB 1121) was grown consecutively for two years and various parameters viz., plant height, green seeker, number of tillers, earhead length, grains per earhead, seed index and grain yield, straw yield, total biomass and harvest index were evaluated. The results revealed that, among the parameters studied except harvest index, all parameters were influenced positively upon biochar application.

Study on Crop Diversification through Area Status of Crops in Kharif Season of Chhattisgarh

In the State of Chhattisgarh, nicknamed the Rice Bowl of India, about 80% of the population is engaged in agriculture. It has been mostly engaged in the paddy-based mono-cropping system for a long period. So, crop diversification (a shift of area away from a less profitable crop toward more profitable ones) is one of the measures, expected to enhance the economic growth of the farmers in this State. Therefore, the present study attempts to assess the status of the area under different crops in the Kharif season in Chhattisgarh, based on secondary data for the period of 19 years, i.e., 2000-01 to 2018-19. For the Kharif season, the area is under crops such as pigeon pea and maize have, in general, increased over the period 2001-19. while the area under moong and sesamum over the period has decreased.

Effect of Foxtail Millet Cultivars on Yield and Yield Attributes under Different Sowing Windows

The investigation conducted at the Agronomy Farm, College of Agriculture, Pune, during the Kharif season of 2022 focused on the "Effect of foxtail millet cultivars on yield and yield attributes under different sowing windows." The study employed a split-plot design with sixteen treatments and three replications, involving four sowing dates (26 MW, 28 MW, 30 MW, and 32 MW) and four foxtail millet varieties (SiA 3156, SiA 3085, Suryanandi, and Renadu). The soil, a clay loam with slightly alkaline pH, low nitrogen, medium phosphorus, and high potassium levels, received RDF 60:30:30 N: P2O5: K2O kg ha-1 at sowing. The investigation monitored various growth parameters, including plant height, number of tillers, number of functional leaves, and dry matter accumulation, at different growth stages. The study revealed that early sowing at 26 MW significantly influenced plant height, number of tillers, and dry matter production, favoring greater vegetative growth. The Renadu variety consistently exhibited superior performance in plant height, tiller count, and dry matter accumulation compared to other varieties. Days to 50% flowering and maturity were significantly affected by both sowing dates and varieties, with early-sown crops taking more days to reach these stages. Grain yield, straw yield, and harvest index were influenced by sowing dates and varieties, with the combination of the Renadu variety and 26 MW sowing exhibiting the highest grain yield and straw yield. Renadu also displayed a superior harvest index, emphasizing its suitability for optimal growth and yield. The study recommends sowing foxtail millet on 26 MW or 28 MW, particularly with the Renadu variety, for achieving maximum growth and yield during the Kharif season. The findings highlight the significance of considering both sowing windows and foxtail millet varieties to optimize production in the given agro-climatic conditions of Pune, Maharashtra.

In-vitro Efficacy of Different Chemical Fungicides and Plant Extracts Against Alternaria alternata Causing Alternaria Leaf Spot Disease in Brinjal

Five different chemical fungicides and three plant extracts were evaluated against Alternaria alternate causing Alternaria leaf spot disease in brinjal. The experiment was carried out in the laboratory of plant pathology at Chaudhary Charan Singh University Meerut, during kharif season 2021-22. During survey the maximum disease incidence was recorded (37.8%) Rajpura in Meerut and minimum (10.9%) incidence was recorded in Lakhaoti, survey and metrological data presented in the (Tables 2 & 3). The incidence of the disease varied from 10.9 to 37.8 percent due to difference in environmental condition. The concentration of all fungicides and Plant-extracts was kept at 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm. Mycelial growth was measured to continue zero to ten days. Mainly four chemical fungicides (Thaiophinate Methyl 70%WP, Propineb 70% WP, Carbendazim 50%WP and Chlorothalonil 75% WP) and Neem extract significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of the pathogen (Alternaria alternata). Among all those, four fungicides and Neem extract giving the better results. Maximum 100% mycelial growth inhibition was recorded in Thaiophinate Methyl 70%WP, 94.45% mycelial growth inhibition was recorded in Propineb 70% WP, 86.09% mycelial growth inhibition was recorded in Carbendazim 50%WP and 84.80 growth inhibition was recorded in Chlorothalonil 75% WP and in plant extract 18.53% inhibition was observed in Neem and 14.33% inhibition was observed in garlic. However, Azoxystrobin 23% SC and Onion also had some effect, which is mentioned in the result of the paper.

