Kharif Season Research Articles

Effect of Phosphorus levels with and without Phosphate solubilizing bacteria on growth, yield and quality of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) L.

A field experiment entitled “Effect of phosphorus levels with and without phosphate solubilizing bacteria on growth, yield and quality of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) in semi-arid region of South-Eestern Rajasthan was conducted during Kharif season of 2021 at the Experimental Farm of Agronomy, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan). The experiment consists of eight treatments, levels of phosphorus with and without PSB viz., 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1, PSB, 20 kg P2O5 ha-1+PSB, 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 +PSB and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 +PSB replicated four times laid down in RBD. Cowpea variety Pratap RC-19 was used with seed rate 15 kg ha-1. Growth attributes viz., plant height at 60 DAS and at harvest responded with 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 except 30 DAS where it responded with 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 over control. Primary and secondary branches per plant, number of trifoliate leaf of cowpea statistically significantly responded up to 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 at harvest. Similarly, root nodule number at 45 DAS responded up to 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 whereas nodule dry weight was responded up to 60 kg P2O5. ha-1 at 45 DAS over 40 kg, 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. Yield attributing characters namely number of pods per plant and pod length were perceptibly increase, ed by application of 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 over 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. Further, application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 remained statistically at par in enhancing yield attributes. 1000-grain weight, seeds per pod and harvest index was significantly higher up to 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. Grain, straw and biological yields of cowpea perceptibly increased with the application of 40 kg and 60 kg P2O5. ha-1 but the higher dose of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 remained statistically at par with 40 kg P2O5 ha-1. Improvement in N content both in grain and straw, P content in straw and K content both in grain and straw, protein content in grain and grain protein yield was significantly improved up to 40 kg P2O5. ha-1. P content in grain was responded with 60 kg P2O5 ha-1. Similarly, NPK uptake by both grain and straw and total uptake of nutrients (NPK)Nwas increased significantly under 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 over 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. The dose of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 remained statistically at par with 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 in enhancing gross and net returns and B:C over 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control.

Determination of Correlation and Path Coefficient for Seed Yield and it’s Contributing Characters in Soybean Germplasm

Background: Soybean is one of the world’s most important legumes contributing significantly as an oilseed in terms of total production and international trade. It is a multipurpose crop. Selection of genotypes with higher yield is always given priority by breeders for developing high yielding varieties. The present experimentation was conducted to know character association and path coefficient analysis among yield and its components for enhancing the usefulness of selection criterion to be followed during development of cultivars. Methods: The experimental material consisted of 32 soybean genotypes sown at Sipani Krishi Anusandhan Farm, Changli, Mandsaur Madhya Pradesh in Kharif season, 2022 in RBD with three replication. The character association and path coefficient was analysed between seed yield and nine yield attributing quantitative characters. Result: Grain yield per plot showed highly significant and positive correlation with number of primary branches per plant (0.501** and 0.444**), number of pods per plant (0.714** and 0.684**), number of pods per cluster (0.709** and 0.673**), number of nods per plant (0.746** and 0.687**) and plant height (0.253* and 0.214*) respectively at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. Out of ten, five characters had positive direct effect on seed yield per plot. Highest positive direct effect on seed yield per plot was exhibited by number of pods /plant followed by number of nods /plant, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods /cluster, days to 50% pod initiation.

Determining the Effect of Nitrogen and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif (rainy) season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm Department of Agronomy. The treatments consisted of 3 Nitrogen (100kg/ha + 120kg/ha + 140kh/ha) and Zinc Sulphate (Znso4) (15kg/ha + 20kg/ha + 25kg/ha) along with recommended doses of Nitrogen, phosphorus and potash and a control (120-60-40 kg N-P-K/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments and replication thrice. Apply of a Nitrogen and zinc sulphate in treatment recorded highest plant height (182.4 cm), maximum plant dry weight (98.81 gm), Number of cobs per plant (3.3), Number of seed per cob (466.45), Seed index (27.20), seed yield (5.05), stover yield (23.2).

Exploring the Correlation between Morpho-physiological Traits and Growth Attributes Associated with Yield Characteristics in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

This study aimed to identify the morpho-physiological and growth attributes, and yield associated with yield in rice genotypes. The experiment included 120 rice genotypes and 3 checks, conducted in an alpha lattice design with two replications at the Research Cum Instructional Farm in the Department of Plant Physiology, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishawavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, during the two consecutive Kharif seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23. Conventional spacing of 15 x 20 cm and recommended cultural practices were employed. The objective is to improve the overall efficiency and productivity of rice cultivation to meet the needs of a growing population. It is crucial to emphasize the comprehension and enhancement of the fundamental features associated with canopy structure and growth attributes. Improving these morpho-physiological traits is pivotal for boosting rice yield. By studying and refining the arrangement and growth of the rice plant's leaf canopy, the goal is to enhance the efficiency and productivity of rice cultivation. The results indicated that productive tillers (0.335**) and flag leaf area (0.213*) were positively correlated with higher yields. While leaf angles, specific leaf area, and days to panicle initiation showed negative correlations with yield. The leaf area index at flowering was positively correlated with specific leaf area (0.382***) but negatively with grain yield (-0.199*). Specific leaf weight was positively correlated with yield per hectare (0.178*). Understanding these relationships can guide the selection and breeding of rice genotypes with optimal traits for enhanced grain yield and crop performance.

Effect of Nitrogen and Zinc on Yield and Economics of Pearl Millet

The field experiment was conducted on Pearl millet during kharif season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy. The treatment consisted of three levels of nitrogen (60,80 and 100 kg/ha) and zinc (Soil application 25 kg/ha, Foliar application 0.5% and Soil application 25 kg/ha + Foliar application 0.5%) along with recommended doses of phosphorus and potash and a control (20-40-20 N-P-K/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatment and replicated thrice. Application of Nitrogen 100 kg/ha + 0.5% Zinc (treatment 8) recorded significantly highest grain yield (1.77 t/ha) and stover yield (5.15 t/ha) of pearl millet crop. Maximum net returns (60,336.17 t/ha), gross returns (96,361.67 t/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.67) are observed in same treatment of pearl millet.

Effect of Potassium Schoenite (Mahalaabh) on Growth and Yield of Castor, Cotton and Groundnut

The need for precise nutrient application has become crucial in agriculture due to climate change and intensive farming practices. Deficiencies in potassium, magnesium and sulphur are critical for enhancing both crop yield and quality. Additionally, agrochemical residues in soil, water and farm products pose significant challenges. Mahalaabh (K2SO4·MgSO4·6H2O), a combination of potassium, sulphur and magnesium, offers a balanced solution to address these issues. Field experiments were conducted during the Kharif season of 2023-24 at Agrocel Industries Pvt. Ltd., Kachchh, to evaluate the impact of Mahalaabh on castor, cotton and groundnut crops. The trials were executed in a Randomized Block Design, testing different doses of Mahalaabh powder through foliar spray, fertigation and granular soil application. The results demonstrated that Mahalaabh powder is effective in enhancing productivity across the tested crops. In castor, higher doses of 10 kg/acre through drip irrigation and 20g/L foliar application increased productivity by 22.3% and 14.3% over the recommended fertilizer dose (RFD), respectively. However, in cotton, lower doses of 6kg/acre through drip irrigation and 10g/L through foliar application were more effective, resulting in 3.8% and 5.3% yield enhancements compared to RFD. In groundnut, foliar spray at 15 g/L applied thrice at 30-35, 50-55, and 70-75 days after sowing (DAS) was effective, resulting in a 22.9% higher pod yield compared to RFD. These findings highlight the importance of balanced nutrient management practices tailored to specific crop requirements for achieving optimal agricultural productivity.