Machine learning-based potential loss assessment of maize and rice production due to flash flood in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Flash floods in mountainous regions like the Himalayas are considered to be common natural calamities. Their consequences often are more dangerous than any flood event in the plains. These hazards not only put human lives at threat but also cause economic deflation due to the loss of lands, properties, and agricultural production. Hence, assessing the impact of such hazards in the existing agricultural system is of utmost importance to understand the probable crop loss. In this paper, we studied the efficiency of the remotely sensed microwave data to map the croplands affected by the flash flood that occurred in July 2023 in Himachal Pradesh, a mountainous state in the Indian Himalayan Region. The Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Sirmaur districts were identified as the most affected areas, with about 9%, 6%, 5.74%, and 3.61% of the respective districts' total geographical area under flood. Further, four machine learning algorithms (random forest, support vector regressor, k-nearest neighbor, and extreme gradient boosting) were evaluated to forecast maize and rice crop production and potential loss during the Kharif season in 2023. A regression algorithm with ten predictor variables consisting of the cropland area, two vegetation indices, and seven climatic parameters was applied to forecast the maize and rice production in the state. Amongst the four algorithms, random forest showed outstanding performance compared to others. The random forest regressor estimated the production of maize and rice with R2 more than 0.8 in most districts. The mean absolute error and the root mean squared error obtained from the random forest regressor were also minimal compared to the others. The maximum production loss of maize is estimated for Solan (54.13%), followed by Una (11.06%), and of rice in Kangra (19.1%), Una (18.8%) and Kinnaur (18.5%) districts. This indicated the utility of the proposed approach for a quick in-season forecast on crop production loss due to climatic hazards.

Genetic characterization and diversity analysis of indigenous aromatic rice

Gangetic old alluvial zone in India has conserved many locally adapted aromatic rice landraces. In order to determine the extent of genetic divergence of ten morphological characters, the study was conducted to examine forty-eight aromatic rice genotypes for six Kharif seasons (2016–2021) at the Instructional Farm of Regional Research Station (Old Alluvial Zone), Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Majhian, West Bengal, India. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. A considerable degree of variation was noted for all the traits being investigated. It was found that the total number of tillers per plant, panicle numbers per plant, number of grains per panicle, fertility percentage, test weight, and grain length/breadth ratio had significantly positive correlated with seed yield per plant. Based on D2 analysis values, all the genotypes were grouped into six clusters. Cluster III (Tulaipanji, Patnai, Basmati 1121, Jugal, and Bahurupi) and Cluster VI (Kanakchur), containing genotypes were found most divergent with maximum inter-cluster distance (6941.51). According to the cluster means, Cluster II had the largest intra-cluster distance (1937.52), and important attributes including test weight, number of grains per panicle, seed yield per plant, and fertility percentage made remarkably significant contributions to this cluster. In terms of principal component analysis, maximum variability was found in PC1 (23.88 %), with high positive loading values for tillers per plant (0.459), panicle number per plant (0.441), seed yield per plant (0.408), fertility percentage (0.364), test weight (0.264), and grain length/breadth (L/B) ratio (0.263). On the basis of biplot analysis, four genotypes, namely Shakbhati, Sugandhi, Bahurupi and Kanakchur, were identified as the most divergent types for the yield-attributing traits of aromatic rice. The diverse genotypes could be used as potential donors in future breeding programmes.