Effect of tillage and precision nutrient placement on growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays)

The experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during rainy season of 2022 to asses the effect of tillage and precise nutrient placement on maize (Zea mays L.) growth. Employing a split-plot design with 3-tillage methods in main plots, viz. T1 , (conventional tillage); T2 , (once rotavator as minimum tillage) and T3 , (zero tillage) and 4, precision nutrient application options N1 , 50% RDF as point placement; N2 , 75% RDF as band placement; N3, 100% RDF as band placement and N4, 100% RDF as broadcasting were tested in subplots. Results indicated that tillage and precision nutrient placement practices improved the plant height and LAI of maize. Minimum tillage recorded significantly higher crop growth indices, viz. CGR (1.92 g/m2/day), RGR (26.80 g/g/day) and dry matter accumulation (204.58 g/plant) over other tillage practices at 60 to 90 Days after sowing (DAS). Root attributes also improved under minimum tillage. The grain yield was significantly higher with minimum tillage (6.22 t/ha) over other tillage practices. Among the precision nutrient application options, 100% RDF as band placement recorded significantly higher grain yield (6.20 t/ha) over N2 and N4 but remained statistically at par with 50% RDF point placement (6.06 t/ha). The findings suggested that adopting minimum tillage and precise nutrient point placement could significantly enhance maize growth and yield in kharif seasons, offering 50% reduction in fertilizer consumption.

Tillage and nutrient management strategies for improving productivity and profitability of maize (Zea mays)

The experiment was carried out during Kharif season of 2021 at Farm unit 5, Integral Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Integral University, Lucknow, U.P. (India) to evaluate the effect of tillage and nutrient management strategies on maize productivity. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with 2 tillage options i.e., Conventional tillage (CT) and Raised beds planting (RBP) as main plots and 5 nutrient management practices, viz. FP (Farmer practice), ST (State recommendation), STBR (soil test-based recommendation), NE (Nutrient expertTM) 6t/ha and NE 7 t/ha were assigned in sub-plots with 3 replications. The RBP recorded significantly higher yield attributes, viz. cob girth (16.8 cm), grain row/cob (16.2), grain/row (40.6), no. of grain/cob (700.1), grain weight/cob (162.7 g) over CT. Similarly, significantly higher grain (7.22 t/ha), stover (11.01 t/ha), cob (9.72 t/ha), biological yield (20.70 t/ha), total uptake of N, P and K, gross return, net return and B: C ratio was noted in RBP than CT. The yield attributes, yield parameters nutrient uptake and economics in maize were significantly influenced by nutrient management techniques. The maximum yield attributes, viz. cob girth, grain row/cob, grain/row, no. of grain/cob, grain weight/cob and yield were recorded under NE @7 t/ha. Similarly, total uptake of N, P and K, gross return, net return and B: C ratio was noted NE @7 t/ha than remaining other treatment. Overall, results revealed that growing maize on permanent raised bed along with NE @ 7 t/ha is a promising option for sustaining the productivity of maize intensively grown in Upper Gangetic Plains of India.

Effect of different agro-techniques on yield of Bt cotton

A field experiment was conducted during the 2 consecutive kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, to study the yield maximization of Bt cotton through agro-techniques in loamy sand. The experiment consisted of four factors viz; spacing, detopping, intercropping and sowing time with two levels in each treatment. The results of pooled data of 2 years indicated that Bt cotton sown at spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm recorded significantly higher plant height, crop growth rate as well as seed cotton (3077 kg/ha) and stalk yields (5930 kg/ha), seed cotton equivalent yield (3512 kg/ha) and oil yield (335 kg/ha). However, wider spacing of 120 cm × 60 cm produced remarkably higher number of sympodial branches per plant, relative growth rate, number of open bolls per plant, weight of seed cotton per boll and seed cotton yield per plant. Topping carried out at 75 DAS remarkably improved growth and yield attributes, seed cotton and stalk yields, seed cotton equivalent yield, oil yield. All growth and yield attributes as well as seed cotton yield were recorded significantly higher without intercrop in Bt cotton. Though intercropping of greengram (additive series) in Bt cotton produced significantly higher seed cotton equivalent yield than no intercropping in pooled mean. Advance sowing of Bt cotton in last week of May produced significantly higher seed cotton yield and seed cotton equivalent S1 T2I2 D1 [Advance sowing (Last week of May)] at plant spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm along with detopping at 75 DAS and intercropping with greengram] gave significantly higher seed cotton equivalent yield as well as net returns and B: C ratio of Bt cotton.