Analysis on growth rate and decomposition analysis of major cereals grown in kharif season in northern hills of Chhattisgarh

Analysis on growth rate and decomposition analysis of major cereals grown in kharif season in northern hills of Chhattisgarh

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.

Effect of levels of phosphorus and varieties on growth and yield of black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

A field experiment entitled “Effect of levels of phosphorus on growth and yield of black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]” was conducted in Agronomy research farm in School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema, during kharif season of 2022. The experiment consisted of twelve treatments which were laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The treatment consisted of four different levels of phosphorus (P) viz., 0 (P0), 20 (P1), 40 (P2) and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 (P3) and three different varieties (V) viz., SBC-40 (V1), SBC-51 (V2) and PU-31 (V3). The results revealed that among different levels of phosphorus, application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 recorded higher growth attributes, yield attributes and nutrient uptake. In case of varieties, SBC-51 variety recorded higher growth attributes, yield attributes and nutrient uptake compared to the other varieties. In case of interaction between varieties and phosphorus, variety SBC-51 along with the application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 recorded the maximum growth attributes and yield attributes viz., number of pods plant-1 (37.24), pod length, number of seeds pod-1 (6.93), seed yield (1014.66 kg ha-1 ), stover yield (2246.54 kg ha-1 ) over rest of the treatment. In terms of nutrient uptake, application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 in SBC-51 variety of black gram recorded highest N, P and K uptake by both seed and stover.

Enhancing Productivity and Profitability of Mash through Front Line Demonstration

The study was carried out during kharif season of 2020 and 2021 in 7 villages across 2 blocks (Bhalla and Bhaderwah) of Doda district. In all 100 frontline demonstrations on Mash crop were carried out in anarea of 20.0 ha with the active participations of farmers with the objective to demonstrate the latest technology of Mash production potential, technological gap, extension gap, technology index and economic benefit of improved technologies. Cluster frontline demonstration is one of the important tools for transfer of technology and this program is being implemented through Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s of country. CFLD’s are organized on improved production technology at farmer’s field. This process not only helps in demonstrating the ways and means ofincreasing productivity but helps in obtaining feed back for further refinement of the production technology. The results revealed that CFLD recorded higher yield as compared to farmer’s practices over the two years of study. The improved technologies recorded average yield of 5.05 q/ha which was 34.71% higher than the obtained with farmer’s practices of 3.81q/ha. In spite of increase in yield of Mash, technological gap, extension gap and technology index existed which was 4.95 q/ha, 1.23 q/ha and 49.5%, respectively.

Effect of Different Levels of Humic Acid and Salicylic Acid on Yield ParameterS and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata)

An investigation was carried out at Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Faizabad (U.P.) during Kharif season of 2013 to find out the effect of different levels of humic acid and salicylic acid on yield contributing parameters and yield of cowpea. The design of the experiment was Randomized Block Design and comprises of six treatments replicated thrice. The maximum pod per plant was recorded with T5 (Foliar spray of humic acid (26 ml/liter water) and 0.2% salicylic acid at 35, 55 and 65 DAS) while minimum number of pods per plant recorded in T2 (Foliar spray of humic acid (26 ml/liter water) at 25 DAS and 0.2% salicylic acid 55 DAS). Maximum pod length (75.92 cm), Maximum number of seed per pod (13.67) and 100 seed weight (13.29 g) was recorded in T5, followed by T4. The maximum seed yield per plant of 13.10 g and harvest index (42.28 %) was reported with the application of humic acid @ (26 ml/liter water) and 0.2% salicylic acid at 35, 55 and 65 DAS.