Incidence of insect-pests in response to plant density and nutrient levels in Desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum) under rainfed condition

The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of spacing and nutrients on insect-pests infestation on compact desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum) grown under rainfed condition during kharif seasons of 2019–20 to 2021–22 at the Main Cotton Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Surat. The experiments were carried out in factorial randomized block design with nine treatment combinations with three replicates comprised of three levels of spacing viz., 60 cm × 15 cm, 60 cm × 30 cm and 120 cm × 45 cm and three nutrient levels, viz. 120, 150 and 180 kg N/ha. The population of sucking pests viz., leafhopper, thrips, whitefly and mealy bug as well as open boll and locule damage by bollworms was recorded significantly lower in plant density at normal (recommended) spacing, 120 cm × 45 cm and vice a versa. Only the aphid population was found significantly lowest in closer spacing (60 cm × 15 cm). Amongst nitrogen levels, there was a significant difference with respect to N levels and the highest population of sucking pests as well as open and locule damage was recorded at N level of 180 kg N/ha. With respect to treatment combinations, there was no significant difference in sucking pests (aphids, thrips, whitefly and mealybugs) and open boll and locule damage amongst different treatment combinations of spacing and nitrogen levels. However, the treatment combination comprising the spacing of 120 × 45 cm and 120 kg N/ha recorded significantly lowest population of leafhopper followed by treatment combination of spacing 120 cm × 45 cm with nitrogen level of 150 kg/ha. Hence, proper interventions for leafhopper control is required when compact desi cotton was sown at closer spacing under rainfed condition.

Biofortifying drought-tolerant rice: enhancing growth and nutritional quality with foliar iron and zinc applications in Eastern India

Micronutrient deficiencies in staple food crops pose a significant global health concern, especially in regions prone to drought. Agronomic biofortification offers a promising solution by enhancing the content of essential micronutrients. This study aims to identify efficient rice varieties for iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) biofortification through foliar applications. A field experiment was carried out during kharif season in 2019 and 2020 with four drought-tolerant rice varieties (Swarna Shreya, Swarna Shakti Dhan, Sahbhagi Dhan, and DRR Dhan 42) were assessed under four foliar applications of Fe and Zn (control, 1% of Fe, 1% of Zn and combined 1% of Fe + 1% of Zn) at Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna. The highest grain yield of 5.65 t/ha was attained with the main plot treatment, Swarna Shreya variety, and in the subplot treatment, Fe + Zn foliar application resulted in a yield of 5.50 t/ha. The combined foliar application of Fe + Zn demonstrates the highest chlorophyll content and starch synthesis. Foliar application of combined Fe and Zn increased paddy grain Fe and Zn concentration by up to 30 and 16%, respectively, compared to the control. This finding is important for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in regions where rice is a dietary staple. Thus, Swarna Shreya, in combination with iron and zinc foliar application is a promising option for enhancing yield and fortifying grains in rainfed areas of eastern India.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Measured Multispectral Vegetation Indices for Predicting LAI, SPAD Chlorophyll, and Yield of Maize

Predicting crop yield at preharvest is pivotal for agricultural policy and strategic decision making. Despite global agricultural targets, labour-intensive surveys for yield estimation pose challenges. Using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based multispectral sensors, this study assessed crop phenology and biotic stress conditions using various spectral vegetation indices. The goal was to enhance the accuracy of predicting key agricultural parameters, such as leaf area index (LAI), soil and plant analyser development (SPAD) chlorophyll, and grain yield of maize. The study’s findings demonstrate that during the kharif season, the wide dynamic range vegetation index (WDRVI) showcased superior correlation coefficients (R), coefficients of determination (R2), and the lowest root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 0.92, 0.86, and 0.14, respectively. However, during the rabi season, the atmospherically resistant vegetation index (ARVI) achieved the highest R and R2 and the lowest RMSEs of 0.83, 0.79, and 0.15, respectively, indicating better accuracy in predicting LAI. Conversely, the normalised difference red-edge index (NDRE) during the kharif season and the modified chlorophyll absorption ratio index (MCARI) during the rabi season were identified as the predictors with the highest accuracy for SPAD chlorophyll prediction. Specifically, R values of 0.91 and 0.94, R2 values of 0.83 and 0.82, and RMSE values of 2.07 and 3.10 were obtained, respectively. The most effective indices for LAI prediction during the kharif season (WDRVI and NDRE) and for SPAD chlorophyll prediction during the rabi season (ARVI and MCARI) were further utilised to construct a yield model using stepwise regression analysis. Integrating the predicted LAI and SPAD chlorophyll values into the model resulted in higher accuracy compared to individual predictions. More exactly, the R2 values were 0.51 and 0.74, while the RMSE values were 9.25 and 6.72, during the kharif and rabi seasons, respectively. These findings underscore the utility of UAV-based multispectral imaging in predicting crop yields, thereby aiding in sustainable crop management practices and benefiting farmers and policymakers alike.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management in China Aster cv. Arka Poornima Under Mid Hills of Himalayas

The present investigation was conducted to investigate the effect of integrated nutrient management on vegetative parameters of China aster cv. Arka Poornima under the mid hills of Himachal Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in simple randomized design (RBD) with eighteen treatments. The experiment was conducted at the Kakhali research farm of Dr. Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh during kharif season in 2023. For integrated nutrient management eighteen treatments were constituted with three levels of recommend dose of inorganic fertilizers (50, 75 and 100 %) and three biofertilizers viz., Azotobacter, PSB and KSB along with control. The observations for the vegetative parameters plant height (cm) at maturity, numbers of leaves, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, leaf area per plant, leaf area index and plant spread were recorded and analyzed. The plant height (91.40 cm), No. of leaves (356.13), No. of primary branches (12.40) and secondary branches (33.70) were found maximum in treatment T12 (RDF@75% + Azotobacter + PSB + KSB), while the lowest values were observed in T0 (control). The highest leaf area (27.49 cm2) was found in T8 (RDF@75% + Azotobacter), while the leaf area index (12.02) and plant spread (16.57 cm) were found in treatment T11 (RDF@75% + Azotobacter + PSB). The lowest values for leaf area (17.77 cm2), leaf area index (5.48) and plant spread (11.82 cm) were found in treatments T14 (RDF@100% + Azotobacter), T16 (RDF@100% + KSB) and T10 (RDF@75% + KSB), respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that, application of T12 (RDF@75% + Azotobacter + PSB + KSB) is best for the getting higher production in China aster followed by T11 (RDF@75% + Azotobacter + PSB). This study will reduce the use of inorganic fertilizer without polluting the soil and environment.

Farmers’ Knowledge in Improved Maize Production Practices in Katni District of Madhya Pradesh, India

The study was conducted in Katni district of Madhya Pradesh where maize as a main crop in kharif season. A total of 120 respondents were selected purposively from 10 villages under Bohariband block where production and productivity is high. Descriptive research design was followed for the present study and data were collected through interview method by using pre-structured interview schedule, appropriate statistical analysis was done to draw the logical conclusions. The study revealed that 48.33 per cent of farmers belonged to middle age group, majority (56.67%) of farmers belonged to low level of land holding i.e. less than 1 ha., majority (55.00%) of farmers belonged to middle family size. The finding also revealed that majority of farmers belongs to 27.50 per cent education i. e illiterate, majority (65.00%) of farmers have agriculture only as an occupation, 49.17 per cent of farmers belongs to low level of income i.e less than Rs. 50,000. The finding also revealed that 55.00 per cent of the farmers had medium level of knowledge towards improved maize production practice followed by 27.50 per cent and 17.50 per cent of the farmers with low and high level of knowledge respectively.

Influence of Diverse Growing Environments and Plant Densities on Phenological Development and Agrometeorological Indices of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in the Hyper Arid Zone of Rajasthan, India