Performance of some improved rice varieties under direct seeded rainfed upland condition of Nagaland

A field experiment entitled “Performances of some improved rice varieties under direct seeded rainfed upland condition of Nagaland” was conducted to study the growth and yield performance under rainfed condition of Nagaland, at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema, Nagaland University, during kharif season of 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Treatments viz., Kopilee, Jyoti Prasad, Dikhow, Joya, Chilarai, Kolong, Disang, Bishnu prasad, Luit, Lachit, and Leikhumo were studied. All the tested varieties were found to be semi-dwarf and dwarf varieties developed by Assam Agricultural University except Lekhimo (Nagaland local). In terms of growth and yield attributes, there were significant variations among different rice varieties. Leikhumo recorded significantly higher plant height (115.27 cm) among the tested varieties with the lowest, recorded in Bishnu prasad (74.01 cm). Chilarai showed superior parameters in terms of number of green leaves plant-1 (8.17), plant population m-2 (158), number of panicles m-2 (130), number of filled grains panicle-1 (124.33), test weight (25.55 g) and harvest index (42.95%), with Disang being the lowest viz., number of green leaves (6.06), plant population (110), number of panicles m-2 (91), number of filled grains (70.33), test weight (19.36 g) and harvest index (28%). In terms of crop growth rate and relative growth rate, Leikhumo performed the best whereas Disang variety was found inferior amongst all the varieties. Panicle length was also found to be highest in Leikhumo (26.20 cm) and the lowest in Disang (19.46 cm). Maximum grain yield was recorded in Chilarai (34.37 q ha-1 ) followed by Joya (31.92 q ha-1 ) and Leikhumo (29.62 q ha-1 ).

Chemical weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and its residual effects on greengram (Vigna radiata)

Chemical weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and its residual effects on greengram (Vigna radiata)

Prevalence of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Horticultural Fields of Assam Agricultural University: Jorhat Campus, India

A random survey of the horticultural crops was conducted to assess the nematode community structure in the Experimental field of Department of Horticulture, AAU, Jorhat during Rabi and Kharif season, 2022-2023. Soil and root samples, representing 200 locations were examined. Analysis of 200 soil and root samples collected from the root rhizosphere of different vegetable, fruit and ornamental crops showed the presence of root-knot nematode(Meloidogyne incognita), reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis), root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus spp.), lance nematode (Hoplolaimus spp.), spiral nematode (Helicotylenchus spp.), stunt nematode (Tylenchorhynchus spp.) along with Criconema spp., Xiphinema spp, Longidorus spp., free-living nematodes, mycophagous nematodes and predatory nematodes. Among all the isolated plant-parasitic nematodes, root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) was found to be more abundant with prominence value of 136.7, 81.3 and 76.3 in vegetable crops, fruit crops and ornamental crops, followed by Helicotylenchus spp. and Rotylenchulus reniformis. The prominence value of reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) was found to be 90.5, 54.1 and 54.1 in vegetable crops, fruit crops and ornamental plants respectively.

Studies on Screening and Inheritance of Yellow Stem Borer (Scirpophaga incertulas Walker) Resistance in F2 and F3 Segregating Generations of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

This study investigated the screening and inheritance of resistance to yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas) in F2 and F3 segregating generations of rice (Oryza sativa L.) derived from six crosses viz., ADT 43 X TKM 6, ADT 43 X ASD 12, ADT 45 X TKM 6, ADT 45 X ASD 12, ASD 16 X TKM 6 and ASD 16 X ASD 12. Field screening was conducted during the 2021 and 2022 kharif seasons, evaluating white ear damage as an indicator of resistance. The F2 and F3 populations showed a range of resistance levels from highly resistant to highly susceptible across the six crosses of rice. The distribution of resistance varied, with the cross ASD 16 x TKM 6 having the highest number of highly resistant plants in F2, while ADT 45 x ASD 12 had the lowest in both generations. Chi-square analysis revealed that the inheritance of resistance followed a complementary gene action epistasis with a 9-resistant to 7 susceptible ratios observed in all six crosses across both generations. The screening helped identify promising yellow stem borer resistant segregants, which can be further investigated at the genomic level for molecular characterization and mapping of resistance QTLs to facilitate their introgression into rice breeding programs.