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) stands as a significant oilseed crop globally. The growth, development, and productivity of these plants are notably affected by the adverse impacts of global climate change. Therefore, the current study sought to examine how diverse growing environments and planting densities influence the phenological development of groundnut in the hyper-arid zone of Rajasthan, India. A field experiment spanning the kharif seasons of 2017, 2018, and 2019 was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, India. The experiment laid out in split-plot design with four replications. The treatments included three main plots for growing environments (sowing on May 15, May 30, and June 15) and three sub-plots for planting densities (1.67 lakh ha-1, 2.50 lakh ha-1 and 3.33 lakh ha-1).. The outcomes of the field experiment indicates that sowing groundnut on May 30 was statistically on par with sowing on June 15 and resulted in higher values of GDD, helio thermal units (HTU), PTI, heat use efficiency (HUE), photothermal use efficiency (PUE), and heliothermal use efficiency, as well as hygrothermal use efficiency (Hg TUE-I and II) at the initiation of flowers and peg formation stages. However, at later growth stages significantly higher values of GDD, HTU, HUE, PUE, HgTUE-I and II were observed with the May 15 sowing. These values gradually decreased with delayed sowing up to May 30 and June 15. Further, increasing the planting density from 1.67 lakh ha-1, 2.50 lakh ha-1 and 3.33 lakh ha-1 significantly enhanced the HTU, HUE, PUE, HgTUE-I and II at various phenological stages of groundnut. Therefore, these findings underscore the significance of precise timing and density control in maximizing groundnut yields under challenging environmental circumstances. By understanding and modifying these variables, farmers can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and enhance groundnut productivity, especially in extremely arid areas like Rajasthan.

Tillage and Seaweed Extract Effects on Soil Physio-chemical Properties, Microbial Population and Yield of Sweet Corn (Zea mays saccharata L.) in Hills of Nagaland

Background: Sweet corn is a selectively crossbred variant of maize designed with the intention of enhancing its sugar content. It highly remunerative and is gaining momentum among the progressive farmers due to its extra sweetness, early maturity, nutritious green fodder at harvest which earns high market value. Methods: Field experiments were undertaken during kharif season of 2021 and 2022 at Experimental Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SAS, Nagaland University to access tillage and seaweed extract effects on soil physio-chemical properties, microbial population and yield of sweet corn. Result: The results from study revealed that yield parameters such as green cob yield, green fodder yield showed significant increase under conventional tillage and application of 10% S-SWE. Highest microbial population was exhibited under zero tilled plots, Sargassum seaweed extract (15% S-SWE) application noted significantly higher bacterial, actinomycetes and total microbial population.

Assessment of Genetic Divergence for Forage Yield and Biochemical Traits in Sorghum [Sorghum Bicolor L. Moench] Germplasm

The present investigation was carried out with two hundred eighty sorghum germplasm lines in augmented block design at GBPUAT, Pantnagar under normal sown condition during the Kharif season 2018. The observations were recorded on different yield contributing traits such as days to flowering, plant height, number of leaves; stem girthetc., quality traits such as protein content, total soluble solids, in vivo dry matter digestibility etc., and biochemical traits like cellulose content, silica content, and hemicelluloses etc. The statistical analysis for genetic diversity was done using hierarchical cluster analysis. The hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that significant amount of genetic diversity was present in sorghum germplasm with respect to different yield relate traits, quality traits and biochemical traits. The 280 germplasm lines were grouped into XI distinct non-overlapping clusters. The cluster-I (52) consisted of highest number of genotypes whereas lowest numbers of genotypes were exhibited by cluster-XI (1). The highest intra-cluster distance was exhibited by cluster-I (52.381) whereas lowest intra-cluster distance was exhibited by cluster-XI (0.000). The clusters with high intra-cluster distances suggested that genotypes in these clusters were more genetic diverse than the genotypes in other clusters with low intra-cluster distances. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters-IV and XI (346.854) suggested distant relationship between members of these two clusters and upon crossing the members of these two clusters will give more genetic diversity in segregating generation whereas minimum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters-VIII and IX (46.803) suggested a closer relationship between these two clusters and low degree of genetic diversity among the genotypes. Presence of substantial genetic diversity among the genotypes screened in the present study indicated that this material may serve as a good source for selecting the diverse parents for hybridization programme. In order to increase the possibility of isolating good trangressive segregants in the segregating generations it would be logical to attempt crosses between the diverse genotypes belonging to clusters separated by large inter-cluster distances.

Study on Genetic Variability for Forage Yield and Quality Traits in Forage Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L. Moench

The initial research related to germplasm screening was carried out in the experimental area of Instructional Dairy Farm, GBPUAT Pantnagar during kharif season 2018. The experimental material for this experiment consisted of two hundreds and eighty diverse germplasm lines of sorghum along with six checks viz., SSG 59-3, Pant Chari- 5, Pant Chari- 6, CSV-21 F, CSH-22S, and CSV-24SS. The germplasm lines were evaluated in Augmented Block Design for nineteen forage yield related traits and thirteen quality traits. The statistical analysis for genetic variability was done using analysis of variance (ANOVA), heritability (h2), genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), and genetic advance (GA). The analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes and checks were showing a highly significant differences for all the traits under study indicated existence of inherent genetic differences among genotypes for different characters. Mean performance of forage yield and quality related traits exhibited a wide range of variability. GCV and PCV values were observed low for most of the characters whereas high for anthracnose, zonate leaf spot and shoot fly incidence. The value of genetic advance was observed high for leaf area, green fodder yield per plant, dry fodder yield per plant, hydrocyanic acid content, plant height, anthracnose, and shoot fly incidence were relatively more than other characters. Genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed low for days to maturity, dry matter per cent, in-vitro dry matter disappearance, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose content whereas high for leaf area, flag leaf width, panicle length, panicle width, 1000-grains weight, grain yield per plant, green fodder yield per plant, dry fodder yield per plant, total soluble solids, silica content, anthracnose, zonate leaf spot and shoot fly incidence. Heritability values were found high for all the traits under study. The genotypes bearing the desired values for different genetic variability parameters and mean performance for can be exploited in future breeding programmes for the improving forage genotypes. These genotypes can be used as donor parents in crop improvement programme for improving forage yield and quality related traits along with improved resistance against anthracnose, shooty fly and zonate leaf spot.

Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield and Shoot Fly Resistance Associated Traits in Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) of Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

The present investigation was carried out with 210 Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) at the Instructional Dairy Farm of the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India and the experiment was conducted during kharif season, 2018-19 in augmented design with three replications with the objective to access variability, heritability and genetic advance for 18 traits studied to select suitable shoot fly resistace RILs. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences for the trait viz., seedling height, days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, stem diameter, number of nodes per plant, leaf length, leaf width, 1000 grain weight, dry fodder yield and green fodder yield, while significant differences were found in case of oviposition and dead heart per cent at 21 days after emergence. Eleven traits showed higher value of Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) than environment coefficient of variation (ECV). Total soluble solid (TSS) percent showed highest GCV followed by green fodder yield while dead heart per cent at 14 days after emergence showed highest ECV followed by days to emergence and Hydrocyanic acid content. Among the traits with high heritability, only plant height, dry fodder yield, and green fodder yield exhibited high genetic advance suggesting the additive gene action, making these traits suitable targets for effective selection in the RIL population. Further, molecular markers can be identified for key traits used in marker-assisted selection, and selected RILs can be evaluated in multi-environment trials for stability and adaptability.

Objective method of predicting monsoon onset over Kerala in medium and extended range time scale using Numerical Weather Prediction models

The southwest monsoon onset over Kerala (MOK) is very crucial for an Agricultural country like India hence its prediction in the extended range time scale (about 3 weeks in advance) is very useful for the Kharif season in India. As the declaration of MOK involves subjective interpretation of the forecasters, an objective method of prediction of MOK based on dynamical models could successfully avoid bogus onsets. Two objective prediction methods for MOK are developed based on the real-time extended range forecast (ERF) of rainfall measured over Kerala coast 080-120N, 740-780E and the strength and depth of the westerly wind over the Arabian Sea (050-120N, 550-750E) for the period from 2003 to 2022 are used in the first method. In addition to these 3 indices, meridional pressure gradient along the west coast of India is used in the second method with 4 indices. The MOK date is defined objectively based on these variables exceeding the thresholds in both the methods. The results indicate that the MOK forecast with four indices performed well compared to that with three indices during the whole period from 2003 to 2022 with the mean deviation days of MOK found to be 0.75 and 3.05 days respectively. Overall, the dynamically defined onset date over Kerala based on the real-time ERF indicated useful skill at least about 2–3 weeks in advance. It is also demonstrated that the district-level Multi-Model Ensemble forecast in the medium range (5 days in advance) based on 5 global models can add value to the categorical ERF of MOK for the exact forecast date of MOK.